Antithrombotic therapy impact on patency and bleeding complications of arteriovenous graft placement in dialysis patients.

Arteriovenous grafts (AVG) can be the only bailout solution for patients who require kidney replacement therapy but are unsuitable for arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation. Currently, high-level evidence on the effectiveness and safety of antithrombotic therapy in AVG patients is scarce. Following the PICO (patient; intervention; comparator; outcome) model and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, a data search of the English literature in PubMed, SCOPUS, Central Cochrane was conducted, until March 1st, 2023 (PROSPERO Protocol Number: CRD42023401785).

Endovenous thermal ablation mid-term outcomes for the treatment of large diameter incompetent great saphenous veins.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) in treating large diameter, ≥12 mm, incompetent great saphenous vein (GSV) in comparison to smaller ones.

Methods: A retrospective comparative study was undertaken including 196 patients (205 limbs) undergoing EVTA. According to maximum GSV diameter patients were divided into two groups (group A <12 mm, group B ≥12 mm).

Transition from Open Repair to Endovascular Aneurysm Repair for Rupture Aortic Aneurysms throughout a 16-Year Period of Time in a Single Tertiary Center.

Background: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is recommended as the first option for both elective and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs) with suitable anatomy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcomes of the gradual adoption of ruptured EVAR (rEVAR) as first option in the management of rAAAs in a reference tertiary center over a 16 year-period.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected clinical data was undertaken, including all patients that were treated for rAAA infrarenal or juxtarenal either with open surgical repair (OSR) or EVAR from 2006-2023.

Outcomes of a pilot abdominal aortic aneurysm screening program in a population of Central Greece.

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) screening has contributed in the decrease of aneurysm related and all-cause mortality. The objective of our study is to present our experience from the only existing pilot AAA screening program in Greece.

Methods: Men from both urban and rural areas in Central Greece, aged >60 years old without a previously known diagnosis of AAA were invited through the public primary health care units to participate to a screening program.

Risk of recurrent thromboembolic events according to treatment duration in patients with superficial vein thrombosis treated with intermediate dose of tinzaparin.

Objectives: To evaluate the risk of symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) recurrence at 3 months in relation to treatment duration, according to baseline risk factor profiles, in patients with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) treated with intermediate dose of tinzaparin.

Methods: We performed a pooled analysis on individual data from two prospective studies designed to assess the efficacy and safety of tinzaparin in intermediate dose (131 IU/kg) in patients with SVT. Treatment duration was at the treating physician's discretion.

Factors Associated With Noninfectious Fever After Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Purpose: The post-endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) inflammatory response, which is very often associated with fever, has been ascribed to a wide range of proinflammatory mediators and operative events. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of such factors in the development of fever of noninfectious origin after elective EVAR.

Materials And Methods: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of patients treated with standard elective EVAR between February 2017 and December 2020 was undertaken.

Efficacy of rivaroxaban in prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: Direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) have been recommended for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). However, the benefits are uncertain for the prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome (PTS). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of reported studies to assess the efficacy of DOACs vs vitamin K antagonists for the risk reduction of PTS in patients with DVT.

Prospective comparative study evaluating the role of flavonoids after endovenous thermal ablation.

Objectives: The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of flavonoids in the improvement of post-operative symptoms after endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA).

Methods: A prospective comparative study of 120 consecutive patients undergoing EVTA of the greater saphenous vein associated with phlebectomies was undertaken. Patients were grouped in those receiving micronized purified flavonoid fraction (MPFF- 60 patients) agent 500 mg Bid 7 days pre- and 30 days post- operatively (MPFF group) and those in the control group (60 patients) who did not.

Treatment of superficial vein thrombosis with intermediate dose of tinzaparin: A real word cohort study - The SeVEN EXTension study.

Background: To assess the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) with intermediate dose of tinzaparin in a setting of real world practice.

Methods: Prospective observational study of consecutive patients treated by vascular physicians in the private sector with tinzaparin (131 IU/Kg) once daily. Treatment duration was at the treating physician's discretion.

Prospective comparative study of different endovenous thermal ablation systems for treatment of great saphenous vein reflux.

Objective: The aim of our study was to compare three different endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA) modalities in the treatment of great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence.

Methods: We performed a single-center, prospective, comparative cohort study that included consecutive patients undergoing EVTA of the GSV. Patients were treated with either segmental radiofrequency ablation (sRFA) or endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) with a 1470-nm dual radial fiber or with a 1470-nm jacket-tip fiber.

