Outcomes of arch reintervention for post-repair recoarctation: A retrospectivel analysis in a single center / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To discuss outcomes of arch reintervention for post-repair recoarctation in children. Methods    From 2009 to 2019, 48 patients underwent reintervention for post-repair recoarctation in Shanghai Children’s Medical Center. Of the 48 patients, 22 patients had surgical repair, 25 patients had balloon angioplasty (BA), and 1 patient had a stent implantation. The clinical data were analyzed, and the difference in time-to-event distribution between the surgical group and the BA group was determined by a log-rank test. Results    The median age at reintervention was 15.0 months (range, 3.0 months-15.1 years). The median weight at reintervention was 9.8 kg (range, 3.0-58.0 kg). The time to reintervention after initial repair was 12.5 months (range, 2.0 months-7.8 years). One patient (2.1%) died in hospital and 1 patient (2.1%) experienced arrhythmia after surgical repair. One late mortality (2.1%) occurred after surgical reintervention. One patient (2.1%) experienced aortic dissection after BA. No patient died after BA. Freedom from residual coarctation or new recurrences was 66.7%, 61.3%, and 56.9%, respectively, at 1, 2, and 5 years after reintervention. Freedom from residual coarctation or new recurrences was 90.0%, 81.8%, and 70.1%, respectively, at 1, 2, and 5 years after surgical repair. Freedom from residual coarctation or new recurrences was 52.0%, 48.0%, and 48.0%, respectively, at 1, 2, and 5 years after BA. Compared with BA, surgery-based reintervention had a lower incidence of residual coarctation or recurrences (χ2=4.400, P=0.036). Conclusion    Reintervention for recoarctation has favorable early outcomes. Compared with balloon angioplasty, surgical repair has a more lasting effect in relieving the recoarctation.

Mortalidad por infarto agudo de miocardio en el registro continuo ARGEN-IAM-ST. Su relación con las diferentes terapias de reperfusión / Mortality of Acute Myocardial Infarction in the Continuous Registry ARGEN-AMI-ST and its Relationship with the Different Reperfusion Therapies

RESUMEN Introducción: El tratamiento de reperfusión es la terapéutica de mayor eficacia para reducir la mortalidad del infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST (IAMCEST) , y su efectividad es inversamente proporcional al tiempo total de isquemia. El mayor desafío es instrumentar su aplicación en la vida real y corregir en forma continua los desvíos o las barreras que se presentan en la práctica cotidiana. Objetivos: Evaluar la mortalidad con las diferentes modalidades de reperfusión, su relación con el tiempo de tratamiento y su efectividad en un registro prospectivo multicéntrico del mundo real de Argentina. Material y Métodos: estudio prospectivo, multicéntrico de carácter nacional, incluidos los pacientes con IAMCEST hasta las 36 h del comienzo de los síntomas (ARGEN-IAM-ST registro continuo). Resultados: participaron 2464 pacientes de 78 centros entre 2015 y 2019. El 88,5% recibió tratamiento de reperfusión. La mortalidad fue de 8,68%. Los pacientes tratados con reperfusión tuvieron una mortalidad de 7,81% versus 15,38% sin tratamiento (p <0,001). La mortalidad con angioplastia primaria fue 7,51%, con trombolíticos 9,03%, con estrategia farmacoinvasiva 2,99% y con angioplastia de rescate 9,40%, sin diferencia estadísticamente significativa entre angioplastia primaria y trombolíticos (OR 0,81 IC 95% 0,56-1,18, p = ns). Los pacientes fallecidos fueron de mayor edad, con mayor proporción de mujeres e insuficiencia cardíaca. El tratamiento de reperfusión e ingreso a la institución dentro de 3 horas del comienzo de los síntomas se asoció a menor mortalidad. Los pacientes fallecidos con angioplastia primaria tuvieron mayor tiempo total de isquemia (378 minutos versus 285 minutos, p < 0,001). Conclusiones: La mortalidad por IAMCEST se relacionó con el acceso a la reperfusión y su precocidad. Fue mucho mayor en los pacientes no reperfundidos, y menor cuando la reperfusión se efectuó en forma precoz dentro de las primeras tres horas del comienzo de los síntomas. En los pacientes tratados con angioplastia primaria la mortalidad se incrementó con mayor tiempo total de isquemia. Este registro de la práctica real del tratamiento del IAMCEST refuerza la necesidad de una mejor articulación del sistema de atención para bajar los tiempos y utilizar la estrategia mejor y más oportuna.

