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Minwoo Jang,1,* Jong-Hwan Park,1,* Gwon-Min Kim,2 Seunghwan Song,1,3,4 Up Huh,1,3,4 Du-ri Kim,1 Minji Sung,1 Young Jin Tak1,5,6 1Health Convergence Medicine Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, 49241, South Korea; 2Department of Medical Research Institute, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, South Korea; 3Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, South Korea; 4Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, 49241, South Korea; 5Department of Family Medicine, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, 50612, South Korea; 6Department of Family Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, 49241, South Korea*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Young Jin Tak, Pusan National University Hospital, 179 Gudeok-Ro, Seo-Gu, Busan, 42941, Republic of Korea, Tel +82 10 7172 5905, Email 03141998@hanmail.netPurpose: Research on whether wearable device interventions can effectively prevent metabolic syndrome remains insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of feedback on clinical indicators in patients with metabolic syndrome on activities measured using wearable devices, such as smartphone apps.Methods: Patients with metabolic syndrome were recruited and prescribed to live for 12 weeks using a wrist-wearable device (B.BAND, B Life Inc., Korea). A block randomization method was used to distribute participants between the intervention (n=35) and control groups (n=32). In the intervention group, an experienced study coordinator provided feedback on physical activity to individuals through telephonic counseling every other week.Results: The mean number of steps in the control group was 8892.86 (4473.53), and those in the intervention group was 10,129.31 (4224.11). After 12 weeks, metabolic syndrome was resolved. Notably, there were statistically significant differences in the metabolic composition among the participants who completed the intervention. The mean number of metabolic disorder components per person remained at 3 in the control group, and decreased from 4 to 3 in the intervention group. Additionally, waist circumference, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, and triglyceride levels were significantly reduced, while HDL-cholesterol levels were significantly increased in the intervention group.Conclusion: Overall, 12 weeks of telephonic counseling intervention using wearable device-based physical activity confirmation improved the damaged metabolic components of patients with metabolic syndrome. Telephonic intervention can help increase physical activity and reduce waist circumference, which is a typical clinical indicator of metabolic syndrome.Keywords: metabolic syndrome, physical activity, wearable device, waist circumference

Du-Ri Kim1,2 *, Seunghwan Song1,3 *, Gwon-Min Kim,1 Jae Hyeok Chang,1,4 Young Jin Tak,5 Up Huh,1,3 Jeong Su Cho,3 Yung Liao,6 Kap-Soo Han,7 Myoung-Hwan Ko,7,8 Jong-Hwan Park1 1Health Convergence Medicine Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea; 2Department of Occupational Therapy, Graduate School of Inje University, Gimhae, Korea; 3Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea; 4Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea; 5Department of Family Medicine, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Korea; 6Department of Health Promotion and Health Education, National Taiwan Normal University, Taipei, Taiwan; 7Research Institute of Clinical Medicine of Jeonbuk National University-Biomedical Research Institute of Jeonbuk National University Hospital, Jeonju, Korea; 8Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea*These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Myoung-Hwan KoDepartment of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Jeonbuk National University Medical School, 20 Geonji-ro, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju, 54907, KoreaTel +82-63-250-1785Email mhko@jbnu.ac.krJong-Hwan ParkHealth Convergence Medicine Laboratory, Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, 179, Gudeok-Ro, Seo-Gu, Busan, 49241, KoreaTel +82-51-240-7071Email parkj@pusan.ac.krPurpose: Information and communication technology (ICT)-based training devices for older adults’ care related to dementia are being developed to enhance older adults’ cognitive functions. Older adults who require bicycle training devices can improve muscle strength and balance of lower limbs by continuously contracting and relaxing lower-limb muscles and improving cognitive function to prevent dementia. This study was conducted to investigate the effects of an ICT-based multicomponent program on body composition and cognitive function in older adults.Patients and Methods: In a randomized controlled intervention test on 20 people over the age of 60 (exercise group: n = 10; control: n = 10), the multicomponent program was applied to the exercise group twice per week, once per day for 12 weeks, at 30 min per session, whereas the control group was advised to maintain their usual daily activities.Results: Comparing body composition changes and cognitive function changes before and after intervention exhibited statistically significant differences in skeletal muscle mass (P=0.01) and modified Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale–cognitive score (P=0.01) between the two groups.Conclusion: It can be difficult to be engaged in a simple repetitive exercise program. Therefore, to meet older adults’ interests and expectations, a customized ICT-based multicomponent program, which can improve body composition and cognitive function in older adults and is believed to help prevent dementia, is recommended.Trial Registration: UMIN000042129 (https://www.umin.ac.jp/english/).Keywords: ICT-based multicomponent program, body composition, cognitive function, dementia, older adults

