Contralateral Snare Cannulation vs. Retrograde Gate Cannulation during Endovascular Aortic Repair in Difficult Iliac Artery Anatomy: A Single Center Experience.

Objective: Endovascular aneurysm repair is well established as the gold standard in treating abdominal aortic aneurysms. Generally, endovascular repair is performed using a bi or trimodular stent graft, requiring placement of a contralateral iliac limb. Deployment of the contralateral iliac limb requires retrograde gate cannulation of the endograft main body contralateral limb.

The role of matrix metalloproteinases and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in central and peripheral arterial aneurysms.

Introduction: An association between arterial aneurysms and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been described previously. MMPs regulate extracellular structural proteins and tissue remodeling. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) is involved in the regulation of MMP activity.

Altered metalloproteinase-9 expression as least common denominator between varicocele, inguinal hernia, and chronic venous disorders.

Background: Varicocele, inguinal hernia, and clinical manifestations related to chronic venous disorders are often associated, and collagen metabolism together with metalloproteinases (MMPs) alterations may be implicated. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between these factors.

Methods: We evaluated tissue and plasma samples from patients with varicocele, inguinal hernia, and great saphenous vein reflux, who underwent surgical treatment for their conditions.

Increased plasma levels of metalloproteinase-9 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in a rare case of multiple artery aneurysm.

Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is involved in the remodeling process by degrading extracellular matrix, which is fundamental in maintaining structural integrity and favorable mechanical properties of the artery vascular wall. Neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) seems to enhance MMP-9 activity. ELISA test was used to evaluate plasma MMP-9 and NGAL values.

Cilostazol prevents foot ulcers in diabetic patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Diabetic patients are at high risk of foot ulcerations that may lead to limb amputations with important socio-economic impact. Peripheral vascular disease may be frequently associated in diabetes mellitus type II with its main symptom, intermittent claudication. Many studies reported the known efficacy of cilostazol in treating vascular claudication.

Low molecular weight heparin improves healing of chronic venous ulcers especially in the elderly.

Venous ulcers are common, especially in the elderly, accounting for more than 50% of all lower extremity ulcers with important socioeconomic problems. Improving extracellular matrix functioning, by heparin administration, seems to be a way to support wound healing. A total of 284 patients with venous ulcers were recruited in a 4-year period.

Application of platelet-rich gel to enhance healing of transmetatarsal amputations in diabetic dysvascular patients.

Transmetatarsal amputation (TMA) represents an effective surgical procedure used to treat several clinical conditions such as forefoot infection, gangrene and chronic ulceration in diabetic patients. TMA permits walking without the need for prosthesis, but nevertheless is burdened with a high complications rate. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possibility to use platelet gel (PG) as an adjuvant therapy when performing TMA procedure in diabetic patients.

Varicocele in younger as risk factor for inguinal hernia and for chronic venous disease in older: preliminary results of a prospective cohort study.

Background: Varicocele, inguinal hernia, and chronic venous insufficiency are often associated. Varicocele has its maximum prevalence in younger age, whereas hernia and chronic venous disease appear later. The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship between these conditions.

A genetic study of chronic venous insufficiency.

Background: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is an important cause of morbidity in Western countries. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the heredity of CVI, focusing on molecular and genetic aspects of the disease.

Methods: The study depended on the recruitment of informative families, accurate determination of the phenotype of each family member, and blood sample for DNA extraction for genetic analysis.

Axillary vein thrombosis as the first clinical manifestation of inflammatory breast cancer: report of a case.

Inflammatory breast cancer is a rare and aggressive form of breast cancer. Venous thromboembolism is often related to cancer conditions but this report presents a case in which the thromboembolic event predicted the diagnosis of cancer. A 48-year-old female was admitted with the evidence of acute right axillary vein thrombosis.