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Objective: To evaluate the incidence of malfunction and colonization rates of fully implantable long-term catheters left unflushed during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to evaluate the average cost of transporting each patient to the hospital for flushing., Methods: During the COVID-19 pandemic, patients reduced the number of hospital visits and stopped flushing their catheters periodically with saline solution. After the pandemic stabilized in 2022, patients who completed chemotherapy treatment had their long-term catheters removed. We evaluated the catheters' function and colonization rates. To evaluate the incidence of malfunctions and the colonization rate of these catheters, we tested the flow and reflux during removal surgery, before removal, and by culturing their tips. These catheters were divided into two groups: a standard group, in which the last flushing occurred before 90 days, and another group, in which the last flushing occurred after 90 days. We analyzed the correlation between the time at which these catheters were closed, the incidence of malfunction, and the colonization rate of these catheters. To avoid confusion due to the reduced sample size, a second analysis was performed between the group of catheters that did not work and those that worked, evaluating the time they were closed and the catheter tip culture. We also analyzed the financial costs for each patient from home to the hospital., Results: Among the 66 patients included in the study, 28 spent >90 days without catheter flushing, and 38 spent <90 days. The incidence of infection occurred in two patients with >90 days of flushing and in three patients with <90 days of flushing. Catheter malfunction occurred in 4 patients in the group with >90 days without flushing and in 5 patients with <90 days of flushing. In the secondary analysis, the group with a functioning catheter (n=52) had a mean time of 152 days, whereas for the group with a non-functioning catheter (n=9), the mean time was 229 days (p=0.51). No differences were statistically significant. No correlation was found between the colonization rate of catheter in the group with a functioning or non-functioning catheter, as the group with a functioning catheter had three cases of positive catheter tip culture and the group with a non-functioning catheter had one case of positive catheter tip culture. The average cost for each patient to travel from home to the hospital was 39.01 reais (approximately 7.50 USD)., Conclusion: Among the patients followed up at our hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, no statistically significant difference was observed in the function and colonization rate of long-term catheters between those who underwent flushing at intervals of <90 days and those with intervals of >90 days.

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the distance between the right common iliac artery (RCIA) and lumbar vertebra in asymptomatic patients in order to determine whether such distance was statistically correlated with the left common iliac vein (LCIV) diameter (LCIVD) and to investigate if both measures were related to demographic characteristics and anthropometric data, such as sex, age, height, and body mass index (BMI)., Methods: In this descriptive and uncontrolled anatomic study, data from high-definition computed tomography (CT) angiography images of living kidney donors without a medical history of chronic venous insufficiency or past deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were analyzed. The RCIA crossed over the LCIV in 311 individuals, who were then included in this study. CT scans were reviewed to measure (1) the narrowest space between the RCIA and fifth lumbar vertebral body and (2) the LCIVD. Measures were subjected to normality tests and were divided according to the sex of the study population. Correlations of measures with age, BMI, and height were calculated., Results: Of the 311 patients analyzed, 66.6% (n = 207) were female. The mean lumbar vertebral body-iliac artery distance (LVBIAD) was 7.2 mm, whereas the mean LCIVD was 8.5 mm; both were higher in men (P < 0.001). The statistical analysis of LVBIAD and LCIVD distributions revealed no normality pattern (P < 0.05). The analysis of the correlation between them showed a weak statistically significant relationship with age. A linear regression model considering the normality percentile interval indicated a strong positive correlation between LVBIAD and LCIVD (R 2  = 0.884)., Conclusions: The LVBIAD was <5 mm and <3 mm in 25% and 5% of asymptomatic individuals, respectively. The LCIVD correlated with the space between the RCIA and lumbar vertebra. The distance between the RCIA and lumbar vertebra and the LCIVD were higher in male subjects and older patients, but did not correlate with BMI and height., (Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Worldwide, peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a disorder with high morbidity, affecting more than 200 million people., Objectives: Our objective was to analyze surgical treatment for PAD provided on the Brazilian Public Healthcare System over 12 years using publicly available data., Methods: The study was conducted with analysis of data available on the Brazilian Health Ministry's database platform, assessing distributions of procedures and techniques over the years and their associated mortality and costs., Results: A total of 129,424 procedures were analyzed (performed either for claudication or critical ischemia, proportion unknown). The vast majority of procedures were endovascular (65.49%) and this disproportion exhibited a rising trend (p<0.001). There were 3,306 in-hospital deaths (mortality of 2.55%), with lower mortality in the endovascular group (1.2% vs. 5.0%, p=0.008). The overall governmental expenditure on these procedures was U$ 238,010,096.51, and endovascular procedures were on average significantly more expensive than open surgery (U$ 1,932.27 vs. U$ 1,517.32; p=0.016)., Conclusions: Lower limb revascularizations were performed on the Brazilian Public Healthcare System with gradually increasing frequency from 2008 to 2019. Endovascular procedures were vastly more common and were associated with lower in-hospital mortality rates, but higher procedure costs., Competing Interests: Conflicts of interest: No conflicts of interest declared concerning the publication of this article., (Copyright© 2022 The authors.)

Introduction: Studying epidemiology of abdominal aortic aneurysms repairs is essential to prevent related deaths. Although outcomes are influenced by socioeconomic factors, there are no nationwide studies on these statistics in low-and-middle income countries. Therefore, we designed this study to evaluate abdominal aortic aneurysms repair rates, trends, costs, and in-hospital mortality in the Brazilian Public Health System, which exclusively insures over 160 million Brazilians., Material and Methods: Retrospective cross-sectional population-based analysis of publicly available data referring to all abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs performed between 2008 and 2019 in Brazilian public hospitals., Results: We observed a total of 13,506 abdominal aortic aneurysm repairs, of which 32% were emergency endovascular repairs, 20% emergency open repairs, 32% elective endovascular repairs and 16% elective open repairs. There has been a downward trend in total abdominal aortic aneurysms repairs and an increasing predominance of endovascular repair. Elective and endovascular repairs were significantly associated with lower in-hospital mortality. For ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms, we observed mortality rates of 13.8% after endovascular repair and 52.1% after open repair. For intact abdominal aortic aneurysms, we observed mortalities of 3.8% after endovascular repair and 18.6% after open repair. Procedure and mortality rates varied significantly among the Brazilian regions., Conclusions: We observed a low and decreasing rate of abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. Most repairs were emergency and endovascular and there was an increasing predominance of endovascular repair. Endovascular and elective repairs were associated with lower mortality., (© 2022. The Author(s) under exclusive licence to Société Internationale de Chirurgie.)