Background: Considering a patient's anatomy and vascular conditions, aorto-femoral bypass is a treatment approach for the open repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms. This study aimed at evaluating changes in the remnant iliac artery and their correlation with the preservation state of retrograde flow from femoral anastomosis., Methods: Of 221 patients who underwent abdominal aortic aneurysm surgery between 2007 and 2022 in Pusan National University Hospital, 29 patients who underwent aorto-femoral bypass were included in this retrospective cohort study. Of these patients, 21 underwent aortobifemoral bypass and 8 underwent aortoiliac-and-femoral bypass. The change in size of the iliac artery from preoperative to postoperative and whether this difference in size depended on the status of postoperative retrograde flow were investigated. Additionally, factors affecting overall mortality and ischemic complications were identified., Results: The median duration from operation to the last follow-up was 2069.5 days (about 5.7 years). The average age of the patients was 78.1 years, and the proportion of males was 75.9%. In cases of disappearance of postoperative retrograde flow from the femoral anastomosis, the postoperative iliac artery size was significantly reduced compared to its preoperative size (18.4 ± 18.9 mm vs. 13.2 ± 7.9 mm, respectively; P = 0.04). The group with maintained retrograde flow had significantly larger residual common iliac artery size than the group with disappearance of flow. (20.0 ± 28.0 mm vs. 14.6 ± 8.5 mm, respectively; P = 0.02). Disappearance of retrograde flow was a significant factor in the iliac artery size reduction after surgery (odds ratio, 2.5; 95% confidence interval, 1.9-5.3; P = 0.02). Three patients with maintained retrograde flow (18.8%) required intervention owing to an increase in the size of the iliac artery. The factors that significantly influenced overall death as analyzed by Cox proportional hazard regression were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (hazard ratio, 36.8; 95% confidence interval, 1.6-870.0; P = 0.03), peripheral arterial occlusive disease (hazard ratio, 12.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.4-115.8; P = 0.02), and disappearance of retrograde flow (hazard ratio, 8.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.2-63.9; P = 0.03)., Conclusions: Among the open repair methods for abdominal aortic aneurysms, if retrograde flow was not maintained through femoral anastomosis when aorto-femoral bypass was performed, the size of the remaining iliac artery decreased. However, loss of retrograde flow increased long-term mortality. When aorto-femoral bypass is performed, regular imaging follow-up is necessary at appropriate intervals to check the remnant iliac artery and retrograde flow., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs) are a serious disease that can lead to high mortality; thus, their early prediction can save patients' lives. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracies of various models for predicting rAAA mortality-including the Glasgow Aneurysm Score, Vancouver Scoring System, Dutch Aneurysm Score, Edinburgh Ruptured Aneurysm Score (ERAS), and Hardman index-based on rAAA treatment outcomes at our institution., Methods: Between 2016 and 2022, we retrospectively analyzed the early outcome data-including 30-day mortality-of patients who underwent emergency surgery for rAAA at our institution. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to compare the aneurysm scoring systems for mortality using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)., Results: The AUC was better for the ERAS (0.718; 95% confidence interval, 0.601-0.817) than for the other scoring systems. Significant differences were observed between ERAS and Hardman indices (difference: 0.179; P = 0.016). No significant differences were found among the Glasgow Aneurysm Score, Vancouver Scoring System, and Dutch Aneurysm Score predictive risk models., Conclusions: Among the models for predicting mortality in patients with rAAA, the ERAS model demonstrated the highest AUC value; however, significant differences were only observed between ERAS and Hardman indices. This study may help develop strategies for improving rAAA prediction., (Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of rejoining mainstream and accessory veins for forced maturation of autogenous arteriovenous fistula (AVF)., Methods: Twenty-three patients who underwent forced maturation through vein rejoining between January 2018 and September 2022 were included. In cases where AVF maturation failure due to the presence of accessory veins, rejoining was primarily considered when distinguishing the main branch becomes challenging. This difficulty typically occurs when the sizes of the 2 vessels are nearly equal and the combined diameters of these veins exceed 6 mm., Results: The mean age and follow-up duration were 57.39 ± 16.22 years and 965.65 ± 573.42 days, respectively. Rejoining of both arterial and venous cannulation sites was performed in 11 patients (47.8%), and rejoining of only the venous cannulation site or only the arterial cannulation site was performed in 11 patients (47.8%) and 1 patient (4.3%), respectively. The mean vein size was 0.35 ± 0.06 cm before rejoining and 0.69 ± 0.07 cm after surgery, indicating a significant increase in size (P < 0.01), whereas the flow did not change significantly following rejoining surgery. Maturation and cannulation success was 100%. The 1-year primary patency rate after surgery was 82.0%. During the follow-up period, 34.8% of the patients required additional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty to maintain patency, and 2 patients (11.8%) had stenosis in the rejoined section., Conclusions: Rejoining surgery is an effective method for achieving AVF maturation in patients with accessory veins when identification of the mainstream vein is difficult, and this method may be considered when achieving maturation by sacrificing 1 vein is expected to be challenging., (Copyright © 2024 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy of staged full-length balloon-assisted maturation (BAM) for the maturation of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) on entire segmental veins, including stenosis, causing primary AVF failure., Methods: This study included patients who underwent AVF surgery using an autogenous vein between February 2020 and June 2021 and received staged angioplasty with a full-length balloon catheter. To minimize balloon overlap and the risk of barotrauma to the immature vein, serial-staged upsizing balloon angioplasty with a long balloon catheter covering the entire vein segment was employed approximately 2 weeks apart., Results: Twenty-three patients (mean age, 69.50 years; mean follow-up, 620.62 days) with average diameters of the radial artery and cephalic vein at 2.14 ± 0.5 mm and 2.43 ± 0.5 mm, respectively, were enrolled. In the first procedure, the average AVF diameter and flow were 4.03 ± 0.57 mm and 438.08 ± 220.95 mL/min, respectively, with juxta-anastomotic stenosis (JAS) present in 61.5% of cases. After staged full-length BAM, the average fistula diameter and flow improved to 5.95 ± 0.86 mm and 717.52 ± 305.95 mL/min, respectively. Maturation was achieved in 87% of the cases. No hematomas or ruptures occurred around the arterialized veins. Despite successful maturation and cannulation, 65.2% of the patients required additional percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) during the follow-up period. The necessity for PTA was determined by the presence of JAS prior to the first staged full-length BAM, with an odds ratio of 11.74 (95% confidence interval: 1.31-104.96, P = 0.03)., Conclusion: Staged full-length BAM can be safely used in patients with small veins requiring further maturation. Most patients achieved successful cannulation following maturation without post-procedural complications., Clinical Significance: Staged full-length BAM is a safe and effective method for enhancing maturation in patients with underdeveloped small veins.

