Folfirinox chemotherapy prolongs stent patency in patients with malignant biliary obstruction due to unresectable pancreatic cancer

Background:Stent insertion for biliary decompression to relieve jaundice and subsequent biliary infection is necessary for patients with biliary obstruction caused by pancreatic cancer,and it is important to keep the stent patent as long as possible.However,few studies have compared stent patency in terms of chemotherapy in patients with pancreatic cancer.This study aimed to evaluate the differences in stent patency in terms of recently evolving chemotherapy.Methods:Between January 2015 and May 2017,161 patients with pancreatic cancer who had undergone biliary stent insertion with a metal stent were retrospectively analyzed.The relationship between chemotherapy and stent patency was assessed.Additionally,overall survival according to the treatment,risk factors for stent patency,and long-term adverse events were evaluated.Results:Median stent patency was 42 days for patients with the best supportive care and 217 days for patients with chemotherapy(conventional gemcitabine-based chemotherapy and folfirinox)(P<0.001).Furthermore,the folfirinox group showed the longest median stent patency and overall survival,with 283 days and 466 days,respectively(P<0.001)despite higher adverse events rate.Patients who underwent folfirinox chemotherapy after stent insertion had better stent patency in multivariate analysis(HR=0.26;95%CI:0.12–0.60;P=0.001).Conclusions:Compared with patients who received best supportive care only,patients who underwent chemotherapy after stent insertion had better stent patency.More prolonged stent patency can be expected for patients with folfirinox than conventional gemcitabine-based chemotherapy.

The Study of the Graft Hemodynamics with Different Instant Patency in Coronary Artery Bypassing Grafting

In coronary artery bypass grafting(CABG),graft’s poor instant patency may lead to an abnormal hemodynamic environment in anastomosis,which could further cause graft failure after the surgery.This paper investigates the graft hemodynamics with different instant patency,and explores its effect on graft postoperative efficiency.Six CABG 0D/3D coupling multi-scale models which used left internal mammary artery(LIMA)and saphenous vein(SVG)as grafts were constructed.Different types of grafts were examined in the models,including normal grafts,grafts with competitive flow and grafts with anastomotic stenosis.Simulation results indicated that comparing with SVG grafts,there was a greater difference between normal LIMA graft and non-patent LIMA graft.Also,the backflow occurred even in LIMA systolic flow.The wall shear stress(WSS)in the graft of the competitive flow LIMA model had an appreciable decrease comparing with the normal graft.In addition,the WSS in the stenosis region of the anastomotic stenosis LIMA model was much higher than its adjacent regions.In contrast,the WSS distributions in the SVG models were much smoother than in the LIMA models.For oscillatory shear index(OSI),there was little difference between normal LIMA and SVG.But when the graft had competitive flow or anastomotic stenosis,much higher OSI occurred in some regions in LIMA than SVG.There are significant differences in hemodynamics between normal grafts and non-patent grafts both in LIMA and SVG.The hemodynamic environment in a normal LIMA is better than that in a normal SVG.However,in the situation of the two types of non-patent grafts,the hemodynamics of SVG is better than LIMA.

Effect of external beam radiotherapy on patency of uncovered metallic stents in patients with inoperable bile duct cancer

BACKGROUND： Although biliary decompression with metallic stenting is the preferred treatment for inoperable bile duct cancer（BDC）, maintenance of patency is still unsatisfactory.We tried to assess the effectiveness and safety of external beam radiotherapy（EBRT） for prolonging stent patency in patients having uncovered metallic stents.METHOD： We retrospectively reviewed 50 patients who received endoscopic stenting, of whom 18 received EBRT（RT group） and 32 did not（non-RT group）.RESULTS： No difference was found in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Although stent patency was longer in the RT group than that in the non-RT group（140.7±51.3 vs136.4±34.9 days, P=0.94）, the difference was not statistically significant. There were a lower rate of stent occlusion（27.8% vs50.0% of patients, P=0.12） and a longer overall survival（420.1 ±73.2 vs 269.1±41.7 days, P=0.11） in the RT group than in the non-RT group, and the difference again was not statistically significant. The development of adverse reactions did not differ（55.6% vs 53.1% of patients, P=0.91）. There was no serious adverse reaction in both groups（P=0.99）.CONCLUSIONS： EBRT did not significantly improve stent patency in patients with inoperable BDC having uncovered metallic stents. However, EBRT was safe. Future trials withrefined protocols for better efficacy are expected.

