Conservation of both hematocrit and liver regeneration in hepatectomies: a vascular occlusion approach in rats / Hepatectomia hemoconservadora no rato: preservação do hematócrito e da regeneração hepática

ABSTRACT Background: Hepatectomies promote considerable amount of blood loss and the need to administrate blood products, which are directly linked to higher morbimortality rates. The blood-conserving hepatectomy (BCH) is a modification of the selective vascular occlusion technique. It could be a surgical maneuver in order to avoid or to reduce the blood products utilization in the perioperative period. Aim: To evaluate in rats the BCH effects on the hematocrit (HT) variation, hemoglobin serum concentration (HB), and on liver regeneration. Methods: Twelve Wistar rats were divided into two groups: control (n=6) and intervention (n=6). The ones in the control group had their livers partially removed according to the Higgins and Anderson technique, while the rats in the treatment group were submitted to BCH technique. HT and HB levels were measured at day D0, D1 and D7. The rate between the liver and rat weights was calculated in D0 and D7. Liver regeneration was quantitatively and qualitatively evaluated. Results: The HT and HB levels were lower in the control group as of D1 onwards, reaching an 18% gap at D7 (p=0.01 and p=0.008, respectively); BCH resulted in the preservation of HT and HB levels to the intervention group rats. BCH did not alter liver regeneration in rats. Conclusion: The BCH led to beneficial effects over the postoperative HT and serum HB levels with no setbacks to liver regeneration. These data are the necessary proof of evidence for translational research into the surgical practice.

RESUMO Racional: As hepatectomias compreendem considerável perda sanguínea e utilização de hemoderivados, o que diretamente estão relacionados com maior morbimortalidade. A hepatectomia hemoconservadora (HH) é modificação da técnica de oclusão vascular seletiva em hepatectomia. Ela pode ser alternativa cirúrgica para evitar ou diminuir o uso de hemoderivados no perioperatório. Objetivo: Avaliar os efeitos da HH sobre o volume globular (VG), concentração de hemoglobina (HB) e sobre a regeneração hepática em ratos. Métodos: Dois grupos de ratos Wistar foram constituídos: controle (n=6) e intervenção (n=6). Os do grupo controle foram submetidos à hepatectomia parcial de Higgins e Anderson e os do grupo Intervenção à HH. VG e HB foram medidos nos dias D0, D1 e D7. A relação peso do fígado/peso do rato foi calculada em D0 e D7. A regeneração hepática foi analisada qualitativamente e quantitativamente. Resultados: Houve diminuição dos níveis de VG e HB nos ratos do grupo controle a partir de D1, atingindo decréscimo de 18% em D7 (p=0,01 e p=0,008 respectivamente); a HH permitiu a manutenção dos níveis de VG e HB nos ratos do grupo intervenção. A HH não alterou a regeneração hepática. Conclusão: HH resultou em níveis maiores de VG e HB pós-operatórios sem alterar a regeneração hepática. Pode-se considerar estes dados como a prova necessária para a translação à pesquisa clinicocirúrgica.

Plexos venosos plantares: Implicancia clínico-quirúrgica / Venous plantar plexus pump: Clinical and surgical implication

En 1888, Lejars describió la suela venosa que lleva su nombre. Se trata de un entramado venoso dispuesto en la planta del pie, que involucra los bordes medial y lateral. Dicho autor la describió en forma indirecta, por transparencia, a través de una inyección de resina y negro humo. En esta actualización, se ofrece una descripción directa y detallada de la suela venosa de Lejars mediante inyección con látex (Butaclor), que permitió identificar claramente dos planos. Las disecciones se efectuaron en pies de adultos y en fetos a término. Este trabajo de investigación anatómica pretende demostrar en forma objetiva la existencia de una malla venosa única que resulta imprescindible para la función hidráulica, sobre todo, del talón posterior del pie como centro de apoyo y marcha. Asimismo, se describen las incisiones quirúrgicas más idóneas para el abordaje de afecciones que comprometen dicho entramado. Nivel de Evidencia: IV

In 1888, Lejars described the vein sole that bears his name. It is a venous network arranged on the sole of the foot, which involves the medial and lateral borders. Said author described it indirectly, by transparency, through an injection of resin and black smoke. In this update, a direct and detailed description of the Lejars venous sole is offered by injection with latex (Butachlor), which clearly identified two planes. The dissections were performed on adult feet and full-term fetuses. This paper, based on anatomical research aims to objectively demonstrate the existence of a single venous mesh that is essential for hydraulic function, especially the posterior heel of the foot as a support and walking center. Likewise, the most appropriate surgical incisions are described for the treatment of conditions that compromise this network. Level of Evidence: IV

