Customização intraoperatória de endoprótese para correção de fístula aortoentérica em contexto de urgência: um relato de caso / Intraoperative endoprosthesis customization for repair of an aortoenteric fistula in an emergency context: a case report

Resumo A fístula aortoentérica é uma grave condição clínica, e seu manejo permanece sendo um grande desafio técnico aos cirurgiões. A abordagem por cirurgia convencional nesses casos está relacionada a altos índices de morbimortalidade. A cirurgia endovascular apresenta-se como uma ótima alternativa nesses casos; contudo, por não se tratar de aorta nativa, a anatomia pode não ser compatível com os dispositivos endovasculares comercialmente disponíveis, fazendo-se necessário, em casos de urgência, a utilização de dispositivos modificados pelo cirurgião. O caso relatado reporta uma fístula aortoentérica secundária, tratada em situação de urgência por técnica endovascular com dispositivo modificado.

Abstract Aortoenteric fistula is a severe clinical condition and its management remains a major technical challenge for surgeons. In these cases, the conventional surgical approach is associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Endovascular surgery is an excellent option in these cases, but considering that the aorta has been treated previously, anatomy may not be compatible with commercially available endovascular devices and so physician-modified endografts may be needed in urgent cases. The case reported involves a secondary aortoenteric fistula, treated on an emergency basis with endovascular techniques, using a physician-modified endograft.

Hemorragia digestiva masiva por fístulas secundarias de grandes vasos al tracto digestivo / Massive digestive hemorrhage from secondary fistulas of great vessels to the digestive tract

RESUMEN La formación de una fístula entre arterias de gran calibre y el tubo digestivo es una complicación infrecuente de la cirugía reconstructiva de los grandes vasos sanguíneos secundario al uso de prótesis vasculares, los cuales se manifiestan con hemorragias masivas con elevada mortalidad. Presentamos dos casos de fístula aorto-entérico y de fístula carotideo-esofágico que comparten características comunes como la manifestación clínica de hemorragia digestiva masiva y mortal en pacientes con antecedentes de colocación de prótesis vasculares.

ABSTRACT The formation of a fistula between large caliber arteries and the digestive tract is an uncommon complication of reconstructive surgery of the large vessels secondary to the use of vascular prostheses, which manifest themselves with massive hemorrhages with high mortality. We report two cases of aorto-enteric fistula and carotid-esophageal fistula that share common characteristics such as the clinical manifestation of massive and fatal gastrointestinal bleeding in patients with a history of vascular prosthesis placement.

Fístula Aorto-entérica secundária - Relato de caso / Secondary Aortoenteric Fistulae - Case report

A correção de aneurisma de aorta abdominal tem sido sua principal indicação o implante de endoprótese (EDV) quando a anatomia for favorável. Apresenta infecção em pós-operatório (PO) baixa, mais relacionados a procedimentos complementares. A ocorrência de fístula aorto-entérica é mais complexa, mas frequentemente associada a infecção pós-EDV. Representa um desafio operatório em um paciente muitas vezes debilitado. A antibioticoterapia é utilizada por longo tempo e de largo espectro. Neste trabalho, apresentaremos um caso de fístula aorto-entérica pós implante de EDV e a conduta que foi realizada para o seu tratamento.

The principal indication for repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm is the endovascular approach when the aortic anatomy is favorable. Graft infection has lower incidence, more related to re-intervations after the endovascular approach. It represents an operational challenge in a often debilitated patient. The antibiotic therapy is long and with a broad spectrum. In this work we will present a case with secondary aortic fistulae after endovascular repair and the decisions for the treatment.

Tratamento endovascular da hipertensão portal e da hemorragia digestiva recorrente e secundária à síndrome da fístula arterioportal: complicação tardia de trauma abdominal penetrante / Endovascular treatment of portal hypertension and recurrent digestive hemorrhage secondary to arterioportal fistula syndrome: late complication of penetrating abdominal trauma

Resumo A síndrome da fístula artério-portal (FAP) é uma rara e reversível causa de hipertensão portal pré-sinusoidal, ocasionada pela comunicação de uma artéria visceral com o sistema venoso portal. A maioria dos pacientes é assintomática, mas quando desenvolvem sintomas, estes são mais relacionados com sangramento gastrointestinal, ascite, insuficiência cardíaca congestiva e diarreia. Este desafio terapêutico apresenta um caso de FAP decorrente de ferimento antigo por arma branca e subsequente evolução clínica desfavorável, com grave desnutrição e frequentes hemorragias digestivas. O caso foi solucionado através de oclusão da FAP por meio de tratamento endovascular.

