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Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a complex condition with multiple etiological factors. The ability to identify a potential underlying cause is crucial for accurate diagnosis, patient management, and prognostication. This article presents a series of three patient cases to illustrate the enigmatic nature of PH diagnosis. Understanding the enigmatic nature of PH and implementing focused clinical evaluation and protocol-driven management are crucial in deciphering this complex condition. By unraveling the mysteries surrounding PH, we can pave the way for effective interventions and better patient care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chronic venous obstructions resulting from indwelling lines, surgery and instrumentation, and congenital anomalies are increasingly common in patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) and other chronic illnesses. Venous obstruction results in threatened long-term vascular access and congestive symptoms. Endovascular therapies are safe and can be effective at rehabilitating obstructed and even occluded veins. The risk of recurrent obstruction is high, however. Post-rehabilitation monitoring and anticoagulation therapy are important, and reinterventions are common. Here, the authors describe techniques to address a variety of venous obstruction lesions that may be encountered in CHD patients and provide illustrative cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The endovascular treatment of venous obstruction has expanded significantly in recent years. Best practices for optimal patient outcomes are not well established and the evidence base is poor. The purpose of this study was to obtain consensus on management criteria for patients with lower extremity venous outflow obstruction. The study was conducted as a two round Delphi consensus. Statements addressed imaging, symptoms and other baseline measures, differential diagnosis, treatment algorithm, indications for stenting, inflow and outflow assessment, successful procedural outcomes, post-procedure therapies and stent surveillance, and clinical success factors. Statements were prepared by six expert physicians (round 1, 40 statements) and an expanded panel of 24 physicians (round 2, 80 statements) and sent to a pre-identified group of venous experts who met qualifying criteria. A 9 point Likert scale was used and consensus was defined as ≥ 70% of respondents rating a statement between 7 and 9 (agreement) or between 1 and 3 (disagreement). Round 1 results were used to guide rewording and splitting compound statements for greater clarity in round 2. In round 1, 75 of 110 (68%) experts responded, and 91 of 121 (75%) experts responded in round 2. Round 1 achieved consensus in 32/40 (80%) statements. Consensus was not reached in the treatment algorithm section. Round 2 achieved consensus in 50/80 (62.5%). Statements reaching consensus were imaging (2/3, 66%), symptoms and other baseline measures (12/24, 50%), differential diagnosis (2/8, 25%), treatment algorithm (10/17, 59%), indications for stenting (10/10, 100%), inflow and outflow assessment (2/2, 100%), procedural outcomes (2/2, 100%), post-procedure therapies and stent surveillance, (5/7, 71%), and clinical success factors (5/7, 71%). This study demonstrated that considerable consensus was achieved between venous experts on the optimal management of lower extremity venous outflow obstruction. There were multiple domains where consensus is lacking, highlighting important areas for further investigation and research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Our study was a prospective in vivo study performed on an animal model to evaluate the safety and performance of a novel venous stent designed specifically for venous applications. Methods: The novel stents were implanted in the inferior vena cava of nine sheep. The stents were deployed with different distances between the closed cell rings to test for if the segments might migrate after being deployed at maximal distance. Three different total lengths were 9, 11, and 13 cm. After 1, 3, and 6 months, vascular injury, thrombus, neointima coverage, and stent migration were evaluated through computed tomography venography and histopathology. Imaging, histology, and integration data were analyzed for each group. Results: All stents were deployed successfully, and all sheep survived until the time of harvesting. In all cases, the native blood vessel sections were intact. The segmented stent parts showed a differently pronounced tissue coverage, depending on the duration of the implantation. Conclusions: The new nitinol stent is safe and feasible to implant in the venous system with a rapid surface coverage. Alteration of stent length did not affect the development of neointimal formation and did not cause migration. : Clinical Relevance: The clinical relevance of our study titled ''Evaluation of Safety and Performance of a New Prototype Self-Expandable Nitinol Stent in an Ovine Model'' lies in its potential to advance the field of venous intervention. Stent implantation is a common procedure used to treat deep venous obstruction, and the use of self-expandable nitinol stents has been shown to be effective in improving the patency rates. However, the safety and efficacy of new stent prototypes must be evaluated thoroughly before they can be used in clinical practice. Our study contributes to the evaluation of a new prototype self-expandable nitinol stent by demonstrating its excellent mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and histopathological response in an ovine model. The results of our study may provide valuable insight for researchers and clinicians in developing and implementing new stent technologies, ultimately improving patient outcomes in the treatment of chronic venous obstruction.