ABSTRACT Background: reperfusion treatment is the most effective therapy in reducing mortality from acute ST elevation myocardial infarction and its effectiveness is inversely proportional to the total time of ischemia. The greatest challenge is to implement its application in real life and continuously correct the deviations or barriers that arise in daily practice. Objectives: to evaluate mortality with the different reperfusion modalities, its relationship with treatment time and to evaluate its effectiveness. Methods: a prospective, multicenter national study, including patients with STEMI up to 36 h after symptoms began (ARGENAMI-ST continuous registry). Results: 2464 patients were included from 2015 to 2019 in 78 centers. 88.5% received reperfusion treatment. Mortality was 8.68%. The patients treated with reperfusion had a mortality of 7.81% versus 15.38% without treatment (p <0.001). Mortality with primary angioplasty was 7.51%, thrombolytics 9.03%, pharmacoinvasive strategy 2.99%, and rescue angioplasty 9.40%, with no statistically significant difference between primary angioplasty and thrombolytics (OR 0.81; 95% CI 0.56-1.18, p = ns). The deceased patients were older, a higher proportion of women, and heart failure. Reperfusion treatment and admission to the institution within 3 hours of starting symptoms were associated with lower mortality. Patients who died with primary angioplasty had a longer total ischemia time (378 minutes versus 285 minutes, p <0.001). Conclusions: mortality from STEMI was related to access to reperfusion and its earliness. It was much higher in non-reperfused patients, and lower when reperfusion was carried out early within the first three hours of the onset of symptoms. In patients treated with primary angioplasty, mortality increased with a longer total ischemia time. This record of the actual practice of the treatment of infarction reinforces the need for a better articulation of the care system to reduce times and use the best timely strategy.

Infarto agudo de miocardio con elevación del segmento ST en la Argentina. Datos del registro continuo ARGEN-IAM-ST / Acute ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction in Argentina. Data from the continuous ARGEN-IAM-ST registry

RESUMEN Introducción: A través del Registro Nacional de Infarto Agudo de Miocardio (IAM) con Elevación del ST (ARGEN IAM-ST) realizado en 2015 se conocieron datos de la realidad del IAM en Argentina; en esta ocasión, se presenta un reporte actual. Material y métodos: Estudio prospectivo multicéntrico, con alcance nacional. Luego de la primera fase de la encuesta ARGEN-IAM-ST, se invitó a los centros a continuar con el registro de IAM. Se incluyeron pacientes con IAM con elevación del segmento ST en el electrocardiograma de hasta 36 horas de evolución. Resultados: La población analizada abarcó 2464 pacientes asistidos en 78 centros. La media de edad fue 60 ± 12 años y el 80% fue de sexo masculino. Los factores de riesgo prevenibles se distribuyeron del siguiente modo: tabaquismo 45%, hipertensión arterial 58%, diabetes 24% y dislipidemia 41%. El 11% tuvo antecedente de enfermedad coronaria. El 88% recibió reperfusión; el 21% de estos pacientes recibieron trombolíticos y al 89% se le realizó angioplastia. La demora desde el inicio de los síntomas hasta la admisión fue de 130 minutos (RIC 25-75: 60-305); los médicos reportaron demoras hasta el tratamiento en el 49% de los casos, con impacto en los tiempos totales de isquemia (TTI). La mortalidad intrahospitalaria fue del 8,7%. En el análisis multivariado, ser tratado en un centro con hemodinamia no se asoció de forma independiente con la supervivencia. Conclusiones: Los datos actuales del registro continuo de IAM en la Argentina son similares a los que mostró la encuesta de 2015. Las demoras hasta el tratamiento son importantes, especialmente por el tiempo de demora en la consulta de los pacientes, lo que impacta en gran medida en los TTI.