Abstract The arterioportal fistula (APF) syndrome is a rare and reversible cause of pre-sinusoidal portal hypertension, caused by communication between a visceral artery and the portal venous system. Most patients are asymptomatic, but when they do develop symptoms, these are mainly related to gastrointestinal bleeding, ascites, congestive heart failure, and diarrhea. This therapeutic challenge presents a case of APF caused by a 20-year-old stabbing injury with unfavorable late clinical evolution, including significant malnutrition and severe digestive hemorrhages. The patient was treated using an endovascular procedure to occlude of the fistula.

Coronary-to-Pulmonary Artery Fistula in Adults: Natural History and Management Strategies

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the natural course of coronary-to-pulmonary artery fistula (CPAF) detected on coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and to propose potential treatment strategies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective multicenter study, we assessed the CCTA reports of 188 CPAF patients evaluated between March 2009 and June 2016. Fifty-seven patients were excluded because their follow-up (FU) periods were less than 2 years. Information regarding demographic characteristics, past history, treatment method, and the occurrence of major adverse cardiac events (MACE) during the FU period was collected. We analyzed the morphologic features of CPAF and the various factors associated with surgical treatment. Patients who had undergone FU CCTA after being diagnosed with CPAF were assessed for the presence of morphological changes on FU imaging. RESULTS: The median age of the study population was 63.0 years (range, 57.0–72.0 years), and the median FU period was 5.72 years (range, 4.08–6.96 years). The most common origin of the CPAF was both coronary arteries in 76 (58.0%) cases. An aneurysm or aneurysms was/were present in 41 (31.3%) cases. Fifty-four (41.2%) fistulas were less than 2 mm in size. Eight patients underwent surgery, and 123 (93.9%) patients received optimal medical treatment (OMT). The fistula size was significantly different between the two treatment groups (p = 0.013) and was the only factor associated with surgical treatment (odds ratio = 1.14, p = 0.021). Only one patient in the OMT group reported MACE during the FU period due to preexisting coronary artery disease. Twenty-nine patients (22.1%) underwent FU CCTA after CPAF diagnosis, with a median FU period of 3.81 years. None of the patients in the OMT group demonstrated morphological changes in the CPAF on FU imaging. CONCLUSION: Most CPAFs identified on CCTA have a favorable prognosis. Observation with OMT is usually an appropriate strategy. Fistula size is a possible determinant for surgical treatment.

Fístula aorto-atrial direita: uma complicação pós-endocardite infecciosa. Relato de caso / Right aorto-atrial fistula: a post-infective endocarditis complication. A case report

A fístula aorto-atrial direita é uma comunicação anômala, que representa uma grave e infrequente complicação da endocardite infecciosa. Neste estudo, relata-se o caso de um paciente de 53 anos, do sexo masculino, com histórico evolutivo patológico de endocardite infecciosa e acometimento de valva aórtica. Sob imagem de ecocardiograma, demonstrou-se abscesso perivalvar aórtico, estendendo-se à parede atrial direita, com necessidade de abordagem cirúrgica. Foram realizados a anuloplastia valvar aórtica e implante de valva mecânica. Após 1 mês de evolução pós-cirúrgica, realizou-se novo ecocardiograma, que acusou shunt de débito da raiz da aorta para o átrio direito. A conduta diante do caso foi discutida entre equipe clínica e cirúrgica, visando a possíveis falhas na terapêutica inicial. (AU)

Right aorto-atrial fistula is an anomalous communication that represents a serious and infrequent complication of infective endocarditis. This study reports the case of a 53-year-old male patient, with a pathological evolutionary history of infective endocarditis and aortic valve involvement. The echocardiogram shows an aortic perivalvar abscess extending to the right atrial wall, requiring a surgical approach. Aortic valve annuloplasty and mechanical valve implantation were performed. After a month of post-surgical evolution, a new echocardiogram was performed, which showed aortic root to right atrium shunt. The behavior in this case was discussed between the clinical and surgical teams, aiming at possible failures in the initial therapy. (AU)