Cateteres venosos totalmente implantáveis: histórico, técnica de implante e complicações / Totally implantable venous catheters: history, implantation technique and complications

O acesso ao sistema venoso, seja para coleta de amostras de sangue ou para infusão de soluções, é de vital importância para o diagnóstico e tratamento de pacientes com as mais variadas condições clínicas. Desde que Harvey, em 1616, descreveu o sistema circulatório a partir de estudos em animais e que Sir Christopher Wren, 4 décadas depois, realizou a primeira infusão endovenosa em seres vivos, a evolução na técnica de acesso e nos dispositivos para infusão tem sido constante. Merece destaque a criação dos cateteres de longa duração na década de 1970, em especial os totalmente implantáveis, que revolucionaram o tratamento do câncer, aumentando a segurança e o conforto dos pacientes oncológicos. Este artigo tem como objetivo a revisão de dados históricos relativos ao acesso vascular e a discussão da técnica de implante e das principais complicações associadas ao procedimento de colocação e ao uso dos cateteres totalmente implantáveis

Access to the venous system is of vital importance for diagnosis and treatment of patients with the most varied range of clinical conditions, whether for taking blood samples or for infusion of solutions. In 1616, Harvey described the circulatory system on the basis of studies in animals and 4 decades later Sir Christopher Wren conducted the first intravenous infusions in living beings. Since then there has been constant evolution in access technique and infusion devices. Of particular note is the creation of long-term catheters in the 1970s, particularly totally implantable devices, which revolutionized cancer treatment, increasing both safety and comfort for oncology patients. The objectives of this article are to review historical data on vascular access and discuss the implantation technique and the main complications associated with procedures for placement and use of totally implantable venous access devices

Differential expression of CC chemokines (CCLs) and receptors (CCRs) by human T lymphocytes in response to different Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans serotypes

ABSTRACT In Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, different serotypes have been described based on LPS antigenicity. Recently, our research group has reported a differential immunogenicity when T lymphocytes were stimulated with these different serotypes. In particular, it was demonstrated that the serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans has a stronger capacity to trigger Th1- and Th17-type cytokine production. Objective This study aimed to quantify the expression of different CC chemokines (CCLs) and receptors (CCRs) in T lymphocytes stimulated with the different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes. In addition, the expression of the transcription factors T-bet, GATA-3, RORC2, and Foxp3, master-switch genes implied in the Th1, Th2, Th17, and T-regulatory differentiation, respectively, was analyzed in order to determine T-cell phenotype-specific patterns of CCL and CCR expression upon A. actinomycetemcomitans stimulation. Material and Methods Human naïve CD4+ T lymphocytes were obtained from healthy subjects and stimulated with autologous dendritic cells primed with the different A. actinomycetemcomitans serotypes. The expression levels for the chemokines CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL11, CCL17, CCL20, CCL21, CCL25, and CCL28, as well as the chemokine receptors CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, and CCR10 were quantified by qPCR. Similarly, the expression levels for the transcription factors T-bet, GATA-3, RORC2, and Foxp3 were quantified and correlated with the CCL and CCR expression levels. Results Higher expression levels of CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL20, CCL21, CCL28, CCR1, CCR2, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, and CCR9 were detected in T lymphocytes stimulated with the serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans compared with the other serotypes. In addition, these higher expression levels of CCLs and CCRs positively correlated with the increased levels of T-bet and RORC2 when T lymphocytes were stimulated with the serotype b. Conclusion A T-lymphocyte response biased towards a Th1- and Th17-pattern of CCL and CCR expression was detected under stimulation with the serotype b of A. actinomycetemcomitans.

Retrograde Venous Perfusion in Chronic Ulcers of Lower Limb.