ABSTRACT Background: The National ST-segment elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction (ARGEN-AMI-ST) registry carried out in 2015 provided data on the reality of AMI in Argentina. Objective: The aim of this study was to present an updated report of the ARGEN-AMI-ST registry. Methods: This was a national, prospective, multicenter study. After the first phase of the ARGEN-AMI-ST survey, centers were invited to continue with the AMI registry including patients with up to 36-hour electrocardiographic STEMI evolution. Results: The analyzed population comprised 2,464 patients assisted in 78 centers. Mean age was 60±12 years and 80% were men. Preventable risk factors were: 45% smoking, 58% hypertension, 24% diabetes, 41% dyslipidemia and 11% history of coronary heart disease. Eighty-eight percent of patients underwent reperfusion, and among them, 21% received thrombolytics and 89% percutaneous coronary intervention. The delay from onset of symptoms to admission was 130 minutes (IQR 25-75: 60-305); physicians reported delays to treatment in 49% of cases, with an impact on total ischemic times (TIT). In-hospital mortality was 8.7%. In the multivariate analysis, being treated in a center with hemodynamic availability was not independently associated with survival. Conclusions: Current data from the continuous AMI registry in Argentina are similar to those shown in the 2015 survey. Delays to treatment are important, especially due to the delay in patient consultation, which greatly impacts on TIT.

Hemodialysis Vascular access maintenance in the Covid-19 pandemic: Positioning paper from the Interventional Nephrology Committee of the Brazilian Society of Nephrology / Manutenção de acessos vasculares para hemodiálise na pandemia da Covid-19: posicionamento do Comitê de Nefrologia Intervencionista da Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia

ABSTRACT Vascular accesses for hemodialysis are considered the patient's lifeline and their maintenance is essential for treatment continuity. Following the example of institutions in other countries affected by the Covid-19 pandemic, the Brazilian Society of Nephrology developed these guidelines for healthcare services, elaborating on the importance of carrying out procedures for the preparation and preservation of vascular accesses. Creating definitive accesses for hemodialysis, grafts and arteriovenous fistulas are non-elective procedures, as well as the transition from the use of non-tunneled catheters to tunneled catheters, which cause less morbidity. In the case of patients with suspected or confirmed coronavirus infection, one may postpone the procedures for the quarantine period, to avoid spreading the disease.

RESUMO Os acessos vasculares para hemodiálise são considerados a linha da vida do paciente, e sua manutenção é essencial para o seguimento do tratamento. A exemplo de instituições de outros países atingidos pela pandemia da Covid-19, a Sociedade Brasileira de Nefrologia elaborou estas orientações para os serviços de saúde, esclarecendo a importância da realização dos procedimentos de confecção e preservação de acessos vasculares. Consideramos como não eletivos os procedimentos de confecção de acessos definitivos para hemodiálise, próteses e fístulas arteriovenosas, bem como a transição do uso de cateteres não tunelizados para cateteres tunelizados, os quais acarretam menor morbidade. Nos casos de pacientes com infecção suspeita ou confirmada por coronavírus, é aceitável o adiamento dos procedimentos pelo período de quarentena, para evitar disseminação da doença.

Therapeutic effect of intervention therapy for central venous stenosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients / 第二军医大学学报

Objective To explore the efficacy of interventional therapy for central venous stenosis in maintenance hemodialysis patients. Methods The general clinical data of the maintenance hemodialysis patients with central venous stenosis, who received interventional therapy in Changzheng Hospital of Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University) from Jan. 2014 to Mar. 2018, were retrospectively analyzed, and the patency of vascular access of interventional therapy were followed up. Results A total of 82 maintenance hemodialysis patients with central venous stenosis were enrolled. Six-eight patients (82.93%) had a history of temporary central venous catheterization. Among the 82 patients, 13 (15.85%) had double lesions of central vein and 69 (84.15%) had single lesion; and 5 (6.10%) had mild lesions, 17 (20.73%) had moderate lesions, 35 (42.68%) had severe lesions and 25 (30.49%) had complete occlusion. Of the 82 patients, 57 were treated by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and 9 by percutaneous transluminal stenting. The follow-up period ranged from 12 to 62 months after operation. The patency rate of vascular access was 75.76% (50/66) at 6 months postoperatively and 68.18% (45/66) at 12 months postoperatively. The overall patency rate of vascular access was 59.09% (39/66). Conclusion Central venous stenosis of the maintenance hemodialysis patients can affect the life of vascular access. For the patients with symptoms that can not be alleviated, active intervention is recommended. Intervention therapy is safe and effective for the patients with central venous stenosis. Meanwhile, the central venous catheterization shall be avoided if possible to reduce central venous stenosis in the patients with chronic kidney disease.