Primary aortoduodenal fistula: first you should suspect it

ABSTRACT A 59 year-old patient was admitted with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The clinical exam showed mild hypotension and blood samples revealed acute anemia (hemoglobin = 7.5 g/dl). Emergency computed tomography showed an infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm and extravasation of the arterial contrast material toward the digestive tract. The patient was transported to the operating room for emergency laparotomy, which showed an aortoduodenal fistula. After proximal and distal aortic vascular control, the two anatomical structures were dissected with duodenorrhaphy, patch repair of the aortic tear and omentum interposition. The postoperative recovery was uneventful, with discharge after 12 days.

Major intrahepatic veno-venous fistula after fontan operation treated by transcatheter implantation of amplatzer septal occluder through internal jugular vein

Abstract Six months after undergoing a Fontan operation, a 7-year-old boy with right atrial isomerism and a single functional ventricle was admitted to our emergency department with cyanosis. Emergency cardiac catheterization revealed a large veno-venous fistula that began in a left hepatic vein, connected to the left accessory hepatic veins, and drained into the common atrium, resulting in desaturation. The fistula was occluded proximally with an Amplatzer septal occluder, with satisfying results; the patient's systemic arterial saturation decreased during his hospital stay. Three weeks after the first intervention, a second procedure was performed to retrieve the first device and to close the fistula distally. Multiple attempts with different types of gooseneck snares and a bioptome catheter failed to retrieve the first device, so a telescopic method was used to re-screw it. Using a Mullins long sheath and delivery sheath, the delivery cable was manipulated to fit into the slot of the end screw, and the cable was rotated gently in a clockwise direction to re-screw the device. Then, another Amplatzer septal occluder was placed at the distal end of the fistula. In conclusion, distal transcatheter occlusion of intrahepatic veno-venous fistulas might lead to better clinical outcomes in selected patients. Amplatzer septal occluder device can be retrieve without any complication within three weeks.

A case of autologous pericardium patch in treatment of aortoesophageal fistula / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Aortoesophageal fistula (AEF) is a rare but fatal complication caused by foreign body ingestion. Aortic replacement and endovascular stent graft are the common repair surgeries. The materials to repair an aortic defect in AEF are typically homograft or allograft, but the use of an autologous pericardium patch is rarely reported. Here we reported a patient with AEF and severe mediastinal infection induced by chicken bone ingestion. In this case, the autologous pericardium patch was used as the repair material.

Transcatheter closure in various types of congenital coronary artery fistula: a follow-up study / 中国当代儿科杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the short- and medium-term efficacy, complications, and anti-coagulation therapies related to transcatheter closure (TCC) of coronary artery fistula (CAF) in children.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>We conducted a retrospective review of the medical records of 12 children with CAF who underwent TCC between January 2006 and January 2014, focusing on details such as preoperative, radiographic, and postoperative follow-up data, to record closure methods for CAF, anti-coagulation therapies, postoperative complications, and results of auxiliary examinations.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Among the 12 cases who underwent successful TCC and whose age was 1-158 months, four patients had proximal/medium-sized CAF, five had proximal/large CAF, and three had distal/medium-sized CAF. The mean period of postoperative follow-up was 3.5±2.4 years. Eleven patients took aspirin for 6 months post closure, and one took it for 18 months. Neither coronary thrombosis nor interventional complications were found. Left ventricular ejection fraction, cardiothoracic ratio, pulmonary artery pressure, and the diameters of coronary artery lesions decreased post TCC.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>TCC is feasible and safe in proximal and distal/medium-sized CAF patients. Postoperative anti-coagulation with aspirin may prevent short- and medium-term thrombosis, but treatment course and safety need to be investigated by further follow-ups.</p>

Fístula aortobronquial como causa de hemoptisis masiva / Aortobronchial fistula as a cause of massive hemoptysis