We analyzed chemoport insertion procedures to evaluate infectious morbidity and factors causing infection. This single-center retrospective study included 1690 cases of chemoport implantation between January 2017 and December 2020. Overall, chemoports were inserted in 1582 patients. The average duration of chemoport use was 481 days (range 1-1794, median 309). Infections occurred in 80 cases (4.7%), with 0.098 per 1000 catheter-days. Among the 80 cases in which chemoports were removed because of suspected infection, bacteria were identified in 48 (60%). Significantly more cases of left internal jugular vein punctures were noted in the infected group (15 [18.8%] vs. 147 [9.1%]; p = 0.004). Pulmonary embolism was significantly different between the infection groups (3 [3.8%] vs. 19 (1.2%), p = 0.048). The hazard ratio was 2.259 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.288-3.962) for the left internal jugular vein, 3.393 (95% CI 1.069-10.765) for pulmonary embolism, and 0.488 (95% CI 0.244-0.977) for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Using the right internal jugular vein rather than the left internal jugular vein when performing chemoport insertion might reduce subsequent infections., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Background: Studies on varicose veins have focused its effects on physical function; however, whether nonsurgical treatments alter muscle oxygenation or physical function remains unclear. Moreover, the differences in such functions between individuals with varicose veins and healthy individuals remain unclear., Aim: To investigate changes in physical function and the quality of life (QOL) following nonsurgical treatment of patients with varicose veins and determine the changes in their muscle oxygenation during activity., Methods: We enrolled 37 participants (those with varicose veins, n = 17; healthy individuals, n = 20). We performed the following measurements pre- and post-nonsurgical treatment in the varicose vein patients and healthy individuals: Calf muscle oxygenation during the two-minute step test, open eyes one-leg stance, 30 s sit-to-stand test, visual analog scale (VAS) for pain, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, physical activity assessment, and QOL assessment., Results: Varicose veins patients and healthy individuals differ in most variables (physical function, sleep quality, and QOL). Varicose veins patients showed significant differences between pre- and post-nonsurgical treatment- results in the 30 sit-to-stand test [14.41 (2.45) to 16.35 (4.11), P = 0.018), two-minute step test [162.29 (25.98) to 170.65 (23.80), P = 0.037], VAS for pain [5.35 (1.90) to 3.88 (1.73), P = 0.004], and QOL [39.34 (19.98) to 26.69 (17.02), P = 0.005]; however, no significant difference was observed for muscle oxygenation., Conclusion: Nonsurgical treatment improved lower extremity function and QOL in varicose veins patients, bringing their condition close to that of healthy individuals. Future studies should include patients with severe varicose veins requiring surgery to confirm our findings., Competing Interests: Conflict-of-interest statement: No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article., (©The Author(s) 2024. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.)

The base deficit (B), international normalized ratio (I), and Glasgow coma scale (GCS) (BIG) score is useful in predicting mortality in pediatric trauma patients; however, studies on the use of BIG score in adult patients with trauma are sparse. In addition, studies on the correlation between the BIG score and massive transfusion (MT) have not yet been conducted. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of BIG score for mortality and the need for MT in adult trauma patients. This retrospective study used data collected between 2016 and 2020 at our hospital's trauma center and registry. The predictive value of BIG score was compared with that of the Injury Severity Score (ISS) and Revised Trauma Score (RTS). Logistic regression analysis was carried out to assess whether BIG score was an independent risk factor. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed, and predictive values were evaluated by measuring the area under the ROC curve (AUROC). In total, 5,605 patients were included in this study. In logistic regression analysis, BIG score was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio (OR): 1.1859; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1636-1.2086) and MT (OR: 1.0802; 95% CI: 1.0609-1.0999). The AUROCs of BIG score for in-hospital mortality and MT were 0.852 (0.842-0.861) and 0.848 (0.838-0.857), respectively. Contrastingly, the AUROCs of ISS and RTS for in-hospital mortality were 0.795 (0.784-0.805) and 0.859 (0.850-0.868), respectively. Moreover, AUROCs of ISS and RTS for MT were 0.812 (0.802-0.822) and 0.838 (0.828-0.848), respectively. The predictive value of BIG score for mortality and MT was significantly higher than that of the ISS. The BIG score also showed a better AUROC for predicting in-hospital mortality compared with RTS. In conclusion, the BIG score is a useful indicator for predicting mortality and the need for MT in adult trauma patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this paper., (Copyright © 2023 Sejun Park et al.)

Background: The optimal management strategy for aortoiliac occlusive disease (AIOD) remains debatable. This study compared early and late outcomes between direct surgical bypass and kissing stents for AIOD treatment., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data, including age, sex, risk factors, comorbidities, symptoms, TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) II classification, operation time, perioperative complications, in-hospital mortality, and length of hospital stay, from a cohort of 46 patients treated for AIOD (24 with kissing stents and 22 with direct surgical bypass) at Pusan National University Hostpital from January 2007 to December 2016. The primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates in both groups were compared., Results: The hospital stay (direct surgical bypass vs. kissing stents: 16.36±5.19 days vs. 9.08±10.88 days, p=0.007) and operation time (direct surgical bypass vs. kissing stents: 316.09±141.78 minutes vs. 99.54±37.95 minutes, p<0.001) were significantly shorter for kissing stents. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates in the direct surgical bypass group were 95.5%, 95.5%, and 95.5%, respectively, at 1 year; 86.4%, 86.4%, and 95.5% at 3 years; and 77.3%, 77.3%, and 95.5% at 5 years. The primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates in the kissing stent group were 100.0%, 100.0%, and 100.0%, respectively, at 1 year; 95.8%, 95.8%, and 100.0% at 3 years; and 95.8%, 95.8%, and 100.0% at 5 years., Conclusion: Except for special cases wherein endovascular revascularization is difficult, kissing stents are more advantageous for TASC II C and D lesions.

Background: The use of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) remains controversial in trauma patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Here, we aimed to investigate the therapeutic benefits of VV ECMO and the factors affecting patient outcomes., Methods: From 2017 to 2019, 21/1938 trauma patients (median age: 47 years; 18 men) at a level I trauma center received VV ECMO for post-traumatic ARDS. Demographic, injury-specific, ECMO, and outcome data were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed to analyze the factors affecting hospital mortality and ECMO results., Results: 19 patients (90.5%) were successfully weaned off ECMO; 16 patients (76.2%) survived to discharge. In univariate analysis, there was a significant difference in survival between the groups with a Trauma and Injury Severity Score (TRISS) ⩾0.5 and TRISS <0.5 ( p = 0.05). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for both TRISS and Respiratory Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Survival Prediction (RESP) scores for death was 0.78. In those who failed ECMO weaning, the AUCs of the TRISS and RESP scores were 0.90 and 0.80, respectively., Conclusions: In patients with ARDS caused by severe trauma and supported by VV ECMO, survival is associated with TRISS; TRISS and RESP scores may be predictive of mortality and failure in ECMO weaning.

An arteriovenous fistula was required for permanent vascular access in a patient undergoing hemodialysis due to progressive chronic kidney disease associated with short bowel syndrome. In the present report, we discuss the case of a patient who underwent arteriovenous grafting because there was no proper native vein as a route, following which a seroma developed near the arterial anastomosis. Despite several surgical treatments, seroma not only recurred but also affected dialysis by compressing the graft. A stent was inserted into the graft to withstand the pressure from the seroma, and because one stent could not withstand the pressure, the stent overlapped where it received the most compression. Since then, the patency of graft has been well maintained for more than 2 years. Increasing the radial force of overlapping stents would be an alternative plan to help solve the problematic repeated compressible seroma despite multiple surgical treatments.

