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Giant cell arteritis is more common in women older than 60 years, is associated with systemic inflammation symptoms and mainly involves the aortic arch and cranial arteries, specially the temporal artery. Symptomatic lower extremity arterial stenosis or occlusion is uncommon and can lead to limb loss. We report a 73-year-old woman presenting with a one-month history of lower extremity intermittent claudication of sudden onset. She also complained of fever, malaise, headache and weight loss. A non-invasive vascular study showed moderate femoral popliteal occlusive disease, with and abnormal ankle-brachial index (0.68 and 0.83 on right and left sides, respectively). An angio-computed tomography showed thickening of the aortic wall and severe stenosis in both superficial femoral arteries. Steroidal treatment was started, and a temporal artery biopsy was performed confirming giant cell arteritis. Six weeks after steroid therapy the patient had a complete remission of symptoms. A serologic exacerbation was subsequently treated with a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor Tocilizumab, obtaining long time remission.

Background: Pelvic venous insufficiency may cause pelvic congestion syndrome that is characterized by chronic pelvic pain exacerbated by prolonged standing, sexual activity or menstrual cycle. It may be treated by embolizing the dysfunctional pelvic venous drainage and sometimes resecting vulvar, perineal and thigh varices. Aim: To assess the results of embolization of insufficient pelvic or ovarian veins on pelvic congestion syndrome. Material and Methods: Analysis of 17 female patients aged 32 to 53 years, who underwent subjected to a selective coil embolization of insufficient pelvic and/or ovarian veins through the jugular, basilic or cephalic veins. In the preoperative period, all patients had a lower extremity venous duplex pelvic ultrasound examination and some had an abdominal and pelvic CT angiogram. Results: The technical success of the procedure was 100% and no complications were registered. During a 32 month follow up, no patient had symptoms of pelvic venous insufficiency or relapse of vulvar or thigh varices. Conclusions: Embolization of insufficient pelvic and ovarian veins is a safe and successful procedure for the treatment of pelvic venous insufficiency or vulvar varices.

Background: Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma can spread locally to neighboring organs in the mediastinum. When it invades the aorta, the patient may develop an aorto esophageal fistula (AEF), complication that carries a high mortality rate. We report a 62-year-old male with stage IV esophageal carcinoma who, after chemo radiation treatment, developed an AEF. He was successfully treated with the use of an aortic endograft. The patient died 13 months later due to progression of his cancer, without evidence of sepsis or new bleeding episodes.

Open and endovascular surgery are therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of abdominal aortic aneurism. The development of guidelines for its treatment requires a thorough analysis of available evidence to recommend the best treatment for each country's reality. Prospective randomized trials have shown best initial results with endovascular surgery, with higher hospital costs than open surgery. The requirement of anatomical suitability for the placement of endovascular prostheses limits the universal use of endovascular surgery. Moreover, this type of surgery needs a strict imaging and clinical follow up due to the high rates of late complications, which range from 20% to 40%. Many of these complications require further surgical interventions, elevating costs of treatment. The initial benefit of endovascular surgery is lost during long follow up as survival curves become similar to those of open surgery. Even for patients with a high surgical risk, the benefits of endovascular surgery are doubtful.

Background: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent massive pulmonary embolism in cases where anticoagulation is contraindicated or has failed. It is usually implanted below the renal veins. In a few cases it is necessary to deploy the filter above them, with theoretical rísk of secondary renal failure. Aim: To report the experience with filters located above the renal veins. Patients and Methods: Medical records of all patients with percutaneous suprarenal filters are reviewed. Results: Between May 1993 and May 2007, 361 percutaneous IVC filter procedures were performed. In thirty patients aged 19 to 77 years (average 48years, 50% males), they were placed in suprarenalposition (8,3%). Suprarenal IVC filters were implanted in patients with extensive caval thrombosis, renal vein thrombosis extending to cava, displacement of previous IVC filters and double IVC system. Jugular vein approach was the access of choice. Technical success was 100%, no death or pulmonary embolism occurred. Patients were followed from 1 to 165 months (average 57 months). Eight deaths were recorded, five in patients with cáncer No patient had renal failure on follow up (average creatinine 0.90+0,26 mg/dL). Three patients developed a new deep vein thrombosis (10%), without pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis of patients, suprarenal placement of IVC filters was not associated to secondary renal failure, and showed good short and long term results.