Background: Clinicians trained in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) use the tool to enhance diagnostic capabilities at the bedside, often excluding or diagnosing conditions that are suspected based on the history and physical examination. Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) involves compression of arteries and nerves between the clavicle and first rib causing pain and paresthesia in the affected limbs. To our knowledge, use of POCUS to diagnose TOS in the literature has not been described.Case Report: A 46-year-old man presented with left upper extremity (LUE) edema, pain, and paresthesia, which was progressive over 3 weeks. Examination of the LUE revealed diffuse swelling without erythema and a left radial pulse present on Doppler only. A subsequent POCUS examination of the LUE was performed to exclude a deep vein thrombosis, and enlarged and turbulent veins distal to the internal jugular vein were found, which suggested venous compression external to the veins. Additional imaging confirmed narrowing of the subclavian vein and a diagnosis of venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) was made. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Failure to promptly diagnose and treat TOS can lead to long-term chronic upper extremity pain and even permanent disability. Diagnosis of vascular TOS is often made using computed tomography to identify impinged vessels, although color Doppler sonography can be an excellent choice for initial imaging in patients with suspected vTOS. Although POCUS is being used increasingly as a diagnostic tool and for procedural guidance, our case represents a novel application of POCUS in the diagnosis of vTOS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the increasing use of cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) with one or more intracardiac electrodes, the rate of lead failure is increasing. Moreover, upgrade of the CIED frequently is indicated for cardiac resynchronization therapy or other reasons. Both these situations require a new intervention, preferably using ipsilateral venous access. However, venous obstruction after CIED insertion occurs in 10%-20% of patients and poses a major obstacle for implantation of additional leads. Possible solutions include lead extraction, contralateral lead insertion, and venoplasty. Preprocedural venoplasty is associated with the lowest short- and long-term risks. Here we describe a step-by-step approach to this technique, which can be introduced and safely performed in most interventional catheterization laboratories., Competing Interests: Disclosures Dr Lipšic has received an institutional educational grant from Abbott Medical Nederland B.V. All other authors have no conflicts of interest to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Heart Rhythm Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Cardiac implantable electronic device implantation rates have increased in recent decades. Venous obstruction of the subclavian, brachiocephalic, or superior vena cava veins represents an important complication of implanted leads. These forms of venous obstruction can result in significant symptoms as well as present a barrier to the implantation of additional device leads. The risk factors for the development of these complications remain poorly understood, and diagnosis relies on clinical recognition and cross-sectional imaging. Anticoagulation remains the mainstay of treatment, and thrombus debulking, lead extraction, venoplasty, and stenting are all important therapeutic interventions. This review provides a multidisciplinary-based approach to the evaluation and management of cardiac implantable electronic device lead-associated venous obstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The number of cases of superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) increased due to increased cardiac devices and central venous catheters. Management of benign SVCS is still controversial. A 51-year-old male known to have ischemic cardiomyopathy and chronic renal failure on regular hemodialysis. In the last 12 months, he had progressive shortness of breath and swelling of his upper part of the body. Examination revealed engorgement of the neck veins, facial puffiness, and pitting edema of both upper limbs. Venography showed occluded SVC. We applied a 50 Watt of energy via electrocautery pen to a Hi-Torque 0.014 Astato guidewire to cross the occluded segment retrogradely. We used 2 stents 39 mm, mounted on BIB 20/40 mm. Final angiography revealed full restoration of SVC flow. Diathermy use to cross a chronic total SVC obstruction is feasible and safe. Endovascular techniques are suitable as initial management of benign SVC syndrome.

