Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) in chronic venous insufficiency. A 14 years experience

Introduction. Subfascial Endoscopic Perforator Surgery (SEPS) enables the direct visualization and section of perforating veins. Morbidity and duration of hospitalization are both less than with conventional open surgery (Linton’s or Felder’s techniques). Patients and methods. A total of 322 legs from 285 patients with a mean age of 56 years (range 23-90) were treated at our Department from May 1996 to January 2010. In 309 cases, an endoscope (ETM Endoskopische Technik GmbH, Berlin, Germany) was introduced through a transverse incision approximately 1.5 cm in length and 10 cm from the tibial tuberosity, as with Linton’s technique. A spacemaker balloon dissector for SEPS, involving a second incision 6 cm from the first, was used in only 13 cases. Results. The procedure used in each case was decided on the basis of preoperative evaluation. SEPS and stripping were performed in 238 limbs (73.91%), SEPS and short stripping in 7 limbs (2.17%), SEPS and crossectomy in 51 limbs (15.84%), and SEPS alone in 26 limbs (8.07%). 103 patients presented a total of 158 trophic ulcers; the healing time was between 1 and 3 months, with a healing rate of 82.91% after 1 month and 98.73% after 3 months. Conclusion. Subfascial ligature of perforating veins is superior to sclerotherapy and minimally invasive suprafascial treatment for the treatment of CVI. It is easy to execute, minimally invasive and has few complications.

Arterial entrapment syndrome in the cubital fossa: a rare cause of acute stress-related arterial thrombosis in a patient with brachial artery duplication

Arterial entrapment syndrome (AES) at elbow level is very rare and to our knowledge no case of AES by lacertus fibrosus in the cubital fossa in presence of brachial artery duplication has been described to date. We describe a rare case of acute arterial thrombosis of one of two brachial arteries highlighted in the cubital fossa which developed after strenuous right elbow flexor muscle activity and hyper-extensions presumably related to AES by lacertus fibrosus at elbow level. A 43-year-old right-handed woman, experienced paleness, coldness and numbness of the right hand, after 8 consecutive hours of gardening. As she worked, her ipsilateral flexor elbow muscles remained in prolonged and inappropriate tension. Clinical examination evidenced the absence of radial artery pulse in the wrist and mild hypothermia in the second and third finger. During surgical exploration two anastomosed brachial arteries were detected in the cubital fossa under the lacertus fibrosus. The lateral superficial brachial artery was occluded. Intraoperative arteriography evidenced brachial artery duplication at the third superior of the arm and normal vascular pattern at the forearm level. In cases of unexplained atypical intermittent upper extremity claudication or acute ischemic symptoms an AES should always be ruled out, particularly when symptoms are exacerbated by strenuous upper extremity activity or when upper limb muscular hypertrophy is evident. In these cases a thorough dynamic clinical and instrumental examination is mandatory to confirm a diagnosis of AES and to avoid possible future ischemic complications.

Extracranial association of arteriovenous and venous malformations. Case report

Association of multiple vascular malformations of the face is a rare condition. An arteriovenous malformation (AVM) with a venous malformation as the draining vein is also a rarity. We report a case of extracranial mixed vascular malformations that deformed the normal architecture of the lower face. Removal of the AVM was followed by stability of the jaw and tongue malformation, indicating the AVM used the venous malformation as its draining vein. This approach spared the patient severe cosmetic and functional sequelae.

Ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization ---‘‘Syringe-Free’’ approach

Background and objectives Central venous catheterization of the internal jugular vein is a commonly performed invasive procedure associated with a significant morbidity and even mortality. Ultrasound-guided methods have shown to significantly improve the success of the technique and are recommended by various scientific societies, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The aim of this report is to describe an innovative ultrasound-guided central line placement of the internal jugular vein. Technique The authors describe an innovative ultrasound-guided central line placement of the internal jugular vein based on an oblique approach – the “Syringe-Free” approach. This technique allows immediate progression of the guide wire in the venous lumen, while maintaining a real-time continuous ultrasound image. Conclusions The described method adds to the traditional oblique technique the possibility of achieving a continuous real-time ultrasound-guided venipuncture and a guide wire insertion that does not need removing the probe from the puncture field, while having a single operator performing the whole procedure.

