Open reconstruction of multiple huge superior mesenteric artery aneurysms.

Open reconstruction of superior mesenteric artery aneurysms is very difficult, especially if the lesion is extensive. Aneurysmal lesions were found in a 74-year-old woman during a medical checkup. Computed tomography scan showed a 6.8-cm aneurysm arising 4 cm distal to the superior mesenteric artery origin, in succession to a 2.7-cm aneurysm, and further distal small aneurysms with string-of-beads appearance. The first, second, and third jejunoileal arteries, the middle colic artery, and the ileocolic artery were originated from the aneurysms. Open reconstruction was done using a branched saphenous vein graft. Computed tomography scan confirmed the patency of the grafts. She had no major troubles for another 4 years.

An endoscopic sinus surgery training system for assessment of surgical skill.

The apprenticeship of procedures in endoscopic sinus surgery has several limitations, including potential risk for the patients and lack of feedback to the trainees. In this paper, we present a new surgical training system that combines a head dummy, force and position sensors: this system can be used to assess surgical skills and provide visual feedback to the trainees.

Aneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery associated with absence of the celiac axis: report of a case.

A 65-year-old woman was referred to us for treatment of an aneurysm, found incidentally by abdominal ultrasonography. Angiography demonstrated a saccular aneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery and absence of blood flow from the celiac axis. The blood flow in the hepatic artery, splenic artery, and other arteries originating from the celiac axis was supplied by the superior mesenteric artery through one dilated and elongated pancreaticoduodenal artery and the gastroduodenal artery. The aneurysm was resected, and the inflow and outflow arteries were reconstructed with end-to-end anastomoses. Pathologic examination of the aneurysm sac showed diffuse intimal thickening with focal atheromas. We speculate that the increased blood flow compensating for the absence of blood flow from the celiac axis was an etiologic factor predisposing to the formation of this gastroduodenal artery aneurysm.