Percutaneous arteriovenous fistula creation with the 4F WavelinQ EndoAVF System.

Background: Percutaneous devices for creation of native arteriovenous fistulae offer an alternative to traditional open surgical techniques. The 4F WavelinQ EndoAVF System was developed as a lower profile alternative to facilitate access through smaller vessels and minimize access site complications; The current report is the original first experience of this device, assessing outcome in 120 patients followed for 6 months.

Methods: The use of the 4F WavelinQ system in three studies, EASE (32 patients), EASE-2 (24 patients), and the EU postmarket clinical follow-up study (64 patients) was aggregated and analyzed.

Regionalization of Emergent Vascular Surgery for Patients With Ruptured AAA Improves Outcomes.

Objective: Safe and efficient endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (r-AAA) requires advanced infrastructure and surgical expertise not available at all US hospitals. The objective was to assess the impact of regionalizing r-AAA care to centers equipped for both open surgical repair (r-OSR) and EVAR (r-EVAR) by vascular surgeons.

Methods: A retrospective review of all patients with r-AAA undergoing open or endovascular repair in a 12-hospital region.

Anatomic characteristics of abdominal aortic aneurysms presenting with delayed rupture after endovascular aneurysm repair.

Objective: Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) has become the mainstay of treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) requiring repair. Delayed rupture after EVAR represents a rare but potentially fatal complication. The purpose of this study was to review the frequency and characteristics of patients presenting with secondary rupture and to define the relationship between rupture after EVAR and initial compliance with instructions for use (IFU).

Chronic mesenteric ischemia outcome analysis and predictors of endovascular failure.

Objective: Outcomes of open revascularization (OR) and endovascular revascularization (ER) for chronic mesenteric ischemia (CMI) were analyzed to identify predictors of endovascular failure.

Methods: A retrospective study was performed of all consecutive patients with CMI (161 patients, 215 vessels) treated from 2008 to 2012. Demographics, comorbidities, clinical presentation, etiology, and treatment modalities were compared.

Novel lipid droplet-associated serine hydrolase regulates macrophage cholesterol mobilization.

Objective: Lipid-laden macrophages or foam cells are characterized by massive cytosolic lipid droplet (LD) deposition containing mostly cholesterol ester (CE) derived from the lipoproteins cleared from the arterial wall. Cholesterol efflux from foam cells is considered to be atheroprotective. Because cholesterol is effluxed as free cholesterol, CE accumulation in LDs may limit free cholesterol efflux.