[Changes in topography of the popliteal artery in patients with rheumatoid arthritis depending on the degree of contracture according to angiographic data].

The paper is devoted to the first results of studies on abnormalities in the topography of vessels of the knee joint in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to potentialities of digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in differential diagnosis of degree of severity of the vascular system in the joint. Knowing the arrangement of arteries (their positions) we can prevent complications like vascular traumata, loss of blood in surgical treatment of contractures, what is of particular importance in hormone-dependent patients presenting with hypervascularization of the knee joint. DSA is an objective method of diagnosis of abnormalities in the topography of vessels of knee joints in RA patients, permitting the different diagnosis to be established concerning degrees of severity of the vascular system in the joint.

Endovascular embolization of the hepatolienal vessels in the treatment of portal hypertension.

Purpose: to study the characteristics and variants of changes in the structure of celiac trunk and portal vein pool vessels, to define the tactics of most effective use of endovascular interventions in the treatment of portal hypertension.

Material And Methods: the immediate and long-term results of angiographic studies and endovascular interventions are analyzed in 329 patients with portal hypertension induced by liver cirrhosis. The compensated stage of portal hypertension was identified in 62, subcompensated in 93 and decompensated in 174 patients.

[Choice of approach for transhepatic endovascular and biliary procedures].

Results of diagnostic and therapeutic transhepatic procedures in 185 patients with portal hypertension and 292 patients with obstructive jaundice are analyzed. Optimal angles for introduction of instruments, optimal intercost and the most convenient for manipulation biliovascular structures of the liver were determined. These principles permitted to reduce the failure rate in endovasculary procedures from 10.

[Embolization of splenic artery in children with portal hypertension].

This study examined the results of embolization of the splenic artery (ESA) in 30 children (age ranged from 5 to 14 years) with portal hypertension. Effectiveness of ESA was evaluated by a decrease in spleen size, hypersplenism, disappearance of esophageal varices and improvement in blood count. The results show that chronic embolization of the splenic artery in children is relatively safe and effective surgical treatment for portal hypertension.

[Puncture of liver cystic masses and abscesses].

The results of punctional treatment of cavital masses and abscesses of the liver in 58 patients are analysed. In 33 patients sanation was carried out according to traditional method, including local application of broad spectrum antibiotics; in 25 patients the solution of sodium-hypochlorite was used for treatment. Control group consisted of 38 patients, who underwent open surgical procedure.