Arteriovenous fistula creation with VasQ device: A feasibility study to reveal hemodynamic implications.

Background: Arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is the preferred vascular access (VA) for hemodialysis, but it is still affected by high non-maturation and early failure rates due to stenosis development. Increasing evidence suggests that the presence of turbulent-like flow may play a key role, therefore, to stabilize the flow in the venous segment, an external support device (VasQ) has been designed. The aim of this study was to provide preliminary evidence of VasQ impact on AVF hemodynamics as compared to AVFs created with conventional surgery.

Heavy metal tolerance and polychlorinated biphenyl oxidation in bacterial communities inhabiting the Pasvik River and the Varanger Fjord area (Arctic Norway).

Heavy metals (HMs) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) enter the Arctic environment through a variety of anthropogenic sources with deleterious effects towards biota and public health. Bacteria first transfer toxic compounds to higher trophic levels and, due to the tight link existing between prokaryotic community functions and the type and concentration of contaminants, they may be useful indicator of pollution events and potential toxicity to other forms of life. The occurrence and abundance of HM-tolerant and PCB-oxidizing bacteria in the sub-Arctic Pasvik river area, heavily impacted by anthropogenic modifications, was related to HM and PCB contamination.

Endovascular Treatment of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms: A Word of Caution after Long-Term Follow-up.

Background: The aim of this work was to evaluate the long-term patency of endografting in the treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) and to identify which factors may be predictors of graft occlusion.

Methods: All the patients who underwent endovascular repair of PAA were analyzed from 2006 until 2014 on the basis of symptoms, comorbidities, limb salvage, and long-term patency. The predictive value of the different variables was assessed in univariate analysis for primary patency and, for factors resulted significant, a multivariate analysis was performed.

A case of atherosclerotic inferior mesenteric artery aneurysm secondary to high flow state.

Inferior mesenteric artery aneurysms are very rare and they are among the rarest of visceral artery aneurysms. Sometimes, the distribution of the blood flow due to chronic atherosclerotic occlusion of some arteries can establish an increased flow into a particular supplying district (high flow state). A high flow state in a stenotic inferior mesenteric artery in compensation for a mesenteric occlusive disease can produce a rare form of aneurysm.