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las fístulas aortobronquiales son una causa muy infrecuente de hemoptisis masiva. Se asocia a la presencia de un aneurisma aórtico, y su evolución es siempre letal sin un tratamiento oportuno. El objetivo es presentar un caso de fístula aortobronquial y la revisión de bibliografía respectiva. Presentación del caso: Paciente de género femenino, de 76 años, hipertensa y diabética, sin otros antecedentes mórbidos. Ingresó al Servicio de Urgencia por hemoptisis posterior a caída a nivel. La radiografía de tórax mostró imagen hiperdensa en vértice pulmonar izquierdo, asociada a desviación mediastínica contralateral. Evolucionó con episodio de hemoptisis masiva el cual fue tratado satisfactoriamente con reposición de volumen y transfusión de hemoderivados. La tomografía computada de tórax con contraste mostró aneurisma de aorta torácica, de diámetro máximo de 10,8 cm...

INTRODUCTION: Aortobronchial fistula is a very rare cause of massive hemoptysis. It is associated with the presence of an aortic aneurysm and its evolution is always fatal without prompt treatment. The objective is to present a case of aortobronchial fistula and to review the respective literature. Case Report: A 76 years old woman, hypertensive and diabetic, no other known morbid history. She was admitted to emergency room with mild hemoptysis after a fall. Chest X-ray showed hyperdense image in the left lung apex, associated with contralateral mediastinal shift. She was treated with antibiotics and antitussives. She evolved with an episode of massive hemoptysis which was successfully treated with fluid resuscitation and blood transfusion. Chest computed tomography showed large thoracic aortic aneurysm with a maximum diameter of 10.8 cm…

Estudo retrospectivo da técnica de botoeira em hemodiálise aplicada em usuários do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) / Retrospective study of the technique of buttonhole on hemodialysis applied to users of the Unified Health System (SUS)

A doença renal crônica emerge hoje como um sério problema de saúde pública em todo mundo, sendo considerada uma "epidemia" de crescimento alarmante. Um dos grandes desafios do século XXI será minimizar as implicações promovidas por essa patologia no nível econômico e social. O acesso vascular representa uma das principais causas mobilizadoras de recursos financeiros nas pessoas com insuficiência renal crônica terminal (IRCT). A canulação tradicional em fístula arteriovenosa era, até recentemente, a única prática no serviço de hemodiálise (HD). A partir da introdução de uma alternativa de canulação praticada na Europa e Estados Unidos, se evidenciaram melhorias para o paciente com um protocolo rigoroso que ameniza consideravelmente as complicações com os acessos vasculares definitivos para HD. Estudo descritivo, exploratório e retrospectivo de abordagem quantiqualitativa sobre a técnica de botoeira à pacientes com IRCT, com fístula arteriovenosa pelo Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), tendo como objetivos: descrever a técnica de botoeira no serviço de hemodiálise; identificar os desfechos da utilização da técnica de botoeira dos pacientes em programa regular de HD durante os últimos três anos; comparar os desfechos obtidos da aplicação da técnica de botoeira em relação à ropeladder e; discutir a técnica de botoeira como indicador de qualidade do cuidado de enfermagem oferecido ao paciente em tratamento hemodialítico usuário do SUS no ambiente de um serviço privado. O cenário foi uma clínica privada conveniada ao SUS localizada na região metropolitana do estado do Rio de Janeiro. A amostra foi constituída por 94 pacientes, e a coleta de dados foi realizada por meio dos prontuários, questionário semi-estruturado e entrevista semi-estruturada. Do estudo emergiram dados que descrevem a implantação da técnica de botoeira, dados comparativos entre a técnica de botoeira e ropeladder e entrevista sobre a satisfação do uso da técnica de botoeira. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o programa SPSS 17.0, software Bioestat e análise de conteúdo de Bardin. Conclui-se que a técnica de botoeira demonstrou-se benéfica ao paciente em terapia hemodialítica em todos os aspectos, com ênfase nos aspectos de dor, autoimagem e autoestima. Permitiu observar, também, que os gastos dos cofres públicos com acesso vascular definitivo foram diminuídos e será necessária a divulgação deste estudo no âmbito nacional e internacional para disseminação da informação. Ressalta-se a importância de novos estudos para criação e validação de um protocolo que seja viável na utilização da técnica de botoeira aos pacientes submetidos à terapia hemodialítica no Brasil