Predictors of the patency of self-expandable metallic stents in malignant gastroduodenal obstruction

AIM:To investigate the predictive factors of selfexpandable metallic stent patency after stent placement in patients with inoperable malignant gastroduodenal obstruction. METHODS:A total of 116 patients underwent stent placements for inoperable malignant gastroduodenal obstruction at a tertiary academic center. Clinical success was defined as acceptable decompression of the obstructive lesion within the malignant gastroduodenal neoplasm. We evaluated patient comorbidities and clinical statuses using the World Health Organization's scoring system and categorized patient responses to chemotherapy using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors criteria. We analyzed the relationships between possible predictive factors and stent patency. RESULTS:Self-expandable metallic stent placement was technically successful in all patients(100%),and the clinical success rate was 84.2%. In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model,carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA) levels were correlated with a reduction in stent patency [P = 0.006; adjusted hazard ratio(a HR)= 2.92,95%CI:1.36-6.25]. Palliative chemotherapy was statistically associated with an increase in stent patency(P = 0.009; a HR = 0.27,95%CI:0.10-0.72).CONCLUSION:CEA levels can easily be measured at the time of stent placement and may help clinicians to predict stent patency and determine the appropriate stent procedure.

Coronary arterial bypass graft patency evaluated by multi-detector computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging

The progression of atherosclerosis of the coronary artery does not stop after coronary arterial bypass grafting (CABG) surgery.……

Retrograde Dye Test for the Assessment of Tubal Patency in a Virgin: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: Hysterosalpingogram (HSG) and Laparoscopy and dye tests for tubal assessment for a virgin who places high premium on her virginity could be challenging. Routine HSG may result in loss or damage to the hymen and loss of virginity. Aim: The aim of the procedure of retrograde dye test was explored to see the possibility of assessing tubal patency during laparotomy. Case Presentation: At laparotomy and after myomectomy in a 32 year old virgin, a moderate sized Wilkinson’s cannula was gently inserted at the fimbrial end of the both tubes and 50mls of dilute Methylene-Blue solution was injected in each tube at a time to see whether the dye will appear at the vagina introitus. There was no resistance to flow of the dye in both tubes. Inspection of the vaginal introitus revealed a gush of dye flowing through it as the dye was introduced through each tube confirming the patency of both tubes. Conclusion: Retrograde dye test at the time of abdominal procedures like myomectomy, pelvic adhesiolysis and excision of endometriotic cyst can be cost effective. This procedure is also useful in assessing tubal patency for women who undergo laparotomy and also wish to preserve their virginity.

Saline and Heparinised Flush in Maintaining Patency ofArterial Catheters in Adult PatientsmA SystematicReview

This paper compares the effectiveness of normal saline and heparinised saline as a flushing solution in maintaining patencyof arterial catheters. Use of heparin as a flushing solution in maintaining patency of intra- arterial catheters has been a recognizedpractice. Due to its anticoagulation properties, heparin can cause side effects like heparin-induced thromhocytopenia in hypersensitivepatients. The alternative, normal saline solution increases the accuracy of patients＇ coagulation status and enhances safer clinicalpractice. A systematic search was conducted at Cochrane Library, Medline, CINAHL, OVID and Joanna Briggs Institute. Reviewperiod covered from 1990 to 2011. Methodological validity of included studies was evaluated using SIGN grading checklists fromScottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network. There is inconsistent evidence and sample sizes were too small to allow statisticalsignificance to be achieved. Meta-analysis was performed for 2 studies; results revealed that heparinised saline offers no addedadvantage over normal saline. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of heparinised saline for flushing arterial catheters. Arigorous research design is needed to determine variables known to influence patency of arterial catheters. Sound clinical judgementmust be exercised in situations that require the need of heparinised saline.

