The use of tissue plasminogen activator infusion to re-establish function of tunneled hemodialysis catheters.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the recombinant tissue plasminogen activator alteplase in the clearance of poorly functioning tunneled hemodialysis catheters.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the outcomes of 25 patients who presented with poorly functioning hemodialysis catheters and were treated with alteplase. After confirming fluoroscopically the need for thrombolytic therapy, alteplase was administered over 2 hours as a 2.

Safety of limited supplemental iodinated contrast administration in azotemic patients undergoing CO2 angiography.

Purpose: To determine if limited doses of iodinated contrast significantly worsen the underlying renal insufficiency that had warranted the use of CO(2) for diagnostic angiography.

Methods: The records of 122 consecutive patients who had undergone CO(2) angiography for peripheral vascular disease at our institution over a 5-year period were reviewed. The volume and type of iodinated contrast and the volume of CO(2) administered were recorded.

Pathologic evaluation of a spherical polyvinyl alcohol embolic agent in a porcine renal model.

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of a spherical embolic agent consisting of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and to compare this agent with commercially available embolization agents.

Materials And Methods: Eleven miniature pigs were included in the study population. The upper poles of both kidneys were selected as the target organs for embolization.

Early ambulation after diagnostic angiography using 4-f catheters and sheaths: a feasibility study.

Purpose: To assess the feasibility and safety of early ambulation in patients undergoing transfemoral diagnostic angiography using 4-F catheters or sheaths.

Methods: In this prospective study approved by the institutional review board, patients undergoing diagnostic angiography were randomized to ambulate 3 or 6 hours after catheter or sheath removal. All patients were assessed for hematoma formation, pseudoaneurysm development, and other groin complications during the in-hospital recovery period and after 30 days.

Results of iliac artery stent placement in patients younger than 50 years of age.

Purpose: To determine long-term outcome in patients 50 years of age or younger treated with iliac artery stent placement.

Materials And Methods: The records of 412 patients who underwent iliac artery stent placement during a 62-month study period were reviewed retrospectively. Forty-two patients younger than age 50 (mean age = 45 y) at the time of stent placement were included in the study population.