Chronic kidney disease emerges today as a serious public health problem worldwide and is considered an "epidemic" of alarming growth. One of the great challenges of the 21st century will minimize the implications promoted by this pathology in the economic and social level. The vascular access is one of the main causes of mobilizing financial resources in people with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The traditional cannulation in arteriovenous fistula was, until recently, the only practical in hemodialysis (HD) services. From the introduction of an alternative cannulation practiced in Europe and the United States, noted improvements for the patient with a strict protocol that greatly eases the complications with the definitive vascular access for HD. Descriptive, exploratory and retrospective study of quantiqualitative approach about the buttonhole technique to CKD patients with arteriovenous fistula by the Unified Health System (UHS), having as objectives: to describe the buttonhole technique in HD services; identify the outcomes of using the buttonhole technique of the patients in a HD regular program during the last three years; compare outcomes obtained from the application of the buttonhole technique in relation to ropeladder and; discuss the buttonhole technique as a quality indicator of the nursing care provided to patients in UHS HD user treatment in a private service. The study setting was a private clinic contracted to UHS located in the metropolitan region of the state of Rio de Janeiro. The sample consisted of 94 patients, and data collection was performed by means of the medical records, semi-structured questionnaire and semistructured interview. Emerged data describing the implementation of the buttonhole technique, comparative data between the buttonhole technique and ropeladder and interview on satisfaction of using the buttonhole technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS 17.0 software and Bioestat and content analysis by Bardin. It concludes that the buttonhole technique proved to be beneficial to the patient in hemodialysis in all aspects, with emphasis on aspects of pain, self-image and self-esteem. Was observed that the expenditure of public funds with definitive vascular access were decreased and will require the disclosure of this study in the national and international level for dissemination of information. We emphasize the importance of new studies for the development and validation of a protocol that is viable in the use of the buttonhole technique for patients undergoing HD in Brazil

La enfermedad renal crónica emerge hoy como un problema grave de salud pública en todo el mundo y es considerada una "epidemia" de crecimiento alarmante. Uno de los grandes retos del siglo XXI va a minimizar las consecuencias promovidas por esta patología en el plano económico y social. El acceso vascular es una de las principales causas de la movilización de recursos financieros en las personas con enfermedad renal crónica (ERC). La canulación tradicional en la fístula arteriovenosa era, hasta hace poco, la única práctica en los servicios de hemodiálisis (HD). Desde la introducción de una canulación alternativa se practica en Europa y los Estados Unidos, se observó mejoras para el paciente con un protocolo estricto que disminuye en gran medida las complicaciones con el acceso vascular definitivo para HD. Estudio descriptivo, exploratorio y retrospectivo de enfoque quantiqualitative en la técnica del ojal para los pacientes con insuficiencia renal crónica, con fístula arteriovenosa por el Sistema Único de Salud (SUS), que tiene como objetivos: describir la técnica del ojal en los servicios de HD; identificar los resultados de la utilización de la técnica del ojal en los pacientes en programa regular de HD durante los últimos tres años; comparar los resultados obtenidos de la aplicación de la técnica del ojal con la técnica de ropeladder y; discutir la técnica del ojal como indicador de calidad de la atención de enfermería prestada a los pacientes en tratamiento de HD, usuario del SUS en un servicio privado. El escenario del estudio fue una clínica privada contratada para SUS ubicado en la región metropolitana del estado de Río de Janeiro. La muestra consistió en 94 pacientes, y la recolección de datos se realizó a través de los registros médicos, cuestionario semi-estructurado y la entrevista semi-estructurada. El estudio surgió datos que describen la aplicación de la técnica del ojal, los datos comparativos entre la técnica del ojal y ropeladder y entrevista sobre la satisfacción de la utilización de la técnica del ojal. Los datos fueron analizados utilizando el software SPSS 17.0 y Bioestat y análisis del contenido de Bardin. Se concluye que la técnica del ojal demostró ser beneficiosa para el paciente en HD en todos los aspectos, con énfasis en los aspectos de dolor, la autoimagen y la autoestima. Permitió observar, también, que el gasto de los fondos públicos con acceso vascular definitivo disminuyeron y requerirá la divulgación de este estudio en el nivel nacional e internacional para la difusión de información. Hacemos hincapié en la importancia de nuevos estudios para el desarrollo y validación de un protocolo que es viable en el uso de la técnica del ojal para los pacientes sometidos a HD en Brasil

