Meta-analysis on clinical efficacy of Simiao Yong'an decoction in treatment of peripheral arterial occlusive diseases

Objective:To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Simiao Yong'an Decoction in the treatment of peripheral occlusive disease(PAOD).Methods:Eight randomized controlled clinical trials(RCT)of Simiao Yong'an Decoction in the treatment of PAOD were searched and screened from domestic and foreign databases(all from database construction to March 2020).The quality of the retrieved original studies was evaluated according to the evaluation criteria of Cochrane Handbook 5.1.0,and the included studies were meta-analyzed by RevMan5.3 software.Results:A total of 350 articles were retrieved,among which 14 studies met the inclusion criteria,with a total sample size of 1254 cases.The results of meta-analysis showed that:compared with conventional western Med,combined with Simiao Yong'an Decoction on the basis of western Med treatment can significantly improve the total clinical response rate of patients[RR=1.20,95%CI(1.14,1.27),P<0.00001],improve ankle brachial index(ABI)level[MD=0.79,95%CI(0.66,0.92),P<0.00001]and toe brachial index(TBI)level[RR=0.13,95%CI(0.10,0.16),P<0.00001],decreased c-reactive protein levels[MD=-8.55,95%CI(-8.99,-8.11),P<0.00001]and LDL levels[MD=-0.41,95%CI(-0.62,-0.19),P=0.0002],and increased HDL levels[MD=0.32(0.22,0.43),P<0.00001].There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse reactions[RR=0.50,95%CI(1.15,1.64),P=0.25].Conclusion:Simiao Yong'an Decoction combined with conventional western Med is more effective than conventional western Med in the treatment of PAOD.However,in view of the limitations of the quality of the analyzed literature,the positive results obtained in this study still need to be further verified by a large sample and multi-center clinical trial with a reliable research program.

Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio in occlusive vascular diseases： the literature review of the past 10 years

BACKGROUND: This study aims to evaluate the results of studies investigating neutrophilto-lymphocyte ratio(NLR) and to identify the prognostic and diagnostic value of NLR in occlusive vascular diseases.METHODS: With the aim of identifying the studies related to NLR, a search was performed on http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed by using the key words "neutrophil lymphocyte ratio" between January 2005 and December 2014. All of the original articles were evaluated according to date of publications, countries, clinics and topics. Studies about occlusive vascular diseases were evaluated according to their qualifications, review methods and results. SPSS for Windows 16.0 was used in data analysis and data were expressed as mean, standard deviation and percentage.RESULTS: A total of 735 original research articles were investigated. The number of publications have shown a regular logarithmic increase over the years. Thirty-two percent of all publications were performed by clinics in Turkey and 56.4% were performed by general-oncological surgery and cardiology clinics. A total of 107 publications were identified to be about occlusive vascular diseases, 80.3% of these publications were found to be prognostic and 19.6% to be diagnostic, 82.2% of them were found to be planned as retrospective and 17.7% as prospective. In 95.3% of prognostic publications, there was a positive correlation between high NLR values at admission and poor prognosis. In 95.3% of diagnostic publications high NLR values at admission were identifi ed to be signifi cant diagnostically.CONCLUSION: Elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio at admission, could be used as a diagnostic and/or prognostic parameter in occlusive vascular diseases.

Veno occlusive disease: Update on clinical management

Hepatic veno-occlusive disease is a clinical syndrome characterized by hepatomegaly, ascites, weight gain and jaundice, due to sinusoidal congestion which can be caused by alkaloid ingestion, but the most frequent cause is haematopoietic stem cell transplantation （STC） and is also seen after solid organ transplantation. The incidence of veno occlusive disease （VOD） after STC ranges from 0 to 70%, but is decreasing. Survival is good when VOD is a mild form, but when it is severe and associated with an increase of hepatic venous pressure gradient 〉 20 mmHg, and mortality is about 90%. Prevention remains the best therapeutic strategy, by using non-myeloablative conditioning regimens before STC. Prophylactic administration of ursodeoxycholic add, being an antioxidant and antiapoptotic agent, can have some benefit in reducing overall mortality. Defibrotide, which has pro-fibrinolytic and antithrombotic properties, is the most effective therapy; decompression of the sinusoids by a b-ansjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt （TIPS） can be tried, especially to treat VOD after liver transplantation and when multiorgan failure （HOF） is not present. Liver transplantation can be the last option, but can not be considered a standard rescue therapy, because usually the concomitant presence of multiorgan failure contraindicates this procedure.