Suspecting Renal Artery Thrombosis

Renal artery thrombosis is a threatening clinical diagnosis, in which renal infarction may occur. Often misdiagnosed, for mimicking other common diseases, it should be considered in persistent flank pain to improve care and reduce morbidity. We review a case of a healthy, 57 year-old woman with renal artery thrombosis mimicking pyelonephritis and renal calculus obstruction, highlighting features of this clinical condition. An accurate diagnosis is essential for optimal management and prompts treatment, which still remains to be defined.

Effects of Purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1→3)-β-Glucan on Venous Ulcer Healing

Water-insoluble glucan was isolated from the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast cells were treated with alkali and the residue then with acid. Chemical and NMR (1D and 2D) analyses showed that a linear (1→3)-β-glucan was purified that was not contaminated with other carbohydrates, proteins or phenolic compounds. The effects of the glucan on wound healing were assessed in human venous ulcers by histopathological analysis after 30 days of topical treatment. (1→3)-β-glucan enhanced ulcer healing and increased epithelial hyperplasia, as well as increased inflammatory cells, angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation. In one patient who had an ulcer that would not heal for over 15 years, glucan treatment caused a 67.8% decrease in the area of the ulcer. This is the first study to investigate the effects of (1→3)-β-glucan on venous ulcer healing in humans; our findings suggest that this glucan is a potential natural biological response modifier in wound healing

Effects of Purified Saccharomyces cerevisiae (1→3)-β-Glucan on Venous Ulcer Healing

Water-insoluble glucan was isolated from the baker’s yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The yeast cells were treated with alkali and the residue then with acid. Chemical and NMR (1D and 2D) analyses showed that a linear (1→3)-β-glucan was purified that was not contaminated with other carbohydrates, proteins or phenolic compounds. The effects of the glucan on wound healing were assessed in human venous ulcers by histopathological analysis after 30 days of topical treatment. (1→3)-β-glucan enhanced ulcer healing and increased epithelial hyperplasia, as well as increased inflammatory cells, angiogenesis and fibroblast proliferation. In one patient who had an ulcer that would not heal for over 15 years, glucan treatment caused a 67.8% decrease in the area of the ulcer. This is the first study to investigate the effects of (1→3)-β-glucan on venous ulcer healing in humans; our findings suggest that this glucan is a potential natural biological response modifier in wound healing

Left Ventricular Thrombosis in a Young Ulcerative Colitis Patient: Review with a Case Report

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are at increased risk of developing thromboembolic complications. We report here a rare case of left ventricle thrombus in a young woman with ulcerative colitis. We discuss the pathophysiology of hypercoagulable state in IBD, and briefly address current prophylactic anticoagulation recommendations.

Compression stockings and the prevention of symptomatic venous thromboembolism: data from the Tinzaparin in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Trial

Background: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) is a well recognised and preventable complication of acute stroke. While graduated compression stockings reduce the risk of VTE in surgical patients their benefit in acute stroke remains uncertain. Methods: The relationship between symptomatic VTE and use of stockings using observational data from the ‘Tinzaparin in Acute Ischaemic Stroke Trial’, which compared 10 days of treatment with tinzaparin (175 IU.kg-1 or 100 IU.kg-1) with, aspirin (300 mg od), was assessed using logistic regression adjusted for known VTE risk factors and treatment. Results: Symptomatic VTE occurred in 28 patients (1.9%, DVT 18, PE 13) within 15 days of enrolment in 1,479 patients. Patients wearing one or two stockings for any period of time during the first 10 days (n=803) had a non-significant increase (odds ratio, OR 2.45, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.95 - 6.32) in the risk of symptomatic VTE. In contrast, those wearing bilateral stockings for 10 days (n=374) had a non-significant reduction in the odds of symptomatic VTE as compared to those who wore no stockings or wore them for less than 10 days (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.26-1.65). Mild stroke and treatment with tinzaparin were associated with a reduced risk of VTE. Conclusions: Bilateral graduated compression stockings may reduce the incidence of VTE by one-third in patients with acute ischaemic stroke. However, the uncertainty in this finding, low frequency of symptomatic VTE, potential for stockings to cause harm, and cost of stockings highlight the need for a large randomised-controlled trial to examine the safety and efficacy of stockings in acute stroke.

Renal angiomyolipoma with renal vein thrombosis: an incidental finding

A 66-year-old female with history of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma was admitted to our institution with abdominal and pelvic pain. A CT scan revealed a mass within the right upper kidney with a tumour thrombus that extended through the right renal vein up to the point of confluence with the inferior vena cava (IVC). The imaging features of the mass strongly suggested a diagnosis of renal angiomyolipoma (AML) with renal vein thrombosis. The patient was proposed an open radical right nephrectomy with right renal thrombectomy for histopathological confirmation of the diagnosis of AML with extension to the right renal vein and preventing complications such as potentially fatal pulmonary thromboembolism. The implantation of a temporary IVC filter before surgery was recommended.

