BACKGROUND: The greater saphenous vein remains the most common conduit used in coronary artery bypass grafting procedures. Surgical trauma during vein harvesting can cause endothelial and smooth muscle injury that has important implications for vein graft longevity. This study was designed to investigate the effect of clipping and ligation of ...

BACKGROUND:: Accidental vessel occlusion is one major risk of intracranial aneurysm surgery potentially causing cerebral ischemia. The intraoperative assessment of cerebral ischemia remains a technological challenge.Objective: As a novel approach, cortical tissue integrity was monitored using simultaneous measurements of capillary venous cerebral blood flow (rvCBF), oxygen saturation (srvO2), and hemoglobin ...

To evaluate the macroscopic and microscopic phenotype of the distal superficial temporal artery (STA) in patients with spontaneous cervical artery dissection (sCAD, n = 14). Arteries of accident victims, free of clinically apparent vascular disease, served as reference samples (n = 9). Specimens of distal STA branches were obtained by ...

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether ancient Egyptians had atherosclerosis. BACKGROUND: The worldwide burden of atherosclerotic disease continues to rise and parallels the spread of diet, lifestyles, and environmental risk factors associated with the developed world. It is tempting to conclude that atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease is ...

Recent evidence suggests that epicardial adipose tissue may contribute locally to the pathogenesis of coronary artery disease (CAD). We investigated how local and systemic adiponectin, an adipokine with anti-inflammatory and insulin sensitizing properties, is related to the presence of CAD and cardiovascular risk factors. Serum and adipose tissue samples from ...

Coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) is an uncommon and often incidental finding on coronary angiography but can present with symptoms related to myocardial ischemia. The most common etiology is atherosclerosis, accounting for over 50% of cases, but CAAs can also be congenital or secondary to percutaneous coronary artery revascularization procedures, inflammatory ...

We report on a man with Pseudomonas aeruginosa endocarditis causing an aortic root abscess. He underwent surgery with a homograft aortic root replacement and insertion of a tissue aortic valve. The patient then manifested recurrent aortic root infection and respiratory arrest, and eventually succumbed to sepsis. This case highlights the ...

Endothelin receptor antagonists are used to treat Idiopathic Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (IPAH), but human pulmonary arterial endothelin receptor expression is not well defined. We hypothesised that disease and treatment would modify normal receptor distribution in pulmonary resistance arteries of children. Using immunohistochemistry and semiquantitative analysis we investigated endothelin receptor subtypes ...

The aim of our study is to investigate the feasibility of reconstructing the carotid artery using expanded polytetraflouroethylene (ePTFE) in patients with recurrent head and neck carcinoma involving the carotid artery. Ten patients, who had recurrent head and neck carcinoma involving the carotid artery, received carotid artery resection and reconstruction ...

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a neuropeptide released from the autonomic nerves exerting multiple antiinflammatory effects. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of severe sepsis and hemofiltration in two settings on plasma and tissue concentrations of VIP in a porcine model of sepsis. Thirty-two pigs ...

BACKGROUND: It has been generally accepted that chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) results from pulmonary embolism arising from deep vein thrombosis. An unresolved question regarding the etiology of CTEPH is why pulmonary thromboemboli are stable and resistant to effective anticoagulation. Recently non-resolving pulmonary thromboemboli in CTEPH have been shown to ...

The development of aortic valve stenosis is not only associated with calcification and extracellular matrix remodeling, but also with inflammation. The aim of this study was to determine the role of proinflammatory signaling through the leukotriene (LT) pathway in aortic stenosis. After macroscopic dissection of surgically removed human aortic valves, ...

This study sought to establish a chronic total occlusion (CTO) model with cell-mediated calcium deposits in rabbit femoral arteries. CTO is the most severe case in atherosclerosis and contains calcium deposits. Previous animal models of CTO do not mimic the gradual occlusion of arteries or have calcium in physiological form. ...

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for atherosclerotic vascular disease. Altered adipokine secretion, including increased production of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (Nampt) and retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) may link adipose tissue dysfunction to cardiovascular complications. METHODS: We determined Nampt and RBP4 serum concentrations in 193 consecutive patients with carotid stenosis prior ...

Blood vessels obtained from cadavers and amputated limbs stored at 4ºC (i.e. cold-stored) potentially represent an economical and readily sourced alternative to autologous vessels and synthetic prostheses for vascular reconstructive surgery. However, cold-stored vessels would need to have a reduced antigenicity and an antithrombogenic autologous endothelial cell (EC) lining before ...

BACKGROUND: As a common treatment for pulmonary fistula, pleurosclerosis is performed. However, in the case of pulmonary fistula with empyema, it is difficult to develop adhesion through pleurosclerosis. Therefore, it is necessary to fill the dead space with a tissue graft. METHOD: This surgical procedure is performed in two stages. ...

