Ultrasound-accelerated thrombolysis in arterial and venous peripheral occlusions: fibrinogen level effects.

Purpose: This study retrospectively assesses whether significantly accelerating thrombolysis with ultrasound affects fibrinogen levels in the treatment of peripheral arterial occlusions.

Materials And Methods: Between December 2005 and August 2007, 38 limbs in 38 patients (17 women; mean age, 60.5 +/- 19.

One-year cognitive outcomes associated with carotid artery stent placement.

Purpose: To assess relatively long-term (ie, 1 year) neurocognitive outcomes of patients undergoing carotid artery stent (CAS) placement with cerebral protection.

Materials And Methods: Sixty-two patients (19 symptomatic; mean age, 73 years) with significant carotid stenosis (> or = 70% for symptomatic patients, > or = 80% for asymptomatic patients) underwent CAS placement with embolic protection. Cognitive function was assessed prospectively with use of a battery of standardized tests administered at baseline (1-5 days before CAS endovascular therapy) and at 3, 6, and 12 months after CAS placement.

Clinical evaluation of the Zilver vascular stent for symptomatic iliac artery disease.

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Zilver vascular stent in the treatment of de novo or restenotic lesions in the external and common iliac arteries.

Materials And Methods: Regardless of the results of an initial percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA), 151 consecutive patients were implanted with Zilver vascular stents (Cook, Bloomington, Ind) in up to two stenotic (< or =10 cm) or occluded (< or =5 cm) atherosclerotic lesions of the external or common iliac arteries. The primary endpoint was the rate of major adverse events within 9 months after the procedure.

Evaluation of Legs For Life National Screening and Awareness Program for Peripheral Vascular Disease: results of a follow-up survey of screening participants.

Purpose: The Legs For Life(R) National Screening and Awareness Program for Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) was launched in 1999. A critical component of the screening program was an independent evaluation to provide additional information about the results of the program. This evaluation considers the health education impacts of the screening program; participants' knowledge about appropriate providers; and some of the outcomes associated with the program.