Background: Walking training (WT) improves walking capacity and reduces clinic blood pressure (BP) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), but its effects on ambulatory BP remains unknown., Objective: To investigate the effect of 12 weeks of WT on ambulatory BP and its variability in patients with PAD., Methods: Thirty-five male patients with PAD and claudication symptoms were randomly allocated into two groups: control (n = 16, 30 min of stretching) and WT (n = 19, 15 bouts of 2 min of walking at the heart rate of leg pain threshold interspersed by 2 min of upright rest). Before and after 12 weeks, 24-hour ambulatory BP was assessed. Ambulatory BP variability indices assessed at both time points included the 24-hour standard deviation (SD24), the awake and asleep weighted standard deviation (SDdn), and the 24-hour average real variability (ARV24). Data were analyzed by mixed two-way ANOVAs, considering P<0.05 as significant., Results: After 12 weeks, neither group had significant changes in 24-hour, awake and sleep BPs. The WT decreased systolic and mean BP variabilities (Systolic BP - 13.3±2.8 vs 11.8±2.3, 12.1±2.84 vs 10.7±2.5 and 9.4±2.3 vs 8.8±2.2 mmHg); Mean BP - 11.0±1.7 vs 10.4±1.9, 10.1±1.6 vs 9.1±1.7 and 8.0.±1.7 vs 7.2±1.5 mmHg) for SD24, SDdn and ARV24, respectively). Neither group had significant changes in diastolic BP variabilities after 12 weeks., Conclusions: The WT does not change ambulatory BP levels but decreases ambulatory BP variability in patients with PAD. This improvement may have a favorable impact on the cardiovascular risk of patients with symptomatic PAD. (Arq Bras Cardiol. 2021; 116(5):898-905).

Background: The costoclavicular space is a common site of thoracic outlet syndrome. When there is no anatomical alteration, the diagnosis of thoracic outlet syndrome is difficult. Several authors relate costoclavicular distance to symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome; however, there is no standardized site for measurement of the costoclavicular distance. This study aimed to determine the standard costoclavicular distance at neurovascular bundle crossing points (near the subclavian vein [Measure V] and the subclavian artery/brachial plexus branches [Measure NA]) using high-resolution chest computed tomography (CT) scans and evaluate its variations with respect to age, sex, height, and body mass index., Methods: This prospective cross-sectional observational study analyzed 150 of 156 CT scans from consecutive adult patients (72 females and 78 males). Costoclavicular distance was measured at the subclavian vein and brachial plexus/subclavian artery sites, where narrowing of the costoclavicular distance could lead to symptoms of thoracic outlet syndrome. Costoclavicular distance was analyzed with respect to sex, laterality, age group (<50 and ≥50 years) and body mass index group (body mass index <25 and ≥25 kg/m 2 )., Results: Measures of V and NA were normally distributed. The measured costoclavicular distances were 1.23 cm (±0.40) and 1.24 cm (±0.47), respectively. Age (≥50 years) and body mass index (≥25 kg/m 2 ) increased the costoclavicular distance. Measurements V and NA below the fifth percentile indicated a narrowed costoclavicular distance and a greater chance of developing thoracic outlet syndrome. For young (<50 years) and eutrophic patients (body mass index <25 kg/m 2 ), these measurements were 0.46 and 0.44 cm, respectively; for young people and body mass index ≥25 kg/m 2 , they were 0.54 and 0.24 cm, respectively; for the elderly (≥50 years) and eutrophic, they were 0.57 and 0.48 cm, respectively; and for the elderly and body mass index ≥ 25 kg/m 2 , they were 0.83 and 0.73 cm, respectively. There was no significant difference between measurements V and NA regarding patient laterality, gender, and height., Conclusions: Standardization of costoclavicular distance measurements at neurovascular bundle crossing points (subclavian vein and brachial plexus/subclavian artery) is possible. It may aid the diagnosis and help direct the therapeutic indications for symptomatic patients with thoracic outlet syndrome., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: To date, no study has been performed analyzing changes in the vascular system comparing paired examinations of patients alive and after death with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass and computed tomography (CT) angiography., Materials and Methods: The aim of this study was to analyze in a large series (38 patients) the aorta and its branches by CT (without contrast) and CT angiography of patients still alive and after death comparing their diameters and length variations., Results: The variation between in vivo tomography and virtopsy methods was greater in the evaluation of distances between vascular segments than in the diameters; less than 30% of the distances evaluated in the entire study had acceptable variation between methods, regardless of the use of contrast scans. We observed better repeatability rates in the comparison between in vivo and postmortem contrast-enhanced examinations. Comparing the examinations of the still alive individuals with the contrast-enhanced tomography after death, we observed a higher concordance rate. The best variations between the methods were observed in the evaluation of the diameters in the contrast-enhanced examination of the ascending aorta, aortic arch, thoracic aorta, and thoracoabdominal transition., Conclusions: The measurements obtained in postmortem angiography images partially reflect the vascular anatomy of the main branches in the thoracoabdominal region in vivo. However, postmortem CT without contrast was not performed in the same comparison. We believe that adjustments to the contrast injection technique may eventually improve these results., (Copyright © 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: Although the practice of physical exercise in patients with intermittent claudication (IC) is often encouraged, adherence is low. The difficulty in performing physical training may be related to the psychological characteristics of patients with claudication. To verify the association between anxiety and depression symptoms and barriers to physical exercise and walking capacity in patients with IC., Methods: One-hundred and thirteen patients with a clinical diagnosis of IC were included in the study. Patients underwent clinical evaluation by a vascular surgeon, answered the Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory tests were applied by the psychologist. The patients performed the 6-minute test and reported their barriers to physical activity practice in a questionnaire., Results: Patients with signs of depression had a shorter pain-free walking distance (p=0.015) and total walking distance (p=0.035) compared to patients with no signs of depression. Pain-free walking distance (p=0.29) and total walking distance (p=0.07) were similar between patients with and without signs of anxiety. Patients with symptoms of moderate to severe depression reported more barriers to physical activity practice compared to patients without signs of depression., Conclusion: Symptoms of anxiety and depression are prevalent among patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAD). Depression symptoms are associated with personal barriers to exercise, while anxiety symptoms are not. The main barriers to physical activity among patients with IC are exercise-induced pain and the presence of other diseases.

The aim of the study was to verify the effects of creatine (Cr) supplementation on functional capacity (walking capacity; primary outcome) and calf muscle oxygen saturation (StO 2 ) (secondary outcome) in symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients. Twenty-nine patients, of both sexes, were randomized (1:1) in a double-blind manner for administration of placebo (PLA, n = 15) or creatine monohydrate (Cr, n = 14). The supplementation protocol consisted of 20 g/day for 1 week divided into four equal doses (loading phase), followed by single daily doses of 5 g in the subsequent 7 weeks (maintenance phase). Functional capacity (total walking distance) was assessed by the 6 min walk test, and calf muscle StO 2 was assessed through near infrared spectroscopy. The measurements were collected before and after loading and after the maintenance phase. The level of significance was p < 0.05. No significant differences were found for function capacity (total walking distance (PLA: pre 389 ± 123 m vs. post loading 413 ± 131 m vs. post maintenance 382 ± 99 m; Cr: pre 373 ± 149 m vs. post loading 390 ± 115 m vs. post maintenance 369 ± 115 m, p = 0.170) and the calf muscle StO 2 parameters ( p > 0.05). Short- and long-term Cr supplementation does not influence functional capacity and calf muscle StO 2 parameters in patients with symptomatic PAD.