Management of Coarctation of The Aorta in Adult Patients: State of The Art

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is a common form of congenital heart disease. Adult patients with CoA may be asymptomatic or may present with hypertension. Over the last few years, endovascular management of adult patients with CoA emerged as the preferred strategy. Stent implantation, though technically challenging, offers the best and most lasting therapy. In this paper, we will review technical considerations and outcome of patients undergoing stent implantation for CoA.

Pulmonary balloon angioplasty for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension accompanying with progressed pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To describe the effect of sequential pulmonary balloon angioplasty for patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, who was accompanied with progressed pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy surgeries. Methods    From 2014 to December 2017, 7 patients were treated with a combination therapy of pulmonary endarterectomy and sequential pulmonary balloon angioplasty. There were 1 male and 6 females at age of 58 (43–59) years. A follow-up period of more than 1 year was accomplished. The result of right sided heart catheterization and ultrasonic cardiogram between and after the pulmonary endarterectomy or balloon angioplasty was collected. Results    Seven patients were treated with a combination of pulmonary endarterectomy and sequential pulmonary balloon angioplasty, which included 1 patient of single pulmonary balloon angioplasty and 6 patients of multiple pulmonary balloon angioplasties. The balloon dilation times was 2 (2–6), and the number of segments during each single balloon dilatation was 3–5, compared with the first clinical results before  the first balloon dilation, systolic pulmonary artery pressure [53 (47–75) mm Hg vs. 45 (40–54) mm Hg, P=0.042), mean pulmonaryartery pressure [38 (29–47) mm Hg vs. 29 (25–39) mm Hg, P=0.043], N terminal-B type natriuretic peptide [1 872 (1 598–2 898) pg/ml vs. 164 (72–334) pg/ml, P=0.018] improved significantly after the last balloon angioplasty. Heart function classification (NYHA) of all the 7 patients were recovered to Ⅰ-Ⅱclasses (P<0.05). Conclusion    Sequential pulmonary balloon angioplasty after pulmonary endarterectomy can further reduce the patient's right heart after load, improve the heart function for patients with progressed pulmonary hypertension after pulmonary endarterectomy surgeries.

Efficiency of Air Bubble Removal in Preparation of Low-Profile Angioplasty Balloon Catheter: Bench-Top Comparison of Six Methods / 신경중재치료의학

PURPOSE: Complete removal of air bubbles from balloons for neurovascular angioplasty is cumbersome. We compared the preparation difficulty, air removal efficiency, and air collection pattern of six different balloon catheter preparation methods to propose a better preparation method for both initial and second balloon uses, especially for small-profile angioplasty balloon catheters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 18 neurovascular angioplasty balloon catheters with nominal diameters of 2 mm were prepared to test six different preparation methods: the instruction for use method (method A), simplified method using a syringe (method B) and four newly devised preparation methods using inflating devices (methods C–F). Serial radiographs were obtained while the balloons were gradually inflated. We measured the time for each preparation and the bubble number, analyzed their distribution in the balloon, and calculated the contrast filling ratio (contrast filling area/total balloon area) for initial and second ballooning. The whole process was repeated three times. RESULTS: The preparation time varied widely (11.5 seconds [method D] to 73.3 seconds [method A]). On initial inflation, the contrast filling ratio at 8 atm was the highest (100%) with methods A and F. On second inflation, the ratio was again highest with method A (99.5%), followed by method F (99.2%). Initial ballooning tended to show a uniform pattern of single bubble in the distal segment of the balloon; in contrast, second ballooning showed varying patterns in which the bubbles were multiple and randomly distributed. CONCLUSION: None of the six methods were able to completely exclude air bubbles from the balloon catheters including the second ballooning; however, the method of repeating aspiration with high-volume inflating device (method F) could be a practical option considering the simplicity and efficiency of preparation.