Background: Iliofemoral venous stent placement (IVS) has evolved to a well-established endovascular treatment modality for chronic iliofemoral venous obstruction (CIVO). Dedicated venous stents gained approval from the US Food and Drug Administration in 2019 and solidified IVS as a defined intervention with clear indications, contraindications, risks, benefits, and procedural management principles. This review focuses on the indications, technical aspects and outcomes of stenting for CIVO. Other aspects pertaining to IVS are covered in other articles that are a part of this series., Methods: This study conducted a literature search limited to English articles. Three search strategies were used, and references were managed in Covidence software. Four investigators screened and evaluated articles independently, excluding meta-analyses, clinical trial protocols, and nonrelevant studies. Eligible studies, focused on clinical outcomes and stent patencies, underwent thorough review., Results: The literature search yielded 1704 studies, with 147 meeting eligibility criteria after screening and evaluation. Exclusions were based on duplicates, irrelevant content, and noniliac vein stent placement., Conclusions: Successful IVS for CIVO relies on meticulous patient selection, consistent use of intravascular ultrasound examination during procedures and attention to the technical details of IVS., Competing Interests: Disclosures None., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Column interruption duration (CID) is a noninvasive surrogate for venous refill time (VFT), a parameter used in ambulatory venous pressure measurement. CID is more accurate than invasive VFT measurement because it avoids errors involved with indirect access of the deep system through the dorsal foot vein. The aim of this retrospective single center study is to analyze the clinical usefulness of CID in assessment of chronic venous disease (CVD)., Methods: A total of 1551 limbs (777 patients) were referred with CVD symptoms over a 5-year period (2018-2023); CID, air plethysmography, and duplex reflux data were analyzed. Of these limbs, 679 had supine venous pressure data as well. The pathology was categorized as obstruction if supine peripheral venous pressure was >11 mm Hg and as reflux if duplex reflux time in superficial or deep veins was >1 second. CID was measured via Doppler monitoring of flow in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and one of the paired posterior tibial (PT) veins near the ankle in the erect posture. The calf is emptied by rapid inflation cuff. CID is the time interval in seconds when cephalad venous flow in great saphenous vein and posterior tibial veins reappear after calf ejection. A CID <20 seconds in either vein is abnormal similar to the threshold used in VFT measurement., Results: Thirty-two percent of the limbs had obstruction, 17% had reflux, and 37% had a combination; 14% had neither. Higher clinical-etiology-anatomy-pathophysiology (CEAP) clinical classes (C 4-6 ) were prevalent in 44% of pure reflux, significantly less (P < .0001) than in pure obstruction (73%) or obstruction plus reflux subsets (72%), partly reflecting distribution of pathology. There is a progressive increase in supine venous pressure and abnormal CID (P < .0001 and P < .0001, respectively) in successive CEAP clinical class. No such correlation between CEAP and any of the reflux severity grading methods (reflux segment score, Venous Filling Index, and Kistner axial grading) was observed. Abnormal CID (55%) was more prevalent in higher CEAP classes (>4) (P < .0001) than in lesser clinical classes (0-2) or limbs with neither obstruction nor reflux (P < .01)., Conclusions: Obstruction seems to be a more dominant pathology in clinical progression among CEAP clinical classes than reflux. CID is abnormal in both obstructive and refluxive pathologies and may represent a common end pathway for similar clinical manifestations (eg, ulcer). These data suggest a useful role for CID measurement in clinical assessment of limbs with CVD., Competing Interests: Disclosures S.R. reports US Patent for Venous Stent Design and IVUS Diagnostics. The remaining authors have no competing interests., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Superior vena cava obstruction results from any limitation of blood flow through the superior vena cava. Circulation to the heart may persist through various collateral vessels whose development depends on the level of obstruction. Depending on the level and degree of occlusive disease, the severity of clinical symptoms may vary considerably, up to lethal. Etiologies have changed dramatically in recent years, mainly due to the increasing use of intravascular devices. However, guidelines for treatment are lacking, and various options are available. Endovascular therapies developed considerably in recent years, may offer a rapid improvement in symptoms and proved to be safe. However, knowledge and selection of appropriate techniques are essential to venous angioplasty, involving specific tools to guarantee satisfying outcomes. This review aims to discuss the particular venous anatomy of the upper body, the physiopathology of superior vena cava obstruction, and specificities of endovascular treatment compared with other management options.