Objective: We evaluated the frequency of significant left renal vein (LRV) compression, also called the nutcracker phenomenon (NCP), in a normal asymptomatic population., Methods: The present retrospective descriptive anatomic study analyzed the data from high-definition renal computed tomography (CT) angiography of living kidney donors. A total of 324 CT examinations were evaluated for signs of LRV compression, including the beak sign, aortomesenteric angle <41°, LRV diameter ratio ≥4.9, and beak angle ≥32°. The presence of pelvic varicose veins and the left gonadal vein in the proximal and mid-portion (considered dilated if >0.5 cm) were also evaluated. Anthropometric and laboratory (urine erythrocyte count) data were collected from the medical records. Statistical inference was calculated using Fisher's exact test and Student's t test., Results: The mean aortomesenteric angle was 53.1° in women and 58.7° in men (P = .044). The beak sign and beak angle were present in 15.3% and 9.8%, respectively, and both had a greater prevalence in the women (P = .01). An aortomesenteric angle <41° was identified in 30.5%, with a greater prevalence in women (P < .01). The diameter ratio was positive in 0.7% of the cases, with no difference between the sexes. A left gonadal vein >0.5 cm was more prevalent in women in both the proximal and the mid-portions (P < .01). Although analysis stratified by positive criteria (3 or 4) showed no difference between the sexes, a positive correlation was found with younger age (P < .01). The limitations included the absence of a nutcracker syndrome (NCS) population; the lack of a renocaval pressure gradient, because of the need for intervention; the absence of other types of imaging studies, such as duplex ultrasound scan; and the absence of female parity data., Conclusions: The NCP and NCS CT criteria were present with a high frequency in healthy individuals. Women and younger individuals showed a greater prevalence of compression findings in the aortomesenteric axis. Revision of the current NCP and NCS criteria with a distinct categorization between sex, age, and body mass index is recommended to better evaluate LRV compressive events., (Copyright © 2020 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: Case studies and reviews have shown that creatine supplementation can affect kidney function. The objective of this study is to verify the effects of 8 weeks of creatine supplementation on renal function (creatinine clearance: primary outcome) in patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease., Methods: Twenty-nine patients, of both genders, were randomized (1:1) in a double-blind manner for administration of Placebo (PLA; n = 15) or creatine monohydrate (Cr; n = 14). The supplementation protocol consisted of 20 g/day for 1 week divided into 4 equal doses (loading phase), followed by single daily doses of 5 g in the subsequent 7 weeks (maintenance phase). Before and after the supplementation period, markers of renal function, serum creatinine, creatinine excretion rate, and creatinine clearance were evaluated. The Generalized Estimation Equation Model was used for comparison between groups. The level of significance was P < 0.05., Results: No significant differences were found between groups before and after the intervention for serum creatinine (Cr: pre 1.00 ± 0.15 mL/dL vs. post 1.07 ± 0.16 mL/dL; PLA: pre 1.30 ± 0.53 mL/dL vs. post 1.36 ± 0.47 mL/dL, P = 0.590), creatinine excretion rate (Cr: pre 81.73 ± 43.80 mg/dL vs. post 102.92 ± 59.57 mg/dL; PLA: pre 74.37 ± 38.90 mg/dL vs. post 86.22 ± 39.94 mg/dL, P = 0.560), or creatinine clearance (Cr; pre 108 ± 59 mL/min/1.73 m 2 vs. post 117 ± 52 mL/min/1.73 m 2 ; PLA: pre 88 ± 49 mL/min/1.73 m 2 vs. post 82 ± 47 mL/min/1.73 m 2 , P = 0.366)., Conclusions: Eight weeks of creatine supplementation is safe and does not compromise the renal function of patients with peripheral arterial disease., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To compare functional and cardiovascular variables of men and women with peripheral artery disease (PAD)., Methods: This observational, cross-sectional study included 67 women and 144 men (age 66 ± 9 and 67 ± 10 yr, respectively) with PAD. Patients were submitted to a clinical evaluation, 6-min walk test (6MWT) and cardiovascular evaluation, including blood pressure, arterial stiffness variables, and heart rate variability., Results: Women had lower claudication onset distance (P = .033) and 6MWT distance (P < .001), and similar percentage of the predicted 6MWT distance (P > .05). Women had higher pulse pressure (P = .002), augmentation index (P < .001), augmentation index corrected by 75 bpm (P < .001), and brachial and central systolic blood pressure (P = .041 and P = .029). Diastolic blood pressure, pulse wave velocity, and heart rate variability were similar between sexes (P > .05)., Conclusion: Although predicted 6MWT performance was similar between sexes, women had higher blood pressure and wave reflection variables compared with men. Interventions to reduce blood pressure and wave reflection should be emphasized in women with PAD.

Background: The objective of this study was to analyze the association between cardiac autonomic modulation and arterial stiffness in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD)., Methods: This cross-sectional study included one hundred fourteen patients with symptomatic PAD (67.5% men; 65 ± 7 years; body mass index: 26.8 ± 4.5 kg/m 2 ). Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured within time (standard deviation of all RR intervals [beat to beat heart interval] [SDNN], root mean square of the successive differences between adjacent normal RR intervals [RMSSD], and the proportion of successive RR intervals that differed by more than 50 msec [pNN50]) and frequency (low frequency [LF] and high frequency [HF]) domains. Arterial stiffness was assessed by carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity (cfPWV). Crude and adjusted linear regression analyses examined the relationship between HRV and cfPWV., Results: Nonsignificant crude associations were identified among cfPWV and RMSSD (P = 0.181), SDNN (P = 0.105), pNN50 (P = 0.087), LF (P = 0.376), HF (P = 0.175), and LF/HF ratio (P = 0.426). After adjustments for age, sex, smoking, body mass index, ankle-brachial index, and use of beta-blockers, significant associations were identified among cfPWV and RMSSD (P = 0.037), SDNN (P = 0.049), and pNN50 (P = 0.049)., Conclusions: Cardiac autonomic modulation was significantly associated with arterial stiffness in patients with PAD after adjustment for confounding factors. This relationship may contribute to the enhanced cardiovascular disease risk for PAD patients and provides a target for strategies to improve patient clinical outcomes., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of the study was to analyze the relationship between gait speed and measurements of physical function in patients with symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD)., Methods: One hundred sixty-nine patients (age 66.6±9.4 years) with symptomatic PAD were recruited. Usual and fast gait speeds were assessed with a 4-meter walk test. Objective (balance, sit-to-stand, handrip strength, and six-minute walk test) and subjective (WIQ - Walking Impairment Questionnaire and WELCH - Walking Estimated-Limitation Calculated by History) measurements of physical function were obtained. Crude and adjusted linear regression analyses were used to confirm significant associations., Results: Usual and fast gait speeds were significantly correlated with all objective and subjective physical function variables examined (r<0.55, p<0.05). In the multivariate model, usual gait speed was associated with six-minute walking distance (β=0.001, p<0.001), sit-to-stand test score (β=-0.005, p=0.012), and WIQ stairs score (β=0.002, p=0.006) adjusted by age, ankle brachial index, body mass index, and gender. Fast gait speed was associated with six-minute walking distance (β=0.002, p<0.001), WIQ stairs score (β=0.003, p=0.010), and WELCH total score (β=0.004, p=0.026) adjusted by age, ankle brachial index, body mass index, and gender., Conclusion: Usual and fast gait speeds assessed with the 4-meter test were moderately associated with objective and subjective measurements of physical function in symptomatic PAD patients.

