Comparison of carbon-impregnated and standard ePTFE prostheses in extra-anatomical anterior tibial artery bypass: a prospective randomized multicenter study.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to find out whether carbon impregnated ePTFE vascular grafts have better long-term patency or limb salvage rates than Standard ePTFE vascular grafts in crural revascularization in patients with chronic critical ischemia.

Design: Prospective randomized multicenter trial. Study endpoints were 36 months follow-up, major amputation or death.

Effect of rosiglitazone treatment on plaque inflammation and collagen content in nondiabetic patients: data from a randomized placebo-controlled trial.

Background: Therapeutic strategies to stabilize advanced arteriosclerotic lesions may prevent plaque rupture and reduce the incidence of acute coronary syndromes. Thiazolidinediones (TZDs), like rosiglitazone, are oral antidiabetic drugs with additional antiinflammatory and potential antiatherogenic properties. In a randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blind trial, we examined the effect of 4 weeks of rosiglitazone therapy on histomorphological characteristics of plaque stability in artery specimen of nondiabetic patients scheduled for elective carotid endarterectomy.

Complications after endovascular treatment of thoracic aortic aneurysms.

Purpose: To retrospectively determine the value of stent-graft repair of descending thoracic aortic aneurysms by analyzing the results and complications.

Methods: From May 1997 to July 2002, 45 patients (33 men; mean age 69 years, range 31-88) received endovascular treatment for thoracic aortic aneurysms. In 11 patients, emergency treatment was necessary for a contained rupture.

Vacuum-sealed mesh graft transplantation in chronic cutaneous ulcers of the lower leg.

Background: The covering of defects caused by chronic ulcers on limbs affected by peripheral arterial disease or chronic venous insufficiency is often difficult due to extensive secretion and edema, while chronic bacterial contamination of the wound bed further compromises the conditions for successful healing.

Patients And Methods: Vacuum-sealed dressing (VSD) offers the option of a closed dressing system for moist wound care that assures firm contact with the wound surface and protection against contamination with nosocomial microbes and decontamination of existing bacteria by means of constant drainage of secretion independent of gravity. VSD is particularly useful in difficult wounds featuring extensive secretion and unfavorable localization and offers many advantages over conventional dressing techniques in terms of improved healing of skin transplants.

Endovascular stent-graft repair of ruptured aortic aneurysms.

Purpose: To demonstrate the endovascular approach to the management of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA).

Methods: From 1995 to 2001, 24 patients (21 men; mean age 69 years, range 26-92) underwent emergency endovascular treatment for ruptured AAA. The average interval between onset of symptoms and admission to the hospital was 8.