bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wound Healing: An Endpoint for Complex Peripheral Angioplasty
Authors: Crew John R. , Thuener Marilyn 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: The standard endpoint for lower limb revascularization is long-term patency; however, in high-risk patients with end-stage ischemia, healing of chronic ulcerations has been proposed as an acceptable endpoint. To evaluate if today's minimally invasive interventions, in combination with comprehensive wound healing procedures, can resolve nonhealing wounds, we performed a retrospective review of chronic ulceration patients treated at the San Francisco Wound Care Center. Methods: Eight-five patients with 96 limbs at risk due to nonhealing ulcers were treated with a variety of endovacular procedures: 7 patients (group 1) received PalmazR stents for unilateral iliac occlusions; 42 limbs (group II) in 39 patients were treated with balloon angioplasty for superficial femoral and popliteal lesions; and 47 extremities in 39 patients (group III) underwent rotational atherectomy for tibioperoneal lesions. Comprehensive wound management techniques, including the application of growth factors, were used. Results: All group I wounds healed, although 6 of 7 patients required additional procedures to address outflow lesions. In groups II and III, primary patencies were similar (64% and 70%, respectively), and nine treated sites reoccluded in each group. Restenotic lesions were retreated in both groups (three in group II and four in group III); secondary patencies were 71% and 78%, respectively. There were more amputations in group III patients (five) compared to group II (one). In both groups after 5 months, 90% of wounds had healed in group II and 72% in group III. Conclusion: The use of endovascular procedures appears to play an important role in the healing of chronic lower extremity ulcerations in high-risk patients with end-stage ischemia.
Endovascular Surgery in Daily Practice: A Re-Appraisal
Authors: Criado Frank J. , Queral Luis A. , Patten Peggy 
Published: March 2015

For more than 10 years, endoluminal therapy has been marked by an explosion in the number and variety of devices designed to enhance or supplant its first and still most commonly used technique, balloon angioplasty. Among all these innovative catheter-based technologies, only stents have emerged as a truly effective device capable of achieving results comparable or superior to balloon angioplasty. In combination with thrombolysis and balloon dilation, they form the triadic foundation of endovascular surgery today. The prudent and judicious use of these tools, and a few other “niche” devices, such as atherectomy, in conjunction with classical vascular surgical techniques is the special and unique purview of the vascular surgeon. His development of a therapeutic plan, whose components include patient selection, lesion assessment, device decisions, procedure monitoring, completion evaluation, and follow-up, is incumbent upon an appreciation of the capabilities of each available intraluminal device in the various arterial segments and lesion pathologies. The strategies that facilitate optimum matching of endoluminal tools and techniques to each patient situation form the basis of this report. They offer today's vascular surgeon a guide to the use of intraluminal therapies in daily practice. On the horizon is the new and exciting technique of endoluminal grafting, which, if it proves efficacious, will bring about profound changes in our specialty.
Endovascular Surgical Approach to Intracranial Vascular Diseases
Authors: Higashida Randall T. , Halbach Van V. , Dowd Christopher F. , Hieshima Grant B. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: The endovascular surgical approach to complex disorders of the central nervous system has made rapid and significant advancements over the past decade. Patients with intracranial arterial aneurysms, traumatic carotid and vertebral artery lesions, including fistulas and pseudoaneurysms, hemodynamically significant atherosclerotic lesions, vasospasm, and acute stroke are now being approached and treated by newer and less invasive techniques, including cerebral angioplasty and thrombolytic therapy. Methods: All procedures are usually performed from a transfemoral approach utilizing a variety of occlusion devices, including detachable silicone balloons, microcoils, electrolytic detachable coils, liquid tissue adhesives, and particulate emboli for vessel occlusion. For dilatation and reperfusion of vessels, balloon angioplasty catheters, stents, and thrombolytic drugs are being used. Results: For the treatment of traumatic vascular injuries, such as carotid cavernous sinus fistulas and vertebral arteriovenous fistulas and pseudoaneurysms, endovascular therapy has become the treatment of choice. The endovascular approach for intracranial aneurysms is emerging as a therapeutic option in selected cases. For occlusive disorders in patients presenting with acute cerebral ischemia, extracranial angioplasty and cerebral thrombolysis techniques are currently under investigation. Conclusions: As these techniques continue to evolve, the field of interventional neuroradiology will expand the therapeutic options for managing complex cerebrovascular disorders and improve patient outcome in acute stroke therapy.