One-stage interventional treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage / 中华肝胆外科杂志

Objective To evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes of interventional treatment of Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) associated with simultaneous upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage.Methods The clinical data of 32 patients of BCS with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage from October 2015 to April 2008 in First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were analyzed retrospectively.Variceal embolization and inferior vena cave (IVC) and/or hepatic veins (HV) angioplasty were performed simultaneously.Perioperative complications were observed.Portal vein pressures were measured through catheterization preand post-operation.Restenosis of IVC and HV,upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage were observed on followup.Results Percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty were successfully carried out in all patients:16 patients with IVC and 17 patients with HV stenosis underwent angioplasty without stent placement.Portography indicated one esophageal and gastric varices in 17 patients and two in 15 patients.All the varices were embolized successfully.The portal vein pressure reduced from (35.7±2.9) cmH2O to (31.2±2.5) cmH2O (P ＜ 0.05,1 cmH2O =0.098 kPa).Portal vein pressure reduced from (35.8± 3.0) cmH2O to (30.7±2.3) cmH2O in HV type BCS post-operation,and reduce from (35.6±3.0) cmH2O to (31.8±2.6) cmH2O in HV and IVC involved type,which indicated that portal vein pressure decreased more obviously after HV recanalization.On follow-up for 3 to 32 months (mean 11.7 ±7.8 months),7 patients with IVC and 5 patients with HV stenosis developed restenosis.Transluminal balloon angioplasty was performed.No upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage occurred during the follow-up period.Conclusion One-stage interventional treatment of BCS with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage was safe and effective,and had satisfactory mediumlong term outcomes.

Effect of arthroscopic assisted balloon angioplasty in patients with tibial plateau fractures and its effect on limb function / 中国内镜杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of arthroscopic balloon angioplasty on the recovery of limb function in patients with tibial plateau fractures (FTP). Methods Sixty-eight patients with FTP were enrolled from April 2015 to August 2016. The patients were divided into control group (traditional incisional surgery) and observation group (arthroscopic balloon angioplasty) by random number method. The efficacy and the recovery of limb function in patients of the two groups,with a retrospective analysis. Results The excellent operative rate (92.18%) in observation group was significantly higher than that in control group (70.59%), and the operative rate was significantly higher than that in control group (P < 0.05). The surgical parameters (the amount of bleeding, the time of operation, the time of getting out of bed and the postoperative flowrate) in observation group were significantly better than those in control group. The SF-36 score of observation group was significantly higher than the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion In the treatment of arthroplasty with bronchial angioplasty, the curative effect is more accurate, which can improve the patient's limb function and improve the patients.

Prognostic Factors in Patients Treated with Drug-Coated Balloon Angioplasty for Symptomatic Peripheral Artery Disease

PURPOSE: Aim of this study is to report real-life experience on the treatment of peripheral artery disease (PAD) with a specific drug-coated balloon (DCB), and to evaluate potential prognostic factors for outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a retrospective study reporting outcomes in patients with PAD who were treated with the Lutonix DCB during a four-year period. Major outcomes included: all-cause mortality, amputation, clinical improvement, wound healing and target lesion revascularization (TLR). Mean follow-up was 24.2±2.3 months. RESULTS: Overall, 149 patients (mean age: 68.6±8.3 years; 113 males) were treated, either for intermittent claudication (IC) (n=86) or critical limb ischemia (CLI) (n=63). More than half the target lesions (n=206 in total) were located in the superficial femoral artery and 18.0% were below-the-knee lesions. CLI patients presented more frequently with infrapopliteal (P=0.002) or multilevel disease (P=0.0004). Overall, all-cause mortality during follow-up was 10.7%, amputation-free survival was 81.2% and TLR-free survival was 96.6%. CLI patients showed higher all-cause mortality (P=0.007) and total amputation (P=0.0001) rates as well as lower clinical improvement (P=0.0002), compared to IC patients. Coronary artery disease (CAD), gangrene and infrapopliteal disease were found to be predictors for death whereas CLI and gangrene were found to be predictors for amputation, during follow-up. CONCLUSION: PAD treatment with Lutonix DCBs seems to be an efficient and safe endovascular strategy yielding promising results. However, CAD, gangrene, CLI and infrapopliteal lesions were found to be independent predictors for adverse outcomes. Larger series are needed to identify additional prognostic factors.

