Liposomal Nanocarriers Designed for Sub-Endothelial Matrix Targeting under Vascular Flow Conditions.

Vascular interventions result in the disruption of the tunica intima and the exposure of sub-endothelial matrix proteins. Nanoparticles designed to bind to these exposed matrices could provide targeted drug delivery systems aimed at inhibiting dysfunctional vascular remodeling and improving intervention outcomes. Here, we present the progress in the development of targeted liposomal nanocarriers designed for preferential collagen IV binding under simulated static vascular flow conditions.

Continuing Medical Education and Lifelong Learning.

Continuing medical education is an ongoing process to educate clinicians and provide patients with up-to-date, evidence-based care. Since its inception, the maintenance of certification (MOC) program has changed dramatically. This article reviews the development of MOC and its integration with the 6 core competencies, including the practice-based learning and improvement cycle.

Advances in the Formulation and Assembly of Non-Cationic Lipid Nanoparticles for the Medical Application of Gene Therapeutics.

Lipid nanoparticles have become increasingly popular delivery platforms in the field of gene therapy, but bench-to-bedside success has been limited. Many liposomal gene vectors are comprised of synthetic cationic lipids, which are associated with lipid-induced cytotoxicity and immunogenicity. Natural, non-cationic PEGylated liposomes (PLPs) demonstrate favorable biocompatibility profiles but are not considered viable gene delivery vehicles due to inefficient nucleic acid loading and reduced cellular uptake.

Pleomorphic undifferentiated aortic sarcoma presenting as persistent endoleak after endovascular aneurysm repair.

Sarcomas of the aorta are rare tumors with an unknown incidence and wide variety of clinical presentations. These malignant neoplasms are often manifested in an advanced state and with symptoms of nonmalignant vascular disease owing to a delay in diagnosis. We present the case of a 78-year-old man in whom workup was initially performed for a persistently enlarging abdominal aortic aneurysm after endovascular aortic repair but who was subsequently found to have a pleomorphic undifferentiated sarcoma of the aorta.

Dietary supplementation with Zyflamend poly-herbal extracts and fish oil inhibits intimal hyperplasia development following vascular intervention.

The polyherbal blend Zyflamend™ has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and attenuate inflammatory-modulated pathologies. Fish oils have also been shown to have cardioprotective properties. However, the beneficial effects of their combination have not been investigated.

The Efficacy of Systemic Doxycycline Administration as an Inhibitor of Intimal Hyperplasia after Balloon Angioplasty Arterial Injury.

Background: Intimal hyperplasia (IH) is the most common indicator for secondary intervention in peripheral vascular disease. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) play a role in IH development due to their degradation of the extracellular matrix. Doxycycline (Doxy), a member of the tetracycline family of antibiotics, is a potent MMP inhibitor.

Acute Limb Ischemia.

This article details the classification of limb ischemia, outlines the numerous causes of limb ischemia, highlights the diagnosis with treatment options and describes common postoperative conditions after limb ischemia intervention. The acute limb ischemia causes in the article are divided into sections including the presentation, diagnosis, and therapy for each cause. The broad limb ischemia causes include embolism, thrombosis, venous obstruction, trauma, and upper-extremity unique pathologic condition.

Diabetic Foot Ulcers: The Importance of Patient Comorbidity Recognition and Total Contact Casting in Successful Wound Care.

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a major burden on the health-care system. The purpose of this study is to investigate factors affecting the healing rate of DFU in a university wound care center. Records of DFU patients treated between July 2013 and February 2015 were reviewed.

Three-dimensional fusion computed tomography decreases radiation exposure, procedure time, and contrast use during fenestrated endovascular aortic repair.

Objective: Endovascular surgery has revolutionized the treatment of aortic aneurysms; however, these improvements have come at the cost of increased radiation and contrast exposure, particularly for more complex procedures. Three-dimensional (3D) fusion computed tomography (CT) imaging is a new technology that may facilitate these repairs. The purpose of this analysis was to determine the effect of using intraoperative 3D fusion CT on the performance of fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR).

Elective endovascular aortic repair conversion for type Ia endoleak is not associated with increased morbidity or mortality compared with primary juxtarenal aneurysm repair.

Objective: Type Ia endoleak after endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) can be a challenging complication to manage, and due to concerns regarding morbidity and mortality of open surgical conversion (OSC), reports of complex endoluminal salvage techniques are increasing. Despite development of these endovascular remedial strategies, many patients ultimately require OSC. The purpose of this analysis was to outcomes of elective OSC for type Ia endoleak and compare them with elective primary open juxtarenal aneurysm repair (OJAR) to determine if these concerns are warranted.

A contemporary rural trauma center experience in blunt traumatic aortic injury.

Introduction: Traumatic aortic injury (TAI) is a rare yet highly lethal injury associated with blunt force deceleration injury. The adoption of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) has become a safer option than traditional open repair. The purpose of this study is to review a rural trauma center experience with TAI.

The association of periprocedural hypertension and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing catheter-directed thrombolysis.

Background: Peripheral thrombolysis is an indispensible tool in the treatment of occlusive peripheral vascular disease (PVD). However, the use of intravascular thrombolytic agents carries a significant risk of morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study is to review a contemporary series of patients treated with catheter-directed thrombolytics in the treatment of occlusive PVD.

Preoperative statin therapy is associated with improved outcomes and resource utilization in patients undergoing aortic aneurysm repair.

Introduction: This study hypothesized that preoperative statin therapy would have a protective effect on patients undergoing elective abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair and that the risk-reduction effect of these agents would result in a reduction in subsequent total hospital costs.

Methods: All patients who underwent an elective endovascular AAA repair (EVAR) or open AAA repair (OAR) between 2004 and 2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical end points included postoperative days, length of hospital stay, postoperative complications (myocardial infarction, stroke, renal failure, hemorrhage, pneumonia, urinary tract infection, wound infection), and 30-day mortality.

Correlation of cerebral oximetry with internal carotid artery stump pressures in carotid endarterectomy.

Objective: This study compares internal carotid artery (ICA) mean stump pressures (SPs) with cerebral oximetry monitoring during carotid endarterectomy (CEA).

Methods: A total of 104 consecutive patients undergoing CEA under general anesthesia (GA) during a 10-month period were prospectively evaluated. Baseline and postcarotid clamp regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) and mean ICA SPs were measured.

What do surgical nurses know about surgical residents?

Objective: A fundamental premise of establishing collaborative relationships between residents and nurses is a basic understanding of the attributes of each group. The intent of this study was to determine what surgical nurses know about surgical residents.

Design: A piloted survey tool was administered to a cross-section of nurses working in 3 surgical intensive care units, a surgical intermediate unit, and 2 general surgical floors.

A comparison of two methods of hemostasis in thyroidectomy.

Safe thyroid surgery requires meticulous hemostasis. The objective of the current study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of ultrasonic dissection (UD) and electronic vessel sealing (EVS) in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. A retrospective analysis of a prospectively maintained database was performed.

A multidisciplinary clinical pathway decreases rib fracture-associated infectious morbidity and mortality in high-risk trauma patients.

Background: We initiated a multidisciplinary clinical pathway targeting patients greater than 45 years of age with more than 4 rib fractures. The purpose of the current study was to evaluate the effect of this pathway on infectious morbidity and mortality.

Methods: This was a prospective cohort study.