Complications Associated with Extracranial Carotid Artery Interventions
Authors: Dorros Gerald 
Published: March 2015

Efforts to ameliorate the tremendous personal and financial ramifications of stroke in this country have focused on the recently validated stroke reduction potential of carotid endarterectomy. During the years in which numerous randomized trials compiled their evidence in favor of surgical treatment, the evolution of minimally invasive therapeutic alternatives to surgery spread to encompass nearly every vascular bed in the body. Only the fragile cerebrovascular system remains as the final challenge for interventionists. Any revascularization alternative to carotid endarterectomy should achieve the same initial and long-term outcomes as the surgical gold standard, with comparable morbidity and mortality. After years of cautious, circumspect application, carotid angioplasty is now a contender for this role. Assisted by the newer stent technology, minimally invasive carotid interventions are entering clinical trials. While it is premature to discuss the stroke reduction potential of these catheter-based techniques, it is imperative that we recognize and prepare to treat the myriad, sometimes catastrophic, complications of these therapeutic approaches to carotid obliterative disease.
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of Supra-aortic Vessels
Authors: Motarjeme Amir 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To retrospectively review the techniques and results of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) in the supra-aortic vessels. Methods: Over a 5-year period, 112 patients underwent percutaneous treatment of 151 lesions in the innominate, subclavian, carotid, and vertebral arteries. The percutaneous technique included standard retrograde femoral artery access in the majority of patients with balloon dilation of the lesion site. In the more recently treated patients, stents were deployed for suboptimal PTA; primary stent deployment was used rarely. Symptom resolution and > 50% increase in flow were criteria necessary for a successful procedure. Results: In this population, 141 (93%) of 151 lesions were successfully treated. PTA achieved 100% success in stenotic lesions in the internal (n = 9) and external (n = 2) carotid; common carotid (n = 8); subclavian (n = 67); and innominate (n = 13) arteries. Ninety-two percent (36/39) of vertebral artery stenoses were successfully treated. In 13 cases of subclavian occlusion, however, only 6 (46%) were recanalized. There were 3 periprocedural complications, but only 1 was major; a focal stroke manifesting as right arm weakness occurred in a patient with left common carotid PTA and stenting. Five cases of reocclusion have been seen in 5 years of follow-up. All occurred in the subclavian artery, and 3 of the 5 were in arteries originally occluded. Conclusions: Brachiocephalic PTA can achieve excellent immediate and long-term results in proximal stenoses. Subclavian occlusions do not respond well to PTA, and those successfully recanalized have a high restenosis rate (50%). PTA of the arch vessel branches, particularly the vertebral artery, should be attempted only by experienced interventionists. Atherosclerotic lesions in the internal carotid arteries are best treated with endarterectomy at present, but fibromuscular dysplasia in the carotid arteries is an appropriate indication for PTA therapy.
