Intraoperative monitoring of Jones tube function.

If intraoperative visualization is impossible when placing a secondary Jones tube, the presence of tube drainage may confirm correct intranasal positioning. A simple suction method is presented to evaluate the intranasal position of the Jones tube in the anesthetized or uncooperative patient.

Retroperitoneal unilateral ileofemoral thromboendarterectomy.

This clinical series of 145 operative procedures is presented to demonstrate that an aggressive approach in the management of ileofemoral arterial insufficiency utilizing a retroperitoneal approach for thromboendarterectomy is useful and appropriate. Considering the overall risk factors associated with this patient population, we have demonstrated that this method is well tolerated as supported by the low morbidity and mortality figures presented. The native vascular tree has been preserved, and excellent early and long-term revascularization goals have been obtained.

Wrapping of abdominal aortic aneurysms: a viable alternative.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm wrapping is an excellent procedure to use for poor-risk patients, calcified aneurysms, aneurysms extending above the renal arteries, and prophylaxis for small aneurysms. The procedure has a low operative mortality rate and a low long-term graft-related complication rate. It appears that aortic wrapping can be performed with a similar mortality and long-term survival rate as standard resection and grafting procedures, in spite of its application in generally poorer-risk patients.

Pressure and volume measurements from the eye for detecting possible arterial obstruction.

Detection and evaluation of functionally significant carotid occlusive disease are effectively achieved by noninvasive pressure and/or volume measurements from the eye. Ocular arterial blood pressure is measured by applying either direct compression or suction to evaluate intraocular pressure to the point of arterial collapse. Carotid blood flow is evaluated as it affects ocular volume waveforms, which result from the difference between pulsatile arterial flow and relatively constant venous flow.