Background: Inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are used to prevent massive pulmonary embolism in cases where anticoagulation is contraindicated or has failed. It is usually implanted below the renal veins. In a few cases it is necessary to deploy the filter above them, with theoretical rísk of secondary renal failure. Aim: To report the experience with filters located above the renal veins. Patients and Methods: Medical records of all patients with percutaneous suprarenal filters are reviewed. Results: Between May 1993 and May 2007, 361 percutaneous IVC filter procedures were performed. In thirty patients aged 19 to 77 years (average 48years, 50% males), they were placed in suprarenalposition (8,3%). Suprarenal IVC filters were implanted in patients with extensive caval thrombosis, renal vein thrombosis extending to cava, displacement of previous IVC filters and double IVC system. Jugular vein approach was the access of choice. Technical success was 100%, no death or pulmonary embolism occurred. Patients were followed from 1 to 165 months (average 57 months). Eight deaths were recorded, five in patients with cáncer No patient had renal failure on follow up (average creatinine 0.90+0,26 mg/dL). Three patients developed a new deep vein thrombosis (10%), without pulmonary embolism. Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis of patients, suprarenal placement of IVC filters was not associated to secondary renal failure, and showed good short and long term results.

Background: Dissections that involve the ascending aorta are classified as type A, regardless of the site of the primary intimal tear, and all other dissections as type B. Type B dissections can have fatal ischemic and hemorrhagic complications. In the chronic state, dilatation and rupture can be mortal. Endovascular surgery is a therapeutic alternative, considering the high rate of complications of conventional surgery Aim: To report the results of endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection. Material and methods: Report of 36 treated patients (30 males) aged 43 to 87 years, with a type B aortic dissection. Seventy eight percent were hypertensive and 39% smoked. The diagnosis was conñrmed by CAT sean. Acute patients were treated for complications and chronic patients, for dilatation. In the operating room, an endoprothesis was placed through the femoral artery, to cover the tear. The tear was located and the lumens were differentiated using angiography and transesophageal echocardiography. Results: All procedures were successful. In 16 acute dissections the indications were malperfusion syndrome or unmanageable hypertension in seven patients and imminent rupture or persistent pain in nine. Twenty chronic patients were operated due to dilatation (mean 6 cm). One patient died due to cardiac failure. One patient had a transient paraparesia and two had pulmonary embolism. No patient died in a follow up períod ranging from 2.5 to 74 months. Four patients required a new aortic endovascular procedure due to progressive dilatation or endoleak. Conclusión: Endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection has good immediate andlong term results.

Background: Dissections that involve the ascending aorta are classified as type A, regardless of the site of the primary intimal tear, and all other dissections as type B. Type B dissections can have fatal ischemic and hemorrhagic complications. In the chronic state, dilatation and rupture can be mortal. Endovascular surgery is a therapeutic alternative, considering the high rate of complications of conventional surgery Aim: To report the results of endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection. Material and methods: Report of 36 treated patients (30 males) aged 43 to 87 years, with a type B aortic dissection. Seventy eight percent were hypertensive and 39% smoked. The diagnosis was conñrmed by CAT sean. Acute patients were treated for complications and chronic patients, for dilatation. In the operating room, an endoprothesis was placed through the femoral artery, to cover the tear. The tear was located and the lumens were differentiated using angiography and transesophageal echocardiography. Results: All procedures were successful. In 16 acute dissections the indications were malperfusion syndrome or unmanageable hypertension in seven patients and imminent rupture or persistent pain in nine. Twenty chronic patients were operated due to dilatation (mean 6 cm). One patient died due to cardiac failure. One patient had a transient paraparesia and two had pulmonary embolism. No patient died in a follow up períod ranging from 2.5 to 74 months. Four patients required a new aortic endovascular procedure due to progressive dilatation or endoleak. Conclusión: Endovascular treatment of type B aortic dissection has good immediate andlong term results.