Percutaneous Techniques for Endoluminal Carotid Interventions
Authors: Diethrich Edward B. , Marx Peter , Wrasper Robert , Reid Donald B. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To describe the evolving techniques for stent implantation in the proximal and cervical carotid arteries. Methods and Results: Percutaneous access to proximal and cervical carotid lesions is either via direct puncture of the common carotid artery or through the more familiar retrograde common femoral (RCF) artery approach. Both techniques and their variations are described in detail, along with their benefits, disadvantages, and possible complications. Dual lesions at the arch and higher up the neck can be treated either from the RCF route or, if the cervical lesion requires endarterectomy, with open exposure at the bifurcation and stenting of the proximal lesion. Conclusions: While the RCF route is more familiar to the majority of interventionists and provides adequate access in most situations, traversing the arch and negotiating acute angles at the ostia of the great vessels may render this method infeasible. The direct puncture technique is a useful alternative; however, it requires more expertise to prevent potentially disastrous access-site complications. One further caveat must be stated: regardless of the access approach selected, the opportunity for serious, debilitating—and lethal—complications is always present in cerebrovascular interventions. At this earliest phase in our experience with carotid stenting, cautious investigative methodologies must prevail.
Intravascular Ultrasound Assessment in Carotid Interventions
Authors: Reid Donald B. , Diethrich Edward B. , Marx Peter , Wrasper Robert 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To demonstrate the clinical value of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging in monitoring stent deployment in the cervical carotid arteries. Methods and Results: Two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) IVUS imaging has been used routinely in more than 100 patients following carotid stenting and the completion angiogram to detect evidence of inaccurate stent deployment. Axial 2D views were used to measure diameters and cross-sectional areas and provide the basis for 3D reconstruction. These composited images produced single-frame views of entire vascular segments, with definition of vessel wall morphology, stent placement, and angioplasty-induced defects. This information was used in the decision to apply further treatment to the area in order to maximize luminal diameter and/or correct defects. Conclusions: IVUS imaging is an important component of carotid artery stent procedures. It more accurately visualizes stent placement and vessel wall morphology than arteriography, information critical to the intraprocedural assessment process.
Anesthesia for Carotid Stent Procedures
Authors: Kharrazi M. Reza 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To present the techniques of anesthesia management used during percutaneous carotid interventions involving balloon dilation and stent deployment. Methods and Results: Two access routes may be used for carotid angioplasty, and the anesthesia techniques for each are different. In the conventional common femoral artery approach, the patient is sedated, heparinized, and ventilated by mask with 100% oxygen; the groin site is anesthetized locally with lidocaine. When the procedure reaches the point of balloon inflation, the patient is awakened, and atropine is administered to block the baroreceptor response. The heparin is not reversed after the procedure. General anesthesia with short-acting nonopioid intravenous anesthetics is preferred for patients undergoing direct puncture of the common carotid artery. The patient is intubated and ventilated with 100% oxygen. Here the patient is awakened after completion of the procedure, at which time protamine sulfate is used if needed to restore coagulation time to normal prior to sheath removal. The anesthesiologist must be vigilant in monitoring hemodynamic and neurological status throughout these carotid interventions, particularly during balloon inflations and after the sheath removal for the cervical approach. Conclusions: Anesthesia for percutaneous carotid interventions differs from that used for carotid surgery. Protection of the brain from ischemic insult is paramount, and scrupulous attention to physiological factors influencing cerebral blood flow is mandatory. The anesthesiologist plays a crucial role in maintaining hemodynamic stability, adjusting anticoagulation, and monitoring neurological status.
Carotid Angioplasty and Stenting: Will Periprocedural Transcranial Doppler Monitoring Be Important?
Authors: Benichou Hubert , Bergeron Patrice 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To explore the value of transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography in the periprocedural monitoring of patients undergoing angioplasty procedures for stenosis of the internal carotid artery. Methods: Thirty-two patients were included in the study between April 1991 and September 1995 (6 females, 26 males; average age 66 years). All patients were interrogated before and after angioplasty by a standard TCD examination protocol. Intraprocedurally, TCD was used continuously to monitor cerebral blood flow and supply evidence of embolic particulates. Nineteen patients were treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) alone; the other 13 underwent primary stent (PS) implantation. Results: High-intensity transient signals indicative of emboli appeared to be more frequent in the PTA group than in the PS cohort. Preoperative TCD identified 3 (9%) high-risk patients with incompetent collateral pathways through the circle of Willis. Intraoperatively, TCD detected two postdilation carotid occlusions, a sylvian embolism, and one case of arterial spasm. The preprocedural TCD in a patient with contralateral carotid occlusion showed good collateral circulation, providing reassurance during conversion to endarterectomy when an undeployed stent obstructed blood flow. Postoperatively, TCD confirmed restored intracerebral circulation and identified one hyperperfusion syndrome. Conclusions: TCD is a simple, relatively inexpensive examination that can preprocedurally identify carotid stenosis patients at high risk for intraoperative cerebral ischemia in whom PTA might be preferable to surgery. During the procedure, TCD can document the benefits of endovascular treatment and offer early detection of ischemic complications.