O uso do balão com paclitaxel no tratamento da reestenose intra-stent no segmento fêmoro-poplíteo / Use of paclitaxel-coated balloon to treat in-stent restenosis in femoropopliteal segments

Resumo Contexto A reestenose intra-stent por hiperplasia miointimal pós-angioplastia é uma intercorrência frequente e que limita a perviedade do procedimento a longo prazo. A terapia com balões revestidos de droga com ação antiproliferativa pode ser uma alternativa no tratamento dessa complicação. Objetivos Demonstrar eficácia e as complicações (óbito, grandes amputações, etc.) do balão farmacológico no tratamento da reestenose intra-stent de segmento femoropoplíteo. Métodos Estudo de coorte retrospectivo de 32 pacientes consecutivos tratados entre os anos de 2012 e 2016, submetidos a terapia de reestenose intra-stent de segmento femoropoplíteo com angioplastia com balão farmacológico revestido com paclitaxel. A taxa de sucesso foi mensurada pela ocorrência de sucesso do procedimento e reestenose inferior a 50% em avaliação por eco-Doppler colorido 30, 90 e 180 dias após o procedimento. Resultados Quatro pacientes (12,5%) apresentaram reestenose superior a 50%, sendo um (3,1%) após 90 dias e três (9,4%) após 180 dias, conferindo uma taxa de sucesso de 87,5% ao procedimento. Após 180 dias, todos os pacientes referiam melhora ou cessação dos sinais e/ou sintomas apresentados antes do procedimento. Não houve óbitos, e complicações ocorreram apenas em dois casos, no pós-operatório imediato. Conclusões Os resultados a curto prazo da terapia com balão farmacológico são promissores, com redução na taxa de reestenose e baixo índice de complicações. Ainda precisam ser apresentados estudos demonstrando os efeitos a longo prazo dessa terapia, assim como seu impacto econômico quando comparada a outros procedimentos.

Abstract Background In-stent restenosis due to myointimal hyperplasia after angioplasty is common and limits long-term patency. Treatments using balloons coated with antiproliferative drugs may offer an alternative option for this pathology. Objectives To demonstrate the efficacy and complications (death, major amputations, etc.) of drug-coated balloons for treatment of in-stent restenosis in femoropopliteal segments. Methods This was a retrospective cohort study of 32 consecutive patients treated between 2012 and 2016 who underwent treatment to correct in-stent restenosis in the femoropopliteal segment using paclitaxel-coated balloons. The success rate was measured in terms of technical success and restenosis of less than 50% on Doppler ultrasonography at 30, 90, and 180 days after the procedure. Results Four patients (12.5%) exhibited restenosis greater than 50%, one (3.1%) after 90 days and three (9.4%) after 180 days, equating to a success rate of 87.5% of procedures, and by 180 days all patients experienced improvement or cessation of the signs and/or symptoms they had presented prior to the procedure. There were no deaths and complications occurred in just 2 cases in the immediate postoperative period. Conclusions Short-term results are promising, with reductions in the magnitude of restenosis and a low rate of complications. Further studies are needed that can demonstrate the long-term effects and the economic impacts in comparison to other procedures.

Clinical analysis of 18 patients with portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation / 器官移植