INTRACRANIAL ARTERIAL OCCLUSIVE LESION IN PATIENTS WITH GRAVES DISEASE

Objective To investigate the distribution and clinical manifestations of intracranial arterial occlusive lesions （IA- OLs）, and their correlation with thyroid function. Methods We enrolled 7 patients who had Graves＇ disease （GD） with IAOLs screened and evidenced by transcranial Doppler, then further confirmed with digital substract angiography in 2 patients and magnetic resonance angiography in 5 patients. Brain magnetic resonance imaging （MRI） was performed in all 7 patients. Three patients were followed up. Results Among 7 patients, 1 was male and 6 were females. The mean age was 32.0 ± 5.5 （ range from 11 to 49） years old. Six of them had symptoms of GD but one was asymptomatic with abnormality of I3, T4, and thyroid stimulating hormone. The lesions of intracranial arteries were symmetrical bilaterally in the intemal carotid artery system in 6 patients, as well as asymmetrical in 1 patient. Terminal internal carotid artery （TICA） were involved in all 7 patients. Middle cerebral artery （MCA） were involved in 3, anterior cerebral artery in 2, and basilar artery in 1 patient. Net-like collateral vessels and mimic moyamoya disease were observed in the vicinity of the occlusive arteries in 2 patients. All patients presented symptoms of ischemic stroke including transient ischemic attack and/or infarction while IA- OLs were found. Three patients had obvious involuntary movements. Brain MRI revealed infarctions located in the cortex, basal ganglion, or hemiovular center in 5 patients. The remaining 2 patients had normal brain MRI. The neurological symptoms were improved concomitant with relief of the thyroid function in 2 patients, while IAOLs were aggravated with deterioration of the thyroid function in 1 patient. Conclusion IAOLs in patients with GD mainly involve intracranial arteries, especially the TICA and MCA, which is similar to moyamoya disease. The neurological symptoms and severity of involved arteries may relieve while the hyperthyroidism is gradually under control.

Transplantation of mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells for peripheral arterial occlusive disease of the lower extremity

Objectives To assess the clinical efficacy,safety,and feasibility of autologous transplantation of mobilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells(PBMNCs)for patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease(PAOD)of the lower extremity.Methods A total of 152 patients with PAOD of the lower extremity were enrolled into this non-controlled observational study from November 2003 to March 2006.All patients received subcutaneous injections of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF,450-600μg/day)for 5 days in order to mobilize stem/progenitor cells;their PBMNCs were collected and transplanted by multiple intramuscular injections into ischemic limbs.Patients were followed up for at least 12 weeks.Results At 12 weeks,primary manifestations,including lower limb pain and coldness,were significantly improved in 137(90.1%)of the patients;limb ulcers improved or healed in 46(86.8%)of the 53 patients,while 25 of the 48(47.9%)patients with limb gangrene remained steady or improved.Ankle-brachial index(ABI)improved in 33(22%)of the cases,and TcPO_(2) increased in 45(30%)of the cases.Angiography before treatment,and at 12 weeks after treatment,was performed in 10 of the patients and showed formation of new collateral vessels.No severe adverse effects or complications specifically related to cell transplantation were observed.Conclusion Autologous transplantation of G-CSF-mobilized PBMNCs might be a safe and effective treatment for lower limb ischemic disorder.