Hysterosalpingo-Foam Sonography to Replace HSG in Evaluating Tubal Patency in Indonesian Subfertile Patients

Aim: To evaluate whether hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) can replace HSG as first-line evaluation for tubal patency in subfertile Indonesian patients by evaluating agreement level and comparing patients’ subjective complaints. Methods: Twenty subfertile female patients at Cipto Mangunkusumo Central General Referral Hospital (RSCM) from January 2018 to January 2019 were recruited conveniently to undergo both HSG and subsequent two-dimensional transvaginal HyFoSy after a minimum interval of 48 hours. Data on tubal patency and side effects inflicted by each examination within 24 hours were collected. Results: There were 20 subjects enrolled in this study. In 2 subjects, stenosis of internal uterine ostium was identified on HyFoSy procedure. Out of 36 remaining tubes undergoing adequate tubal patency evaluation by HSG and HyFoSy, agreement was seen in 81% cases (kappa value 0.42). The discordant tubal evaluation results in 7 of 36 tubes were associated with partial tubal obstruction, presence of co-existing gynaecological pathology, and tubal spasm. Less pain (p < 0.001) was experienced in HyFoSy as compared to HSG, with mean VAS of 1.8 ± 1.4 cm and 5.4 ± 2.4 cm, respectively. Seven of 20 patients experienced side effects due to HSG, such as abdominal cramp, spotting, backache, and bloating, in contrast to only one subject experiencing spotting due to HyFoSy. There was no hypersensitivity reaction observed in all subjects during HSG and HyFoSy procedure. Conclusions: HyFoSy has shown an excellent acceptance in Indonesian patients and could be a good alternative to replace HSG as a first line tubal patency examination.

Comparison of long-term graft patency of on-pump versus off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting

Objective Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is used more widely in recent years in China. However,there is an argument on benefits and risks of off-pump surgery. Many studies shown that OPCAB had more benefits in short-term outcomes than conventional coronary artery bypass grafting (CCABG) .

Evaluation of the patency rate of infarct-related artery after intravenous urokinase in acute myocardial infarction by 90 minutes angiography

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of intravenous (IV) thrombolytic therapy on acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and to evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of clinical criteria in deciding reperfusion rate by using 90 minutes angiography after initiation of the IV urokinase (UK). Methods Coronary artery angiography (CAG) was performed in 124 out of 1406 patients with AMI receiving IV UK (UKTP) (Guangdong Techpool Biochemical Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd. Guangzhou, China) from November 1994 to April 1996. 1.5 million units of UKTP were infused in 111 patients, 2.0 million units in 10 patients and 1.0 million in 3 cases within 30 minutes. CAG was performed 90 minutes after the initiation of thrombolytic therapy. Results Fifty two patients had coronary flow grade of TIMI 3 and 38 patients TIMI 2 90 minutes after the onset of thrombolytic therapy. The total patency rate of infarct related artery (IRA) was 72.6%. There was no significant difference ( P >0.05) in the patency rate of IRA of various locations. The patency rate of LAD was 71.6% (53/74), of RCA was 71.4% (30/42), of LCX was 85.7% (6/7) and effective patency in one patient with left main artery occlusion. Although there was a tendency that the earlier the thrombolytic therapy, the higher the patency rate of IRA patency, the results did not meet the statistically significant level (P>0.05). Using CAG as the gold standard, the clinical criteria used for evaluation of reperfusion rate had a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 69% and accuracy of 83% in prediction of the reperfusion of IRA. Conclusion UK is effective and reliable in IV thrombolytic therapy of AMI. The clinical criteria used to predict reperfusion of IRA have a higher sensitivity and relatively lower specificity.