Background: Carotid body tumors arise from a cellular conglomerate located at the carotid bifurcation. Progressive enlargement can involve the arterial wall and neighbor cranial nerves. Aim: To report a series of 10 patients treated of carotid body tumors and review national experience. Patients and methods: Between 1984 and 2006, we operated 8 women and 2 men, aged 19 to 75 years, with this type of tumor. Results: The most common cause for consultation was a cervical mass in 90%, with a mean evolution lapse of 13.2 months (range 3 to 126). In all cases, diagnosis was confirmed with angiographic imaging and histopathology. Ten tumors were surgically removed with no complications. Eighty percent of tumors were in stage II according to Shamblin classification. During long term follow up all patients have remained asymptomatic. Only 31 carotid body tumors have been reported in Chilean medical literature during a 43 year period. Conclusions: Paragangliomas of the carotid body can be diagnosed in clinical grounds, requiring vascular imaging. These infrequent lesions are generally benign, early surgical removal by surgeons with vascular expertise avoids neurological and or vascular complications

Background: Anticoagulation is the treatment of choice for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE). Occasionally this treatment is contraindicated or fails to prevent PE. In these patients, inferior vena caval (IVC) interruption is indicated and insertion of a filter is the most commonly performed procedure. Aim: To report the experience with IVC filters. Material and methods: Retrospective review of all medical records and operative protocols of patients subjected to IVC filter implantations. Follow up was performed by telephone contact with the patient, relatives or primary physicians, ambulatory consultation or by death certificates. Results: During the period 1993-2005 we implanted IVC filters on 287 patients, 55.4% male, average age: 62.1 yrs (17-99). Indications for the procedure were DVT or PE and contraindication of anticoagulation in 141 patients (49.1%), DVT or PE and complication of anticoagulation in 65 patients (22.6%), prophylaxis in 39 patients (13.6%), massive PE or poor respiratory function in 31 patients (10.8%), paradoxal emboli in 4 patients (1.4%) and other causes in seven patients. All percutaneous devices were successfully inserted. There was no morbidity or mortality related to the procedure. The most frequent access site was the internal jugular vein (66.6%). In 24 patients (8.4%) the filter was intentionally deployed above the renal veins. Six patients (2.1%) were lost to follow up after discharge. A mean follow up of 41.5 months was achieved. Ninety one patients died, with a 5 years survival of 64.7%. Symptomatic recurrent PE occurred in 6 patients (2.1%) and was the cause of death on 3 of them (1%), DVT has been detected in 22 patients (7.7%) during the follow up period. Conclusions: IVC filter implantation is a safe and effective short and long term measure to prevent PE and its consequences

Surgical treatment of thoracoabdominal aneurysms is a big technical challenge with a high rate of complications and mortality. It requires a large exposure and transient interruption of vital organ perfusion during its repair. Endovascular repair is a less invasive alternative available over the last decade. We report four male patients aged 44 to 76 years, with thoracic aortic aneurysms and involvement of visceral aorta, treated with a two stage procedure. During the first stage, a retrograde revascularization of the superior mesenteric and renal arteries from the infrarenal aorta was done, associated in two cases to a concomitant repair of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm. In the second stage, an endovascular graft was placed through the femoral artery, from the segment proximal to the aneurysm to the infrarenal aorta, above the origin of the visceral artery reconstructions, excluding the aneurysm from circulation. In one patient, both stages were concomitant and in three the second stage was delayed. One patient presented a postoperative bleeding that required reintervention without adverse consequences. No patient died, presented paraplegia or deterioration of renal function. After follow up of 6 to 20 months, there is no evidence of aneurysm growth or complications derived from the procedure

Background: Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) avoids laparotomy, shortens hospital stay and reduces morbidity and mortality related to surgical repair, allowing full patient recovery in less time. Aim: To report short and long term results of endovascular repair of AAA in 80 consecutive patients treated at our institution. Patients and Methods: Between September 1997 and February 2005, three women and 77 men with a mean age 73.6±7.7 years with AAA 5.8±1.0 cm in diameter, were treated. The surgical risk of 38% of patients was grade III according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Each procedure was performed in the operating room, under local or regional anesthesia, with the aid of digital substraction angiography. The endograft was deployed through the femoral artery (83.7% bifurcated, 16.3% tubular graft). A femoro-femoral bypass was required in 11.3% of cases. Follow-up included a spiral CT scan at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and then annually. Results: Endovascular repair was successfully completed in 79/80 patients (98.7% technical success). The procedures lasted 147±71 min. Length of stay in the observation unit was 20.6±13.5 h. Blood transfusion was required in 10%. Sixty two percent of the patients were discharged before 72 h. One patient died 8 days after surgery due to a myocardial infarction (1.3%). During follow-up (3-90 months), 1 patient developed late AAA enlargement due to a type I endoleak, requiring a new endograft. No AAA rupture was observed. Survival at 4 years was 84.2% (SE =9.2). Endovascular re-intervention free survival was 82.7% (SE =9.5). Conclusion: Endovascular surgery allows effective exclusion of AAA avoiding progressive enlargement and/or rupture and is a good alternative to open repair. Close and frequent postoperative follow up is mandatory