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:: Pulmonary embolus (PE) occurring concurrent with-and as a result of-traumatic superior sagittal sinus thrombosis (SSST) has never before been reported. We report the first case of a patient who presented with acute traumatic SSST and concomitant PE. CLINICAL PRESENTATION:: A 30 year-old man presented with altered mental ...

BACKGROUND AND IMPORTANCE:: Severe hemifacial spasm caused by compression by a tortuous vertebral artery (VA) is often encountered and difficult to treat. We describe a patient with hemifacial spasm caused by compression of the facial nerve by a tortuous VA. A simple and effective transposition technique, a 'double-stick tape' technique, ...

Background Arterial spin labelling (ASL) is an MRI technique for measuring perfusion at the brain tissue level. The aim of the study was to investigate cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR) at brain-tissue level in patients with an internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion by combining ASL-MRI with a vascular challenge, and determine whether ...

To report a new manifestation of the rare connective tissue disorder arterial tortuosity syndrome in the absence of skin and soft-tissue abnormalities and with bilateral, giant fusiform intracranial aneurysms. Case report. University teaching hospital. Patient  A 67-year-old man with a history of hypertension presented to medical attention after a syncopal ...

Clindamycin in a commonly used antibiotic, considered safe for oral, intravenous and intra-arterial use. We present a case of a patient that received an inadvertent injection clindamycin 600 mg in 4 mL through a radial arterial line. The patient presented signs and symptoms of vascular occlusion and despite aggressive pharmacological ...

A 57-year-old man was admitted for exertional angina pectoris. Coronary angiography showed a 99% stenosis in the left circumflex artery. A sirolimus-eluting stent was deployed in the culprit lesion and excellent angiographic results were obtained. Sixmonth routine follow-up coronary angiography showed a 90% focal restenosis at the proximal edge of ...

Lung erosion represents a dreadful complication in patients affected by thoracic aortic aneurysms. Intraoperative occurrence of severe bleeding and extensive air leakage from the pulmonary erosion is usually quite particularly dangerous and challenging because of fragile lung tissue to be repaired, hypo-coagulative state, and the need for full mechanical ventilation. ...

Internal carotid artery (ICA) injury is a dramatic complication of endonasal skull base approaches with massive bleeding. This study aims to design an animal model of ICA injury during endonasal skull base surgery. Eight sheep underwent ICA isolation followed by arterial pressure monitoring and placement of a rapid infuser. The ...

We describe a case of subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured right vertebral artery (VA) aneurysm where endovascular therapy via a trans-femoral route was not feasible. Therefore we surgically exposed the VA and directly punctured it at the C4 level, followed by successful coil embolization. Direct access to the vertebral ...

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (dAVFs) of the anterior cranial fossa have traditionally been treated by open surgical disconnection. Safe navigation through the ophthalmic artery or fragile cortical veins has historically provided a barrier to effective endovascular occlusion of these lesions. Using current microcatheter technology and embolic materials, safe positioning within the ...

A 77-year old man experiencing frequent transient ischemic attacks for five days was admitted to our hospital. Radiological examinations including brain computed tomography, supraaortic computed tomography angiography were performed. Supraaortic computed tomography angiography revealed two thrombi in common carotid artery. Thrombi were located proximally, one of which was elongated and ...

Microvascular free tissue transfer in head and neck reconstruction requires suitable recipient vessels which are frequently compromised by prior surgery or radiotherapy to the neck. This article details a new technique of arterial free flap pedicle anastomosis to the internal carotid artery in a vessel-depleted neck. A 63-year-old female was ...

Abstract  Bioglue which constitutes albumin cross linked with glutaraldehyde (ACLG) produced by Cryolife, Inc, Kennesaw, GA was introduced as a better alternative to GRF glue with less tissue necrosis. We report a case of a 69-year-old male who developed stenosis of his saphenous vein and internal thoracic artery bypass grafts, ...

Clindamycin in a commonly used antibiotic, considered safe for oral, intravenous and intra-arterial use. We present a case of a patient that received an inadvertent injection clindamycin 600 mg in 4 mL through a radial arterial line. The patient presented signs and symptoms of vascular occlusion and despite aggressive pharmacological ...

OBJECTIVES: The internal jugular vein (IJV) has been the preferred recipient vein in oral and maxillofacial microsurgical reconstruction. Recent reports have documented rare cases of flap compromise following IJV thrombosis, but there are few large studies. The purpose of this article is to present cases of emergent exploration and an ...

Eur J Clin Invest 2011 ABSTRACT: Background  Lack of tissue perfusion because of arterial occlusion can result in mortality and morbidity. In response to local tissue ischaemia, extravasation of leucocytes into the region at risk is initiated to facilitate matrix remodelling and subsequent perfusion recovery. However, it is unknown if ...

Endophyte-infected (Neotyphodium coenophialum) tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) produces ergot alkaloids that are associated with peripheral vasoconstriction in grazing animals and ingestion of these alkaloids may affect splanchnic vasculature. Peripheral effects of ergot alkaloids have been well documented previously in cattle using a lateral saphenous vein bioassay. Because of significant differences ...