The two main mechanisms for pelvic venous disease (PeVD) are reflux of ovarian vein and obstruction of left common iliac or left renal vein. Some patients have a combination of the two. Adequate assessment of the location and degree of stenosis and delineation of venous anatomy are the key elements in the success of interventions to treat chronic obstructions causing PeVD. While venography is more accessible and less expensive to perform than intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that IVUS is significantly more sensitive than venography in identifying stenotic lesions and real-time anatomical alterations of the affected venous segments. In this paper, we discuss the derived information and the clinical applications of IVUS during such interventions. The definitive diagnosis of PeVD can be achieved with venography combined with IVUS to evaluate for obstructive lesions in the iliac veins and compression of the left renal vein. Venography has poor sensitivity and specificity in the detection of venous stenosis. However, IVUS can detect fine intraluminal trabeculae and outside compression that can be missed with standard multiplanar venography. The IVUS can confidently confirm the persistent venous stenosis regardless of the hemodynamical alterations of venous pressure, as well. Moreover, it is possible to precisely measure the diameter of ovarian vein with IVUS. This may be helpful to decide about the diameter of the coils or the plugs needed to avoid migration. In conclusion, IVUS enables us to accurately evaluate the underlying cause of PeVD and apply a patient's tailored treatment on table. [Turk J Vasc Surg 2021; 30(1.100): 14-6]

Historically, the stents used in the venous system were not dedicated scaffolds. They were largely adapted arterial stents. An essential feature of a venous stent is compliance, in order to adapt its crosssectional area to the vein. It should also be crush resistant, corrosion resistant and fatigue resistant. The material should be radiopaque, for follow-up. Another characteristic of the ideal venous stent is flexibility, to adapt its shape to the vein, not vice versa. The scaffold should be uncovered too, in order to avoid the occlusion of collaterals. The ideal venous stent should not migrate, so it is necessary a large diameter and a long length. The radial force is important to prevent migration. However, current stents derived from arterial use display high radial force, which could affect the patency of the thin venous wall. Alternatively, if the stent has an anchor point, that permits a passive anchoring, the radial force required to avoid migration will be lower. Dedicated venous stents were not available until very recently. Furthermore, there is a preclinical study about a new compliant nitinol stent, denominated Petalo CVS. Out of the commonest causes of large veins obstruction, dedicated venous stent could also treat other diseases described more recently, such as the jugular variant of the Eagle syndrome, JEDI syndrome and jugular lesions of the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency that result unfavorable for angioplasty according to Giaquinta classification.

