Bisoprolol versus celiprolol on dynamic hyperinflation, cardiopulmonary exercise and domiciliary safety in COPD: a single-centre, randomised, crossover study.

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently associated with cardiovascular disease. The utility of beta-blockers for treating patients with COPD may be beneficial, but their safety remains uncertain, including worsening of dynamic hyperinflation (DH) during exercise. We hypothesised that among cardioselective beta-blockers celiprolol, due to its partial beta-2 agonist activity, may be safer than bisoprolol on exercise DH.

Spiral Laminar Flow is Associated with a Reduction in Disturbed Shear in Patient-Specific Models of an Arteriovenous Fistula.

Purpose: Areas of disturbed shear that arise following arteriovenous fistula (AVF) creation are believed to contribute to the development of intimal hyperplasia (IH). The presence of helical flow can suppress areas of disturbed shear, which may protect the vasculature from IH. Therefore, the aim of this study is to determine if helical flow, specifically spiral laminar flow (SLF), is present in patient-specific AVF models and is associated with a reduction in exposure to disturbed shear.

The role of exclusive enteral nutrition in the pre-operative optimisation of adult patients with Crohn's disease. A systematic review.

Aim: To conduct a systematic review in order to bring together the current knowledge about the use of exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) in the pre-operative optimisation of adult patients with Crohn's disease undergoing intestinal resection.

Methods: We searched Pubmed, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov and the EU clinical trial register to identify experimental and observational studies on the effect of pre-operative EEN on nutritional and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing surgery.

Does exclusive enteral nutrition reduce the rate of stoma formation in patients requiring ileocolic resection for Crohn's disease? A single center experience.

Background And Aim: Nutrition has a role in achieving and maintaining remission in Crohn's disease. The aim of this study was to determine the impact of a strategy of steroid-avoidance and Exclusive Enteral Nutrition (EEN) for 6 weeks (with a minimum of 4 weeks) in adult patients presenting with acute small bowel Crohn's disease followed by an interval ileocolic resection 4-6 weeks later.

Methods: Retrospective review of prospectively collected data.

Assessment of brachial artery mechanics using velocity vector imaging does not predict arteriovenous fistula failure; a feasibility study.

Strain measurements by US have been suggested as a method of assessing arterial elasticity prior to arterio venous fistula creation. This pilot study sought to develop an imaging protocol to measure strain in the brachial artery via velocity vector imaging (VVI) and determine if differences in strain could be observed between a healthy group and a group with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and if VVI measurements were associated with arterio-venous fistula malfunction. 40 healthy volunteers and 33 patients with ESRD were included in this study.

Increased Brachial Artery Compliance After Arteriovenous Fistula Creation as Measured by Shear Wave Elastography: Results From a Feasibility Study.

Objectives: Arterial stiffness has been proposed as a marker of arteriovenous fistula failure and can be measured locally by using ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE). This preliminary study aimed to assess whether SWE measurements of the brachial artery were associated with arteriovenous fistula failure.

Methods: Data were collected on patients who were indicated for fistula creation.

Non-contrast MRI methods as a tool for the pre-operative assessment and surveillance of the arterio-venous fistula for haemodialysis.

Objective: To compare non-contrast enhanced MRI with ultrasound (US) for measurement of arm blood vessel geometries and flow velocities in volunteers and patients with end-stage renal disease.

Materials And Methods: Subjects were scanned using US (reference standard), and MRI 2D time-of-flight (ToF), 2D phase contrast (PC), and 3D multi-echo data image combination (MEDIC). Patients were also scanned after arteriovenous fistula (AVF) surgery.

Imaging in Vascular Access.

This review examines four imaging modalities; ultrasound (US), digital subtraction angiography (DSA), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT), that have common or potential applications in vascular access (VA). The four modalities are reviewed under their primary uses, techniques, advantages and disadvantages, and future directions that are specific to VA. Currently, US is the most commonly used modality in VA because it is cheaper (relative to other modalities), accessible, non-ionising, and does not require the use of contrast agents.

The aneurysmal arteriovenous fistula - morphological study and assessment of clinical implications. A pilot study.

Aneurysmal dilation of arteriovenous fistulae used for haemodialysis is a recognised complication but its clinical significance is a contentious issue. Our aims were to describe aneurysmal fistulae morphologically and clinically.Sixty patients underwent duplex scanning to measure the maximum diameter and skin thickness of their fistula.

Natural history of upper limb arterio-venous fistulae for chronic hemodialysis.

Purpose: Arterio-venous fistulae (AVF) for hemodialysis are prone to problems, ultimately leading to failure of the fistulae. Our aim was to determine the site and time to first stenosis and time to and factors influencing AVF failure for radio-cephalic (RC), brachio-cephalic (BC), and transposed brachio-basilic (BB) AVF.

Methods: Retrospective analysis of native AVF constructed within a single vascular unit between January 2002-December 2008.

Cutting balloon angioplasty versus standard balloon angioplasty for failing infra-inguinal vein grafts: comparative study of short- and mid-term primary patency rates.

Purpose: To evaluate the results of a recent change in practice in our institution using cutting balloon angioplasty instead of standard balloon angioplasty as the primary treatment for failing infra-inguinal vein bypass grafts.

Methods: In this nonrandomized cohort study with a historical control, failing infra-inguinal vein grafts were identified at duplex surveillance or clinical examination. Patients had confirmatory arteriography and balloon angioplasty at the same attendance.

Long-term results after placement of aortic bifurcation self-expanding stents: 10 year mortality, stent restenosis, and distal disease progression.

Purpose: To retrospectively evaluate the 10 year follow-up results in patients who had "kissing" self-expanding stent aortic bifurcation reconstruction.

Methods: Forty-three patients were treated with "kissing" self-expanding stents for aortoiliac occlusive disease. Early follow-up with clinical and ankle brachial pressure indices (ABPI) was performed at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months and with intra-arterial digital subtraction angiography at 12-24 months; clinical and angiographic follow-up was performed for symptom recurrence up to 10 years after treatment.