A cadaver study evaluating intraluminal anomalies of the left common iliac vein.

Objective: Intraluminal anomalies within the left common iliac vein, characteristic of iliac vein compression syndrome, are thought to result from compression by and pulsation of the overlying right common iliac artery. This cadaver study was designed to expand on the existing literature by surveying and photographing these spurs in addition to exploring whether certain factors, inherent to the cadaver, are associated with spur presence.

Methods: Dissection to expose the aorta, inferior vena cava, and common iliac arteries and veins was performed in 51 cadavers.

Acquisition of endovascular skills for uterine artery embolization using a simulator.

This study addresses endovascular training using simulators for uterine artery embolization. A review of endovascular skill training for surgeons using simulators was performed. Surgeons possess varying levels of proficiency in endovascular techniques.

Gastrointestinal bleeding as the initial manifestation of a polyarteritis nodosa-associated hepatic artery aneurysm-duodenal fistula--a case report.

The authors report an unusual case of upper gastrointestinal bleeding from a hepatic artery aneurysm-duodenal fistula in a 21-year-old male. Arteriography revealed multiple visceral artery aneurysms. Biopsy of the hepatic artery aneurysm (HAA) revealed focal areas of necrosis, medial degeneration, fibrosis, and giant cells.

Heparin-associated antiplatelet antibodies increase morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients.

Background: Patients are frequently exposed to heparin during hemodialysis (HD) to prevent thrombosis of the extracorporeal circuit. Other groups with frequent heparin exposures have a high rate of development of heparin-associated antiplatelet antibodies (HAAb). We sought to define the prevalence of HAAb in HD patients and evaluate their effects.

Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: twenty-nine years later.

Objective: To determine the current frequency, types of patients, indications for testing, morbidity and mortality, and management of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).

Methods: Between December 1998 and July 2001, the charts of 102 inpatients that tested positive for heparin-associated antiplatelet antibodies (HAAb) were reviewed. There were 33,941 inpatients, 10,348 of them having received unfractionated or low molecular weight heparins.

Intraoperative communication of residents with faculty: perception versus reality.

Introduction: During a surgical procedure, an attending may propose a surgical treatment that a resident believes is not the standard of care based on previous readings, discussions with other faculty, or experience. We hypothesized that resident disagreements over intraoperative management are common and are handled differently by residents than faculty members perceive.

Methods: Surveys were sent to 68 residents (82% response) and 45 faculty (91% response) in general surgery and seven subspecialties.