Inadvertent subclavian artery cannulation: endovascular repair using a collagen closure device-report of two cases and review of the literature.

Inadvertent line insertion into the subclavian artery is an uncommon complication of subclavian venous catheterisation, and its timely recognition is vital to minimise risk of harm to the patient. We describe the radiographic, computed tomographic (CT), and angiographic findings in two patients and illustrate the subsequent endovascular management using collagen vascular closure devices.

Do patients undergoing renal revascularization outside of the ASTRAL trial show any benefit? Results of a single-centre observational study.

Introduction/objectives: Though recent research has concluded that revascularization of atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis has no benefit for most patients, negative findings of the Angioplasty and STent for Renal Artery Lesions (ASTRAL) trial have been criticized in professional fora. Aim of the current study was to determine whether patients undergoing renal revascularization outside of ASTRAL showed any benefit. If so, could we determine a patient group that would benefit from intervention?

Methods: Patients undergoing renal revascularization outside of the ASTRAL trial between 2003 and 2007 at our institution were reviewed.

Endovascular simulator is of benefit in the acquisition of basic skills by novice operators.

Purpose: To determine whether an electronic endovascular simulator exhibited "construct validity," that is, the ability to differentiate between novice and experienced operators of differing levels of experience, and whether training on the simulator led to improved performance, thereby indicating "instructional effectiveness" for basic endovascular tasks.

Materials And Methods: Two separate experiments were performed by using an electronic endovascular simulator. In the first experiment, which was performed to investigate construct validity, the performance of four experienced operators and four novice radiology trainees was compared by using three objective outcome measures.

Use of a peripherally inserted central catheter as a conduit for central venous access across thrombosed great veins.

This report describes a technique of inserting an implantable venous access port (portacath) through a thrombosed and occluded vein employing a pre-existing peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) as the route of access. The PICC was used as a conduit for venous access in a way that has not been described previously in the literature. This procedure was performed in a young patient with cystic fibrosis in an effort to prevent the use of his virgin contralateral veins, which might be used in the future.

Endovascular treatment for traumatic popliteal artery pseudoaneurysms after knee arthroplasty.

Trauma to the popliteal artery is a recognized complication of knee arthroplasty (total knee arthroplasty). It can present in a variety of ways, one of which is the development of popliteal artery pseudoaneurysm. We report the successful endovascular management of 2 patients who developed popliteal artery pseudoaneurysms following total knee arthroplasty using covered stent grafts.

Primary cutting balloon angioplasty for treatment of venous stenoses in native hemodialysis fistulas: long-term results from three centers.

Aim: To evaluate the technical success and patency rates following primary cutting balloon angioplasty for venous stenoses in native dialysis fistulas.

Methods: Forty-one patients (26 men, 15 women; age range 26-82 years, average age 59 years) underwent 50 (repeat procedures in 9 patients) primary cutting balloon (PCB) angioplasty procedures in three institutions by three primary operators. The indication was primary stenosis in 21 patients, recurrent lesions in 15, and immature fistulas in 5.

Removal of a permanent IVC filter.

Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are increasingly used for prevention of life-threatening pulmonary emboli in patients who have contraindications to anticoagulation therapy. We report a case of the removal of a permanent IVC filter, which was inadvertently inserted due to an incorrect ultrasound report.

Failed retrieval of potentially retrievable IVC filters: a report of two cases.

Retrievable inferior vena cava filters are being increasingly used for the prevention of life-threatening pulmonary emboli in patients who have temporary contraindications to anticoagulation therapy. We report two cases of failure to remove these devices.

A nurse led peripherally inserted central catheter line insertion service is effective with radiological support.

Aim: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are increasingly used as a route of chemotherapy administration. Our aims were to assess a collaborative approach to PICC placement, with radiological support for a nurse led line insertion service in a minority of cases, and to determine whether PICC provided a safe and reliable method of chemotherapy administration.

Materials And Methods: Prospective data on 100 consecutive patients undergoing PICC placement for chemotherapy were collected.