Background/objective: Blunt traumatic aortic injury (BTAI) is rare and fatal. Treatment has evolved with advances in imaging and the emergence of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). This study reports a single-center, 5-year experience of TEVAR and open repair for BTAI., Methods: Patients with BTAI treated at a level I trauma center from 2014 to 2019 were retrospectively reviewed with patient charts and successive computed tomography angiography images. Patients were grouped according to treatment modality: open repair, TEVAR, or medical management, chosen based on patients' characteristics and injury severity. Groups were compared in terms of preoperative demographics, injury characteristics, operative variables, short-term, and long-term outcomes., Results: Forty-two patients were included in the study: 16 (38%) underwent open repair, 17 (40.4%) underwent TEVAR, seven (16.6%) were managed medically, and two (4.7%) died during triage. The median age was 49 years (interquartile range [IQR], 38-57.5 years), and 92.5% were male; the median Injury Severity Score was 33 (IQR, 29-41). Overall mortality was 7.5%. The median hospital stay was 33 days (IQR, 19.5-58.5). Patients undergoing open repair were significantly younger (43 vs. 55 years; p = 0.002) and had a smaller aortic diameter (22.3 vs. 24.0 mm; p=<0.001) than those undergoing TEVAR. No BTAI-related late mortality or reintervention was observed during follow-ups., Conclusion: This study demonstrated excellent outcomes with multidisciplinary team efforts and appropriate application of treatment modality. TEVAR is ideal for older or severely injured patients; open repair is an important alternative for young patients or patients with unsuitable aortic anatomy., Competing Interests: Declarations of competing interest None., (Copyright © 2021. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

Background: Extracranial cerebrovascular diseases represent approximately 20% of ischemic stroke cases. Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) was the gold standard procedure for carotid artery stenosis treatment until the introduction of carotid artery stenting (CAS) in the 1980s. While there have been several multicenter randomized trials comparing CEA and CAS, a more efficacious procedure has not been conclusively distinguished. This study reports the results of CAS versus CEA in patients with symptomatic or asymptomatic carotid stenosis and compares them with those from other studies., Methods: This study is a single-center retrospective study and included patients who underwent CAS and CEA as elective surgery between January 2012 and December 2020. The final analysis included patient baseline characteristics, postoperative complications, and patient outcomes., Results: The 235 patients included were assigned to the CAS (n=128) and CEA (n=107) groups. Within 30 days postoperatively, no significant differences were noted in myocardial infarction [n=1, 0.8% (CAS); n=1, 0.9% (CEA); P=0.899], cerebral infarction [n=4, 3.1% (CAS); n=1, 0.9% (CEA); P=0.247], and patient mortality [n=1, 0.8% (CAS); n=0, 0% (CEA); P=0.247]., Conclusions: In elective surgery, CAS and CEA had the same effect of preventing cerebral infarction with no difference in postoperative complications.

Background: Rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM) has been used to evaluate the coagulation state, predict transfusion, and optimize hemostatic management in trauma patients. However, there were limited studies on whether the prediction value could be improved by adding the ROTEM parameter to the prediction model for in-hospital mortality and massive transfusion (MT) in trauma patients., Objective: This study assessed whether ROTEM data could improve the MT prediction model., Method: This was a single-center, retrospective study. Patients who presented to the trauma center and underwent ROTEM between 2016 and 2020 were included. The primary and secondary outcomes were massive transfusions and in-hospital mortality, respectively. We constructed two models using multivariate logistic regression with backward conditional stepwise elimination (Model 1: without the ROTEM parameter and Model 2: with the ROTEM parameter). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was calculated to assess the predictive ability of the models., Result: In total, 969 patients were included; 196 (20.2%) received MT. The in-hospital mortality rate was 14.1%. For MT, the AUROC was 0.854 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.825-0.883) and 0.860 (95% CI, 0.832-0.888) for Model 1 and 2, respectively. For in-hospital mortality, the AUROC was 0.886 (95% CI, 0.857-0.915) and 0.889 (95% CI, 0.861-0.918) for models 1 and 2, respectively. The AUROC values for models 1 and 2 were not statistically different for either MT or in-hospital mortality., Conclusion: We found that the addition of the ROTEM parameter did not significantly improve the predictive power of MT and in-hospital mortality in trauma patients., Competing Interests: The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Dongyup Baik et al.)

This study aimed to determine the relationship between sarcopenia and physical function, and the best method of diagnosing sarcopenia in healthy adults. Early prevention of sarcopenia is important; however, no studies have been conducted in healthy and relatively young adults. In addition, it remains unclear whether calf circumference is associated with sarcopenia-defined variables. A total of 85 healthy male participants were enrolled, and the mean standard deviation age of the participants was 59.76 (8.12) years. Abdominal computed tomography (CT) was performed to measure muscle areas. All subjects were divided into sarcopenia and non-sarcopenia groups based on skeletal muscle mass index using computed tomography. Sarcopenia showed a tendency to be related to lower grip strength, five times sit-to-stand and timed up and go tests for physical function. This result shows that overweight and obesity in the sarcopenia group had fully adjusted odds ratios of 0.026 (95% CI: 0.002-0.317) and 0.008 (95% CI: 0.001-0.096), respectively. Calf circumference was higher specificity (71.43 and 64.86) better than bioelectrical impedance analysis-based skeletal mass index and had a similar sensitivity (72.09 and 82.35). In conclusion, calf circumference suggests the need to consider its use as a tool for assessing muscle mass in the diagnosis of sarcopenia., Competing Interests: The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest., (Copyright © 2022 Kim, Song, Park, Tak, Wang, Huh and Cho.)