Background: Endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) avoids laparotomy, shortens hospital stay and reduces morbidity and mortality related to surgical repair, allowing full patient recovery in less time. Aim: To report short and long term results of endovascular repair of AAA in 80 consecutive patients treated at our institution. Patients and Methods: Between September 1997 and February 2005, three women and 77 men with a mean age 73.6±7.7 years with AAA 5.8±1.0 cm in diameter, were treated. The surgical risk of 38% of patients was grade III according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification. Each procedure was performed in the operating room, under local or regional anesthesia, with the aid of digital substraction angiography. The endograft was deployed through the femoral artery (83.7% bifurcated, 16.3% tubular graft). A femoro-femoral bypass was required in 11.3% of cases. Follow-up included a spiral CT scan at 1, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, and then annually. Results: Endovascular repair was successfully completed in 79/80 patients (98.7% technical success). The procedures lasted 147±71 min. Length of stay in the observation unit was 20.6±13.5 h. Blood transfusion was required in 10%. Sixty two percent of the patients were discharged before 72 h. One patient died 8 days after surgery due to a myocardial infarction (1.3%). During follow-up (3-90 months), 1 patient developed late AAA enlargement due to a type I endoleak, requiring a new endograft. No AAA rupture was observed. Survival at 4 years was 84.2% (SE =9.2). Endovascular re-intervention free survival was 82.7% (SE =9.5). Conclusion: Endovascular surgery allows effective exclusion of AAA avoiding progressive enlargement and/or rupture and is a good alternative to open repair. Close and frequent postoperative follow up is mandatory

Background: Mortality of traumatic aortic lesions is over 80%. A group of those who survive, develop a chronic pseudo aneurism, usually asymptomatic, that is detected during imaging studies. Since conventional surgical treatment of traumatic aortic lesions has a great mortality, endovascular treatment has been used as an alternative treatment in the last decade. Aim: To report our experience with endovascular treatment of traumatic aortic lesions. Patients and methods: Report of seven patients aged 22 to 65 years, with traumatic aortic lesions. Under general anesthesia an endovascular prosthesis was inserted through the femoral artery. Results: No complications were observed in the postoperative period, and after a follow up ranging from 4 to 40 months, no endoleaks or other complications have been detected. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of traumatic aortic lesions has good immediate and midterm results

Background: Mortality of traumatic aortic lesions is over 80%. A group of those who survive, develop a chronic pseudo aneurism, usually asymptomatic, that is detected during imaging studies. Since conventional surgical treatment of traumatic aortic lesions has a great mortality, endovascular treatment has been used as an alternative treatment in the last decade. Aim: To report our experience with endovascular treatment of traumatic aortic lesions. Patients and methods: Report of seven patients aged 22 to 65 years, with traumatic aortic lesions. Under general anesthesia an endovascular prosthesis was inserted through the femoral artery. Results: No complications were observed in the postoperative period, and after a follow up ranging from 4 to 40 months, no endoleaks or other complications have been detected. Conclusions: Endovascular treatment of traumatic aortic lesions has good immediate and midterm results

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) may be lethal unless appropriately and timely treated. Since age is a surgical risk, octogenarians are usually not considered as candidates for surgical intervention. Aim: To asses surgical complications and mortality in octogenarians treated for AAA. Subjects and Methods: Patients aged 80 years older, treated consecutively between 1984-2001 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Sixty one patients were male, and their age ranged from 80 to 95 years. All were treated with open surgery. The operation was elective in 58 and as an emergency in 22 patients (symptomatic or ruptured AAA). Aortic diameter was 6.8±1.4 cm in asymptomatic patients and 7.7±1.8 cm in emergency cases (p=0.024). Thirty days postoperative mortality was 5.1% in elective surgery compared to 40.6% in emergency operations (p

Background: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) may be lethal unless appropriately and timely treated. Since age is a surgical risk, octogenarians are usually not considered as candidates for surgical intervention. Aim: To asses surgical complications and mortality in octogenarians treated for AAA. Subjects and Methods: Patients aged 80 years older, treated consecutively between 1984-2001 were retrospectively analyzed. Results: Sixty one patients were male, and their age ranged from 80 to 95 years. All were treated with open surgery. The operation was elective in 58 and as an emergency in 22 patients (symptomatic or ruptured AAA). Aortic diameter was 6.8±1.4 cm in asymptomatic patients and 7.7±1.8 cm in emergency cases (p=0.024). Thirty days postoperative mortality was 5.1% in elective surgery compared to 40.6% in emergency operations (p

