Predictors of primary patency after percutaneous balloon angioplasty for stenosis of Brescia-Cimino hemodialysis arteriovenous fistula.

Objective: Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) is recommended as the first choice to treat stenosis of Brescia-Cimino arteriovenous fistulas (B-C AVFs). The ability to predict which B-C AVFs are at risk for recurrent stenosis post-PTA would allow closer monitoring of patients, and possibly result in surgical intervention rather than repeat PTA. The purpose of this study was to identify predictive factors of primary patency after PTA in B-C AVFs.

[Endoscope-assisted thyroidectomy by chest approach with good cosmetic results].

Objective: To explore the feasibility, safety, and cosmetic efficacy of endoscope-assisted thyroidectomy (EAT) by chest approach.

Methods: Fifty-one patients with single benign thyroid nodule < or = 4.0 cm in diameter, and without history of neck surgery or irradiation, 8 males and 43 females, aged 33.