Objective: Open or endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) can involve sacrifice of the internal iliac artery (IIA). In the present study, we investigated the effect of IIA exclusion on ischemic complications and overall mortality., Methods: The data from 326 patients who had undergone elective open surgical or endovascular treatment of a nonruptured AAA from January 2010 to December 2019 in a tertiary hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Ischemic complications included buttock claudication, spinal ischemia (including paraparesis), ischemic colitis, lower limb paresthesia, and skin necrosis. Their duration and mortality during the study period were investigated., Results: Nearly 50% of patients (148; 45.4%) had undergone endovascular aortic aneurysm repair and 178 (54.6%) had undergone open surgery. The median patient age was 78 years (range, 31-94 years). The median follow-up period was 1140 days (range, 0-4757 days). Of the 326 patients, 50 (15.3%) had died during follow-up. The bilateral IIAs were preserved in 187 patients (57.4%), a single IIA in 86 patients (26.4%), and no IIA in 53 patients (16.3%). Ischemic complications occurred in 57 patients (17.5%). Multivariable analysis revealed failure to preserve the bilateral IIAs (hazard ratio [HR], 8.65; 95% confidence interval [CI], 4.31-17.36; P < .01), management of the IIA (HR, 3.05, 95% CI, 2.17-4.28; P < .01), and hyperlipidemia (HR, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.04-4.17; P = .04) affected the occurrence of ischemic complications. Furthermore, univariable analysis revealed that patients had experienced more ischemic complications when a single IIA (HR, 6.97; 95% CI, 3.74-13.02; P < .01) or none of the IIAs had been preserved (HR, 8.88; 95% CI, 4.12-19.16; P < .01) than when both IIAs were preserved. Moreover, multivariable analysis revealed that stage 5 chronic kidney disease (HR, 2.7; 95% CI, 1.09-6.14; P = .03), age >75 years (HR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.12-5.49; P = .03), cerebrovascular accident (HR, 1.95; 95% CI, 1.00-3.78; P = .05), and failure to preserve the bilateral IIAs (HR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.02-3.46; P = .04) were associated with higher mortality after AAA repair., Conclusions: IIA exclusion is a risk factor for ischemic complications and overall mortality. Thus, preservation of the IIA as much as possible during AAA repair is recommended., (Copyright © 2021 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Access-related hand ischemia (ARHI) is a major complication of arteriovenous fistula (AVF). This study aimed to assess the predictive efficacy of skin perfusion pressure (SPP) measurement for ARHI by examining the relationship between SPP and ARHI development and progression after AVF surgery., Methods: Twenty-five patients (16 men and 9 women) who underwent AVF surgery based on the brachial artery between January 2018 and December 2018 were included. The pre- and postoperative SPP values were measured on the day of surgery. ARHI occurrence and severity were measured within 3 days and at 6 months after surgery. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to evaluate the prediction model of ARHI, and the cutoff points for the calculated coefficients were determined., Results: There was a significant correlation between the occurrence of immediate ARHI and the SPP gradient ( p  = 0.024). An SPP gradient value >50 mmHg had sensitivity and specificity values of 53.85% and 91.67%, respectively, in predicting the occurrence of immediate ARHI. A postoperative SPP <48 mmHg was significantly correlated with the occurrence of 6-month ARHI ( p  = 0.005), with sensitivity and specificity values of 71.43% and 83.33%, respectively., Conclusion: The SPP gradient and postoperative SPP values may be effective clinical predictors of ARHI occurring immediately and 6 months after surgery, respectively, with high specificity. These findings could allow clinicians to diagnose and begin early interventions to help prevent ischemic tissue damage in hemodialysis patients following AVF surgery.

Background and Purpose: Previous studies have identified that the reverse shock index multiplied by the Glasgow Coma Scale score (rSIG) is a good predictor of mortality in trauma patients. However, it is unknown if rSIG has utility as a predictor for massive transfusion (MT) in trauma patients. The present study evaluated the ability of rSIG to predict MT in trauma patients., Methods: This was a retrospective, observational study performed at a level 1 trauma center. Consecutive patients who presented to the trauma center emergency department between January 2016 and December 2018 were included. The predictive ability of rSIG for MT was assessed as our primary outcome measure. Our secondary outcome measures were the predictive ability of rSIG for coagulopathy, in-hospital mortality, and 24-h mortality. We compared the prognostic performance of rSIG with the shock index, age shock index, and quick Sequential Organ Failure Assessment., Results: In total, 1627 patients were included and 117 (7.2%) patients received MT. rSIG showed the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve (0.842; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.806--0.878) for predicting MT. rSIG also showed the highest AUROC for predicting coagulopathy (0.769; 95% CI, 0.728-0.809), in-hospital mortality (AUROC 0.812; 95% CI, 0.772-0.852), and 24-h mortality (AUROC 0.826; 95% CI, 0.789-0.864). The sensitivity of rSIG for MT was 0.79, and the specificity of rSIG for MT was 0.77. All tools had a high negative predictive value and low positive predictive value., Conclusion: rSIG is a useful, rapid, and accurate predictor for MT, coagulopathy, in-hospital mortality, and 24- h mortality in trauma patients., Competing Interests: Declaration of Competing Interest The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this paper., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The effect of alcohol on the outcome and fibrinolysis phenotype in trauma patients remains unclear. Hence, we performed this study to determine whether alcohol is a risk factor for mortality and fibrinolysis shutdown in trauma patients., Materials and Methods: A total of 686 patients who presented to our trauma center and underwent rotational thromboelastometry were included in the study. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether alcohol was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality and fibrinolysis shutdown., Results: The rate of in-hospital mortality was 13.8% and blood alcohol was detected in 27.7% of the patients among our study population. The patients in the alcohol-positive group had higher mortality rate, higher clotting time, and lower maximum lysis, more fibrinolysis shutdown, and hyperfibrinolysis than those in the alcohol-negative group. In logistic regression analysis, blood alcohol was independently associated with in-hospital mortality (odds ratio [OR] 2.578; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.550-4.288) and fibrinolysis shutdown (OR 1.883 [95% CI, 1.286-2.758]). Within the fibrinolysis shutdown group, blood alcohol was an independent predictor of mortality (OR 2.168 [95% CI, 1.030-4.562])., Conclusions: Alcohol is an independent risk factor for mortality and fibrinolysis shutdown in trauma patients. Further, alcohol is an independent risk factor for mortality among patients who experienced fibrinolysis shutdown., Competing Interests: This work was supported by a 2-year Research Grant from Pusan National University. The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Background: We performed ultrasonographic examinations of the ipsilateral internal jugular vein after placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and found that more than half of malpositions of PICC went to the head through the ipsilateral internal jugular vein. We aimed to reduce malpositions of PICCs in settings where fluoroscopy is not available., Methods: This retrospective study had a case-control, single-center study design. From January to June 2018, PICCs were inserted with the patient's arm abducted without the use of ultrasonography to identify the presence of the PICC in the ipsilateral internal jugular vein (procedure A). From July to December 2018, PICCs were inserted in a similar fashion; however, ultrasonography was employed to detect the catheter tip in the ipsilateral internal jugular vein (procedure B)., Results: There were 794 placements of PICCs in 650 patients. Procedures A and B were performed in 418 and 376 patients, respectively. Malpositioning of PICC tips occurred significantly less often in procedure B than in procedure A (2.4% vs. 5.7%, P=0.02)., Conclusions: In a setting without fluoroscopy, insertions of PICCs can be performed with the arm abducted at 90°. Ultrasound monitoring for the presence of the catheter in the ipsilateral internal jugular vein can help with correct positioning, thereby reducing the occurrence of catheter tip malpositions.