Background: The incidence of abdominal aortic aneurysms has increased. Its predisposing factors are smoking, high blood pressure and dislipidemia. Progressive aneurysmal enlargement may lead to its rupture, which is associated to a mortality rate above 80%. Aim: To assess the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms in Chilean subjects with cardiovascular risk factors. Subjects and methods: Through announcements in open media we invited individuals aged over 60 years, who smoked, had hypertension and/or had occlusive arterial disease, to participate in a study that included medical history and physical examination. An aortic ultrasound was performed in all subjects in whom the aorta was not palpable or there was a suspicion of dilatation. Aortic diameter over 3 cm was considered aneurysmal. Results: Three hundred fifty six subjects aged 67.1±6.7 years, (73.9% males), were evaluated. The study group included 62% hypertensives, 39% with abnormal lipids and 46% smokers. Known coronary heart disease or peripheral arterial diseases were present in 14% and 10%, respectively. Ultrasound was required in 159 subjects. Aneurysms were detected in 21 persons (5.9%), 7.6% in males and 1.1% in females. The mean transverse diameter of the aneurysm was 4.1 cm (3-7.5). Aneurysm was found in 2.3% of subjects younger than 65 years and 8.3% of subjects aged over 65 years. Conclusions: In this sample the prevalence of abdominal aortic aneurysms was 5.9%, affecting predominantly males, with a notorious increase with advanced age (Rev Méd Chile 2003; 131: 741-7)

Background: The natural history of aneurysms ends in rupture and death. In 1990 the first endovascular exclusion of an aneurysm, using an endoluminal graft implanted through the femoral arteries was performed. More recently, the same procedure has been used for aneurysms of the thoracic aorta. Aim: To report our experience with endovascular treatment of thoracic aorta aneurysms. Material and methods: Analysis of 14 patients (nine male), aged 30 to 79 years, treated between May 2001 and August 2002. Results: The mean diameter of the aneurysms was 6.9 cm. The etiology was atherosclerotic in nine patients. The Excluder device (Goreâ) was preferentially used. There was no operative mortality or paraplegia. One patient had a transient leg monoparesis that reverted completely. No patient had type I endoleaks. Two patients had type II endoleaks on discharge, that sealed spontaneously. In a follow up, ranging from 2 to 17 months, one patient died of a bronchopneumonia and no aneurysm rupture has been detected. Conclusions: The short term results of endoluminal treatment of thoracic aorta aneurysms are excellent. This treatment is less invasive and has less complications than conventional surgery (Rev Méd Chile 2003; 131: 617-22)

Traumatic rupture of the aorta has a near 80% mortality. Most patients die on the site of the accident. Conventional surgical repair of these lesions has a high morbidity and mortality, generally associated to the severity of associated lesions. Over the last decade, endovascular treatment has become an effective therapeutic alternative. We report a 40 years old male, that suffered a traumatic rupture of the descending thoracic aorta in a car accident. A successful endovascular repair was performed, installing an endoprothesis on the site of the lesion, using a femoral artery approach. The patient had a good postoperative evolution and was discharged from the hospital once complete rehabilitation of his associated lesions was obtained (Rev Med Chile 2003; 131: 309-13).

Spontaneous dissection of the superior mesenteric artery is an unusual cause of mesenteric ischemia. Diagnosis can be based on findings of the helicoidal computed tomography or selective angiography of the superior mesenteric artery. We report two male patients, aged 47 and 50 years, who were admitted for abdominal pain. Isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection was confirmed by angiography. Both patients were treated with anticoagulation, conservative measures and recovered uneventfully (Rev Méd Chile 2002; 130: 1282-8).

