Synergistic influence of rivaroxaban on inflammation and coagulation biomarkers in patients with coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease on aspirin therapy.

COMPASS study demonstrated efficacy of dual pathway inhibition with 2.5 mg twice daily rivaroxaban and aspirin in patients with polyvascular disease (coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease or both), the underlying mechanism of which is not clearly understood. In this Phase IV, prospective, open-label and randomized study, we hypothesize that treatment with rivaroxaban is associated with a reduction in platelet activation and aggregation, inflammation and coagulation markers.

A Mysterious Cause of Gastrointestinal Bleeding Disguising Itself as Diverticulosis and Peptic Ulcer Disease: A Review of Diagnostic Modalities for Aortoenteric Fistula.

An 81-year-old male with a history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, smoking, and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) presented with 2 episodes of maroon stools for 3 days and was found to be orthostatic. His PUD was thought to have accounted for a previous upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed. A colonoscopy revealed 3 polyps and a few diverticuli throughout the colon that were considered to be the source of the bleeding.

Can carotid angiography be performed by vascular surgeons? A critical evaluation of indications, technique, and results.

The purpose of this report is to examine the contemporary indications for diagnostic carotid arteriography and evaluate its utility and safety when performed by vascular surgeons. The records of all patients having selective carotid arteriography from September 2000 through March 2002 at our institution were reviewed. One hundred sixty-four consecutive patients had selective arteriography of the extracranial carotid arteries for the following indications: hemispheric symptoms with stenosis <80% by duplex ultrasound (20.

Can the Perclose suture-mediated closure system be used safely in patients undergoing diagnostic and therapeutic angiography to treat chronic lower extremity ischemia?

Purpose: Mechanical closure devices for arterial hemostasis after angiography, such as the Perclose suture-mediated closure system, are designed to decrease time to ambulation and improve patient comfort. Although these devices are safe and efficacious, to date there has been little reported about use of the Perclose device in a cohort consisting exclusively of patients with lower extremity peripheral vascular disease. The purpose of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of routine use of the Perclose system in patients with documented peripheral vascular disease undergoing angiography to treat chronic lower extremity ischemia.

The LEGS score: a proposed grading system to direct treatment of chronic lower extremity ischemia.

Objective: To prospectively compare the Lower Extremity Grading System (LEGS)-derived "recommended treatment" to the actual treatment performed and to analyze LEGS intergrader scoring consistency by comparing blinded scoring results between physician graders.

Summary Background Data: Due to technical advances and the increased medical complexity of the aging population, the most appropriate treatment for chronic lower extremity ischemia-open surgery versus endovascular-is again in flux. In an attempt to standardize management, the LEGS score, based on the best available outcomes data, was devised by the physicians of an established vascular service.