Background: Active cancer is found in approximately 20% of patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism. This condition is more prevalent in patients with advanced and metastatic cancer and is the second largest cause of death among patients with active neoplasm. Many of them have contraindication for anticoagulation and needs an inferior vena cava filter to be implanted, but a large proportion of these patients have very low survival after filter implantation. Our aim was to verify whether the need for filter implantation represents an independent indicator of poor prognosis in oncological patients and to identify subgroups with a greater survival., Methods: This study included a retrospective analysis of 247 oncologic patients with acute proximal venous thrombosis. We compared survival between 100 consecutive patients who needed vena cava filter (FILTER group) versus a control group of 147 patients in whom anticoagulation was possible (ANTICOAGULATION group). We verified survival, cause of death, filter's indications (clinical and surgical), and factors that might lead to worse prognosis., Results: Risk of death was 8.83-fold higher in the FILTER group than that in the ANTICOAGULATION group, a greater risk than the presence of metastasis (OR: 2.47). Death was significantly more frequent in patients subjected to filter implantation because of clinical indications (93.2%) such as high risk of or recent bleeding and an adjusted risk of death of 2.24-fold higher in a multivariate analysis., Conclusions: The need to implant a vena cava filter in a patient with cancer is a marker that indicates patient's disease severity and worse prognosis. Survival was longer in the subgroup of patients who underwent filter implantation before oncologic surgery, probably because of a better status performance and less clinical complications., (Copyright © 2019 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This cross-sectional study compared physical activity levels and barriers between 212 men and women with symptomatic peripheral artery disease. Physical activity was objectively measured by an accelerometer. Barriers to physical activity were obtained using a validated questionnaire. Women reported higher amounts of light physical activity ( p  < .001) and lower moderate-vigorous physical activity ( p  < .001) than men. Women more often reported barriers such as "not having anyone to accompany" ( p  = .006), "lack of money" ( p  = .018), "fear of falling or worsening the disease" ( p  = .010), "lack of security" ( p  = .015), "not having places to sit when feeling leg pain" ( p  = .021), and "difficulty in getting to a place to practice physical activity" ( p  = .015). In conclusion, women with symptomatic peripheral artery disease presented with lower amounts of moderate-vigorous activity and more barriers to activity than men. Strategies to minimize the barriers, including group actives and nonpainful exercises, are recommended for women with peripheral artery disease.

Background: Atherosclerosis and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) have several similar risk factors but different pathogenesis. Inflammation of the arteries is common to both. Central obesity can act as an endocrine organ through the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and the perivascular fat has a local effect that could contribute to diseases of the abdominal aorta. Although the relation between central obesity and atherosclerosis occlusive arterial disease has been demonstrated, the correlation with AAA has conflicting results. The aim of this study was to analyze the correlation between central obesity and the presence of abdominal aortic diseases using computed tomography., Methods: Six hundred thirty-nine consecutive patients classified into 3 groups (AAA, aortic atherosclerotic occlusive disease (AAOD), and without aortic disease [control group]) who underwent computed tomography had the aorta diameter, the visceral fat area (VFA), and the subcutaneous fat area (SFA) measured at the level of third and fourth lumbar vertebrae., Results: VFA showed no difference between the groups. SFA was lower in atherosclerotic group (AAOD) than control (P < 0.01 in general and P < 0.04 in male). In AAA group, we found in men that the first tertile of aorta diameter had higher VFA than third tertile (P = 0.02)., Conclusions: There was no difference in VFA between patients in AAA, AAOD, and without aortic disease groups. In men with aneurysm, there was an inverse relationship between VFA and aortic diameter. In AAOD, visceral to subcutaneous ratio is higher due to lower SFA., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The increasing use of computed tomography (CT) angiography has led to more frequent diagnoses of celiac artery compression (CAC) by the median arcuate ligament (MAL). The signs of CAC by the MAL have been described as stenosis and a hook or J appearance on sagittal views. The importance of the "hook signal," however, has not been documented by studies of the normal anatomy of the celiac axis., Methods: CT angiography images of 344 completely asymptomatic, live kidney donors (without history of chronic abdominal pain or weight loss) were reviewed. The angle of emergence (AE) of the celiac axis from the aorta and the angle of upward or downward shifting of the celiac axis before its first branch (fold angle [FA]) were measured. Weight, height, and body mass index were obtained from our electronic database, and correlations with the angles measured were tested. The occurrence of stenosis >50% at the origins of the celiac axis was also determined in the sample., Results: Measurements were possible in 321 cases. The celiac axis was found to leave the aorta at an angle of <90 degrees in all patients (AE range, 7-83 degrees) and <45 degrees in 292 (90%) patients. The FA ranged from 66 to 208 degrees. Before the first branch, the celiac trunk shifted upward in 306 (95%) patients, remained straight in just one of them, and shifted downward in 14 (4%). The AE was positively correlated with weight in women. The FA was negatively correlated with weight in men and women. Body mass index was positively correlated with AE and negatively correlated with FA in both men and women. In 11 cases (3.4%), stenosis >50% was found at the origin of the celiac axis. In only two patients, the celiac axis had an upward slope after the stenosis, which could be interpreted as a hook shape., Conclusions: The normal anatomy of the celiac axis, when seen on CT angiography images, demonstrates that it exits the aorta downward and then shifts upward. This hook or J shape should not be interpreted as resulting from external compression. CAC by the MAL occurs in 3.42% of the normal asymptomatic population; a hook or J shape is not visible in most cases in that subgroup., (Copyright © 2018 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Edoxaban, a direct factor Xa inhibitor (FXa), is the fourth direct oral anticoagulant (DOAC) approved for clinical use in the treatment of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in Latin America, following global approvals for this indication. Edoxaban features some particular characteristics when compared to the previously approved DOACs. This review summarizes the main properties of edoxaban, the outcomes results of its pivotal global clinical trials and the peculiar clinical features of this compound. This practical guide aims to help Latin America clinicians understand edoxaban, its proper indication and its use for the appropriate patients with VTE.

Background: Impaired microcirculation is associated with poor walking capacity in symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) patients during treadmill test; however, this test does not simulate the efforts of daily walking of these patients. Thus, the aim of the study was to describe the microcirculation responses during a 6-minute walk test (6MWT) and to analyze the relationship between microcirculation indicators and walking impairment in symptomatic PAD patients., Methods: Thirty-four patients were included (mean age = 67.6 ± 11.2 years). Their clinical characteristics were collected, and they performed a 6MWT, in which the initial claudication distance (ICD) and total walking distance (TWD) were recorded. During and after the 6MWT, calf muscle oxygen saturation (StO 2 ) parameters were monitored continuously to measure microcirculation behavior. The association between calf muscle StO 2 parameters and walking impairment were analyzed by Pearson or Spearman correlations., Results: Walking impairment was not associated with any StO 2 parameters during exercise. In contrast, after 6MWT, recovery time of StO 2 (r = -0.472, P = 0.008) and recovery time to maximal StO 2 (r = -0.402, P = 0.019) were negatively correlated with ICD. Furthermore, the distance walked under claudication symptoms (ΔTWD-ICD) was positively correlated with recovery time to maximal StO 2 (r = 0.347, P = 0.048)., Conclusions: In symptomatic PAD patients, shorter ICD values during a 6MWT are associated with a delayed recovery in calf muscle StO 2 after exercise. Calf muscle StO 2 parameters decrease subtly during 6MWT, suggesting that the degree of ischemia in the calf muscle during ground walking, simulating efforts of the daily walking, is relatively low., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The management of long-term central venous catheter (LTCVC) infections by multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria in cancer patient is a challenge. The objectives of this study were to analyze outcomes in cancer patients with LTCVC-associated infection, identify risks for unfavorable outcomes, and determine the impact of MDR bacteria and antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) in managing such infections. We evaluated all LTCVC-associated infections treated between January 2009 and December 2016. Infections were reported in accordance with international guidelines for catheter-related infections. The outcome measures were 30-day mortality and treatment failure. We analyzed risk factors by Cox forward-stepwise regression. We identified 296 LTCVC-associated infections; 212 (71.6%) were classified as bloodstream infections (BSIs). The most common agent was Staphylococcus aureus Forty-six (21.7%) infections were due to MDR Gram-negative bacteria. ALT was used in 62 (29.2%) patients, with a 75.9% success rate. Risk factors identified for failure of the initial treatment were having a high sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score at diagnosis of infection and being in palliative care; introduction of ALT at the start of treatment was identified as a protective factor. Risk factors identified for 30-day mortality after LTCVC-associated infection were a high SOFA score at diagnosis, infection with MDR bacteria, and palliative care; introduction of ALT at the start of treatment, hematological malignancies, and adherence to an institutional protocol for the management of LTCVC-associated infection were identified as protective factors. Despite the high incidence of infection with MDR bacteria, ALT improves the outcome of LTCVC-associated infection in cancer patients., (Copyright © 2018 American Society for Microbiology.)