Background: Behcet's disease with arterial involvement shows rapid poor progression compared with Behcet's disease without arterial involvement, such that it may be thought of as a different disease. With arterial involvement, high rates of postoperative recurrence and anastomotic complications are observed., Methods: The medical records of 1,361 patients diagnosed with Behcet's disease who visited our hospital from January 2007 to December 2019 were reviewed. Overall, 118 patients with blood vessel involvement were considered. Those with only vein involvement, intracerebral arterial involvement, and coronary arterial involvement were excluded. The 8 patients who underwent surgical treatments and the 9 patients who underwent conservative treatments were included and reported in this study., Results: The mean age and mean follow-up duration of the 17 patients with peripheral arterial involvement were 49.82 ± 13.24 years and 89.85 ± 52.70 months, respectively. In all cases where the operations were performed, the first operation was an emergency operation for rupture of the aneurysm, impending sign of rupturing, or acute ischemia. Eight patients received a total of 18 operations. The average number of operations per patient and the reoperation rate were 2.25 ± 0.89 times and 75%, respectively. The 5-year and 10-year survival rates of the patients who underwent surgery were 75.0% and 30.0%, respectively. When arterial involvement occurs in the form of an aneurysm, the hazard ratio for death is 9.644 (P = 0.040, confidence interval 1.11-83.74)., Conclusions: When the artery invades in the form of an aneurysm, the mortality rate is higher regardless of surgery. The main cause of mortality is complications that occur in the anastomosis sites after the operation. Postoperative short-term and regular imaging of the anastomosis area can be beneficial to detect such complications early to decrease the frequency of emergency surgeries, which will help reduce mortality., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: We report our 10-year experience with traumatic peripheral arterial injury repair at an urban level I trauma center., Methods: Between January 2007 and December 2016, 28 adult trauma patients presented with traumatic peripheral arterial injuries. Data were retrospectively collected on demographic characteristics, the mechanism of injury, the type of vascular injury, and physiological status on initial assessment. The analysis also included the Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS), Injury Severity Score, surgical procedures, and outcome variables including limb salvage, hospital stay, intensive care unit stay, and postoperative vascular complications., Results: Four (14.3%) patients required amputation due to failed revascularization. MESS significantly differed between patients with blunt and penetrating trauma (8.2±2.2 vs. 5.8±1.3, respectively; p=0.005). The amputation rate was not significantly different between patients with blunt and penetrating trauma (20% vs. 0%, respectively; p=0.295). The overall mortality rate was 3.6% (1 patient)., Conclusion: Blunt trauma was associated with higher MESS than penetrating trauma, and amputation was more frequent. In particular, patients with blunt trauma had significantly higher MESS than patients with penetrating trauma (8.2±2.2 vs. 5.8±1.3, respectively; p=0.005), and amputation was performed when revascularization failed in cases of blunt trauma of the lower extremity. Therefore, particular care is needed in making treatment decisions for patients with peripheral arterial injuries caused by blunt trauma.

Background: When an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is created using the basilic or deep cephalic vein, it is additionally necessary to transfer the vessels to a position where needling is easy; however, many patients develop wound-related postsurgical complications due to the long surgical wounds resulting from conventional superficialization of a deep AVF or basilic vein transposition. Thus, to address this problem, we performed videoscopic surgery with small surgical incisions., Methods: Data from 16 patients who underwent additional videoscopic radiocephalic superficialization, brachiocephalic superficialization, and brachiobasilic transposition after AVF formation at our institution in 2018 were retrospectively reviewed., Results: Needling was successful in all patients. No wound-related complications occurred. The mean vessel size and blood flow of the AVF just before the first needling were 0.73±0.16 mm and 1,516.25±791.26 mL/min, respectively. The mean vessel depth after surgery was 0.26±0.10 cm. Percutaneous angioplasty was additionally performed in 25% of the patients. Primary patency was observed in 100% of patients during the follow-up period (262.44±73.49 days)., Conclusion: Videoscopic surgery for AVF dramatically reduced the incidence of postoperative complications without interrupting patency; moreover, such procedures may increase the use of native vessels for vascular access. In addition, dissection using a videoscope compared to blind dissection using only a skip incision dramatically increased the success rate of displacement by reducing damage to the dissected vessels., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (Copyright © 2020 by The Korean Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. All rights Reserved.)