Agreement of Mixed Venous Carbon Dioxide Tension (PvCO2) and Transcutaneous Carbon Dioxide (PtCO2) Measurements in Ventilated Infants

Background: Noninvasive transcutaneous carbon dioxide monitoring has been shown to be accurate in infants and children, limited data are available to show the usefulness and limitations of partial transcutaneous carbon dioxide tension (PtCO2) value. Objectives: The current study prospectively determines the effectiveness and accuracy of PtCO2 measurements in newborns. Materials and Methods: Venous blood gas sampling and monitoring of the PtCO2 level (TCM TOSCA, Radiometer) were done simultaneously. All measurements are performed on mechanically ventilated infants. Partial venous carbon dioxide tension (PvCO2) values divided into three groups according to hypocapnia (Group 1: < 4.68 kPa), normocapnia (Group 2: 4.68–7.33 kPa), hypercapnia (Group 3: > 7.33 kPa) and then PvCO2 and PtCO2 data within each group were compared separately. Results: A total of 168 measurements of each PvCO2 and PtCO2 data were compared in three separated groups simultaneously (13 in Group 1, 118 in Group 2, and 37 in Group 3). A bias of more than ± 0.7 kPa was considered unacceptable. PtCO2 was related to PvCO2 with acceptable results between the two measurements in hypocapnia (mean difference 0.20 ± 0.19 kPa) and normocapnia (0.002 ± 0.30 kPa) groups. On the other hand in hypercapnia group PtCO2 values were statistically significant (P < 0.001) and lower than PvCO2 data (mean difference 0.81 ± 1.19 kPa) Conclusions: PtCO2 measurements have generally good agreement with PvCO2 in hypocapnic and normocapnic intubated infants but there are some limitations especially with high level of CO2 tension. Monitoring of PtCO2 is generally a useful non-invasive indicator of PvCO2 in hypocapnic and normocapnic infants.

Terminal interruption of relux source technique in the treatment of active venous ulcers

Introduction: The treatment for venous ulcers in most cases is unsatisfactory, with recurrences and poor healing. Objective: to evaluate adjuvant therapy in the treatment of active venous ulcers. Methods: We analyzed 20 patients with active venous ulcers attending the general Surgery outpatient clinic at the “Dr. José eleuterio gonzález” University Hospital from October 2012 to January 2013. they were randomly divided into 2 groups: group A (11 patients) underwent compression therapy and group B (9 patients) underwent compression therapy plus removal of the vein that gives terminal relux to the ulcer, guided by ultrasound (microphlebectomy). Patients were evaluated weekly (8 weeks). At each assessment, photographs and lesion measurements were taken and pain was evaluated using the visual analog scale. Results: No significant differences were found between the study groups in terms of age, weight, height, body mass index (BMi), ankle-brachial index, and baseline measurement of the ulcer (p>0.05). Group B showed a greater reduction in ulcer size and a statistically signiicant lower score on the visual analog pain scale (p<0.05) from the second and third week of treatment, respectively. Conclusions: the results obtained in patients with surgical procedure (group B) are consistent with the reported eficacy of chronic venous ulcer treatment with saphenectomy (conventional surgery), the difference is that in this study we used a minimally invasive procedure (microphlebectomy).

Aspects Related to Venous Ulcer Healing and its Influence on Quality of Life

Nowadays, the varicose ulcers (VUs) are one of the most worrying leg ulcers and are an important problem in global public health, with high costs related to the treatment and its complications. Moreover, the quality of life (QOL) of the patient could be affected by pain, sleep disorders, functional impairment, depression and isolation. The VUs patient care is complex and it is necessary to know the aspects that contribute to the healing process for developing effective strategies. The members of the multidisciplinary health team should identify sociodemographic, clinical and care aspects that interfere in tissue repair and therefore impacting the QOL. Self-efficacy, adherence to treatment and self-esteem are other important aspects also related to healing and QOL, with implications for health care and the multidisciplinary team. To sum up, the use of multidisciplinary protocols allows the systematization of care for people with VUs in order to standardize therapeutic interventions with the aim to decrease the healing process time and, as a consequence, to improve the QOL.