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.

New antireflux plastic stent for patients with distal malignant biliary obstruction

BACKGROUND Endoscopic biliary stenting is a well-established palliative treatment for patients with unresectable distal malignant biliary obstruction(MBO). However, the main problem with stent placement is the relatively short duration of stent patency.Although self-expanding metal stents(SEMSs) have a longer patency period than plastic stents(PSs), the higher costs limit the wide use of SEMSs. A PS with an antireflux valve is an attractive idea to prolong stent patency, but no ideal design for an antireflux PS(ARPS) has been proposed. We developed a new ARPS with a "duckbilled" valve attached to the duodenal end of the stent.AIM To compare the patency of ARPSs with that of traditional PSs(TPSs) in patients with unresectable distal MBO.METHODS We conducted a single-center, prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study. This study was conducted at the West China Hospital of Sichuan University. Consecutive patients with extrahepatic MBO were enrolled prospectively. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to receive either an ARPS or a TPS. Patients were followed by clinic visits or telephone interviews every 1-2 mo until stent exchange, death, or the final study follow-up in October 2018. The primary outcome was the duration of stent patency. Secondary outcomes included the rate of technical success, the rate of clinical success,adverse events, and patient survival.RESULTS Between February 2016 and December 2017, 38 patients were randomly assigned to two groups, with 19 patients in each group, to receive ARPSs or TPSs. Stent insertion was technically successful in all patients. There were no significant differences between the two groups in the rates of clinical success or the rates of early or late adverse events(P = 0.660, 1.000, and 1.000, respectively). The median duration of stent patency in the ARPS group was 285 d [interquartile range(IQR),170], which was significantly longer than that in the TPS group(median, 130 d;IQR, 90, P = 0.005). No significant difference in patient survival was noted between the two groups(P = 0.900).CONCLUSION The new ARPS is safe and effective for the palliation of unresectable distal MBO,and has a significantly longer stent patency than a TPS.

Video capsule endoscopy in inflammatory bowel disease

Video capsule endoscopy(VCE) has evolved to become an important tool for the non-invasive examination of the small bowel, which hitherto had been relatively inaccessible to direct visualisation. VCE has beenshown to play a role in monitoring the activity of small bowel Crohn's disease and can be used to assess the response to anti-inflammatory treatment in Crohn's disease. For those patients with Crohn's disease who have undergone an intestinal resection, VCE has been assessed as a tool to detect post-operative recurrence. VCE may also aid in the reclassification of patients with a diagnosis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Unclassified to Crohn's disease. The evolution of colon capsule endoscopy(CCE) has expanded the application of this technology further. The use of CCE to assess the activity of ulcerative colitis has been described. This advance in capsule technology has also fuelled interest in its potential role as a minimally invasive tool to assess the whole of GI tract opening the possibility of its use for the panenteric assessment of Crohn's disease. VCE is a safe procedure. However, the risk of a retained capsule is higher in patients with suspected or confirmed Crohn's disease compared with patients having VCE examination for other indications. A retained video capsule is rare after successful passage of a patency capsule which may be utilised to pre-screen patients undergoing VCE. This paper describes the use of VCE in the assessment of inflammatory bowel disease.