Background: Transient paraplegia of the lower limbs is a rare condition and, when has a vascular etiology, is usually associated with thromboembolic events, aortic dissection, aortic aneurysms, or as a complication of the surgical correction of those diseases. There is no case reported of acute paraplegia caused by a segmental thrombotic subocclusion of the descending thoracic aorta., Case Report: We report a not yet described clinical situation of a young patient (51 years) admitted to the emergency care department for treatment of systemic arterial hypertension of difficult control with 4 antihypertensive medication classes. At the intensive care unit for treatment with intravenous antihypertensive medication, the patient evolved with acute paraplegia and a segmental thrombotic subocclusion of the descending thoracic aorta was diagnosed. He was submitted to endovascular treatment with total recovery of the deficits., Conclusions: The previously normal descending thoracic aorta may be a site of segmental thrombosis and may lead to paraplegia. Early endovascular treatment can reverse this type of situation., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objectives: The objective of this study is to describe the experience of a Brazilian public university hospital regarding the treatment of metastatic or benign spine lesions with en bloc vertebrectomy of the thoracic and lumbar spines., Methods: This study was a retrospective case series and included all medical records of patients with benign aggressive, primary malignant, or metastatic spine lesions who underwent en bloc vertebrectomy from 2010 to 2015., Results: A total of 17 patients were included in the analysis. Most of them (71%) were indicated for surgery based on an oncologic resection for localized disease cure. Overall, 10 of the 17 patients (59%) underwent vertebrectomy via an isolated posterior approach using the technique described by Roy-Camille et al. and Tomita et al., while 7 patients (41%) underwent double approach surgeries. Of the 17 patients who underwent the en bloc resection, 8 are still alive and in the outpatient follow-up (47%), and almost all patients with metastatic lesions (8/9) died. The average survival time following the surgical procedure was 23.8 months. Considering the cases of metastatic lesions and the cases of localized disease (malignant or benign aggressive disease) separately, we observed an average survival time of 15 months and 47.6 months respectively., Conclusion: This study demonstrates and reinforces the reproducibility of the en bloc vertebrectomy technique described by Tomita et al.

Background: We describe a unique case of a patient with penetration of the cervical region by a stab wound, who required emergency care for the controlled removal of the knife and for vertebral artery trauma (VAT) treatment. Although rare, VAT causes high morbidity and mortality., Methods: A patient admitted for emergency care was diagnosed with traumatic complete section of the vertebral artery by a knife and underwent removal of the knife under radioscopic supervision and vertebral artery embolization with coils., Results: The knife was removed successfully, the bleeding was controlled, and the patient did not present any sequelae., Conclusions: In the authors' experience, a patient in an emergent state due to VAT can be treated effectively and quickly with proximal embolization., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Leiomyosarcoma (LMS) of inferior vena cava (IVC) is a rare neoplasm affecting approximately 1/100,000 people. The prognosis is poor and potential curative intent occurs through challenging operations, such as vena cava resection, occasionally multivisceral when required, and vascular reconstruction. There are few retrospective series regarding this retroperitoneal neoplasm, and the aim of the present study was to discuss the experience at the São Paulo Cancer Institute and Clinics Hospital of University of São Paulo Medical School, São Paulo, Brazil. The current study is a retrospective review of 7 patients treated in the two tertiary hospitals between 2005 and 2013. Oncological and operative aspects were discussed, primarily regarding surgical aspects highlighting en bloc resection, vascular reconstruction, and the overall survival and recurrence rates. All the patients were treated with radical intent, 4 of whom underwent multivisceral resection, with the kidney being the most resected organ. The location of the IVC tumor was described using Kulaylat's description and the median tumor size was 10 cm. Vascular reconstruction was necessary in 4 patients. The overall survival rate at 3 and 5 years was 100, and 25%, respectively. The disease-free survival rate at 3 and 5 years was 57 and 20%, respectively. In conclusion, IVC LMS is a rare and severe retroperitoneal neoplasm, with multivisceral resections remaining a surgical challenge. The treatment requires numerous experienced surgeons and the impact of microscopic free margins remains unclear. Vascular reconstruction depends on several aspects regarding primarily the topography of the tumor.

Background: We analyze the effects of graduated compression stoking (GCS) on walking capacity and oxygen saturation in intermittent claudication (IC) patients., Methods: Eighteen patients with IC performed the 6-minute walking test in 2 conditions in random order: GCS or placebo sock. Onset claudication distance and total walking distance were obtained. The calf muscle oxygen saturation was continuously monitored before, during, and after 6-minute walk test. Comparisons of the walking capacity and StO 2 parameters between GCS and placebo conditions were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank-sum test., Results: The onset claudication distance (GCS: 120 ± 99 meters vs. placebo: 150 ± 126 meters; P = 0.798) and total walking distance (GCS: 330 ± 108 meters vs. placebo: 324 ± 60 meters; P = 0.130) were similar between conditions. There were no differences in StO 2 parameters between conditions (P > 0.05)., Conclusions: GCS does not decrease walking performance and calf muscle oxygenation saturation during 6-minute walk test in patients with IC., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Competing Interests: Conflito de interesse: Os autores declararam não haver conflitos de interesse que precisam ser informados.

