Infrared thermography in the diagnosis and management of vasculitis.

Vasculitis is a clinical condition with associated diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and lack of a confirmatory imaging modality. We report a case of a 39-year-old female patient who developed generalized malaise, lethargy, and headache. Laboratory evaluation showed elevated inflammatory markers.

Thromboembolic Risk of Endovascular Intervention for Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis.

Background: This study evaluated the risk of thromboembolism during endovascular interventions in patients with symptomatic lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) METHODS: Clinical records of all patients who underwent endovascular interventions for symptomatic lower extremity DVT from 2001 to 2017 were retrospectively analyzed using a prospectively maintained database. Only patients who received an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter were included in the analysis. Trapped intrafilter thrombus was assessed for procedure-related thromboembolism.

Contemporary Management of Patients with Concomitant Coronary and Carotid Artery Disease.

The ideal management of concomitant carotid and coronary artery occlusive disease remains elusive. Although researchers have advocated the potential benefits of varying treatment strategies based on either concomitant or staged surgical treatment, there is no consensus in treatment guidelines among national or international clinical societies. Clinical studies show that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with either staged or synchronous carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is associated with a high procedural stroke or death rate.

Long-term outcomes of staged basilic vein transposition for hemodialysis access in children.

Introduction: Children requiring long-term hemodialysis often face significant challenges due to their young age and small-vessel caliber for arteriovenous (AV) access creation. In this study, we report our experience of staged basilic vein transposition (BVT) in pediatric patients.

Methods: All patients undergoing staged BVT at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from 2003 to 2015 were reviewed.

Long-Term Outcomes of Single-Port Laparoscopic Placement of Peritoneal Dialysis Catheter.

Introduction: Laparoscopic insertion of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter has become a preferred method compared to the traditional open technique for PD catheter insertion. We retrospectively report the outcome of 1-port laparoscopic placement PD catheters in our institution.

Methods: A total of 263 patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent single-trocar laparoscopic PD catheter insertion during a recent 6-year period were reviewed.

Catheter-directed thrombolysis for severe pulmonary embolism in pediatric patients.

Background: Catheter-directed thrombolytic (CDT) therapies for severe pulmonary embolism (PE) have been shown to be effective and safe when compared with systemic thrombolysis in adults. Pediatric studies assessing efficacy and safety of CDT for PE are lacking. Hence, our aim was to review CDT as a therapy for pediatric PE.

Evaluating effectiveness of antibiotic polymethylmethacrylate beads in achieving wound sterilization and graft preservation in patients with early and late vascular graft infections.

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic-based polymethylmethacrylate (ab-PMMA) beads in achieving wound sterilization and graft preservation in patients with vascular graft infections.

Methods: We reviewed 31 patients treated for 37 graft infections over the past 5 years using ab-PMMA beads in a single institution. All patients were started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and later switched to targeted therapy based on intraoperative cultures for at least 6 weeks.

Percutaneous profunda femoris artery revascularization to prevent hip disarticulation: case series and review of the literature.

Background: Little is known about the role of percutaneous revascularization of the profunda femoral artery (PFA) in patients with amputation stump ischemia who are at risk of hip disarticulation.

Methods: We identified 4 patients who were treated for persistent amputation stump ischemia by PFA percutaneous revascularization over a 3-year period. All 4 patients had significant cardiopulmonary comorbidities and 2 patients had at least 3 previous groin surgeries.

Outcomes of laparoscopic ventral hernia repair with routine defect closure using "shoelacing" technique.

Introduction: Laparoscopic approach has become standard for many ventral hernia repairs. The benefits of minimal access include reduced wound complications, faster functional recovery, and improved cosmesis, among others. However, "bridging" of hernia defects during traditional laparoscopic ventral hernia repair (LVHR) often leads to seromas or bulging and, importantly, does not restore a functional abdominal wall.