COMBINED INTRAOPERATIVE ILIAC ARTERY STENTS AND FEMORO- POPLITEAL BYPASS FOR MULTILEVEL ATHEROSCLEROTIC OCCLUSIVE DISEASE

Objective. To review our preliminary experience and evaluate our early results of a combined intraoperative iliac angioplasty and stenting with infrainguinal revascularization in multilevel atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Methods. From July 1999 to April 2000, intraoperative iliac angioplasty and stenting combined with simultaneous femoro- popliteal bypass were performed on 12 lower extremities of 10 patients suffering from multilevel atherosclerotic occlusive disease. There were 8 men and 2 women, average 72 years. The indications for procedures included disabling claudication in 3 and rest pain in 7 patients. Results. Eleven iliac angioplasty and stent procedures combined with simultaneous 9 femoro- popliteal bypass and 3 femoro- femoral- popliteal bypass were performed in 12 limbs of 10 patients. Angioplasty and stent placement was technically successful in all patients. One contralateral femoral- popliteal bypass was failure after femorofemoral- popliteal bypass. There were no additional instances of procedural or postoperative morbidity or mortali- ty. Mean follow- up was 5 months (range 1～ 10 months). During the follow- up period, one femoro- infrapopliteal graft became occluded after 7 months and above- knee amputation was required. The cumulative primary patency rate of stented iliac arteries, femoro- femoral bypass grafts and femoro- popliteal bypass grafts were 100％ (11/11), 100％ (3/3) and 90.9％ (10/11) in the follow- up period, respectively. The amputation rate was 8.3％ (1/12). Conclusions. Intraoperative iliac artery PTA and stent placement can be safely and effectively performed simultaneously with infrainguinal revascularization for multilevel atherosclerotic occlusive disease by skilled vascular surgeon, using a portable C arm fluoroscopy in the operating room. Furthermore, iliac artery PTA and stenting was valuable adjunct to distal bypass either to improve inflow and outflow, or to reduce the extent of traditional surgical intervention, and also, any angioplasty and stenting- related complications can be immediately corrected as well.

Lower Extremity Arterial Occlusive Disease As a Rare Complication of Crohn’s Disease

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment strategy of lower extremity arterial occlusive disease in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Methods Clinical information of 9 cases suffering from lower extremity arterial occlusion and CD was investigated retrospectively. Results All the cases were less than 50 years old and the most were females (8/9). Arterial occlusions occurred in either active (5/9) or inactive (4/9) stage of CD. Besides the arteries of lower extremities, other arteries could also be involved such as aorta, iliac artery, renal artery or mesentery artery. Seven cases had atherosclerotic imaging findings (4 had aortic plaques and 6 had iliac artery stenoses). Embolectomy or thromboendarterectomy were mostly performed. Four (44.4%) cases had recurrent lower limb ischemia. Conclusions Arterial occlusive disease is a rare extraintestinal manifestation of CD. A thorough inspection of aorta is necessary. Embolectomy is mostly preferred. Anticoagulation treatment is highly recommended after the operation.

Clinical observation of Furongtongmai capsule on the lower extremity Atherosclerotic Occlusive Disease after Intervention Operation

Objective To investigate the effect of Furongtongmai capsule on the in-stent restenosis （ISR） of superficial femoral artery after interventional operation in lower extremity Arteriosclerosis Occlusion （ASO）. Methods： A total of 110 inpatients with ASO who performed Superficial femoral artery stent implantation were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 55 cases in each group.Both groups received Aspirin 100 mg/d and Clopidogrel 75 mg/d. The observation group was given Furongtongmai capsule on the basis of routine treatment. After continuous treatment for 6 months, the clinical efficacy, Ankle Brachial Index （ABI）, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （Hs-CPR） and ISR were compared between the two groups. Results： At 6 months after operation, the plasma levels of Hs-CRP in the two groups were significantly lower than those in the control group （P 〈 0.05）. The ABI of treatment group was significantly higher than the control group （P 〈 0.05）. There was a statistically significant difference in ISR incidence between the treatment group and the control group 6 months after surgery （9.09% vs 27.78%, P 〈 0.05）. Conclusion： Furongtongmai Capsule can inhibit Hs-CRP in patients with ASO after femoral artery intervention, improve the ankle brachial index and reduce the incidence of ISR.