Background: Aortic lesions are uncommon complications in spine surgery, but potentially fatal, because they can cause massive bleeding and hemodynamic instability. We report the endovascular treatment of late aortic erosive lesion by pedicle screw without screw removal., Methods: A breast cancer patient had a pathological fracture on T10, with spinal cord compression, and a pseudoaneurysm of the aorta in contact with an anterolateral pedicle screw. Endovascular surgery corrected the aortic lesion and allowed decompression, a week later, by posterior arthrodesis (T7-L1), with screw maintenance., Results: There was no contrast leakage at thorax angiotomography in 2 years, and she died of meningeal carcinomatosis., Conclusion: Screw maintenance was safe in the endovascular treatment of aortic lesion by erosion., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for complications of totally implantable catheters in a referral cancer center., Methods: This was a retrospective study of prospectively collected data of all consecutive cancer patients undergoing port placement, with a primary outcome of interest of major complication and subanalysis of the types of complications., Results: We studied 1255 nonvalved implanted port catheters inserted in 1230 patients, for a combined total of 469,882 catheter-days of use. Venous puncture was ultrasound (US)-guided in 1049 cases (84%). Inadvertent arterial puncture occurred in 14 cases (1.1%) and was more frequent in procedures not guided by US (P = .045). Among the outpatients, 90 (9%) developed infection, and 75 (29%) of the hospitalized patients (P < .001) developed infections. Infection was diagnosed in 131 catheters (13%) implanted through the internal jugular vein (IJV), 23 catheters (14%) implanted in the subclavian vein (SCV), 1 catheter (5%) implanted in the external jugular vein, and 10 catheters (31%) implanted in the femoral vein (P = .044). In the multivariate analysis, only the hospitalization regimen maintained statistical significance, with hospitalization presenting as a risk factor for infection (P < .001). Regarding the introduction site, ambulatory patients in whom the femoral vein was the site of access had more infections than the others (28.6% vs 9.4% of the IJV, 4.8% of the SCV, and 4.8% of the external jugular vein; P = .019), which did not occur among the hospitalized patients (33.3% vs 26.5% of IJV and 39.5% of the SCV; P = .218)., Conclusions: Not using US is a risk factor for iatrogenic arterial puncture. Port implantation in hospitalized patients and the use of femoral access are risk factors for infection., (Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Of this study were to evaluate the functional independence of patients with intermittent claudication and to verify its association with sociodemographic and clinical variables, walking ability and physical activity level., Method: This was a descriptive, exploratory, cross-sectional study with a quantitative approach. Fifty participants (66.4 years; 68% male) were recruited from Claudication Unit of a tertiary hospital. Functional Independence Measure were used to evaluate functional incapacity; the Baltimore Activity Scale, to estimate the physical activity level and the Walking Impairement Questionnaire, the walking ability., Results: Participants had complete functional independence (124.8 + 2.0), low levels of physical activity (4.2 + 2.0), and impairment of walking ability; the worst performance was found in walking velocity domain (21.2 + 16.4). The functional independence score was associated with physical activity (r=0,402) and walking ability scores (distance, r=0,485; speed, r=0,463; stairs, r=0,337)., Conclusion: In conclusion, the level of functionality is associated with functional capacity in these patients.

Background: In patients with peripheral arterial disease, metabolic syndrome is associated with less favorable evolution of intermittent claudication., Methods: The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in claudicant patients using the IDF and the NCEP-ATPIII criteria, and to assess the level of agreement between the two definitions., Results: In this cross-sectional study, 200 consecutive patients with intermittent claudication (65% male) were classified with or without metabolic syndrome according both criteria. The kappa coefficient was used to assess the level of agreement. Prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 60.5% when using the NCEP-ATPIII definition and 66.5% when using the IDF definition (P = 0.088). Among men, the prevalence of MetS was 55.4% according to the NCEP-ATPIII and 63.1% according to the IDF (P = 0.110) and, among women, 70.0% according to the NCEP-ATPIII and 72.9% according to the IDF (P = 0.754)., Conclusion: Although the prevalence rates were similar, the reliability analysis showed that the agreement was substantial only among women and just moderate in the total population and among men., (Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To analyze if there is any relation between functional capacity assessed by subjective and objective methods regarding the current state and after clinical treatment in patients with intermittent claudication., Methods: A total of 500 patients with intermittent claudication were enrolled. All patients underwent clinical examination and a functional evaluation by subjective (clinical visit) and objective method (treadmill test). Additionally, 50 patients were selected to evaluate the effect of clinical treatment by subjective and objective methods in relation to functional capacity., Results: Out of 500 patients, only 60 (12.0%) had similar results in both methods. The remaining, that is 440 patients (88.0%) had subject values in disagreement with stress test findings. Regarding the clinical effect of the treatment on the functional outcomes, results were similar in both methods (χ²=1.7; p=0.427)., Conclusion: Although the subjective method overestimates the functional capacity when compared to the objective method, no significant differences were observed between both methods when analyzing the effect of clinical treatment. Thus, the subjective method provides similar information as compared with objective method, in monitoring the clinical treatment of patients with intermittent claudication.

Objective: To describe the epidemiology of infections related to the use of implantable central venous access devices (CVADs) in cancer patients and to evaluate measures aimed at reducing the rates of such infections., Design: Prospective cohort study., Setting: Referral hospital for cancer in São Paulo, Brazil., Patients: We prospectively evaluated all implantable CVADs employed between January 2009 and December 2011. Inpatients and outpatients were followed until catheter removal, transfer to another facility, or death., Methods: Outcome measures were bloodstream infection and pocket infection. We also evaluated the effects that the creation of a multidisciplinary team for CVAD care, avoiding in-hospital implantation of CVADs, and limiting CVAD insertion in neutropenic patients have on the rates of such infections., Results: During the study period, 966 CVADs (mostly venous ports) were implanted in 933 patients, for a combined total of 243,792 catheter-days. We identified 184 episodes of infection: 154 (84%) were bloodstream infections, 21 (11%) were pocket infections, and 9 (5%) were surgical site infections. During the study period, the rate of CVAD-related infection dropped from 2.2 to 0.24 per 1,000 catheter-days ([Formula: see text]). Multivariate analysis revealed that relevant risk factors for such infection include surgical reintervention, implantation in a neutropenic patient, in-hospital implantation, use of a cuffed catheter, and nonchemotherapy indication for catheter use., Conclusions: Establishing a multidisciplinary team specifically focused on CVAD care, together with systematic reporting of infections, appears to reduce the rates of infection related to the use of these devices.

Purpose: Insertion of totally implantable catheters via deep vessels that drain into the superior vena cava results in a lower incidence of venous thrombosis and infection as compared to catheters inserted into femoral and arm veins. Superior vena cava obstruction and inadequacy of the thoracic wall are conditions that prevent reservoir implantation in the chest wall. In this article, we describe a technical innovation that enables the pocket to be fixed in the arm while still allowing access to be achieved via the internal jugular vein., Method: The procedure reported maintains the use of the internal jugular vein for access even when the patient's chest is not suited for reservoir implantation, which is localized in the arm., Results: The procedure was successful and no complications occurred. The position of the catheter tip did not alter with arm movement., Conclusion: The implantation of a port reservoir in the arm following venous access via the internal jugular vein is both safe and convenient.

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the impact of endovascular surgery versus open vascular technique training in a Brazilian teaching service., Design: Cross-sectional study., Setting: Hospital das Clinicas-Faculty of Medicine-University of Sao Paulo, a tertiary institutional hospital-Brazil., Participants: We reviewed 1,040 arterial operations performed during 2 distinct time periods: January 1995 to December 1996, and January 2006 to December 2007. Based on the disease treated, the procedures were classified into the following 5 groups: abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA), aorto-iliac obstructive disease (AI), obstructive disease of the femoropopliteal-tibial segment (FP), carotid disease (C), and others (O). The operations were also divided into an endovascular surgery (ES) group and an open surgery (OS) group. We compared the number of open and endovascular procedures for each arterial disease group during both periods., Results: During the 2006-2007 period, 654 patients were treated surgically, whereas over the 1995-1996 period, 386 arterial operations were performed. A significant increase in endovascular procedures (p < 0.001) was found from the 1995-1996 period to the 2006-2007 period (35 vs 351, respectively) in all groups, whereas open surgery showed a slight increase in the number of procedures in the AAA and O groups only. In the 1995-1996 period, OS was the primary surgical method for all groups, but in the 2006-2007 time frame, OS was performed more frequently than ES only in the AAA and O groups. Considering all vascular disease groups, OS was the technique used in 90.9% (351 of 386) of the operations during 1995-1996, whereas in 2006-2007, OS was performed in only 46.3% (303 of 654) of the procedures., Conclusions: The increase in the number of ES observed over the past decade has had little impact on OS procedures performed at our medical center, not bringing harm to open surgical training., (Copyright © 2011 Association of Program Directors in Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Intermittent claudication reflects the presence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of the MetS in claudicants and its correlation with age, gender, localization of arterial obstruction, and symptomatic coronary disease. Patients (n = 170) with intermittent claudication were studied. The mean age was 65 years (33-89). Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 98 patients (57.6%). The mean age of patients with MetS was 63.5 years compared with 67.0 years for patients without MetS (P = .027). Considering patients aged ≥65 years, MetS was present in 46 (48.9%) individuals and in 52 (68.4%) patients younger than 65 years (P = .011). Metabolic syndrome must be actively searched for in claudicant patients.

