Prospective randomized trial of carotid endarterectomy with primary closure and patch angioplasty with saphenous vein, jugular vein, and polytetrafluoroethylene: perioperative (30-day) results.

PURPOSE: The early outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with primary closure (PC) versus vein patch closure (saphenous vein [SVP] and jugular vein [JVP]) and polytetrafluoroethylene patch closure (PTFE-PC) were compared. METHODS: Three hundred ninety-nine CEAs were randomized into the following groups: 135 PC, 134 PTFE-PC, and 130 vein patch closure (SVP alternating with JVP). Surviving patients underwent a carotid color duplex ultrasonographic scan 1 month after surgery. Demographic characteristics were similar in all groups. RESULTS: The incidence of perioperative cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) was 4.4% for PC, 0.8% for PTFE-PC, and 0% for vein patch closure (PC vs vein patch, p = 0.0165; PC vs all patching [vein and PTFE], p = 0.007). The perioperative CVA and reversible ischemic neurologic deficit (RIND) combined rates for all patching were superior to PC (1.5% vs 5.2%; p = 0.04). These combined rates were also superior for vein patch closure when compared with PC (0.8% vs 5.2%; p = 0.037). The mean diameter of the internal carotid artery was similar in patients who had perioperative neurologic deficits and those who did not. After 1 month of follow-up, 11.9% of the PC arteries were narrowed 50% or more in contrast to 2.3% for PTFE-PC, 3.1% for SVP, and 10.3% for JVP.

Treatment alternatives for axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis: long-term follow-up.

Spontaneous axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis in young patients produces long-term disability. Patients with secondary axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis usually require prolonged venous catheterization for chemotherapy or pacemaking. This study aimed to compare the early and late results of lytic versus anticoagulant therapy in the treatment of axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis, both spontaneous and secondary to central venous cannulation. Nine patients underwent conventional treatment (heparin and warfarin) (group 1), and 10 had initial lytic therapy followed by heparin and warfarin (group 2). Three patients had cervical or first rib resection. Thirteen patients had spontaneous thrombosis and six were secondary to central venous catheterization. The mean follow-up was 36 months. Two of nine patients (22%) in group 1 and eight of 10 patients (80%) in group 2 had total venous recanalization and symptom resolution (P = 0.018). In the spontaneous axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis subset, one of six patients (17%) in group 1 and five of seven patients (71%) in group 2 had total venous recanalization and symptom resolution (P = 0.078). The average difference in cost per patient between groups 1 and 2 was $19,039. In conclusion, lytic therapy appears superior to anticoagulation in the treatment of axillary-subclavian vein thrombosis. However, such treatment is more expensive and its benefits should be carefully weighed against the cost in each case.

Management options for post carotid endarterectomy stroke.

BACKGROUND: Management of acute thrombosis of the carotid artery has been controversial. This retrospective study reviews the etiology and analyzes the management options of post carotid endarterectomy stroke. METHODS: Diagnosis was made using oculopneumop-lethysmography (OPG/Gee), duplex ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scanning, and carotid exploration. RESULTS: The cause of stroke was identified as carotid thrombosis in 19/32 patients (59%) and non-carotid thrombosis in 13. Management options included nine patients who underwent selective carotid exploration and all had a thrombosed carotid; mandatory exploration-six were explored and three had a thrombosed carotid artery; and 17 patients had no exploration (medical treatment). Fourteen patients had a positive OPG, 13 were confirmed to have carotid thrombosis. Eight patients had a negative OPG and all were confirmed. The OPG had an overall accuracy of 95% in detecting postoperative thrombosis (89% specificity and 100% sensitivity). Patients with thrombosed carotids and patients with positive OPGs had more severe neurological deficits than those with non-thrombosed carotids. The final neurological status of the 12 patients with carotid thrombosis who underwent thrombectomy and patch angioplasty was improved (7/12) in contrast to the seven patients who did not undergo a thrombectomy (1/7). Seven of nine patients had a complete or good recovery when thrombectomy was done within two hours of the stroke in contrast to 0/3 after two hours. Seven of ten patients with Grade II stroke (moderate) had a good recovery after carotid exploration and thrombectomy in contrast to 0/2 for Grade III (severe) stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid artery thrombosis, the most common cause of post carotid endarterectomy stroke, can be detected by OPG/Gee. Immediate carotid exploration for patients with Grade I or II strokes, when thrombosis is demonstrated, can improve the results of carotid endarterectomy.

Inferior vena cava filters for prevention of pulmonary embolism.

Thromboembolism from a venous source continues to be of clinical significance with an annual incidence of 300,000 to 600,000 cases. These episodes of pulmonary embolism result in at least 50,000 deaths per year despite the use of effective prophylaxis and availability of noninvasive techniques to establish early diagnosis and treatment of thrombotic events. The main treatment modality continues to be effective anticoagulation, but this treatment may fail to control thromboembolism in 5% to 10% of patients, and anticoagulants have been associated with a mortality rate of up to 15%.