Objective To summarize the experience of clinical diagnosis and treatment of portal vein stenosis after liver transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 18 patients presenting with portal vein stenosis after undergoing liver transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence, treatment and prognosis of portal vein stenosis were summarized. Results Seventeen patients had a medical history of liver cirrhosis before liver transplantation, 7 cases with a medical history of portal vein thrombosis and 8 cases with a medical history of devascularization or shunt with splenectomy. Three cases received the pediatric liver grafts. Eighteen patients suffered from portal vein stenosis from postoperative 23 d to 24 months with a median time of 2.2 months, which was detected by color Doppler ultrasound (CDU) and diagnosed by CT angiography (CTA) of the portal vein or interventional therapy. After the diagnosis was confirmed,all cases received anticoagulant treatment by warfarin. Five patients with portal hypertension underwent balloon dilatation,and one of them received endovascular stent implantation simultaneously. The remaining 13 patients received conservative therapy. After corresponding treatment, 9 cases were mitigated, 7 patients remained unchanged and 2 cases were aggravated. Conclusions For the recipients with a medical history of liver cirrhosis before liver transplantation, portal vein stenosis should be monitored by conventional CDU and diagnosed by CTA or interventional therapy after transplantation. Patients without clinical symptoms can receive conservative treatment. Those complicated with portal hypertension can undergo interventional therapy. Favorable clinical prognosis is obtained in most cases.

Controlled Atrial Fibrillation after Pulmonary Vein Stenting

When there is no pulmonary vein reconnection after catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, patients can experience recurrence of atrial fibrillation without clear evidence of non-pulmonary vein foci. We describe a patient with significant pulmonary vein stenosis and recurrent atrial fibrillation after four ablation procedures. After successful pulmonary vein stenting, the symptoms were resolved, and sinus rhythm was maintained for 2 years without treatment with antiarrhythmic medication. We believe pulmonary vein stenting potentially controlled atrial fibrillation by providing pulmonary vein pressure relief or by compressing the epicardial triggers occurring at the pulmonary vein ostium.

Lower limb ischemia after bee sting / 영남의대학술지

Bee sting causes mild symptoms such as urticaria and localized pain, and severe symptoms including anaphylaxis, cardiovascular collapse, and death. We reported on a patient with arterial thrombotic occlusion and severe ischemia in the lower limb after multiple bee stings. The patient was stung 5 times and complained of pallor, pain, and coldness in the left toe, and did not have dorsalis pedis pulsation. Computed tomography angiography showed multiple thrombotic occlusion of the anterior and posterial tibial artery below the knee. Local thrombolytic therapy using urokinase was administered and the occluded arteries were successfully recanalized.

Comparison of Paclitaxel-Coated Balloon Treatment and Plain Old Balloon Angioplasty for De Novo Coronary Lesions

PURPOSE: This study compared the angiographic outcomes of paclitaxel-coated balloon (PCB) versus plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA) treatment for de novo coronary artery lesions. At present, there is no available data comparing the efficacy of PCB versus POBA for the treatment of de novo coronary lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This multicenter retrospective observational study enrolled patients with de novo coronary lesions with a reference vessel diameter between 2.5 mm and 3.0 mm and lesion length or =50%) in POBA, compared to PCB (30.4%, n=7 vs. 4.1%, n=2, p<0.001). Target vessel revascularization was higher in the POBA group (13.0%, n=3 vs. 0%, p=0.033). CONCLUSION: PCB treatment of de novo coronary lesions showed better 9-month angiographic outcomes than POBA treatment alone.

Balloon-assisted maturation for arteriovenous fistula maturation failure: an early period experience

PURPOSE: Balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) is emerging as a salvage management for arteriovenous fistula maturation failure (AVF MF). However, BAM is a relatively new, yet controversial technique for AVF maturation. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of BAM for AVF MF. METHODS: Between January 2012 and December 2014, 249 AVFs were created. The total MF rate was 24.8%. But, only 110 AVFs were enrolled, including 74 brachiocephalic (BC) AVFs and 36 radiocephalic (RC) AVFs. The follow-up period was 12 months. Among those, there were 42 MFs (22 BC AVFs and 20 RC AVFs) and 68 maturation successes (MS) (52 BC AVFs and 16 RC AVFs). BAM was involved in MF group. We compared the clinical characteristics, AVF flows, and AVF flow ratios of MF and MS groups. Also, we evaluated the etiology, management, and result of MF. RESULTS: There was no difference in clinical characteristics between MF and MS groups. In MF group, 39 balloon angioplasties (BAs) for 42 AVF MFs were performed. Number of BA was 1.45 ± 0.57 and duration of BA was 21.30 ± 21.24 weeks. BAM rate was 46.2%. For 1 year after AVF creation, AVF flows of MS group were significantly larger than those of MF group (P 0.05). CONCLUSION: BA for AVF MF is a relatively applicable and effective modality. Although a large volume study is necessary, we suggest BAM is an effective salvage management for AVF MF.

