Endovenous radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of varicose veins.

Varicose veins are a common condition that can be treated surgically. Available operative modalities include saphenous venous ligation and stripping, phlebectomy, endovenous laser therapy and radiofrequency ablation. Radiofrequency ablation is the newest of these technologies, and to our knowledge our group was the first to use it in Canada. Our experience suggests that it is a safe and effective treatment for varicose veins, with high levels of patient satisfaction reported at short-term follow-up. More studies are needed to assess long-term effectiveness and compare the various available treatment options for varicose veins.

Hybrid repair of symptomatic aberrant right subclavian artery and Kommerell's diverticulum.

INTRODUCTION: An aberrant right subclavian artery (ARSA) with or without an associated Kommerell's diverticulum (KOD) is a rare vascular anomaly. Patients with an ARSA may present with a variety of symptoms, including rupture. Options for repair include open, endovascular, and a hybrid approach, with no clear consensus on which is best because of the rarity of the anomaly. We present 2 cases that underwent hybrid repair and a systematic review of the literature. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature was performed from 2000-2012 searching for patients with ARSA with or without KOD who underwent endovascular repair. Twenty-four articles were identified, including a few case reports and small case series, for a total of 31 patients. A chart review was also performed on 2 patients at our institution who underwent a hybrid repair for symptomatic ARSA. RESULTS: We report the presenting history, management, and follow-up of 2 symptomatic patients with ARSA with associated KOD. Both patients underwent a hybrid approach for repair, with no reported complications. After postoperative imaging and clinical follow-up, both patients remained in good general condition without signs of vascular complications. Our systematic literature review identified 31 reported cases of patients with ARSA who underwent endovascular repair (10 patients without an associated KOD and 21 patients with a KOD). The patients ranged in age from 21-82 years of age (average: 56 years). Of these patients, 17 (55%) were women. The presenting symptoms varied, and some patients had multiple symptoms noted on presentation, including dysphagia, dyspnea, or asymptomatic patients. In those patients with an associated KOD, the average size of the diverticulum was 3.3 cm (range: 2.3-7 cm). A number of operative strategies were used in the reported cases, depending on the presence of absence of an associated KOD. The average reported duration of hospital stay was 5.4 days (range: 1-60 days). Seven patients had postoperative complications (22%). There were 3 mortalities reported (10%). Only 1 of these could be directly related to the surgical procedure. Reported decrease in aneurysm size was between 25-50%, although this was not reported for most patients. Four of 31 patients (13%) had an endoleak (1 type I endoleak, 2 type II endoleaks, and 1 type IV endoleak). The range of reported follow-up varied between 6 weeks and 92 months, with 9 patients having no follow-up reported. CONCLUSION: Hybrid approach to repair of an ARSA with associated KOD appears to be feasible, safe, and effective. Despite the poor quality and heterogeneity of the evidence available in the literature for this rare condition, we believe that this could be the preferred treatment option for an ARSA either with or without KOD.

Comparison of anesthetic effect between 0.375% ropivacaine versus 0.5% lidocaine in forearm intravenous regional anesthesia.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Ropivacaine was shown to provide superior postblock analgesia to lidocaine in intravenous regional anesthesia (IVRA) in voluntary studies. The objective of this study was to compare the anesthesia efficacy, postblock analgesia, and local anesthetic-related side effects between ropivacaine and lidocaine when forearm IVRA was used. METHODS: Fifty-one patients undergoing outpatient hand surgery were randomized to receive forearm IVRA with either ropivacaine 0.375% or lidocaine 0.5%. The volume was 0.4 mL/kg up to 25 mL. Sensation to pinching by forceps and motor function was assessed at 5-minute intervals up to 15 minutes. After tourniquet deflation, verbal pain rating score (VRPS) at 15-minute intervals for the first 2 hours and time for first analgesic in the first 24 hours were evaluated. RESULTS: Eleven patients were excluded from the study with 20 patients remaining in each group. Onset time of anesthesia (6.5 +/- 2.9 minutes v 8.0 +/- 4.1 minutes for lidocaine and ropivacaine groups, respectively) and motor block were similar. In the postoperative period, VPRS was significantly lower in the ropivacaine group in the first 60 minutes (median, 0; P <.05) with significantly more patients in the ropivacaine group pain free (VPRS, 0) up to the first 90 minutes (P >.05). More patients in lidocaine group requested analgesic in the first 2 hours postblock, and only patients in the lidocaine group required supplemental IV morphine in the recovery room. Twenty-four hour analgesic consumption was the same. No local anesthetic-related side effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that 0.375% ropivacaine provides effective anesthesia and superior postoperative analgesia compared with 0.5% lidocaine when forearm IVRA is used.