Objectives: To investigate whether oxidized low-density lipoprotein is a suitable predictor of peripheral arterial disease severity. The role of oxidized low-density lipoprotein in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis has already been investigated. Its relevance as a predictor of the appearance and worsening of coronary arterial disease is also well known. However, the same is not true regarding peripheral arterial disease., Method: Eighty-five consecutive patients with an ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) < 0.9 and the presence of either intermittent claudication or critical lower leg ischemia were included. The plasma level of IgG autoantibodies against oxidized low-density lipoprotein was evaluated through an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results were categorized into quartiles according to the ankle-brachial pressure index (a marker of peripheral arterial disease severity), and significant differences were investigated with the Kruskal-Wallis test., Results: There was no significant difference between the quartiles for this population (p = 0.33). No correlation was found between the ankle-brachial pressure index and oxidized low-density lipoprotein levels in subjects with clinically evident peripheral arterial disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations., Conclusions: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein is not a good predictor of peripheral arterial disease severity.

Background: Patients with tumors in the limbs who undergo surgical treatment may have involvement of major vessels. Major arteries are always reconstructed for limb salvage. Major veins may be reconstructed to avoid the onset of venous hypertension signs and symptoms. The objective of this study was to analyze the results from surgical treatment of a sample of patients who underwent lower limb venous reconstructions associated with the resection of malignant tumors., Methods: Follow-up was performed of 17 patients with malignant tumors involving major vessels in the lower limbs. The median length of follow-up was 22 months. Venous reconstruction concomitant to arterial reconstruction was performed in 15 patients, and an isolated venous reconstruction was performed in 2 patients. The venous substitutes used were the contralateral long saphenous vein (n = 12), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis (n = 3), and Dacron prosthesis (n = 2)., Results: Vascular complications occurred in seven patients: three occlusions of the venous graft, edema in seven patients, and one rupture of the arterial graft. The primary 2- and 5-year patency rates of venous reconstructions were 79.3% and 79.3%, respectively. Nonvascular complications occurred in six patients: neurological deficit (n = 3), partial necrosis of the flap (n = 2), wound infection (n = 1), hematoma (n = 1), and enteric fistula (n = 1). Eight patients were still alive and disease free, although one of them underwent above-knee amputation as a result of local disease recurrence. One patient experienced regional disease recurrence and is undergoing chemotherapy. Eight patients died due to pulmonary metastases. The 2- and 5-year overall survival rates were 58.6% and 42.4%, respectively. The 2- and 5-year thrombosis-free survival rates were 51.9% and 35.2%, respectively., Conclusions: Lower limb venous reconstructions associated with tumor resection in this study gave good functional results, although the prognosis for these patients had been unfavorable. The saphenous vein is a suitable substitute.

Objective: When trunk arteries are affected by malignant neoplasia, and surgical treatment involving tumor and arterial resection is used, the vascular reconstruction must be performed immediately to avoid ischemia in the brain and large tissue masses. The objective of this study was to analyze the results obtained with the treatment of patients with malignant neoplasia who underwent tumor and vascular resection associated with arterial reconstruction. The primary patency of reconstructions, the occurrence arterial complications, and patient survival were assessed., Methods: Thirty-six patients with cervical, abdominal, or lower limb neoplasias were followed up. These patients underwent elective operations at Hospital do Câncer A.C. Camargo, São Paulo, between September 1997 and September 2004. They were divided into 3 groups according to tumor location: Cervical (14), lower limbs (13), and Abdomen (9). Thirty-eight arterial reconstructions were performed in these 36 patients., Results: There were 5 arterial complications: 2 early- and 3 late-stage. The early complications consisted of 1 symptomatic carotid occlusion with sequelae and 1 femoral graft rupture without sequelae. The late-stage complications consisted of 1 symptomatic carotid occlusion, 1 occlusion of an axillary-carotid graft, and 1 occlusion of a branch of the aortobifemoral graft, all without sequelae. There was no difference between the primary arterial patency rates. All the deaths (22) resulted from progression of neoplasic disease., Conclusions: Arterial reconstructions associated with resection of malignant neoplasia in cervical, abdominal, or lower limbs can be carried out with low rates of morbidity and mortality. There was no difference in the primary arterial patency rates among the groups studied.

Objective: To study the immediate and late results obtained from the implantation of vena cava filters in cancer patients with deep vein thrombosis concomitant with neoplasia., Methods: This was a retrospective evaluation of 50 patients with an association of cancer and deep venous thrombosis who underwent interruption of the inferior vena cava and the insertion of permanent vena cava filters. The indications for the procedure, filter implantation technique, early and late complications related to the operation, and the clinical evolution were evaluated., Results: The most frequent indication for filter implantation was the contraindication for full anticoagulant treatment (80%). The femoral vein was the preferred access route (86% of the patients). There were no complications related to the surgical procedure. During the follow-up, the following complications were observed: 1 episode of nonfatal pulmonary thromboembolism, 2 cases of occlusion of the inferior vena cava, and 1 case of thrombus retained in the device. Twenty patients (40%) died due to progression of the neoplasm., Conclusions: Interruption of the inferior cava vein using an endoluminal filter is a procedure with a low rate of complications. It is a safe and efficient measure for preventing pulmonary embolism in cancer patients who have deep vein thrombosis of the lower limbs.

Purpose: To study the imaging exams more commonly used for abdominal aortic aneurysms evaluation - ultrasonography, conventional computerized tomography, helical computerized tomography and nuclear magnetic angioresonance - comparing the preoperative measurements reached by those radiological methods with the measurements made during the surgical procedures., Methods: Patients who had indication of elective transperitoneal surgical treatment for their abdominal aortic aneurysms were included in the study. The initial diagnosis of the aortic dilatation was made by ultrasonography and, after the surgical treatment was indicated, the patient was submitted to another imaging method. Sixty patients were divided into 3 groups according to the complementary imaging method (conventional computerised tomography, helical computerized tomography, nuclear magnetic angioresonance). The ultrasonography of the first 20 patients were joined in a fourth group. There were considered in the study the measurements of the transversal diameter of the proximal neck, maximum transversal diameter of the aneurysm, straight-line length and transversal diameter of the common iliac arteries given by the imaging methods. The same measurements were made by using a caliper during the surgical procedure, and then compared to the values obtained from the radiological exams., Results: The maximum transverse diameter had a range measurement variation of 4.5 to 13.6 cm in the intraoperative, with no statistically significant differences when compared with all the imaging tests. The ultrasonography, however, overestimated the measurements of the proximal neck and the common iliac arteries, in comparison with intraoperative measures. The length of the aorta aneurysm obtained by the conventional computerized tomography was significantly lower if compared to the measures done with the calliper during the operation. The helical computerized tomography and the nuclear magnetic angioresonance provided measurements with no significant differences in the statistic view when compared to the intraoperative measures., Conclusions: Ultrasonography is a reliable method for the diagnosis and follow-up of the aorta abdominal aneurysms, but insufficient for endovascular surgery planning. The conventional computed tomography can provoke distortion in the length measurements of the aorta dilatation. Helical computed tomography and nuclear magnetic angioresonance provided precise measurements of all the studied parameters, being of great utility for surgical planning.