Subintimal recanalization for non-acute occlusion of intracranial vertebral artery in an emergency endovascular procedure:A case report

BACKGROUND Endovascular recanalization of non-acute intracranial artery occlusion is technically difficult,particularly when the microwire enters the subintima.Although the subintimal tracking and re-entry technique has been well established in the endovascular treatment of coronary artery occlusion,there is limited experience with its use in intracranial occlusion due to anatomical variations and a lack of dedicated devices.CASE SUMMARY A 74-year-old man was admitted to the hospital two days after experiencing acute weakness in both lower extremities,poor speech,and dizziness.After admission,imaging revealed acute ischemic stroke and non-acute occlusion of bilateral intracranial vertebral arteries(ICVAs).On the fourth day of admission,the patient's condition deteriorated and an emergency endovascular recanalization of the left ICVA was performed.During this procedure,a microwire was advanced in the subintima of the vessel wall and successfully reentered the distal true lumen.Two stents were implanted in the subintima.The patient's Modified Rankin Scale was 1 at three months postoperatively.CONCLUSION We present a technical case of subintimal recanalization for non-acute ICVA occlusion in an emergency endovascular procedure.However,we emphasize the necessity for caution when applying the subintimal tracking approach in intracranial occlusion due to the significant dangers involved.

Acute Aortic Occlusion in a Critically Ill Adult Presenting to the Emergency Department

Acute Aortic Occlusion (AAO) is a rare, life-threatening event so far described mainly in small-scale series. The most common causes of AAO are large saddle emboli to the aortic bifurcation, in-situ thrombosis of an atherosclerotic aorta, and occlusion of previous surgical reconstruction. We present the case of a 52-year-old female with rheumatic heart disease, ischemic cardiomyopathy with restricted left ventricular function, atrial fibrillation, and previous cardio-embolic stroke, who was brought to the Emergency Department (ED) with sudden-onset dyspnea and lower backache radiating to both the legs. On arrival at the ED, the patient was electively intubated and mechanically ventilated in view of hypoxia and altered mental status, attributed to respiratory failure secondary to acute cardiogenic pulmonary oedema. The secondary survey revealed absence of bilateral femoral and popliteal artery pulsations. A computed tomography (CT) aortogram showed a complete lumen occlusion thrombus in the infra-renal region of the abdominal aorta at the level of L3-L4 lumbar vertebrae. An emergency embolectomy was performed successfully, following which the patient was started on heparin infusion and managed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). In the ICU, she suffered a torsade-cardiac arrest, with return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) following rapid defibrillation. She was extubated on Day 3. Three weeks later, she was discharged from the hospital. At the time of discharge, she had developed ischemic lumbosacral radiculoplexus neuropathy, for which neuro-rehabilitation was advised. In our case report, we would like to highlight the following key points: 1) The importance of a detailed secondary survey in the Emergency Department (ED). 2) An inter-disciplinary approach to a complex syndrome that ensures the highest probability of a good outcome. .

Acute lower extremity arterial thrombosis after intraocular foreign body removal under general anesthesia: A case report and review of literature

BACKGROUND Surgery,which is a major risk factor for venous thrombosis,has rarely been considered a risk factor for arterial thrombosis.Recent studies have suggested that venous and arterial thromboses share common risk factors and have a bidirectional relationship.Accordingly,there is a growing interest in the risk of arterial thrombosis after surgery.We report a case of acute bilateral lower extremity arterial thromboses that developed after a prolonged surgery.CASE SUMMARY A 59-year-old man was hospitalized for intraocular foreign body removal surgery.He was a heavy-drinking smoker and had untreated hypertension and varicose veins in both legs.The operation was unexpectedly prolonged,lasting 4 h and 45 min.Immediately after emergence from general anesthesia,the patient complained of extreme pain in both legs.After the surgical drape was removed,cyanosis was evident in both feet of the patient.The pulse was not palpable,and continuous-wave Doppler signals were inaudible in the bilateral dorsalis pedis and posterior tibial arteries.Computed tomography angiography confirmed acute bilateral thrombotic occlusion of the popliteal arteries,proximal anterior tibial arteries,and tibioperoneal trunks.Arterial pulse returned in both lower limbs after 6 h of heparin initiation.The patient was discharged on postoperative day 26 without any sequelae.CONCLUSION Acute lower extremity arterial thrombosis can occur after surgery.Anesthesiologists should pay particular attention to patients with risk factors for thrombosis.