Deployment Technique and Histopathological Evaluation of an Endoluminal Vascular Prosthesis Used to Repair an Iliac Artery Aneurysm
Authors: White Rodney A. , Donayre Carlos E. , deVirgilio Christian , Weinstein Eric , Tio Fermin , Kopchok George 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To describe the deployment technique, function, and gross healing of an endoluminal vascular prosthesis deployed in a high-risk patient for treatment of a common iliac artery (CIA) aneurysm. Methods: An 82-year-old, high-risk male with a 4-cm-diameter CIA aneurysm approximately 4.5 to 5 cm long was treated with endoluminal exclusion of the lesion using a 6-cm-long, 14-mm-internal diameter Dacron vascular prosthesis with Palmaz 308 stents sutured to either end of the graft. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) imaging facilitated sizing of the endograft and its accurate positioning so as to occlude both the aneurysm and the hypogastric artery, which was a potential source of retrograde flow to the aneurysm. Exclusion of the lesion and occlusion of the hypogastric artery were demonstrated on delayed angiographic images and contrast computed tomography scans obtained at 16 days postprocedure. Unfortunately, the patient died 67 days following implantation from a nonprocedure-related gastrointestinal complication. Results: At autopsy, the aortoiliac segment was excised and examined grossly and histologically; the evaluation confirmed complete isolation of the aneurysm by the fully expanded endoluminal prosthesis. The surface of the vascular graft was covered by a glistening, thin, fibrinous membrane. The graft material was filled with hypocellular compact fibrinous material with no evidence of endothelialization. These observations confirm preliminary sealing and isolation of the iliac artery aneurysm as healing of the endograft progressed. Conclusions: The data acquired from the analysis of this specimen provide information regarding the utility and early healing of an endograft used for iliac artery aneurysm exclusion. This case also exemplifies the utility of IVUS in endograft deployment.
Adenosine-Induced Transient Cardiac Asystole Enhances Precise Deployment of Stent-Grafts in the Thoracic or Abdominal Aorta
Authors: Dorros Gerald , Conn Joel M. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To present a cardiac asystole technique that assists in the accurate deployment of stent-grafts during endovascular repair of thoracic or abdominal aortic aneurysms. Technique: In the anesthetized patient, trial doses of intravenous adenosine are delivered until a ≥ 20-second period of asystole is recorded. The endograft procedure then proceeds until the device is ready for deployment. The predetermined dose of adenosine is administered, and the device is deployed during asystole. Adenosine-induced transient asystole has been utilized in 16 patients undergoing balloon-expandable endograft exclusion of 6 thoracic aortic and 10 abdominal aortic aneurysms. Asystole lasted for 20 to 30 seconds, during which time the devices were accurately deployed without interference from the aortic flow. There were no clinical sequelae of this technique in any patient. Conclusions: Pharmacologically induced transient asystole appears to be a safe maneuver to preclude endograft movement by systolic blood flow. The technique permits precise placement of balloon-expandable stent-grafts and is applicable to self-expanding devices as well. Interventionists may wish to incorporate adenosine-induced asystole into their aortic aneurysm exclusion procedures.