Percutaneous biliary stent combined with brachytherapy using 125I seeds for treatment of unresectable malignant obstructive jaundice:A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND Malignant obstructive jaundice(MOJ)is a common pathologic manifestation of malignant biliary obstruction.Recently,several clinical trials have explored the clinical effectiveness of intraluminal^(125)I seed-based brachytherapy for MOJ patients,and various outcomes have been reported.AIM To assess the efficacy and safety of percutaneous biliary stents with^(125)I seeds compared to conventional metal stents in patients with unresectable MOJ.METHODS A systematic search of English-language databases(PubMed,Embase,Cochrane Library,and Web of Science)was performed to identify studies published prior to June 2020 that compared stents with or without^(125)I seeds in the treatment of unresectable MOJ.The outcomes analyzed included primary outcomes(stent patency and overall survival)and secondary outcomes(complications and liver function parameters).RESULTS Six randomized controlled trials and four retrospective studies involving 875 patients were eligible for the analysis.Of the 875 included patients,404 were treated with^(125)I seed stents,while 471 were treated with conventional stents.Unadjusted pooled analysis demonstrated that compared to conventional stents,^(125)I seed stents extended the stent patency time[hazard ratio(HR)=0.36,95%confidence interval(CI)=0.28-0.45,P<0.0001]and overall survival period(HR=0.52,95%CI=0.42–0.64,P<0.00001).Subgroup analyses based on the type of^(125)I seed stent and type of study design showed consistent results.However,there were no significant differences in the occurrence of total complications[odds ratio(OR)=1.12,95%CI=0.75-1.67,P=0.57],hemobilia(OR=1.02,95%CI=0.45-2.3,P=0.96),pancreatitis(OR=1.79,95%CI=0.42-7.53,P=0.43),cholangitis(OR=1.13,95%CI=0.60-2.13,P=0.71),or pain(OR=0.67,95%CI=0.22-2,P=0.47).In addition,there were no reductions in the levels of serum indices,including total bilirubin[mean difference(MD)=10.96,95%CI=-3.56-25.49,P=0.14],direct bilirubin(MD=7.37,95%CI=-9.76-24.5,P=0.4),alanine aminotransferase(MD=7.52,95%CI=-0.71-15.74,P=0.07),and aspartate aminotransferase(MD=-4.77,95%CI=-19.98-10.44,P=0.54),after treatment.Publication bias was detected regarding the outcome overall survival;however,the conclusions were not changed after the adjustment.CONCLUSION Placement of stents combined with brachytherapy using^(125)I seeds contributes to a longer stent patency and higher overall survival than placement of conventional stents without extra complications or severe liver damage.Thus,it can be considered an effective and safe treatment for unresectable MOJ.

Risk factors for persistent epiphora following successful canalicular laceration repair

AIM:To identify the risk factors of epiphora in patients with anatomical patency after surgical repair of canalicular laceration.METHODS:This retrospective case series included 178 cases of canalicular laceration repair from 2005 to 2012.Demographic data collected from each patient included age,sex,type of injury,distance from the distal lacerated end of the canaliculus to the punctum,the severity score for the structural abnormity of the medial canthus,the duration of stent placement,and the timing of surgery.The risk factors for epiphora were evaluated using Logistic regression models.RESULTS:Among the 178 cases,45(25.3%)with lacrimal patency after irrigation had symptomatic epiphora at the final follow-up.Patients'sex,age,type of injury,duration of stent placement,timing of surgery,and concurrent trauma were not found to be significantly associated with symptomatic epiphora after surgical repair of the lacerated canaliculus(P>0.05).A distance of more than 5 mm from the distal cut end to the punctum was closely and significantly associated with symptomatic epiphora after surgical repair of the lacerated canaliculus(P<0.01).Symptomatic epiphora was significantly more frequent in patients with higher severity scores for structural abnormities of the medial canthus(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:Our results indicate that the risk factors for postoperative symptomatic epiphora include a further distance between the distal cut end and the lacrimal punctum and a higher severity score for structural abnormities of the medial canthus.These findings could be used to prognosticate postoperative symptomatic epiphora.