Penile revascularization--contemporary update

Contemporary therapies for erectile dysfunction are generally targeted towards older men and universally engage pharmacological and/ or device related treatment options. Penile revascularization, using microvascular arterial bypass surgical techniques, is a non-pharmacological, non-device-related, and reconstructive surgical strategy for men with erectile dysfunction that was first described by Dr Vaclav Michal in 1973.

Randomized study comparing incidence of radial artery occlusion post-percutaneous coronary intervention between two conventional compression devices using a novel airinflation technique

AIM To compare post-percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI) radial artery occlusion(RAO) incidence between two conventional radial artery compression devices using a novel air-inflation technique.METHODS One hundred consecutive patients post-PCI were randomized 1:1 to Safeguard or TR band compression devices. Post-radial sheath removal, each compression device was inflated with additional 2 m L of air above index bleeding point during air-filled device application and gradually down-titrated accordingly. RAO was defined as absence of Doppler flow signal performed at 24 h and at 6 wk post-PCI. Patients with missing data were excluded. Statistical significance was defined as P < 0.05.RESULTS All patients had 6 F radial sheath inserted. No significant differences were observed between Safeguard Radial(n = 42) vs TR band(n = 42) in terms of age(63 ± 11 years vs 67 ± 11 years), clinical presentation(electives, n = 18 vs n = 16; acute coronary syndrome, n = 24 vs n = 26) and total procedural heparin(7778 ± 2704 IU vs 7825 ± 2450 IU). RAO incidence was not significantly different between groups at 24 h(2% vs 0%, P = 0.32) and 6 wk(0%, both).CONCLUSION Safeguard Radial and TR band did not demonstrate significant between-group differences in short-term RAO incidence. Lack of evidence of RAO in all postPCI patients at 6 wk follow-up, regardless of radial compression device indicate advantage of using the novel and pragmatic air-inflation technique. Further work is required to more accurately confirm these findings.

Helicobacter pylori as a risk factor for central serous chorioretinopathy:Literature review

Helicobacter pylori(H. pylori), a Gram-negative bacterium, is one of the most frequent causes of gastrointestinal infections worldwide. It has been associated as a pathogen for the human body with many systemic diseases, including different eye diseases. We will focus on a specific eye disease called idiopathic central serous chorioretinopathy(ICSCR). This disease is characterized by a serous detachment of the neurosensory retina in the macular region, which affects the vision to different degrees. Currently, the pathophysiology of ICSCR is not clear and there is no effective treatment. However, several potential risk factors have been elucidated. One of the factors that has more frequently been associated with ICSCR is stress. As H. pylori was identified as a possible etiological factor for occlusive arterial diseases in young people who were particularly stressed, it was thought that H. pylori might also be present in ICSCR. Therefore, some physicians started to test its presence in patents with ICSCR. If H. pylori happened to be associated with ICSCR, the treatment of gastrointestinal infection could also improve visual symptoms and help to remediate this eye disease. Although H. pylori is highly prevalent in the general population, a true cor-relation seems to exist. We present a review on the relationship between ICSCR and H. pylori.

Real-world outcomes of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor therapy for retinal vascular vein occlusion in Tibet,China

AIM: To evaluate the outcomes of intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor(anti-VEGF) agents for patients with retinal vein occlusion(RVO) related-macular edema(ME) in Tibetan.METHODS: A retrospective, observational, single-center study. The demographic and clinical data of 90 RVO Tibetan patients(93 eyes) treated with either ranibizumab or conbercept in Tibet Autonomous Region People’s Hospital from Jan 2018 to December 2019 were collected.RESULTS: The mean patient age was 56.8±10.6y, 45(50%) of them were female. The mean living altitude was 3867.8±567.9 m. At the last visit, the best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA) significantly increased(52.2±21.8 letters) in comparison with the baseline(38.2±24.1 letters, P<0.001);while the central retinal thickness(CRT) significantly reduced(245.5±147.6 μm) in comparison with the baseline(504.1±165.2 μm, P<0.001). The 43.0% of the eyes gained≥15 letters, 60.2% of the eyes gained ≥10 letters, and 78.5% of the eyes gained ≥5 letters. No vision loss was noted in 92.5% of the eyes, 4 eyes lost more than 10 letters during follow-up period. The mean number of injections was 2.4±1.8. No severe ocular or systemic adverse events related to either the drug or injection were noted.CONCLUSION: Anti-VEGF therapy is effective and safe in Tibetan patients for the treatment of RVO related ME.

