Treatment of a common iliac aneurysm by endovascular exclusion using the amplatzer vascular plug and femorofemoral crossover graft.

We report our initial experience using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug II (AVP2) in the treatment of a left common iliac aneurysm. Following investigation by computerized tomographic angiography and catheter angiography, a 79-year-old man was found to have a markedly tortuous iliac system, with a left common iliac artery aneurysm that measured 48 mm in maximal diameter. Due to the patient's age and comorbidities the surgical opinion was that conventional open repair was not suitable.

The potential role of optical coherence tomography in the evaluation of vulnerable carotid atheromatous plaques: a pilot study.

Purpose: The decision to intervene surgically in patients with carotid artery disease is based on the presence of symptoms, along with the severity of carotid artery stenosis as assessed by ultrasound or X-ray computed tomography (CT). Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a relatively new imaging technique that offers potential in the identification of, as well as the distinction between, stable and unstable atherosclerotic plaques. The purpose of our study was to evaluate whether OCT can be used as a noninvasive diagnostic tool to reveal the morphology of carotid stenosis from the adventitial surface of the carotid artery.

Relationship of matrix metalloproteinases and macrophages to embolization during endoluminal carotid interventions.

Purpose: To investigate if relationships exist among macrophage infiltration, plasma matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) levels, and the number of emboli generated during endoluminal carotid interventions.

Methods: Carotid endarterectomy specimens excised as intact cylinders (n=27) were subjected to a standardized angioplasty procedure under radiological guidance in an ex vivo pulsatile flow model. Emboli collected in distal filters were counted and sized using microscopy.

Multislice CT angiography in renal artery stent evaluation: prospective comparison with intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography.

Purpose: To assess the role of multislice computed tomography angiography (MCTA) in the evaluation of renal artery stents, using intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the gold standard.

Methods: Twenty consecutive patients (15 men, 5 women) with 23 renal artery stents prospectively underwent both MCTA and DSA. Axial images, multiplanar reconstructions and maximum intensity projection images were used for diagnosis.

Renal artery embolization: a first line treatment option for end-stage hydronephrosis.

Unlabelled: Conventionally poorly functioning hydronephrotic kidneys have been removed if they are symptomatic. In our unit, patients are offered renal artery embolization as an alternative treatment option.

Patients And Methods: Fifteen patients (11 male, 4 female) with a mean age of 32.

Balloon dilation for achalasia of the cardia: experience in 76 patients.

Purpose: To report our experience with balloon dilation for achalasia of the cardia.

Materials And Methods: Seventy-six patients (mean age, 51 years) underwent balloon dilation with radiologic guidance. A total of 110 procedures were performed from April 1994 to April 2000.