Effectiveness of sharp recanalization of superior vena cava-right atrium junction occlusion

BACKGROUND Conventional recanalization techniques may fail in patients with completely occluded superior vena cava(SVC).AIM To analyze the effectiveness and complications of sharp recanalization for completely occluded SVC.METHODS This was a retrospective study of patients that underwent puncture and recanalization of the SVC between January 2016 and December 2017 at our hospital.Sharp recanalization was performed using the RUPS-100 system.The patients were followed for 12 mo.The main outcomes were the patency rate of SVC and arteriovenous fistula flow during dialysis.RESULTS The procedure was successful in all 14 patients(100%).Blood pressure in the distal SVC decreased in all 14 cases(100%)from 26.4±2.7 cmH2O to 14.7±1.3 cmH2O(P<0.05).The first patency rates of the SVC at 24 h and at 3,6,9 and 12 mo after sharp recanalization were 100%,92.9%,85.7%,78.6%and 71.4%,respectively.There were two(14.3%)severe,one(7.1%)moderate and one(7.1%)minor complication.The severe complications included one case of pericardial tamponade and one case of hemothorax.CONCLUSION The results suggest that sharp recanalization can be an additional tool to extend or renew the use of an occluded upper extremity access for hemodialysis.This could be of use in patients with long-term maintenance hemodialysis in whom the maintenance of central venous access is often a challenge.

Capsule enteroscopy is useful for the therapeutic management of Crohn's disease

AIM: To analyze therapeutic changes in Crohn's disease(CD) patients following video capsule endoscopy(VCE) and to assess the usefulness of Lewis score and the Patency Capsule.METHODS: Patency Capsule was performed in every patient that had indication for VCE, and those with negative patency did not undergo VCE. Patients with established CD that underwent VCE between January 2011 and February 2014 were selected for this study; those with suspected CD were excluded, independent of VCE results, since our purpose was to address differences in therapeutic regimen in CD patients before and after VCE. Patients with inconclusive VCE were also excluded. Patients had to be free of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for at least 1 mo. Those patients who met these criteria were allocated into one of three groups: Staging group(asymptomatic CD patients that underwent VCE for staging of CD), Flare group(patients with active CD), or Post-op group(CD patients evaluated for post-operative recurrence). Lewis score was calculated for every VCE procedure. Statisticalanalysis was performed to address the impact of VCE findings on the therapeutic management of CD patients and to evaluate the utility of the Lewis score.RESULTS: From a total of 542 VCEs, 135 were performed in patients with CD. Patency capsule excluded nearly 25% of the patients who were supposed to undergo VCE. No videocapsule retention during VCE was reported. From these 135 patients, 29 were excluded because CD diagnosis was not established at the time of VCE. Therefore, a total of 106 patients were included in the final analysis. From these, the majority were in the Staging group(n = 73, 69%), and the remaining were in the Flare(n = 23, 22%) or Post-op(n = 10, 9%) group. Median time between diagnosis and VCE was 5.5 years. Overall, VCE determined changes in the treatment of 40% of patients: only 21% remained free of immunosuppressors after VCE compared to 44% before VCE(P < 0.001). The differences in therapy before and after VCE achieved statistical significance in the Staging and Flare groups. In addition, patients were significantly different when stratified regarding time since diagnosis to the date of VCE. A higher Lewis score was associated with therapeutic modifications(P < 0.0001); where a score higher than 1354 was related to 90% probability of changing therapy [area under the receiver operative characteristic(AUROC) 0.80(95%CI: 0.69-0.88)]. CONCLUSION: VCE significantly changed the therapeutic management of CD patients, even in those with long-term disease. Systematic use of Patency capsule allowed for no videocapsule retention.