Background: We retrospectively compared chest trauma scoring systems in patients with rib fractures without major extrathoracic injury for predicting respiratory complications. We also evaluated the predictive power according to the presence or absence of pulmonary contusion., Materials and Methods: Data from 177 patients with isolated rib fractures were included (December 2013 to April 2018). The primary outcome was respiratory complications (pneumonia, respiratory failure, or empyema). The Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS), Thoracic Trauma Severity Score (TTSS), Chest Trauma Score (CTS), Rib Fracture Score (RFS), and RibScore were evaluated using univariate and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses to determine their predictive value for pulmonary complications. We divided patients into two groups according to the presence or absence of pulmonary contusion, and constructed ROC curves for both groups., Results: Twenty-eight patients (15.8%) had ≥1 respiratory complication, with significantly higher numbers of standard, segmental, and displaced rib fractures as well as significantly higher TTSS, CTS, RFS, and AIS scores. In all patients, the TTSS (0.723, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.651-0.788) showed the highest area under the ROC curve (AUROC), followed by the CTS, RFS, AIS, and RibScore. In patients with pulmonary contusion, TTSS also showed the highest AUROC (0.704, 95% CI 0.613-0.784). In patients without pulmonary contusion, RFS showed the highest AUROC (0.759, 95% CI 0.630-0.861)., Conclusions: TTSS was the most useful system for predicting respiratory complications in isolated rib fracture patients with pulmonary contusion. By contrast, RFS was the most useful in patients without pulmonary contusion., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: The surgical strategies for carotid endarterectomy (CEA) vary in terms of the anesthesia method, neurological monitoring, shunt usage, and closure technique, and no gold-standard procedure has been established yet. We aimed to analyze the feasibility and benefits of CEA under regional anesthesia (RA) and CEA under general anesthesia (GA)., Methods: Between June 2012 and December 2017, 65 patients who had undergone CEA were enrolled, and their medical records were prospectively collected and retrospectively reviewed. A total of 35 patients underwent CEA under RA with cervical plexus block, whereas 30 patients underwent CEA under GA. In the RA group, a carotid shunt was selectively used for patients who exhibited negative results on the awake test. In contrast, such a shunt was used for all patients in the GA group., Results: There were no cases of postoperative stroke, cardiovascular events, or mortality. Nerve injuries were noted in 4 patients (3 in the RA group and 1 in the GA group), but they fully recovered prior to discharge. Operative time and clamp time were shorter in the RA group than in the GA group (119.29±27.71 min vs. 161.43±20.79 min, p<0.001; 30.57±6.80 min vs. 51.77±13.38 min, p<0.001, respectively). The hospital stay was shorter in the RA group than in the GA group (14.6±5.05 days vs. 18.97±8.92 days, p=0.022). None of the patients experienced a stroke or restenosis during the 27.23±20.3-month follow-up period., Conclusion: RA with a reliable awake test reduces shunt use and decreases the clamp and operative times of CEA, eventually resulting in a reduced length of hospital stay., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest No potential conflict of interest relevant to this article was reported., (Copyright © 2019 by The Korean Society for Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery. All rights Reserved.)

Intrathoracic omental herniation (ITOH) is the herniation of the omentum through the esophageal hiatus without herniation of the stomach. It is a rare disease and serious complications due to ITOH have not been reported in the literature. Here, we reported the case of 47-year old man who presented to the emergency department with dyspnea and chest pain. Enhanced computed tomography (CT) demonstrated a large retrocardiac mass and ITOH was suspected. During the observation period in the emergency department, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated. Follow-up CT showed large parapneumonic effusion and empyema. Emergency surgery was performed and the omental sac was removed. The patient's vital signs were restored and his symptoms were relieved. He was discharged on hospital day 15 without complications. Emergency physicians should be aware that severe complications of ITOH could develop and that if the patient's symptoms and vital signs worsen, emergency surgery should be considered., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Little is known of the effect of wearable devices on metabolic impairments in clinical settings. We hypothesized that a wearable device that can monitor and provide feedback on physical activity may help resolve metabolic syndrome., Objective: This study aimed to examine the objective effects of the use of these devices on metabolic syndrome resolution., Methods: Patients diagnosed with metabolic syndrome were recruited. Participants were prescribed regular walking using a wearable device (Coffee WALKIE +Dv.3, GC Healthcare CI, Korea) on their wrist for 12 weeks. Participants received self-feedback on the amount of their exercise through an app on their mobile phone. The information on physical activities of the participants was uploaded automatically to a website. Thus, a trained nurse could provide individuals with feedback regarding the physical activity via telephone consultation on alternate weeks. Blood pressure (BP), body composition, fasting plasma glucose, and lipid profiles were recorded. The primary outcome was metabolic syndrome resolution. The secondary outcome was an improvement in the components of metabolic impairment., Results: Of the 53 participants recruited, 20 participants with a median age of 46 (range 36-50) years completed the trial. There was no significant difference in the amount of calorie expenditure at weeks 4, 8, and 12. After 12 weeks, metabolic syndrome was resolved in 9 of 20 participants (45%), and the mean number of metabolic impairment components per person decreased from 3.4 to 2.9. Particularly, the mean systolic and diastolic BP decreased from mean 136.6 (SD 18.5) mm Hg to mean 127.4 (SD 19.5) mm Hg and from mean 84.0 (SD 8.1) mm Hg to mean 77.4 (SD 14.4) mm Hg (both P=.02), respectively., Conclusions: This study found that a 12-week intervention via feedback, based on a wearable physical activity monitor, helped metabolic syndrome patients to be more engaged in regular walking and it improved impaired metabolic components, especially in BP. However, some practical challenges regarding patients' adherence and sustained engagement were observed., (©Up Huh, Young Jin Tak, Seunghwan Song, Sung Woon Chung, Sang Min Sung, Chung Won Lee, Miju Bae, Hyo Young Ahn. Originally published in JMIR Mhealth and Uhealth (http://mhealth.jmir.org), 18.06.2019.)

Background: In Leriche syndrome, postoperative graft thrombosis remains one of the most significant clinical challenges., Methods: We reviewed 51 patients who underwent surgery for aortoiliac occlusive disease at our hospital from January 2007 to December 2014. The factors associated with graft patency were determined using the Cox proportional hazard model., Results: The 2-year prosthetic graft patency rate was 72.5%. Younger age (p = 0.017, Odd ratio (OR) = 1.112), postoperative uncontrolled hypertension (p = 0.044, OR = 3.797), and associated Trans Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease II (TASC II) D femoropopliteal lesion (p = 0.008, OR = 11.139) were significantly related factors for prosthetic graft patency after surgical repair. The existing comorbidities of the patients that indicated the need for axillo-bifemoral bypass seemed to be related to lower graft patency or other complications., Conclusions: For better graft patency after an open surgical repair of Leriche syndrome, strict postoperative hypertension control and distal run-off resolution are necessary., (Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.)

Background/objectives: The natural history of type II endoleaks (T2ELs) is still not completely understood; however, it is widely accepted that those associated with aneurysmal sac growth are harmful. We aimed to review our experience with T2ELs in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR)., Methods: We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical records of all patients who underwent EVAR for infrarenal-type abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) at a single institution from August 2007 to November 2015. Demographic and clinical data were collected. Preoperative contrast computed tomography scans were reviewed to determine aneurysm morphology (the maximum AAA diameter, number of lumbar arteries that enter the AAA sac, size of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA), proximal neck diameter, proximal neck angle, existence of thrombosis, presence of atheroma, and existence of rupture)., Results: Sixty-two patients underwent EVAR; the follow-up duration was 35.82 ± 31.89 months. There were statistically significant differences in female sex (P = .040), number of lumbar arteries on preoperative computed tomography scans (P = .010), and non-smoking status (P = .031) between patients with and without T2ELs. There were statistically significant differences in the maximum AAA diameter (P = .034) and size of the IMA (P = .043) between patients with and without secondary intervention in T2EL. There was one mortality after EVAR but no mortality associated with T2ELs., Conclusions: A more judicious approach that considers risk factors of T2ELs is needed before EVAR. The risk of secondary intervention in patients developing a T2EL after EVAR could increase with the maximum AAA diameter ≥7 cm or IMA ≥3 mm., (Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Taiwan LLC.)