Chronic foot ulcers are difficult to treat. These patients need prolong treatment which is costly and often associated with non-compliance. These patients are vulnerable to develop gangrene leading to amputation. Retrograde venous perfusion (RVP) is a new therapeutic approach which was recently introduced to the treatment of diabetic foot as an adjunctive line to systemic therapy and local therapy. It is based on principle of regional anesthesia. Recently, Latin American investigators, applied this approach to local therapy of pedal ischemia. Since then this approach was mainly employed for therapy of diabetic neuropathic pedal ulcers. In this work, the efficacy of this approach was explored in 5 group of chronic foot disorder – 1) Diabetic foot presenting as foot infection, 2) Dibetic neuropathic pedal ulcers, 3) Diabetic pedal ischemia and infection, 4) Nondiabetic post traumatic foot ulcers, 5) Non-diabetic ischemic ulcer and pre-gangrene or gangrene. The present study was conducted on 56 patients having non healing ulcer of lower limb. Regular dressing and debridment and retrograde venous perfusion therapy was done in all patients. Results were assessed after completion of therapy. The following conclusions are drawn from the present study. Out of all diabetic patients, 23.7% of cases presented as diabetic foot. The incidence of diabetic foot patients was 64.29% out of all studied patients with ulcer foot. Maximum number of patients, 28.57% were in 31-40 years age group. The mean age of the patients was 44.4 years. There was male predominance with male and female ratio being 1.55:1. Mean reduction of ulcer size after RVP therapy was 63.89%. Maximum improvement was found in patients with diabetic pedal ischemia and infection i.e. 70% where as patients with non diabetic post traumatic foot ulcers had minimum improvement i.e. 52.22%. Whole foot or more than 4 toe amputation was not required in any patient in therapy group. After RVP therapy gangrene or pre-gangrene was prevented in 72.73% of patients. Minimum days of stay was 11-15 days in 32.14% of patients. Average duration of hospital stay was 18 days. Patients with foot ulcer in whom RVP therapy was not done, average duration of hospital stay was 31 days. This denotes that RVP reduces the time of therapy an avoids prolonged treatment. The ratio of diabetic and non-diabetic patients with neuropathy was 2.5:1. In Doppler ultrasound study, patients with sign of ischemia, ankle-brachial pressure index was less than 0.6 in 22 patients, out of them 16 patients were diabetic. After RVP therapy 93.33% of diabetic foot patients and 80% of non-diabetic foot ulcer patients ankle-brachial ratio became more then 0.8 denoting that after RVP therapy the blood flow in lower limb was increased. The present study confirms the good result in respect to decrease in ulcer size, overcome critical complications which are threatening the foot, early healing of ulcer, increase blood flow in ischemic foot, check progression of gangrene and pre-gangrene and to conserve the foot to avoid amputation. This study entailed expansion of the application of RVP to intractable post-traumatic ulcers of the foot and lower leg, as well as, to critical pedal ischemia in diabetic and non-diabetic patients.

Extensão cranial da veia safena parva: quando o fluxo caudal é normal / Cranial extension of the small saphenous vein: when caudal flow is normal

A extensão cranial da veia safena parva se destaca pelas inúmeras variações anatômicas e diferentes padrões de fluxo que podem ser observados, descritos em trabalhos envolvendo dissecções pós-morte ou cirúrgicas, flebografias e Doppler, que denotam a formação embriológica mais precoce e complexa em relação à safena magna. A observação de um tipo específico de extensão cranial da safena parva onde o sentido das valvas é contrário ao habitualmente observado foi primeiramente caracterizada por Carlo Giacomini, sendo o fluxo caudal nesses casos de aspecto normal sem sinal de incompetência valvar. Este artigo demonstra os padrões anatômicos e de fluxo que podem ser caracterizados na veia safena parva, contribuindo para que aspectos normais do seu fluxo não sejam confundidos com incompetência valvar.

Cranial extension of the small saphenous vein is of special interest due to the number of anatomical variations and different blood flow patterns observed, which have been described in investigations including postmortem or surgical dissections, phlebographies, and Doppler studies, indicating an earlier and more complex embryological development in relation to the great saphenous vein. A specific type of cranial extension of the small saphenous vein, where a reverse flow is often observed in the valves, was first characterized by Carlo Giacomini. In these veins, caudal flow is normal, with no evidence of valvular incompetence. This article describes anatomical and blood flow patterns found in the small saphenous vein, thus contributing to avoid that normal blood flow aspects are misinterpreted as valvular incompetence.