Historically, the stents used in the venous system were not dedicated scaffolds. They were largely adapted arterial stents. An essential feature of a venous stent is compliance, in order to adapt its crosssectional area to the vein. It should also be crush resistant, corrosion resistant and fatigue resistant. The material should be radiopaque, for follow-up. Another characteristic of the ideal venous stent is flexibility, to adapt its shape to the vein, not vice versa. The scaffold should be uncovered too, in order to avoid the occlusion of collaterals. The ideal venous stent should not migrate, so it is necessary a large diameter and a long length. The radial force is important to prevent migration. However, current stents derived from arterial use display high radial force, which could affect the patency of the thin venous wall. Alternatively, if the stent has an anchor point, that permits a passive anchoring, the radial force required to avoid migration will be lower. Dedicated venous stents were not available until very recently. Furthermore, there is a preclinical study about a new compliant nitinol stent, denominated Petalo CVS. Out of the commonest causes of large veins obstruction, dedicated venous stent could also treat other diseases described more recently, such as the jugular variant of the Eagle syndrome, JEDI syndrome and jugular lesions of the chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency that result unfavorable for angioplasty according to Giaquinta classification. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiac output during exercise increases by as much as fivefold in the untrained man, and by as much as eightfold in the elite athlete. Increasing venous return is a critical but much overlooked component of the physiological response to exercise. Cardiac disorders such as constrictive pericarditis, restrictive cardiomyopathy and pulmonary hypertension are recognised to impair preload and cause exercise limitation; however, the effects of peripheral venous obstruction on cardiac function have not been well described. This manuscript will discuss how obstruction of the iliocaval venous outflow can lead to impairment in exercise tolerance, how such obstructions may be diagnosed, the potential implications of chronic obstructions on sympathetic nervous system activation, and relevance of venous compression syndromes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The two main mechanisms for pelvic venous disease (PeVD) are reflux of ovarian vein and obstruction of left common iliac or left renal vein. Some patients have a combination of the two. Adequate assessment of the location and degree of stenosis and delineation of venous anatomy are the key elements in the success of interventions to treat chronic obstructions causing PeVD. While venography is more accessible and less expensive to perform than intravascular ultrasound (IVUS), an increasing number of studies have demonstrated that IVUS is significantly more sensitive than venography in identifying stenotic lesions and real-time anatomical alterations of the affected venous segments. In this paper, we discuss the derived information and the clinical applications of IVUS during such interventions. The definitive diagnosis of PeVD can be achieved with venography combined with IVUS to evaluate for obstructive lesions in the iliac veins and compression of the left renal vein. Venography has poor sensitivity and specificity in the detection of venous stenosis. However, IVUS can detect fine intraluminal trabeculae and outside compression that can be missed with standard multiplanar venography. The IVUS can confidently confirm the persistent venous stenosis regardless of the hemodynamical alterations of venous pressure, as well. Moreover, it is possible to precisely measure the diameter of ovarian vein with IVUS. This may be helpful to decide about the diameter of the coils or the plugs needed to avoid migration. In conclusion, IVUS enables us to accurately evaluate the underlying cause of PeVD and apply a patient's tailored treatment on table. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Obstruction of the access vein following cardiac pacemaker and defibrillator implantation is a common complication. However, the exact incidence and contributing risk factors are unknown. The aim of this study is to determine the incidence and analyze the contribution of each risk factor. Methods. 57 consecutive patients candidate for their first transvenous pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or cardiac resynchronization therapy device implantation were enrolled. After implantation, venography of the ipsilateral peripheral arm was performed. Patients underwent their second venography after the follow-up period of 3 to 6 months. Results. 42 patients (13 females, mean age 59.71 ± 12.33) completed the study. The followup venography showed significant venous obstruction (more than 50%) in 9 (21%) patients, but in none of the individuals, venography revealed total occlusion of the veins. Patients with obstruction had more leads in their veins (2.56 ± 0.53 vs 1.58 ± 0.71, P = 0.001). Venous obstruction was significantly more prevalent in patients with implanted cardiac resynchronization therapy device compared with an ICD or pacemaker (p = 0. 01). Age, gender, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and antiplatelet consumption did not reveal any other contribution to the risk of thrombosis. In multivariate analysis, total lead number was a positive predictor for venous occlusion (P = 0.015, OR:19.2, and CI: 1.7-207.1). Conclusion. Venous obstruction is relatively frequent after pacemaker or ICD implantation. This study also shows that pacemaker and ICD leads have a similar risk for lead-related venous obstruction. However, patients with multiple leads are associated with an increased risk.

Competing Interests: None.

