Endovascular stenting of supra-aortic lesions using a transcarotid retrograde approach and flow reversal: A multicenter case series.

Objective: Endovascular treatment has largely replaced open reconstruction of proximal brachiocephalic and left common carotid ostial arterial stenoses. The objective of this study was to report the technical feasibility and safety of a flow-based embolic protection system in stenting of single and tandem stenotic lesions of supra-aortic arch vessels.

Methods: All cases used flow-based neuroprotection by the ENROUTE Transcarotid Neuroprotection System (Silk Road Medical, Sunnyvale, Calif).

Anatomical and technical predictors of perioperative clinical outcomes after carotid artery stenting.

Background: A few other studies have reported the effects of anatomical and technical factors on clinical outcomes of carotid artery stenting (CAS). This study analyzed the effect of these factors on perioperative stroke/myocardial infarction/death after CAS.

Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of 409 of 456 patients who underwent CAS during the study period.

Acute complications after balloon-assisted maturation.

Background: Balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a fairly new procedure used to accelerate the process of maturation. As with any procedure, complications do arise. In this retrospective analysis of 336 office-based BAM procedures, 5 major complications were analyzed.

A rare complication of a retained wire during endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair.

We present a case of a high-risk 76-year-old man who was electively admitted for repair of a large infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. After placement of the main body of the bifurcated graft, the contralateral guidewire became entrapped at the level of suprarenal fixation. Multiple endovascular maneuvers were attempted to remove this wire from the femoral approach, but all were unsuccessful.

Use of duplex guided stent graft placement to prevent bleeding from previously thrombosed pseudo-aneurysms during thrombolytic therapy for acute popliteal artery occlusion.

We present a 68-year-old female who developed multiple pseudo-aneurysms (PSAs) following cardiac catheterization via the right groin. During subsequent thrombin injection of PSAs, the patient developed acute occlusion of the popliteal artery. A covered stent was placed to obliterate the PSAs and allow for successful endovascular treatment of the occlusion without hemorrhage from the previous arteriotomy sites.

Recent trends in publications of US vascular surgery program directors.

Aim: We reviewed the number of vascular publications listed in PubMed from 2001 to 2009 for US program directors in vascular surgery and suggest that this can be used as a benchmark.

Methods: PubMed listed 3284 citations published during this time period. The average number of citations in PubMed per program director was 3.

To BAM or not to BAM?: A closer look at balloon-assisted maturation.

Background: Balloon assisted maturation (BAM) is a recent, innovative, yet controversial method for developing autogenous arterio-venous fistulae (AVF), with little supportive data. Few retrospective studies have addressed the efficacy of BAM and cofactors affecting successful maturation. We conducted a retrospective analysis of our vascular access database to compare possible factors associated with a successful BAM, as determined by increase in volume flow of the fistulae.

Anatomical observations of the moderator band.

Apical ventricular septal defects are rare pathologies of the ventricular septum. The moderator band, or other large trabeculations, is the major obstacle for the repair of such defects. The aim of our study was to identify and describe variations in the size and anatomy of the moderator band.

Chiari's network: review of the literature.

The Chiari network, present in approximately 2% of the population, and is a reticulated network of fibers originating from the Eustachian connecting to different parts of the right atrium. Its presence results from incomplete reabsorption of the right valve of the sinus venosus. Chiari's network is often clinically insignificant.