Ultrasonido doppler de extremidades inferiores para el estudio de la insuficiencia venosa / Lower limb doppler ultrasound for the study of venous insufficiency

Venous insufficiency is defined as an impaired venous return, which affects the superficial, or the deep system, or both. This condition may be caused either by an alteration in the muscle pump, a venous obstruction, a valvular incompetence or right-sided heart failure. It translates into a dynamic venous hypertension manifested through the development of varicose veins or trophic skin changes. The surface failure is due to the presence of veno-venous shunts that provoke a flow loss from the deep system through a vanishing point and then returns through another entry point. The study is performed with the patient in standing position, stimulating muscle pump through various exercises or increasing central pressure with Valsalva maneuver. The mapping is a graphic expression of the study, and it must show the type of shunt, location and pattern of varicose veins.

La insuficiencia venosa se define como una alteración en el retorno venoso, que compromete el sistema superficial, profundo o ambos, cuya causa puede ser alteración en la bomba muscular, obstrucción venosa, incompetencia valvular o falla cardíaca derecha. Se traduce en una hipertensión venosa dinámica que se manifiesta a través del desarrollo de várices, o cambios tróficos de la piel. La insuficiencia superficial se debe a la presencia de shunts veno-venosos, que consisten en cortocircuitos en que se pierde flujo desde el sistema profundo a través de un punto de fuga y luego regresa por otro punto de entrada. El estudio se realiza de pie, estimulando la bomba muscular a través de distintas maniobras o aumentando la presión central con Valsalva. El mapeo es la expresión gráfica del estudio, y debe demostrar el tipo de shunt, localización y patrón varicoso.

Veias soleares: bases anatômicas e seu papel na origem da trombose venosa profunda em membro inferior / Soleus veins: anatomic basis and their role in the origin of deep venous lower limb thrombosis

OBJETIVO: Estudar o número, a setorização e a terminação das veias soleares. MÉTODOS: Em 100 pernas de 50 cadáveres, excluídos aqueles com alterações congênitas ou adquiridas dos membros inferiores, foram realizadas, a fresco, na região crural posterior, dissecções anatômicas minuciosas, estratigráficas. Após o rebatimento da pele, foram realizadas a individualização das veias superficiais e perfurantes, rebatimento da tela subcutânea e da fáscia, individualização e rebatimento dos músculos gastrocnêmio e plantar, desinserção tibial do músculo sóleo, individualização das veias soleares e o estudo morfométrico. A região foi dividida em seis setores: súpero-medial, súpero-lateral, médio-medial, médio-lateral, ínfero-medial e ínfero-lateral. No estudo estatístico utilizaram-se os testes não-paramétricos Wilcoxon e Friedman. RESULTADOS: Foram encontradas 4.679 veias soleares. O setor com maior número de veias soleares foi o súpero-lateral com 1.529 veias (32,7 por cento), seguido do médio-medial com 1.256 veias (26,8 por cento) e do médio-lateral com 975 veias (20,8 por cento). As terminações ocorreram em veias comunicantes (1.207 veias - 25,8 por cento), veias tibiais posteriores (964 veias - 20,6 por cento), veias fibulares (709 veias - 15,2 por cento) e em mais 32 tipos (1799 veias - 38,4 por cento). CONCLUSÃO: A drenagem venosa do músculo sóleo é realizada por um grande número de veias soleares, freqüentemente localizadas nos setores súpero-lateral, médio-medial e médio-lateral, terminando comumente em veias tibiais posteriores e fibulares e, em veias comunicantes.

OBJECTIVE: Study of the number, sectorization and termination of the soleus veins. METHODS: Meticulous, stratigraphical, anatomical dissections were carried out in the posterior crural region of 100 legs of 50 fresh cadavers. Those belonging to subjects with congenital or acquired pathologies in the lower limbs were disregarded. After the skin was reflected on both sides, dissection of superficial and perforating veins, was performed. Then reflection of the subcutaneous tissue and fascia, detachment and reflection of the gastrocnemius and plantaris muscles, detachment of the tibial origin of the soleus muscle, differentiation of the soleus veins and study of morphometric parameters were carried out. The region was divided into six sectors: superior-medial, superior-lateral, medio-medial, medio-lateral, inferior-medial and inferior-lateral. Data obtained from Wilcoxon and Friedman nonparametric tests were utilized for statistical analysis. RESULTS: In the dissected legs 4679 soleus veins were found. The sector with the greatest number of soleus veins was the superior-lateral (1529 veins - 32.7 percent), followed by the mediomedial (1.256 veins - 26.8 percent) and the mediolateral sectors (975 veins - 20.8 percent). The extremities drained into communicant veins (1.207 veins - 25.8 percent), posterior tibial veins (964 veins - 20.6 percent), peroneal veins (709 veins - 15.2 percent) and into 32 other types (1.799 veins 38.4 percent). CONCLUSION: The venous drainage of the soleus muscle is carried out by a great number of soleus veins which are frequently located in the superior-lateral, mediomedial and mediolateral sectors, more often going into the posterior tibial, peroneal and communicant veins.