Biliary metal stents should be placed near the hilar duct in distal malignant biliary stricture patients

BACKGROUND Endoscopic biliary drainage using a self-expandable metallic stent(SEMS)has been widely performed to treat distal malignant biliary obstruction(DMBO).However,the optimal position of the stent remains unclear.AIM To determine the ideal position for SEMS placement.METHODS In total,135 DMBO patients underwent SEMS(uncovered or covered)placement over a ten-year period.A total of 127 patients with biliary obstruction between the junction of the cystic duct and Vater’s papilla were enrolled.An SEMS was placed through the upper common bile duct 2 cm from the biliary hilar duct in 83 patients(Hilar group)or near the top of the biliary obstruction in 44 patients(Lower group).Technical and functional success,adverse events,and risk factors for SEMS dysfunction were evaluated.RESULTS The stent patency period was significantly longer in the Hilar group than in the Lower group(P value<0.01).In multivariate analysis,the only statistically significant risk factor for SEMS dysfunction was being in the Lower group(hazard ratio:9.94,95%confidence interval:2.25–44.0,P<0.01).CONCLUSION A longer patency period was achieved by positioning the SEMS near the biliary hilar duct.

Application of contrast agent injection device in real-time threedimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the peak pressure of contrast agent injection and tubal patency during real-time three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography.Methods:Seventy female patients who underwent real-time three-dimensional hysterosalpingo-contrast sonography of uterine and oviduct in the department of ultrasound medicine in our hospital were selected to measure the peak pressure in the examination process through the pressure injection device of contrast agent,to compare the pressure differences of different obturability patency degree of oviduct,and to draw a ROC curve to determine the optimal cut-off value of the peak pressure.Results:According to the different patency degree of fallopian tubes,the contrast results were divided into three groups:bilateral tubes unobstructed group,unilateral tube lesioned group and bilateral tubes lesioned group.The peak pressures of the three groups were(34.69±9.30)KPa,(52.71±18.55)KPa and(73.88±11.01)KPa,respectively.The area under the peak pressure ROC curve(AUC)of the"unilateral tube lesioned group"and"bilateral tubes lesioned group"was 0.785,the optimal cut-off value of the peak pressure was 51.90KPa,the area under the peak pressure ROC curve(AUC)of the"unilateral tube lesioned group"and"bilateral tubes lesioned group"was 0.851,and the optimal cut-off value of the peak pressure was 73.50KPa.Conclusion:The peak pressure of contrast agent injection in RT-3D-HyCoSy can be used as a quantitative index to deduce the patency degree of oviduct.There is a correlation between the peak pressure and the tubal patency.

Which Offers the Best? Stent Graft or Bare Metal Stent for Endovascular Treatment of Aortoiliac Disease

Background: In the present study, it was aimed to compare the stent grafts and bare-metal stents in terms of post-procedural patency, clinical recovery and complications in the subjects with symptomatic aorto-iliac arterial disease. Methods: A total of 79 subjects with symptomatic aorto-iliac arterial disease treated with endovascular methods were included in the present study. Forty three subjects received self-expendable bare metal stent (ev3 Protégé stent system, Endovascular Inc., Plymouth, Minnesota, USA) and 36 subjects received PTFE-covered stent graft (Fluency Plus Stent Graft, Bard Peripheral Vascular, Tempe, Arizona). The subjects were compared after and at Months 1, 6, and 12 following the procedure in terms of Rutherford’s classification, ankle-arm index (AAI), patency rates, and complications. Results: The subjects receiving bare metal stent and stent graft for aorto-iliac arterial disease were followed for averagely 15 months. For the subjects receiving bare metal stent, primary patency rates at months 1, 6, and 12 were 98%, 81%, and 70%, respectively, while secondary patency rate at month 12 was found to be 84%. For the group of stent graft, primary patency rates were found as 97%, 97%, and 92%, respectively and secondary patency rate at month 12 was found to be 94%. Stent grafts were applied at the same time in 2 patients who had metal bare metal because the rupture occurred during the procedure. In the comparison between two groups, the group of stent graft was found to be statistically superior to the other in terms of patency, clinical and post-procedural complications. Conclusion: In conclusion, it was found that the stent grafts were superior to the bare metal stents in terms of patency and complication rates in the subjects with symptomatic aortoiliac disease.