Experience in a Brazilian Center with Cryoablation for Electric Isolation of the Pulmonary Veins in Paroxysmal and Persistent Atrial Fibrillation - Preliminary Results in Brazil.

Background: Electrical isolation of the pulmonary veins is recognized as the cornerstone of non-pharmacological treatment of Atrial Fibrillation (AF), and therefore, has been recommended as the first step in AF ablation according to all guidelines. Even though the cryoballoon technology is widely used in North America and Europe, this experience is still incipient in many developing countries such as Brazil.

Objective: To evaluate initial results regarding success and safety of the new technology in patients with persistent and paroxysmal AF.

Progression of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency in the general population in the Edinburgh Vein Study.

Objective: The natural history in the general population of chronic venous disease in the legs is not well understood. This has limited our ability to predict which patients will deteriorate and to assign clinical priorities. The aims of this study were to describe the progression of trunk varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in the general population, to identify important lifestyle and clinical prognostic factors, and to determine the relationship between venous reflux and progression.

Multifocal necrotising fasciitis: a rarer presentation of a rare disease.

Necrotising fasciitis is a rare life-threatening surgical emergency in which timely diagnosis and treatment are key. We present a case in which a patient rapidly succumbed to synchronous multifocal necrotising fasciitis from a likely intra-abdominal source. The ability for the disease to present in the unusual fashion described in this case must be highlighted to all clinicians.

Compression stockings for the initial treatment of varicose veins in patients without venous ulceration.

Background: Compression hosiery or stockings are often the first line of treatment for varicose veins in people without either healed or active venous ulceration. Evidence is required to determine whether the use of compression stockings can effectively manage and treat varicose veins in the early stages. This is an update of a review first published in 2011.