Efficacy of Different Types of Self-expandable Stents in Carotid Artery Stenting for Carotid Bifurcation Stenosis

Both open and closed loop self-expandable stents were used in carotid artery stenting（CAS） for carotid bifurcation stenosis. We sought to compare the efficacy of two types of stents in CAS. The data of 212 patients treated with CAS（42 and 170 cases implanted with closed and open loop stents, respectively） for carotid bifurcation stenosis and distal filtration protection devices were retrospectively analyzed. Between closed and open loop stents, there were no significant differences in hospitalization duration, NIHSS score before and after the treatment, stenosis at 12 th month, and cumulative incidence of primary endpoint events within 30 days or from the 31 st day to the 12 th month; while there were significant differences in hemodynamic changes and rate of difficulty in recycling distal filtration protection devices. Use of open vs. closed loop stents for carotid bifurcation stenosis seems to be associated with similar incidence of complications, except for greater rate of hemodynamic changes and lower rate of difficulty in recycling the distal filtration protection devices.

Totally laparoscopic bypass surgery for aortoiliac occlusive disease in China

Background Totally laparoscopic aortic surgery is still in its infancy in China.One of the factors preventing adoption of this technique is its steep learning curve.The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic surgery for aortoiliac occlusive disease （AIOD）.Methods From November 2008 to November 2012,12 patients were treated for severe AIOD with a totally laparoscopic bypass surgery at our university hospital.The demographic data,operative data,postoperative recovery data,morbidity and mortality were analyzed and compared with those of conventional open approach.Results Twelve totally laparoscopic aortic surgery procedures,including two iliofemoral bypasses （IFB）,three unilateral aortofemoral bypasses （UAFB）,and seven aortobifemoral bypasses （ABFB）,were performed.Conversion to open procedures was required in three patients.The mean operation time was 518 （range,325-840） minutes,mean blood loss was 962 （range,400-2500） ml,and mean aortic anastomosis time was 75 （range,40-150） minutes.Compared with conventional open approach for aortofemoral bypasses performed concomitantly during this period,laparoscopic patients required fewer narcotics and a shorter in-hospital stay and earlier recovery.Postoperative complications developed in four patients,including a single patient with transient left hydronephrosis,ischemic colonic fistula and pneumonia,residual aortic stenosis proximal to the anastomotic site,and asymptomatic partial left renal infarction.All patients recovered and were discharged on postoperative Days 7-14 except one patient that died of respiratory failure on Day 46.All grafts were patent with follow-up imaging performed by Duplex examination,with a mean follow-up time of 10.7 （range,2-61） months.Conclusion Totally laparoscopic bypass surgery is a feasible and safe procedure forAIOD,but attention needs to be paid to improve laparoscopic skills of vascular surgery in order to minimize morbidity during the learning curve of this advanced procedure.

Long-term results of extensive aortoiliac occlusive disease (EAIOD) treated by endovascular therapy and risk factors for loss of primary patency