Autologous or synthetic vascular grafts are used routinely for providing access in hemodialysis or for arterial bypass in patients with cardiovascular disease. However, some patients either lack suitable autologous tissue or cannot receive synthetic grafts. Such patients could benefit from a vascular graft produced by tissue engineering. Here, we engineer ...

Spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD) is atherosclerotic or non-atherosclerotic in origin. Eosinophilic infiltrate is identified in coronary artery adventitia in non-atherosclerotic SCAD. We postulate that a systemic inflammatory state causes SCAD in younger women who do not have significant coronary artery disease risk factors. We report a case series of ...

In contrast to generalized aneurysmal dilatation of the aortic root, discrete sinus of Valsalva aneurysm is an uncommon condition most often affecting the right coronary sinus. We recently treated a patient without the known connective tissue disorder having discrete aneurysms of all three sinuses.

This study sought to determine the accuracy of 3-dimensional, quantitative measurements of coronary plaque by computed tomography angiography (CTA) against intravascular ultrasound with radiofrequency backscatter analysis (IVUS/VH). Quantitative, 3-dimensional coronary CTA plaque measurements have not been validated against IVUS/VH. Sixty patients in a prospective study underwent coronary X-ray angiography, IVUS/VH, ...

RATIONALE: Central retinal artery occlusion is a stroke of the eye caused by a blockage of its main blood supply by platelet-fibrin clot. Systemic thrombolysis has been successful in restoring perfusion to ischaemic tissue by fibrin-platelet clot lysis in ischaemic stroke and myocardial infarction. Several open-label studies have demonstrated efficacy ...

A significant location affected by giant cell (GC) arteritis is the ascending aorta, where aneurysms may develop and catastrophic ruptures and acute dissections can occur. Herein, we discuss three cases of GC aortitis discovered at pathological examination of surgically excised aortic aneurysmal tissue. There was no clinical suspicion of any ...

The aortic valve regulates unidirectional flow of oxygenated blood to the myocardium and arterial system. The natural anatomical geometry and microstructural complexity ensures biomechanically and hemodynamically efficient function. The compliant cusps are populated with unique cell phenotypes that continually remodel tissue for long-term durability within an extremely demanding mechanical environment. ...

Timely recanalization of the occluded artery is the only effective treatment for acute ischemic stroke. Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA), administered within 3 hours of symptom onset, is the only United States Food and Drug Administration-approved treatment. This short window often precludes effective intervention, and IV tPA often fails ...

Supine subjects exposed to hypergravity show a marked arterial desaturation. Previous work from our laboratory has also shown a paradoxical reduction of lung perfusion in dependent lung regions in supine subjects exposed to hypergravity. We reasoned that the increased lung weight during hypergravity caused either direct compression of the blood ...

Abstract Background and Purpose: The application of shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) in patients with arterial aneurysm remains controversial, and several case reports exist in the world literature that describe both safe use and rupture. In addition, other vascular complications have been reported. The potential for hemorrhage is affected by coagulation status ...

Although Virtual Histology intravascular ultrasound (VH-IVUS) is increasingly used in clinical research, the reproducibility of plaque composition remains unexplored in significant coronary artery and stented lesions. The purpose of this study was to assess the reproducibility of necrotic core and calcium content in atherosclerotic coronary lesions that were treated with ...

OBJECTIVE:: Blood vessels are an important tissue for allogenic vessel replacement surgery, which is needed for example following infection of artificial grafts. For tissue banking, European legislation requires evidence of tissue sterility with assays performed over 1 week. Currently, used cold storage solutions do not protect vascular function longer than ...

In this paper, we present a new approach for velocity vector imaging and time-resolved measurements of strain rates in the wall of human arteries using MRI and we prove its feasibility on two examples: in vitro on a phantom and in vivo on the carotid artery of a human subject. ...

AIMS: Arterial calcification is a common complication of several disorders and is a strong predictor of mortality. The mechanism underlying arterial calcification is not fully understood and as such, no pharmaceutical therapies are currently available which impede its progression. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of ...

Aim:To investigate the effects of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) fluoxetine on extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling of the pulmonary artery and inflammation of the lungs in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) induced by monocrotaline in rats.Methods:MCT-induced chronic PAH was established in Wistar rats. After treatment with fluoxetine for 3 weeks, ...

There are compelling reasons to develop a tissue-engineered mitral valve, but this endeavor has not received the same attention as tissue engineering strategies for the semilunar valves. Challenges in regenerating a mitral valve include recapitulating the complex heterogeneity in terms of anatomy (differently sized leaflets, numerous chordae), extracellular matrix composition, ...

Prosthetic grafts are required for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) when the availability of suitable autologous conduits is limited. The ideal cardiovascular bypass graft requires a broad range of characteristics including strength, viscoelasticity, biocompatibility, blood compatibility and biostability. Many alternative conduits have been developed and used in the past, but ...