Objectives: To determine the incidence of possible obstacles and patients' characteristics when performing endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) and suggestions to improve the ability to overcome them. Method: A prospective study with 215 limbs treated with EVLT. A sequence of maneuvers was performed to move the fiber forward when difficulty was found and if unsuccessful another entry site was punctured. Results: In 29 of 215 (13.48%) limbs, resistance was encountered while navigating the fiber; 16 (55.17%) solved with lower limb extension; 13 (44.82%) needed ultrasound guided maneuvers; five (17.24%) needed a saline flush and in three patients (10.34%) another entry site was necessary. In 214 of 215 cases (99.53%), ablation was accomplished and no complications were observed. Conclusions: Both obstruction and higher patients' BMI are the main obstacles during endovenous laser ablation and usually needs additional maneuvers to accomplish the procedure in our study and the use of tricks to overcome these issues is feasible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Deep venous stenting has gained increasing interest. More flexible venous stents are thought to gain superior clinical outcomes. This research evaluated the patency and clinical outcomes between more rigid stents and more flexible stents. Material and methods: The Venous Clinical Severity Score, Villalta, complication rates and patency rates were evaluated. The more rigid stents included the Sinus XL, the Veniti VICI and the Sinus Obliquus. The flexible group included the Zilver Vena or the Sinus Venous stents. Results: Differences in Venous Clinical Severity Score (p = 0.09) and Villalta score were found (p = 0.28). Tapering (0 versus 5, p = 0.03) and bad alignment were found (0 versus 5, p = 0.03). The rigid stents showed patency rates of 80, 86 and 92% compared to 88, 96 and 98% in the flexible group. Conclusion: Dedicated venous stents show good patency outcomes and clinical results. Tapering and bad alignment between connecting stents are more frequently seen in more rigid stents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To investigate the biological effects of a novel endovenous scaffold in a porcine model. Methods: Petalo is a compliant venous scaffold implanted into the internal jugular veins of 12 healthy pigs. The pigs were sacrificed at one, two, three, and six months, respectively. Microscopic investigations were performed at two blinded laboratories. Results: Neo-intima formation progressively covering up the stent metallic bars was observed. The inflammatory response of the venous wall showed a peak after three months by the implant, followed by marked reduction after six months. The device induced a significant (p<0.01) increase of the thickness respect to the control regions, but was comparable in sections obtained after three and six months. Conclusions: The implant of Petalo compliant venous scaffold in the venous wall of this porcine model is characterized by neointima formation and by an inflammatory reaction which tends to decrease after six months. Our data point against the induction of smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration as confirmed by electronic transmission microscopy analyses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Symptomatic obstruction related to malignant involvement of large veins may occur in central veins both in the thoracic and pelvic regions, and in the abdominal region of the body. Both cases represent a therapeutic challenge, and endovascular revascularization, consisting of angioplasty and stent placement, is safe and effective. Superior vena cava stenting has become widespread in the management of occlusive venous disease. The percutaneous placement of large expandable metal stents allows rapid restoration of normal blood flow in the majority of patients, thus improving symptoms. Published data on the diagnosis and treatment of symptomatic cancer-related iliocaval obstructions are limited and mainly consist of case reports and small case series. The present review reports the current state of endovascular treatment for both superior vena cava occlusion and iliac compression syndrome in cancer patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Venous stenting with an endophlebectomy and arteriovenous fistula can be performed in patients with extensive post-thrombotic changes. However, these hybrid procedures can induce restenosis, sometimes requiring stent extension, into a single inflow vessel. This study investigates the effectiveness of stenting into a single inflow vessel. Methods All evaluated patients had temporary balloon occlusion of the arteriovenous fistula to evaluate venous flow into the stents. When stent inflow was deemed insufficient, AVF closure was postponed and additional stenting was performed. Patency rates and clinical outcomes were evaluated. Results Twenty-four (38%) of 64 patients had additional stenting. The primary, assisted primary