Resistência ao AAS na doença coronariana estável / Aspirin resistance in stable coronary disease

Fundamentos: A doença arterial coronariana (DAC) apresenta alta morbimortalidade. A angioplastia coronariana e antiagregação com ácido acetilsalicílico (AAS) são fundamentais no tratamento desses pacientes. No contexto da angioplastia eletiva, carece estudos referentes aos fatores associados à resistência ao AAS.Objetivo: Avaliar a prevalência e os fatores relacionados à resistência ao AAS em pacientes submetidos àangioplastia eletiva. Métodos: Coorte retrospectiva de 198 pacientes submetidos à angioplastia eletiva, avaliados quanto à resistência ao AAS pela agregometria óptica com ácido araquidônico como agonista.Resultados: Observou-se resistência ao AAS em 6,56% da coorte (13/198). Os níveis de proteína C-reativa (PCR-t)mostraram associação com a resistência ao AAS (p=0,02). Conclusões: A prevalência da resistência ao AAS observada nos pacientes submetidos à angioplastia eletiva é baixa e os níveis elevados de proteína C-reativa relacionaram-se com maior chance de ocorrência dessa resistência.

Background: Coronary artery disease (CAD) has high morbidity and mortality rates. Coronary angioplasty and antiplatelet therapy with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) are critical in treating CAD patients. Elective angioplasty lacks studies on the factors associatedwith resistance to ASA. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence and ASA resistance related factors in patients undergoing elective angioplasty.Methods: Retrospective cohort study of 198 patients undergoing elective angioplasty, evaluated for resistance to ASA by optical aggregometry with arachidonic acid as agonist. Results: Resistance to ASA in 6.56% of the cohort (13/198). C-reactive protein (CRP) levels indicated association with resistance to ASA (p=0.02).Conclusions: Low prevalence of ASA resistance in patients undergoing elective angioplasty; C-reactive protein high levels are related to greater frequency of this resistance.

National trends for the treatment of peripheral arterial disease in Korea between 2004 and 2013

PURPOSE: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) has been a major public health issue in the elderly. Advances in endovascular surgery have led to a substantial shift in the management of PAD. Although the nationwide trend of PAD treatment in the Western countries was reported, limited data have been available on this in Korea. This study examined the national trend in the treatment of PAD in Korea over the past decade. METHODS: Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data were used. We sought to analyze trends in the open and endovascular surgery for the treatment of PAD in Medicare beneficiaries between 2004 and 2013. We also analyzed trends in each types of surgery in the lower extremity. A linear-by-linear association was performed to determine the changes of PAD treatment for this period. RESULTS: The rate of open surgery per 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries decreased significantly from 8 procedures in 2004 to 6 in 2013. At the same time, endovascular surgery increased from 23 procedures in 2004 to 59 in 2013. Endovascular surgery in the lower extremity increased more than twofold, while the open surgery decreased by 39%. The rate of balloon angioplasty among endovascular surgery was increased by almost threefold, while the bypass surgery using artificial graft decreased by half. CONCLUSION: Endovascular surgery is now performed more commonly than open surgery for PAD treatment. Balloon angioplasty increased by almost threefold, while the bypass surgery using artificial graft decreased by about 50%.

Risk of Stent Stenosis after Implanting a First-Generation Drug-Eluting Stent and Drug Balloon Angioplasty / 대한내과학회지

In patients with coronary artery disease, coronary stenting with a drug-eluting stent (DES) is associated with lower rates of in-stent restenosis and re-surgery for the target lesion compared with a bare metal stent, while late stent thrombosis has emerged as a life-threatening complication in patients treated with a first-generation DES. As no treatment has been established for potentially fatal late stent thrombosis associated with a first-generation DES, we perform drug balloon angioplasty for patients with stent thrombosis and in-stent restenosis associated with DES. Here, we reported the cases with normal coronary artery flow after a 2-year follow-up.