Blunt abdominal aortic injury (BAAI) is extremely rare. Three known treatments of BAAI exist: medical treatment, conventional surgical treatment, and endovascular treatment. Outcomes of medical and conventional surgical treatments, such as bypass graft, thrombectomy, and intimal suture, were not satisfactory. A 47-year-old man presented with multiple injuries after a high-speed vehicular accident. He was diagnosed with the traumatic aortic injury to be an intra-mural hematoma in the bifurcation of the terminal aorta. Endovascular repair with a kissing stent was performed after exploratory laparotomy. At 12 months postoperatively, the kissing stents were patent and intact, and there was no late complication. The findings indicate that the kissing stent could be useful for the treatment of BAAI in the terminal aorta.

Background: The inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) is very effective for preventing pulmonary embolism in patients who cannot undergo anticoagulation therapy. However, if a filter is placed in the body permanently, it may lead to other complications., Methods: A retrospective study was performed of 159 patients who underwent retrievable Cook Celect IVCF implantation between January 2007 and April 2015 at a single center. Baseline characteristics, indications, and complications caused by the filter were investigated., Results: The most common underlying disease of patients receiving the filter was cancer (24.3%). Venous thrombolysis or thrombectomy was the most common indication for IVCF insertion in this study (47.2%). The most common complication was inferior vena cava penetration, the risk of which increased the longer the filter remained in the body (p=0.032, Exp(B)=1.004)., Conclusion: If the patient is able to retry anticoagulation therapy and the filter is no longer needed, the filter should be removed, even if a long time has elapsed since implantation. If the filter cannot be removed, it is recommended that follow-up computed tomography be performed regularly to monitor the progress of venous thromboembolisms as well as any filter-related complications., Competing Interests: Conflict of interest No potential conflicts of interest relevant to this article are reported.

A 72-year-old man previously treated for an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) was diagnosed with the 70-mm-sized type IIIb aortic dissection. Endovascular repair was considered, but there was no stent graft passing through the 8-mm iliac graft that was used for open repair of the AAA. We sealed the 5-mm-sized intimal tear site, using an Amplatzer Vascular Plug, which successfully repaired. The patient was discharged and had no complications. Serial follow-up computerized tomography scans showed that the vascular plug was positioned without migration, and the size of the aorta decreased., (Copyright © 2017 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: We report our experience with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) in patients with rupture of heart and major vessels caused by severe chest trauma., Methods: From April 2015 to May 2016, 10 patients with suspected injuries to the heart and major vessels after focused assessment with sonography in trauma or computed tomography were selected from patients admitted at a Level I trauma center presenting with cardiac tamponade and tension hemothorax due to severe chest trauma. Patients were divided as follow: group A (n = 3), patients without cardiac arrest before entering the operating theatre; group B (n = 5), patients with cardiac arrest for whom ECPR was applied, and group C (n = 2), patients with cardiac arrest for whom ECPR was not applied., Results: All patients underwent exploratory thoracotomy or sternotomy. Injuries included cardiac chamber ruptures (n = 8), lesions in the internal mammary arteries (n = 1), and lesions of the bronchial arteries (n = 1). In group B, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was initiated and circulation was restored promptly with adequate extracorporeal blood flow in all five cases. These patients were weaned off ECMO uneventfully after controlling the bleeding in the operating theatre. Mean ECMO time was 142 ± 48.2 minutes. Conversely, both patients in group C died, one due to low cardiac output on postoperative day 1, and the other due to multiple-organ failure on postoperative day 7., Conclusion: ECPR may be an option to rescue and stabilize patients with cardiac arrest due to severe chest trauma., Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic/Care Management, Level V.

Background: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is the standard treatment modality for the prevention of stroke in patients with carotid stenosis. This study reports our experiences during CEA with routine awake tests under regional anesthesia (RA) combined with light sedation by dexmedetomidine infusion. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 23 patients who had undergone CEA between April 2013 and June 2015. All patients underwent the awake test during CEA with cervical plexus block and light sedation by continuous dexmedetomidine infusion. Results: Mean operation and clamp times were 108.5 ± 20.1 min and 30.1 ± 6.9 min, respectively. Selective shunt placement was performed in three patients (13.0%). There were no cases of perioperative stroke, myocardial infarction, or death. There were no occurrences of residual stenosis, thrombosis, or dissection. One patient had a hypoglossal nerve injury but fully recovered before discharge. Mean (± standard deviation) hospital stay was 7.5 ± 2.6 days. There were no incidences of death, stroke, or restenosis during a mean follow-up period of 9.2 ± 8.8 months. Conclusions: RA with dexmedetomidine infusion appears to be a safe and feasible option. A lower shunt placement rate and favorable patient outcomes were observed following the awake test during CEA.

Background: The standard operative treatment of primary spontaneous pneumothorax (PSP) is thoracoscopic wedge resection, but necessity of pleurodesis still remains controversial. Nevertheless, pleural procedure after wedge resection such as pleurodesis has been performed in some patients who need an extremely low recurrence rate., Materials and Methods: From January 2000 to July 2010, 207 patients who had undergone thoracoscopic wedge resection and pleurodesis were enrolled in this study. All patients were divided into two groups according to the methods of pleurodesis; apical parietal pleurectomy (group A) and pleural abrasion (group B). The recurrence after surgery had been checked by reviewing medical record through follow-up in ambulatory care clinic or calling to the patients, directly until January 2011., Results: Of the 207 patients, the recurrence rate of group A and B was 9.1% and 12.8%, respectively and there was a significant difference (p=0.01, Cox's proportional hazard model). There was no significant difference in age, gender, smoking status, and body mass index between two groups., Conclusion: This study suggests that the risk of recurrence after surgery in PSP is significantly low in patients who underwent thoracoscopic wedge resection with parietal pleurectomy than pleural abrasion.