and secondary patency were 60 %, 70% and 70% respectively. Villalta score reduced by 6.1 points (p < 0.001), and venous clinical severity score by 2.7 points (p = 0.034). Conclusion Stenting through the femoral confluence into a single inflow vessel is a feasible bailout option if primary hybrid intervention fails with relative high patency rates and clinical improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Venous recanalization of obstructed femoral and iliac veins is associated with good results regarding the feasibility and patency rate. If the common femoral vein with its inflow vessels is involved, open surgical desobliteration or endophlebectomy has been described as a crucial part of the intervention. However, when performing the hybrid procedure, a number of specific complications have been described. We present our results after venous recanalization including an endophlebectomy, focussing on wound complications and its impact on outcome. Material and methods A retrospective analysis of prospective recorded data of all patients who underwent a hybrid procedure for chronic obstruction of iliofemoral veins between 2010 and 2015 was performed. The patients were treated by recanalization of the affected veins combined with endophlebectomy of the common femoral vein and arteriovenous fistula implantation. Data assessment focussed on complications and patency rates. Results This study includes 96 patients, thereof 58 females with a mean age of 44.1 years. The mean procedure time was 344 ± 140 min (range 124–663). Median follow-up time was 12.5 months (2–33 months). Primary patency was 62.5% and secondary patency was 90%. Re-intervention due to early occlusion within the first 30 post-intervention days was necessary in 37.5% of all cases. Besides bleeding complications, wound complications, mainly classified as Szilagyi I, occurred in 33% of all patients. A multivariate analysis showed a significant impact of wound complications on primary as well as secondary patency rate (p = 0.032, respectively 0.015). Conclusion Recanalization of obstructed iliac veins and/or the inferior vena cava combined with endophlebectomy of the common femoral vein and arteriovenous fistula implantation is a safe and feasible treatment option in the post-thrombotic syndrome. As wound complications are a common and associated with a significant impact on patency rate, further attempts to improve the procedure are crucial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection is the most common subtype of total anomalous pulmonary venous connection. We aimed to describe the morphological spectrum of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection and to identify risk factors for death and postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction. From February 2009 to June 2019, 241 patients diagnosed with supracardiac-Ia (left-sided vertical vein, n = 185) or supracardiac-Ib (right-sided connection directly to superior vena cava, n = 56) total anomalous pulmonary venous connection underwent initial surgical repair at our institute. Cases with functionally univentricular circulations or atrial isomerism were excluded. Patients' postoperative survival was described by Kaplan–Meier curves. Cox proportional hazards models and competing risk regression models were used to identify clinical risk factors for death and postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction. There were 8 early deaths and 4 late deaths. The overall survivals at 30 days, 1 year, and 10 years were 97.1%, 94.8%, and 94.8%, respectively, in the supracardiac-Ia group (2.7%, 5/185) (hazard ratio, 4.8; P =.003). Five patients required reoperation for pulmonary venous obstruction, including 2 patients who required reintervention for superior vena cava syndromes (all in the supracardiac-Ib group). One patient required superior vena cava balloon dilation for superior vena cava syndromes. Multivariable analysis showed that the supracardiac-Ib group (12.5%, 7/56) had a significantly higher mortality rate than the supracardiac-Ia group (adjusted hazard ratio, 8.5, P =.008). Surgical weight less than 2.5 kg (adjusted hazard ratio, 10.8, P =.023), longer duration of cardiopulmonary bypass (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.15 per 10 minutes, P =.012), and supracardiac-Ib subtype (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.7, P =.037) were independent risk factors associated with death. The supracardiac-Ib subtype (adjusted hazard ratio, 4.8, P =.003) was an incremental risk factor associated with postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction. Morphological features of supracardiac total anomalous pulmonary venous connection, especially the supracardiac-Ib subtype, were risk factors associated with postoperative pulmonary venous obstruction and survival. Patients with unique anatomic subtypes might require more individualized surgical planning. [Display omitted] [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]