The Impact of Aneurysm Morphology and Anatomic Characteristics on Long-Term Survival after Endovascular Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

Background: Hostile anatomic characteristics in patients undergoing endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) and the placement of endografts not in concordance with the specific device anatomic guidelines (or instructions for use [IFU]) have shown decreased technical success of the procedure. But these factors have never been evaluated in regard to patient postoperative survival. We sought to assess the association between survival and (1) aneurysm anatomy and characteristics and (2) implantation in compliance with manufacturer's anatomic IFU guidelines in patients undergoing endovascular aortic aneurysm repair.

A hybrid repair of a superior mesenteric artery pseudoaneurysm using open mesenteric bypass and endovascular exclusion.

Superior mesenteric artery (SMA) aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms are uncommonly encountered in vascular surgery practice, but they typically require repair. Historically, they have been repaired with open aneurysmorrhaphy, bypass and exclusion, or simple ligation. More recently, endovascular repair with coil embolization and stent graft exclusion have been advocated.

Utility and accuracy of duplex ultrasonography in evaluating in-stent restenosis after carotid stenting.

Background: Stents alter flow velocities after carotid artery stenting (CAS). To identify criteria for in-stent restenosis (ISR), velocities obtained by duplex ultrasonography (DU) after CAS were analyzed.

Methods: Carotid angiography and DU were performed after 129 CAS procedures.

Critical evaluation of chest computed tomography scans for blunt descending thoracic aortic injury.

Background: Although aortography has been the long-held "gold standard" for diagnosis of traumatic blunt aortic injury, advances in imaging technology offer less-invasive, more-rapid, and potentially more cost-effective evaluation. The purpose of this study was to review this hospital's experience with the screening and diagnosis of blunt aortic injury with emphasis on the critical evaluation of computed tomography (CT) scans for defining descending thoracic aortic injury.

Methods: A retrospective single-center analysis of all patients undergoing aortography to evaluate for blunt aortic injury between January 1, 1997, and August 31, 2004, was performed.

Retroperitoneal hemangioma of infancy.

A premature infant presented with an incidental finding of a mass in the retroperitoneum adjacent to the adrenal gland seen on a renal ultrasound study. A clinical diagnosis of neuroblastoma was made based on imaging and laboratory studies; however, upon resection, histological examination revealed a cellular capillary hemangioma of infancy. Hemangioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic retroperitoneal mass lesions in infants.