Medical management of acute superficial vein thrombosis of the saphenous vein.

Objective: Acute superficial vein thrombosis (SVT) of the axial veins, such as the great saphenous vein (GSV), is a common clinical condition that carries with it significant risk of propagation of thrombus, recurrence, and, most concerning, subsequent venous thromboembolism (VTE). Conservative therapy with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and heat does not prevent extension of thrombus or protect against recurrent or future VTE in patients with extensive SVT (thrombotic segment of at least 5 cm in length). To prevent future thromboembolic events, anticoagulation has become the treatment of choice for extensive acute SVT in the GSV.

Vascular arteritides in women.

The vasculitides are multiple clinical disease states that are characterized by inflammation of the wall of blood vessels. They are typically classified by the size of the vessel that is affected. Some of the vasculitides are more commonly identified in women, such as the large-vessel vasculitides.

Low ejection fraction predicts shortened survival in patients undergoing infrainguinal arterial reconstruction.

Background: With the advent of endovascular therapy for lower extremity ischemia it is important to better determine what factors may affect the outcome. The goal of the present study was to evaluate whether ejection fraction (EF) is predictive of outcome in infrainguinal arterial reconstruction.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 736 patients undergoing 897 infrainguinal arterial reconstructions from July 1999 to February 2002.

Creatinine clearance but not serum creatinine alone predicts long-term postoperative survival after lower extremity revascularization.

Background: Renal insufficiency is a well-described risk factor for perioperative morbidity and shortened survival after major vascular procedures. Due to the potential inaccuracy of serum creatinine levels alone in measuring kidney function, our aim was to determine whether estimated creatinine clearance more consistently predicted long-term survival.

Methods: A retrospective review of one institution's vascular registry was performed.

Lower extremity minor amputations: the roles of diabetes mellitus and timing of revascularization.

Introduction: Despite the frequent performance of minor foot amputations in patients with lower extremity vascular disease, little is known regarding the rate of conversion to major amputations and the role of bypass graft timing in relation to amputation.

Methods: Between January 1990 and December 2001, 670 patients underwent 920 minor amputations (interphalangeal, ray, or transmetatarsal) on 747 limbs.

Results: Of 670 patients, 468 were men (69.

Preoperative cardiac evaluation does not improve or predict perioperative or late survival in asymptomatic diabetic patients undergoing elective infrainguinal arterial reconstruction.

Objective: Patients undergoing infrainguinal arterial reconstruction frequently have increased cardiac risk factors. Diabetic patients are often asymptomatic despite advanced cardiac disease. This study investigates whether preoperative cardiac testing improves the outcome in diabetic patients at risk for cardiac disease.

Bypass to plantar and tarsal arteries: an acceptable approach to limb salvage.

Objective: This study was undertaken to evaluate our experience with distal arterial bypass to the plantar artery branches and the lateral tarsal artery for ischemic limb salvage.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of data prospectively entered into our vascular surgery database from January 1990 to January 2003 for all consecutive patients undergoing bypass grafting to the plantar artery branches or the lateral tarsal artery. Median follow-up was 9 months (range, 1-112 months).

Popliteal artery aneurysms: a comparison of outcomes in elective versus emergent repair.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess and compare outcomes of elective versus emergent operative repair of popliteal artery aneurysms.

Design: A retrospective analysis of a prospectively recorded vascular surgery database from June 1992 to December 2002 was performed with chart review. Main outcome measures Patient survival, limb salvage, and graft patency were evaluated.

Major lower extremity amputation: outcome of a modern series.

Hypothesis: Major lower extremity amputation results in significant morbidity and mortality.

Design: Retrospective database query and medical record review for January 1, 1990, to December 31, 2001. Mean follow-up was 33.