Patients with tumors in limbs who undergo surgical treatment may present involvement of major vessels. Major arteries must be reconstructed for limb salvage. Major veins may be reconstructed to avoid the onset of venous hypertension. The objective of this study is to analyze the results from surgical treatment of malignant tumors associated with vascular reconstruction in limbs. A prospective follow-up was made of 20 patients with malignant tumors involving major vessels in limbs who underwent vascular reconstruction. Arterial and venous reconstructions were performed in 11 patients, arterial reconstruction in 7, and venous reconstruction in 2. The vascular substitutes utilized were: greater saphenous vein (21), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) prosthesis (5), and Dacron prosthesis (5). Vascular complications occurred in 9 patients: 1 rupture of the arterial graft, 4 occlusions of the venous graft, and worsening of previous edema in 4 patients. Nonvascular complications occurred in 6 patients: infection (2), neurologic deficit (2), partial necrosis of the flap (1), and enteric fistula (1). Four patients presented local recurrence, and 1 of them underwent transfemoral amputation. Seven patients presented pulmonary metastases, of whom 4 died. Arterial revascularization in association with the resection of limb neoplasm is a safe procedure with a low rate of complications. Venous revascularization should be performed using an autologous substitute.

Introduction: Totally implantable devices are increasingly being utilized for chemotherapy treatment of oncological patients. When it is impossible to implant the reservoir on the anterior wall of the thorax, or when there is an obstruction of the superior vena cava system, alternative access routes must be sought. Of these, the femoral vein is the most utilized. Few studies have been performed to analyse the results obtained from the implantation and utilization of such catheters in the femoral vein. The goal of this work was to prospectively study the results obtained from the implantation of 20 TIC in femoral veins in a large-sized cancer hospital with its own dedicated vascular clinical team., Material and Methods: Twenty femoral TIC were inserted in 20 patients out of a group of 560 cancer patients submitted to TIC implantation for chemotherapy. Evaluations were made of the early and late-stage complications and patient evolution until removal of the device, death or the end of the treatment., Results: The prospective analysis showed a mean duration of 215 days for the catheters. There were 16 patients with no complications. There were no early complications. Among the late complications, three were infections, representing 0.69/1000 days of catheter use, and one was a deep vein thrombosis (0.23/1000 days of catheter use). One catheter was removed due to primary bacteremia and one due to subcutaneous pocket infection. Fourteen patients died while the catheter was functioning and four patients are still making use of the catheter., Conclusion: The low rate of complications implying catheter loss in this study confirms the safety and convenience of the use of femoral TIC in patients who cannot be submitted to implantation in the superior vena cava system.

Context: Totally implantable devices are increasingly being utilized for chemotherapy treatment of oncological patients, although few studies have been done in our environment to analyze the results obtained from the implantation and utilization of such catheters., Objective: To study the results obtained from the implantation of totally implantable catheters in patients submitted to chemotherapy., Type of Study: Prospective., Setting: Hospital do Cancer A.C. Camargo, Sao Paulo, Brazil., Methods: 519 totally implantable catheters were placed in 500 patients submitted to chemotherapy, with preference for the use of the right external jugular vein. Evaluations were made of the early and late-stage complications and patient evolution until removal of the device, death or the end of the treatment., Results: The prospective analysis showed an average duration of 353 days for the catheters. There were 427 (82.2%) catheters with no complications. Among the early complications observed, there were 15 pathway hematomas, 8 cases of thrombophlebitis of the distal stump of the external jugular vein and one case of pocket infection. Among the late-stage complications observed, there were 43 infectious complications (0.23/1000 days of catheter use), 11 obstructions (0.06/1000 days of catheter use) and 14 cases of deep vein thrombosis (0.07/1000 days of catheter use). Removal of 101 catheters was performed: 35 due to complications and 66 upon terminating the treatment. A total of 240 patients died while the catheter was functioning and 178 patients are still making use of the catheter., Conclusion: The low rate of complications obtained in this study confirms the safety and convenience of the use of totally implantable accesses in patients undergoing prolonged chemotherapy regimes.

Venous aneurysms are less common than arterial aneurysms in clinical practice, and the occurrence of isolated cases is a topic for publication. Aneurysms of the superior mesenteric vein are rare, and their origin is unknown. Many aneurysms are asymptomatic, and the diagnosis is established from radiologic findings. Others are diagnosed after complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding or thrombosis with associated abdominal pain. Because of the rarity of this disease and consequent absence of standard treatment, therapy must be adapted to fit each case. We present a case report of an aneurysm of the superior mesenteric vein. The diagnosis of this anomaly was made after investigation of abdominal pain. Computed tomography (CT) scans demonstrated the mass. Clinical treatment was administered, and no aneurysm growth was observed after 5 years of follow-up.

Purpose: To analyze the results from using endovascular techniques to place long-term chemotherapy catheters when advancing the catheter using the external jugular vein is difficult due to obstructions or kinking., Methods: Between July 1997 and August 2000, 320 long-term chemotherapy catheters were placed, and in 220 cases the external jugular vein was used as the primary venous approach. In 18 of these patients, correct positioning was not achieved and several endovascular techniques were then utilized to overcome these obstacles, including manipulation of a J-wire with a moveable core, venography, and the exchange wire technique., Results: In 94.5% of the patients with difficulties in obtaining the correct positioning, we were able to advance the long-term catheter to the desired position with the assistance of endovascular techniques., Conclusions: Venography and endovascular guidance techniques are useful for the placement of long-term catheters in the external jugular vein.

Patients with tumors in limbs who undergo surgical treatment may present involvement of major vessels. The artery must be reconstructed for limb salvage and the vein may be reconstructed to avoid the onset of venous hypertension. The objective of this study was to analyze the results from surgical treatment of tumors associated with vascular reconstruction in limbs. A prospective follow-up was made of 17 patients with tumors involving major vessels in limbs who underwent vascular reconstruction. Arterial and venous reconstructions were performed in nine patients, arterial reconstruction was performed in six, and venous reconstruction in two patients. The vascular substitutes used were greater saphenous vein (19), expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis (5), and Dacron prosthesis (2). Vascular complications occurred in seven patients: one arterial graft rupture, three venous graft occlusions, and lymphedema in five patients. The following nonvascular complications occurred in 10 patients: pulmonary metastasis (7), local recurrence (2), neurological deficit (2), infection (2), partial necrosis of the flap (1), and enteric fistula (1). Six patients with pulmonary metastasis died. One patient underwent transfemoral amputation. Major vessel reconstruction in limbs associated with resection of neoplasms is a safe procedure. Venous revascularization should be performed using an autologous substitute.