High density of CXCL12-positive immune cell infiltration predicts chemosensitivity and recurrence-free survival in ovarian carcinoma.

Background: Ovarian carcinoma is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy because of its late diagnosis, extremely high recurrence rate, and limited curative treatment options. In clinical practice, high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) predominates due to its frequency, high aggressiveness, and rapid development of drug resistance. Recent evidence suggests that CXCL12 is an important immunological factor in ovarian cancer progression.

A Novel Percutaneous Technique for Aorto-Iliac Thrombectomy without the Risk of Embolization.

Classic surgical thrombectomy of the aorta and iliac arteries through an incision in the groin vessels harbors the risk of embolization to the viscero-renal as well as hypogastric arteries, while percutaneous endovascular thrombectomy techniques can lead to peripheral embolization to the lower limbs. Therefore, we describe a novel, percutaneous technique that tackles the above issues. Furthermore, we also present our initial experience using the technique.

Pre-procedure imaging planning for dialysis access in patients with end-stage renal disease using ultrasound and upper extremity computed tomography angiography: a narrative review.

Background And Objective: The incidence of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and subsequent need for dialysis is continuously rising. The detailed preoperative planning and careful creation of a functioning access for hemodialysis as a bridge to transplant or as a long-term solution, has a crucial role to reduce vascular access associated morbidity and mortality and improve quality of life of the ESRD patient population. In addition to a detailed medical workup including physical exam, a variety of imaging modalities exist to support further decision making with regard to the best suited vascular access for each individual patient.

Practical guide of vascular ultrasound in arteriovenous fistulae.

The use of vascular ultrasound, especially with the increasing prevalence of percutaneous arteriovenous fistulas, has taken a central role as a diagnostic and therapeutic imaging procedure in vascular access creation. The current review article stresses the importance of vascular ultrasound in arteriovenous fistula, from planning to creation to maintenance. It summarises and gives practical guidance regarding sonographic criteria for vascular access procedure planning, the application of vascular ultrasound intraoperatively and during follow-up.

Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Arteriovenous Fistula Creation Simulation Training in a Lifelike Flow Model.

Objectives: To assess the feasibility and training effect of simulation training for ultrasound-guided percutaneous arteriovenous fistula (pAVF) creation in a lifelike flow model. Methods: Twenty vascular trainees and specialists were shown an instructional video on creating a pAVF in a dedicated flow model and then randomized to a study or control group. The procedure was divided into five clearly defined steps.

Patients' and Clinicians' Perspectives on the Acceptability of Completing Digital Quality of Life Questionnaires During Routine Haemodialysis Clinics: A Mixed-Methods Study.

Advanced chronic kidney disease is a serious and common medical condition with significant treatment choices incurring varying high treatment burdens. Better understanding on how to best collect quality of life (QoL) in this unique situation may help guide critical decisions. This study investigates the acceptability of digital QoL questionnaires completed during routine haemodialysis sessions.

Temporary Extracorporeal Femoro-Femoral Crossover Bypass to Treat Acute Limb Ischemia due to Occlusive Femoral Transaortic Microaxial Left Ventricular Assist Device - A Novel Technique and Case Series.

Background: The Impella transaortic microaxial left ventricular assist device (MLVAD) bears the risk of severe ipsilateral limb ischemia due to its percutaneous insertion through the common femoral artery (CFA). As long as the MLVAD is required for cardio - circulatory support, treatment options are limited. Therefore, we developed a temporary extracorporeal femoral - femoral crossover bypass to restore and maintain perfusion of the affected leg.

Open aneurysm repair in patients with concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm and aorto-iliac occlusive disease is associated with a high mortality and surgical complication rate.

Aim Of The Study: To evaluate whether the outcome after open aneurysm repair combined with aorto-femoral bypass in patients with concomitant abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) and aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD) is inferior to open aneurysm repair for isolated AAA or aorto-femoral bypass for isolated AIOD.

Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of 30-day mortality, 1-year mortality and surgical complications of consecutive patients undergoing elective aneurysm repair, aorto-femoral bypass or a combination of these at two vascular surgery departments from 2003 to 2013. Potential risk factors were investigated by multivariable analysis.

Validation of a vascular access specific quality of life measure (VASQoL).

Background: A self-administered 11 item vascular access specific quality of life measure (VASQoL) was previously derived from detailed qualitative interviews with adult patients with kidney failure who have experienced vascular access using the Capabilities Approach as a theoretical base. This study reports the psychometric validation of the VASQoL measure including its reliability, content validity and responsiveness to change.

Methods: Cognitive interviews were conducted with 23 adult patients with kidney failure after completion of the VASQoL measure.

Application and implications of a standardised reporting system for arteriovenous access graft infection.

Introduction: The perception that arteriovenous graft infection (AVGi) is frequent and severe is not based on contemporary data from large units using modern AVG. Furthermore, older reports compounded misperceptions by using non-standardised reporting that prevents easy comparison against the alternative modalities. The aim of this article is to use a recently published reporting scheme to analyse the frequency, management and outcome of AVGi in a large series of sequential early-cannulation AVG with long-term follow-up.

Endoscopic Superficialisation of Haemodialysis Arteriovenous Fistulas in Obese Patients - Safety, Feasibility, and Outcomes.

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the safety and feasibility of endoscopic superficialisation (ES) in patients with deeply located cephalic veins in well matured arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) and to present functional outcomes.

Methods: All patients with cannulation difficulties due to a deep lying cephalic vein of more than 6 mm but with an otherwise matured AVF with a straight needle access segment of at least 6 cm were included in this retrospective study. Procedure related safety, defined as completion of ES with no need for conversion to open surgery, and feasibility in terms of cephalic vein depth reduction were assessed.