Background::Although endovascular therapy has been widely used for focal aortoiliac occlusive disease(AIOD),its performance for extensive AIOD(EAIOD)is not fully evaluated.We aimed to demonstrate the long-term results of EAIOD treated by endovascular therapy and to identify the potential risk factors for the loss of primary patency.Methods::Between January 2008 and June 2018,patients with a clinical diagnosis of the 2007 TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus II(TASC II)C and D AIOD lesions who underwent endovascular treatment in our institution were enrolled.Demographic,diagnosis,procedure characteristics,and follow-up information were reviewed.Univariate analysis was used to identify the correlation between the variables and the primary patency.A multivariate logistic regression model was used to identify the independent risk factors associated with primary patency.Five-and 10-year primary and secondary patency,as well as survival rates,were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.Results::A total of 148 patients underwent endovascular treatment in our center.Of these,39.2%were classified as having TASC II C lesions and 60.8%as having TASC II D lesions.The technical success rate was 88.5%.The mean follow-up time was 79.2±29.2 months.Primary and secondary patency was 82.1%and 89.4%at 5 years,and 74.8%and 83.1%at 10 years,respectively.The 5-year survival rate was 84.2%.Compared with patients without loss of primary patency,patients with this condition showed significant differences in age,TASC II classification,infrainguinal lesions,critical limb ischemia(CLI),and smoking.Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed age<61 years(adjusted odds ratio[aOR]:6.47;95%CI:1.47-28.36;P=0.01),CLI(aOR:7.81;95%CI:1.92-31.89;P=0.04),and smoking(aOR:10.15;95%CI:2.79-36.90;P<0.01)were independent risk factors for the loss of primary patency.Conclusions::Endovascular therapy was an effective treatment for EAIOD with encouraging patency and survival rate.Age<61 years,CLI,and smoking were independent risk factors for the loss of primary patency.

Long-term results of endovascular therapy for proximal subclavian arterial obstructive lesions

Background Endovascular therapy is a treatment option for localized occlusion of the subclavian artery. In this report the long-term experience with 59 patients is presented. Methods Between June 1998 and September 2008, we used endovascular therapy to treat 61 subclavian arterial obstructive lesions in 59 patients （46 males and 13 females, 34-82 years of age with a mean age （61.9~11.0） years）. Twenty patients （34%） had clinical symptoms due to vertebrobasilar insufficiency, 26 （44%） had disabling arm ischemia, and 13 （22%） had both symptoms. We performed all procedures under local anesthesia. The approaches were from the femoral artery （n=47）, brachial artery （n=-1, involving bilateral subclavian disease） or both （n=11）. Sixty stents were implanted. All patients were followed-up at 1,3, 6, and 12 months post-procedure, and annually thereafter. Results We achieved technical success in 58 （95.1%） arteries, all of which were stented. There were three technical failures; two were due to the inability to cross over an occlusion, necessitating the switch to an axillo-axillary bypass, and the third was due to shock after digital subtraction angiography and prior to stenting. Arterial stenosis pre- and post-stenting was （83.6±10.8）% and （2.5±12.5）% （P 〈0.01）. Clinical success was achieved in 55 of the 59 patients （93.4%）. Of the four clinical failures, three were technical and the remaining patient had a stent thrombosis. Systolic blood pressure difference between the two brachial arteries was （44.7±18.5） vs. （2.2±3.9） mmHg （P 〈0.01）. Primary patency was 98% at 12 months, 93% at 24 months, and 82% at 5 years. Five patients were lost to follow-up by 12 months post-stenting. Significant recurrent obstruction developed in five patients with resumption of clinical symptoms. The overall survival rate was 98.2% at 12 months, 89.5% at 24 months, and 84.5% at 5 years. Conclusions Endovascular therapy for proximal subclavian arterial obstructive lesions is effective and successful. This minimally invasive treatment may be the first choice of treatment for proximal subclavical arterial obstructive lesions.

Evidence of apoptotic smooth muscle cells in proliferative intima of injured arteries

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence and extent of apoptosis in the course of restenosis. METHODS: The experimental models of vessel narrowness and intima thickness were established in minipigs' iliac arteries by balloon injury and specimens were retrieved on the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 30th days for dynamic observation. Apoptotic smooth muscle cells (SMCs) were detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL). RESULTS: Apoptotic SMCs occurred only in the thickened intima 12 days after injury accompanied with the proliferative SMCs, the percentage of apoptosis was 1.94% +/- 0.42% on the 12th day and 1.36% +/- 0.31% on the 30th day respectively. The low frequency of apoptosis compared with the proliferative SMCs was a feature in the restenotic pathology. CONCLUSIONS: Apoptosis participates in the pathogenetic process of intimal thickening and its level was low compared with proliferation. The findings suggest that attempts to modulate apoptosis after vessel injury constitute a theoretical approach to the prevention of restenosis.