Polymeric Surface Modifications of Tantalum Stents
Authors: Fontaine Arthur B. , Koelling Kurt , Passos Susan Dos , Cearlock Jody , Hoffman Randy , Spigos Dimitrios G. 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To compare two kinds of polymer-coated tantalum stents with bare tantalum stents (control) to determine if the coatings can improve thromboresistance. Methods: Twenty-seven Fontaine-Dake stents were balloon expanded in three 8-mm × 80-cm.polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts; 9 stents were bare tantalum (T); 9 were coated with polyetherurethane (PL); and 9 were coated with parylene (PA). There were 9 stents placed in each graft as follows: 3 tantalum, 3 polyetherurethane, and 3 parylene. In swine whose platelets had been radiolabeled with indium 111, the ends of each stented graft were connected to 14F femoral and venous sheaths to create an ex vivo fistula. Each graft was exposed to blood for 30, 60, and 120 minutes. At the end of each test period, the stented grafts were disconnected from the sheaths, flushed with saline until clear, and then flushed with formalin. The stents were removed from the grafts, and a radionuclide well counter recorded radionuclide counts from each stent type at each period of blood contact. These values were converted to platelet density per 1000 mUm2. Stents were then photographed and scanned with electron microscopy (EM) for qualitative analysis. Possible significant differences in platelet adhesion with the three types of stents (both between stent groups and within stent groups) were examined using a two-tailed Student's f-test. Results: There were significantly fewer platelets adsorbed on PA versus T at all time periods (p < 0.005); on PL versus T at 60 and 120 minutes (p < 0.005); and on PA versus PL at 30 and 120 minutes (p < 0.0005). There was no significant difference in platelet density within each stent group (p = 0.1). Mean platelet density (number of platelets per 1000 mUm2 ± SD) was as follows: at 30 minutes: T = 1891 ± 965; PL = 373 ± 193; and PA = 27 ± 3; at 60 minutes: T = 6226 ± 1621; PL = 1573 ± 793; and PA = 1185 ± 710; at 120 minutes: T = 5307 ± 591; PL = 3164 ± 318; and PA = 180 ± 100. Gross inspection of the 120-minute groups demonstrated focal areas of thrombus on T, less on PL, and none on PA. Scanning EM demonstrated extensive platelet accumulation covering T at all time periods, less on PL, and even less on PA. Conclusions: Polymeric surface modification of tantalum stents with parylene and/or polyetherurethane can improve the acute thromboresistance of these devices; parylene appears to be the more thromboresistant of the two coatings.
Femoropopliteal Venous Bypass Studied with Intravascular Ultrasound: A Case Report
Authors: van der Lugt Aad , Gussenhoven Elma J. , Tai Jo-Ann , van Sambeek Mar R.H.M. , Pieterman Herman , van Urk Hero 
Published: March 2015

Purpose: To describe the ability of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) to document the status of the greater saphenous vein during bypass surgery, the long-term changes in the bypass, and the effects of balloon angioplasty on vein graft stenoses. Methods: An 80-year-old female underwent in situ femoropopliteal venous bypass grafting. Vein graft stenosis developed 6 months later, necessitating balloon angioplasty. The angioplasty failed, and a polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) interposition graft was placed. Ten months after bypass surgery, balloon angioplasty was performed for new stenoses. This procedure also failed, and the venous bypass and interposition graft were removed and replaced by an e-PTFE graft. IVUS images obtained during the first surgery were compared with those obtained 10 months later. Histologic sections were used to confirm the IVUS findings. Results: IVUS detected a distinct narrowed venous segment, pre-existent intimal thickening, and disrupted valves. Over the follow-up period, both the pre-existent intimal thickening and the narrowed segment evolved into stenoses, necessitating treatment. Luminal gain after balloon angioplasty of graft stenosis was associated with vascular damage. Conclusions: This report shows that IVUS has the ability to document long-term venous bypass alterations and to demonstrate the effect of balloon angioplasty on venous bypass stenoses.