Relationship between the diameter of great saphenous vein and body mass index

OBJECTIVE: This study has been designed to correlate the diameter of the greater saphenous vein in different levels of the lower limbs with the body mass index of each individual to determine a possible relation between them. METHODS: Fifty-two lower limbs in 26 volunteers (six males and 20 females) without a chronic venous disease record, aged 21-68 were evaluated. Prior to color-flow duplex scanning the body mass index was defined. The deep and superficial venous systems and perforator veins were assessed as described in the literature. The diameter of the greater saphenous vein was measured with ultrasound longitudinal imaging in seven different levels. For the statistical analysis, Student t test for paired data and Spearman test were used. RESULTS: The difference observed in saphenous venous in the second and third levels when compared to the lower right and left limbs was not considered significant and a single group was formed to correlate with body mass index. The correlation was considered statistically irrelevant. CONCLUSION: By correlating the diameters of the greater saphenous vein with the body mass index of each individual it was noted that the relation between them is not significant, therefore it can be assumed that tall thin individuals can have greater saphenous vein with similar diameter as short fat individuals.

OBJETIVO: Este estudo teve o objetivo de comparar o diâmetro da veia safena magna em diferentes níveis dos membros inferiores e o índice de massa corporal dos sujeitos para determinar uma possível relação entre esses fatores. MÉTODOS: Cinqüenta e dois membros inferiores de 26 voluntários (seis homens e 20 mulheres) sem registro de doença venosa crônica, com idades entre 21 e 68 anos, foram avaliados. O índice de massa corporal foi definido antes do eco-Doppler colorido. Os sistemas venosos superficial e profundo e as veias perfurantes foram avaliados de acordo com a literatura. O diâmetro da veia safena magna foi medido através de imagem ultra-sonográfica longitudinal em sete níveis diferentes. Para a análise estatística, foram utilizados o teste t de Student para dados pareados e o teste de Spearman. RESULTADOS: A diferença observada na veia safena no segundo e terceiro níveis, quando comparada aos membros inferiores direito e esquerdo, não foi considerada significativa, e somente um grupo foi formado para a comparação com o índice de massa corporal. A correlação foi considerada estatisticamente irrelevante. CONCLUSÃO: Através da comparação dos diâmetros da veia safena magna com o índice de massa corporal dos sujeitos, percebeu-se que a relação entre esses dois fatores não é significativa e, portanto, pode-se concluir que indivíduos altos e magros podem ter veias safenas magnas com diâmetros similares aos de indivíduos baixos e gordos.

Haemodynamic effects of hypothalamic stimulation on skin and muscle venous beds.

Twenty three points mainly located in the posterior hypothalamus were stimulated to study its effect on the pressures, flows and calculated segmental resistances of the skin and muscle venous beds of hind limbs in the dog. Stimulation of these points produced a uniform pattern of rise in pressures of the muscle veins consisting consisting of a steep rise during stimulation followed by a rapid decline to basal level on its cessation. Skin veins, on the other hand registered a gradual increase in pressure during stimulation followed by a secondary rise during post stimulatory period. Large veins of both muscle and skin exhibited comparatively smaller pressure increases than small vein. These pressure changes were accompanied by a similar marked rise in systemic arterial pressure. Out of 23 points, 21 points produced similar increases in the calculated resistances of skin and muscle veins. Two points produced greater increase of the skin vein resistance. Total venous resistance of the limb was therefore, raised by all the points stimulated. None of these points elicited any fall in the pressures or calculated resistances of either the muscle or skin venous bed. Muscle venous outflow always registered an increase while the skin venous outflow recorded either a small increase or decrease or at times no change during the hypothalamic stimulation. These findings demonstrate that hypothalamic stimulation can profoundly alter the haemodynamics of the hind limb venous beds and actively mobilize the post capillary venous sections of both skin and muscle venous beds.