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Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) is already considered the first choice treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA). Several different strategies have been used to address limitations to arterial access caused by unfavorable iliac artery anatomy. The aim of this report is to illustrate the advantages and limitations of each option and present the results of using the internal endoconduit technique and the difficulties involved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endovascular treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), involving the exits of the renal and visceral arteries still constitutes a considerable challenge. Many different techniques have been developed over the years in attempts to surmount the difficulties presented by these cases. Techniques that have gained prominence include fenestrated or branched stents, methods involving parallel prostheses, such as the chimney, periscope and sandwich techniques, and, more recently, flow modulation with Multilayer stents. We describe a case of a complex juxtarenal saccular AAA with a high surgical risk, both according to cardiological assessment and because the patient had a difficult airway caused by a total laryngectomy for early stage laryngeal neoplasm. In view of the technical simplicity of using Multilayer stents, the presence of chronic obstructive aortoiliac disease, ostial stenosis of the renal artery and a small diameter suprarenal aorta, options involving fenestrated/branched stents and techniques involving parallel prostheses were ruled out, because of the need for multiple accesses. In view of the dilemma it presented, we describe this case as a therapeutic challenge and present the treatment option employed, which has been successful over the short term. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Factors related to atherosclerotic plaques may indicate instability, such as ulcerations, intraplaque hemorrhages, lipid core, thin or irregular fibrous cap, and inflammation. The grayscale median (GSM) value is one of the most widespread methods of studying atherosclerotic plaques and it is therefore important to comprehensively standardize image postprocessing. Post-processing was performed using Photoshop 23.1.1.202. Images were standardized by adjusting the grayscale histogram curves, setting the darkest point of the vascular lumen (blood) to zero and the distal adventitia to 190. Posterization and color mapping were performed. A methodology that presents the current state of the art in an accessible and illustrative way should contribute to the dissemination of GSM analysis. This article describes and illustrates the process step by step. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To compare the efficacy and safety of sclerosing agents injected in dorsal veins of rabbit ears. Methods: Sixty ears of 30 rabbits were randomly allocated in: 1% liquid polidocanol, 1% polidocanol foam, 0.2% polidocanol-glucose 70% solution, glucose 75% or 0.9% saline. Outcomes included efficacy (luminal occlusion), complications (phlebitis, neovascularization, ulceration at the puncture site, necrosis and local inflammation) and histology (sclerosis, recanalization vein and surrounding tissues inflammation, blood extravasation, recanalization, lymphangiogenesis, destruction of cartilage and neoangiogenesis). Results: Sclerosis was superior in Foam Group (76.9%), but also with 30.7% necrosis (p = 0.003), 46.15% ulceration (p = 0.003), and 69.2% local inflammation (p < 0.0001). Neovascularization were similar. Histology showed 38.5% phlebitis (p = 0.004) and necrosis (p = 0.03) in the foam group. Conclusions: Sclerosis with foam and liquid polidocanol were superior to the other groups, but specially polidocanol foam at the expense of greater frequency of adverse events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A floating venous thrombus in the femoral vein is a type of thrombus with a high potential for pulmonary embolization. However, the most appropriate management for these cases is still controversial. Clinical treatments, using anticoagulants or fibrinolytics, open thrombectomies, or thrombectomies by means of endovascular devices have all been used, although the criteria for indication of each are not yet defined. We present 3 clinical cases of floating thrombi in femoral veins with different etiologies and discuss their respective treatments and outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Kassabach-Merritt syndrome is a combination of capillary hemangioma and thrombocytopenia that predisposes to bleeding with petechiae, ecchymosis and spontaneous bruising. Treatment is generally started with corticosteroids, interferon alpha or chemotherapy. We present the case of a child (aged 1 year and 9 months) with a giant hemangioma, from the root of the thigh to the knee, and thrombocytopenia. Treatment was started with corticosteroids, without improvement, and then intra-tumor and cutaneous bleeding appeared spontaneously. The patient's clinical condition precluded prescription of vincristine and interferon and emergency tumor resection was conducted because of extreme thrombocytopenia and bleeding. The child then began to develop sepsis with hypotension and ischemia of remnant tissues. This case presented a therapeutic challenge, which is the subject of this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether supplementation of high doses of cholecalciferol for two months in normotensive rats results in increased systolic arterial pressure and which are the mechanisms involved. Specifically, this study assesses the potential effect on cardiac output as well as the changes in aortic structure and functional properties. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: 1) Control group (C, n = 20), with no supplementation of vitamin D, 2) VD3 (n = 19), supplemented with 3,000 IU vitamin D/kg of chow; 3) VD10 (n = 21), supplemented with 10,000 IU vitamin D/kg of chow. After two months, echocardiographic analyses, measurements of systolic arterial pressure (SAP), vascular reactivity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, mechanical properties, histological analysis and metalloproteinase-2 and -9 activity were performed. Results: SAP was higher in VD3 and VD10 than in C rats (p = 0.001). Echocardiographic variables were not different among groups. Responses to phenylephrine in endothelium-denuded aortas was higher in VD3 compared to the C group (p = 0.041). Vascular relaxation induced by acetylcholine (p = 0.023) and sodium nitroprusside (p = 0.005) was impaired in both supplemented groups compared to the C group and apocynin treatment reversed impaired vasodilation. Collagen volume fraction (<0.001) and MMP-2 activity (p = 0.025) was higher in VD10 group compared to the VD3 group. Elastin volume fraction was lower in VD10 than in C and yield point was lower in VD3 than in C. Conclusion: Our findings support the view that vitamin D supplementation increases arterial pressure in normotensive rats and this is associated with structural and functional vascular changes, modulated by NADPH oxidase, nitric oxide, and extracellular matrix components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The prevalence of chronic venous disease is high and occurs more frequently in females. According to the clinical, etiological, anatomical, and pathological classification (CEAP) definition, the reticular veins are included in the C1 class and are mainly associated with aesthetic complaints. Several invasive techniques are used for treatment, including mini phlebectomy, laser ablation, and radiofrequency ablation. However, a wide range of sclerosing agents may serve as minimally invasive alternatives, promoting chemical sclerosis of the vein wall. Although this technique is routinely performed around the world, there is no consensus on the most efficacious and safe chemical agent to be used.Methods/design: Inclusion criteria are women between 18 and 69 years old with at least 10 cm long reticular veins in the lower limbs, on the outer side of the leg/thigh. Patients with CEAP 2 to 6, or with allergies, pregnancy, performing breastfeeding, or with any dermatologic or clinical problems will be excluded. Patients with venous ultrasound mapping showing involvement of saphenous trunks and/or a deep venous system will also be excluded. Patients will be randomized into two groups, one receiving 75% pure glucose and the other group receiving 0.2% polidocanol diluted in 70% glucose. Just one limb and one session per patient will be performed. The sclerosing agent volume will not exceed 5 mL. Clinical follow-up will include visits on days 7 and 60, always with photographic documentation.Discussion: This project aims to enroll 96 patients and subject them to a double-blind treatment after the randomization process. The design is intended to evaluate efficacy through a primary end point and safety through a secondary end point. Forty-eight patients have currently been enrolled. Preliminary results for these patients showed that 25 received treatment, 2 were excluded, and 22 returned after 7 days and showed no greater adverse events. To date, establishing efficacy criteria has not been possible, and no patients have reached the 60-day return point. These data may help doctors choose the best chemical agent for the treatment of reticular veins.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02054325, 3/02/2014. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]