The traditional treatment of traumatic lesions of the aortic arch branches requires extended surgical exposures, not exempt of morbidity and mortality. Over the last decade, devices that allow a minimally invasive treatment, have been developed. The vessel can be repaired without direct exposure, using an endovascular procedure. We report three patients with traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the left subclavian, brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries, respectively. All lesions were successfully repaired with the insertion of an endograft. Although long term results of these procedure are unknown, repair of a future stenosis or occlusion is less complicated than the treatment required by the original lesion. Endoluminal repair appears as a safe, efficient and less invasive treatment for these lesions. (Rev Méd Chile 2002; 130: 1027-32)

The traditional treatment of traumatic lesions of the aortic arch branches requires extended surgical exposures, not exempt of morbidity and mortality. Over the last decade, devices that allow a minimally invasive treatment, have been developed. The vessel can be repaired without direct exposure, using an endovascular procedure. We report three patients with traumatic pseudoaneurysms of the left subclavian, brachiocephalic and left common carotid arteries, respectively. All lesions were successfully repaired with the insertion of an endograft. Although long term results of these procedure are unknown, repair of a future stenosis or occlusion is less complicated than the treatment required by the original lesion. Endoluminal repair appears as a safe, efficient and less invasive treatment for these lesions. (Rev Méd Chile 2002; 130: 1027-32)

In 1991, a technique to exclude aortic aneurysms from circulation inserting an endoluminal graft through the femoral artery, was described. This procedure, usually used for elective abdominal aneurysms, can also be used in the thoracic aorta. We report a 41 years old male with a Marfan syndrome, presenting with a descending aorta aneurysm that ruptured to the mediastinum and pleural cavity. He was compensated hemodynamically and an endovascular stent-graft was deployed at the ruptured zone, through the femoral artery. The postoperative evolution of the patient was uneventful. This technique will allow a less invasive treatment of ruptured aortic aneurysms (Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 1439-43)

In 1991, a technique to exclude aortic aneurysms from circulation inserting an endoluminal graft through the femoral artery, was described. This procedure, usually used for elective abdominal aneurysms, can also be used in the thoracic aorta. We report a 41 years old male with a Marfan syndrome, presenting with a descending aorta aneurysm that ruptured to the mediastinum and pleural cavity. He was compensated hemodynamically and an endovascular stent-graft was deployed at the ruptured zone, through the femoral artery. The postoperative evolution of the patient was uneventful. This technique will allow a less invasive treatment of ruptured aortic aneurysms (Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 1439-43)

The treatment of superior vena cava syndrome is usually oriented to the underlying cause, that can be too slow in emergency cases. We report a 49 years old woman with a multiple myeloma that was admitted due to a superior vena cava syndrome caused by a central venous catheter used for chemotherapy for 20 weeks. She was successfully treated with thrombolysis, angioplasty and stent placement. The patient died 7 months later due to the underlying disease. Long term catheters are the responsible for 20 to 30% of superior vena cava syndromes. Endovascular treatment of the syndrome is successful in 60 to 100% of cases with a symptomatic relapse in 4 to 45% of patients. (Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 421-6)

The treatment of superior vena cava syndrome is usually oriented to the underlying cause, that can be too slow in emergency cases. We report a 49 years old woman with a multiple myeloma that was admitted due to a superior vena cava syndrome caused by a central venous catheter used for chemotherapy for 20 weeks. She was successfully treated with thrombolysis, angioplasty and stent placement. The patient died 7 months later due to the underlying disease. Long term catheters are the responsible for 20 to 30% of superior vena cava syndromes. Endovascular treatment of the syndrome is successful in 60 to 100% of cases with a symptomatic relapse in 4 to 45% of patients. (Rev Méd Chile 2001; 129: 421-6)

Background: Endarterectomy is the treatment of choice for internal carotid artery critical stenosis. Some authors have proposed that the use of regional anesthesia has advantages over general anesthesia. Aim: To report our initial experience with carotid endarterectomy under regional anesthesia. Patients and methods: Between 1998 and 1999, patients with critical carotid artery stenosis, asymptomatic or with transient and recovered symptoms, were selected. A C2, C3, C4 root deep cervical block and superficial block was performed, using a mixture of lidocaine and bupivacaine. A carotid endarterectomy with patch and without routine shunt insertion, with standard and neurological monitoring, was performed. Results: During the study period, 94 carotid endarterectomies were done, 22 under regional anesthesia in 21 patients (12 male, age range 58-90 years old). Ninety five percent had hypertension, 52% smoked and 38% had renal dysfunction. One patient was converted to general anesthesia. Seventeen patients were discharged within 48 hours of the procedure and the rest, within 72 hours. There was no mortality or complications. Conclusions: Endarterectomy under regional anesthesia is less invasive, has excellent results and is well accepted by patients. (Rev Méd Chile 2000; 128: 53-58)