Pilot screening program for lower extremities atherosclerotic disease in a population of central Greece.

Background: Screening program in lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD) has not been widely implemented from health systems. The aim of this study was to assess the incidence of LEAD in Greece though a pilot LEAD screening program.

Methods: Males >60 years old without known diagnosis of LEAD or chronic renal disease were invited through public primary health care institutions to participate in a pilot screening program in Central Greece.

Real-world experience of extracranial carotid artery interventions for atherosclerotic disease during a 10-year period.

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the long-term outcome of carotid disease treatment with endarterectomy or stenting (CEA or CAS) in a real-world setting during a 10-year period.

Methods: A single center retrospective study with prospectively collected data including patients (symptomatic or asymptomatic) being treated with CEA or CAS. Survival, restenosis, stroke and major adverse cardiac events (MACE) were the outcomes.

Hostility of proximal aortic neck anatomy in relation to abdominal aortic aneurysm size and its impact on the outcome of endovascular repair with the new generation endografts.

Background: To assess the relation of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) diameter with the proximal neck anatomy (PNA) hostility and to evaluate its impact on the endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) outcomes with the use of newer generation endografts.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of single institution's recorded data from February 2009 to April 2016. Patients' characteristics, comorbidities, aortic morphology, perioperative characteristics and outcomes were analyzed.

Tinzaparin in intermediate dose for the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis: Results from an observational multicenter study-SeVEN study.

Objectives Low-molecular-weight heparins are recommended in the treatment of superficial vein thrombosis but with low grade of evidence. This study was conducted to assess the treatment outcomes of acute superficial vein thrombosis with intermediate dose of Tinzaparin. Methods Retrospective analysis of records from outpatients over a period of 16 months treated in seven centers with Tinzaparin 0.

Balloon Angioplasty Versus Stenting for the Treatment of Failing Arteriovenous Grafts: A Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: To assess the outcomes of plain balloon angioplasty versus stenting for the treatment of failed or malfunctioning chronic haemodialysis arteriovenous grafts (AVGs).

Methods: A systematic search of the literature was undertaken using the PUBMED, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases from January 2000 to September 2016 for articles comparing balloon angioplasty versus stenting in the management of failed or malfunctioning chronic haemodialysis AVGs. Results are reported as OR and 95% CI.

Current status of endovascular treatment of aortoenteric fistula.

Aortoenteric fistula (AEF) is one of the most challenging diagnostic and therapeutic entities in vascular surgery. AEF can occur either primarily involving the aorta and the gastrointestinal tract or, more commonly, secondary to previous aortic reconstructive surgery. Traditionally, the treatment of AEF includes graft excision and extra-anatomic bypass surgery or in situ graft replacement.

Carotid Bifurcation Geometry and Atherosclerosis.

Hemodynamic changes occurring at the initial segments of the arterial bifurcations appear to play an important role in the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Therefore, arterial geometry might be a potential marker for atherosclerosis. Considerable evidence suggests that geometry can influence local hemodynamics at the carotid bifurcation contributing to the development of atheroma.

Systematic review of follow-up compliance after endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

Introduction: Lifelong surveillance after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is recommended to monitor the effectiveness and durability of the treatment. The aim of this study was to assess patients' compliance with the follow-up imaging protocol, the presence of any factors associated with compliance and the potential influence of imaging-protocol adherence on outcomes.

Evidence Acquisition: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central databases and key references were searched.

New devices to cross chronic total occlusion in critical limb ischemia.

Chronic total occlusions (CTOs) represent a technically demanding subset of lesions, which in most cases require special endovascular methods, advanced operator skills, and utilization of sophisticated assisting devices for successful treatment. CTO crossing devices offer an additional option to interventionists in the treatment of challenging lower extremity peripheral arterial occlusions. These devices may improve crossing rates, allowing delivery of therapeutic devices to the target lesion.

Renal Function Impairment in Patients Undergoing Elective EVAR vs. Elective Open Repair During Follow up Period: A Systematic Review of the Literature.

Background: Endovascular (EVAR) or open surgical (OSR) repair are current treatment options for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA).

Objective: To produce a systematic review comparing the impact of these 2 treatment options on renal function during mid- and long term follow up.

Methods: The MEDLINE, EMBASE and Cochrane databases and key references were searched.