Lower gastrointestinal bleeding as a result of fistula between the iliac artery and sigmoid colon in patient with advanced testicular cancer

Fistula between arteries and the gastrointestinal tract are a rare cause of gastrointestinal bleeding, but potentially fatal. The recognition and early treatment can modify the patient prognosis. We report a case of a patient with previous surgery for seminoma of cryptorchidic testicle, with massive lower gastrointestinal bleeding. We performed the diagnosis and surgical treatment of the fistula between left external iliac artery and sigmoid colon. The patient was successfully treated by external iliac artery ligation and left colectomy.

Tratamiento endovascular de fístula aorto esofágica secundaria a cáncer de esófago: Caso clínico / Endovascular treatment of aorto-esophageal fistula due to esophageal cancer: Report of one case

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma can spread locally to neighboring organs in the mediastinum. When it invades the aorta, the patient may develop an aorto esophageal fistula (AEF), complication that carries a high mortality rate. We report a 62-year-old male with stage IV esophageal carcinoma who, after chemo radiation treatment, developed an AEF. He was successfully treated with the use of an aortic endograft. The patient died 13 months later due to progression of his cancer, without evidence of sepsis or new bleeding episodes.

The Risk Factors for Bleeding of Fundal Varices in Patients with Liver Cirrhosis

BACKGROUND/AIMS: The relationship between portal hemodynamics and fundal varices has not been well documented. The purpose of this study was to understand the pathophysiology of fundal varices and to investigate bleeding risk factors related to the presence of spontaneous portosystemic shunts, and to examine the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) between fundal varices and other varices. METHODS: In total, 85 patients with cirrhosis who underwent HVPG and gastroscopic examination between July 2009 and March 2011 were included in this study. The interrelationship between HVPG and the types of varices or the presence of spontaneous portosystemic shunts was studied. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the HVPG between fundal varices (n=12) and esophageal varices and gastroesophageal varices type 1 (GOV1) groups (n=73) (17.1+/-7.7 mm Hg vs 19.7+/-5.3 mm Hg). Additionally, there was no significant difference in the HVPG between varices with spontaneous portosystemic shunts (n=28) and varices without these shunts (n=57) (18.3+/-5.8 mm Hg vs 17.0+/-8.1 mm Hg). Spontaneous portosystemic shunts increased in fundal varices compared with esophageal varices and GOV1 (8/12 patients [66.7%] vs 20/73 patients [27.4%]; p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Fundal varices had a high prevalence of spontaneous portosystemic shunts compared with other varices. However, the portal pressure in fundal varices was not different from the pressure in esophageal varices and GOV1.

Aorto-cavitary fistula: a complication of infective endocarditis / La fístula aorto-cavitaria: una complicación de la endocarditis infecciosa

Aorto-cavitary fistulae are rare complications of infective endocarditis. The diagnosis, in the absence of concomitant aortic valve disease, replacement of aortic valve with homograft or prosthetic valve, periannular abscess and negative blood culture, requires a high index of suspicion and has important prognostic and management significance. The sensitivity of the Modified Duke Criteria is challenged in this case report with a documented right sinus of valsalva fistula to the right ventricle seen on transthoracic echocardiography.

Los fístulas aorto-cavitarias son complicaciones raras de la endocarditis infecciosa. El diagnóstico - en ausencia de la enfermedad concomitante de la válvula aórtica, el reemplazo de válvula aórtica con homoinjertos o válvulas protésicas, absceso perianular, y cultivo de sangre negativo - requiere un alto índice de sospecha, y reviste gran importancia para la prognosis y el tratamiento. En este reporte de caso, se cuestiona la sensibilidad de los Criterios de Duke Modificados, con la documentación de una fístula del seno de valsalva derecho hacia el ventrículo derecho, observada en una ecocardiografía transtorácica.