Rapid progression of carotid artery atherosclerosis and stenosis in a patient with a ventricular assist device.

This case describes the management of cerebrovascular disease in a patient with a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) who was awaiting cardiac transplantation. It demonstrates several unique features in managing vascular disease in patients with cardiac assist devices. First, we detail the difficulties in using duplex ultrasound to assess patients with altered hemodynamic physiology.

Carotid artery stenting may be performed safely in patients with radiation therapy-associated carotid stenosis without increased restenosis or target lesion revascularization.

Objective: Neck radiation therapy (XRT) can induce carotid artery stenosis and may increase the technical difficulty of endarterectomy. It is considered a relative indication for carotid angioplasty and carotid artery stenting (CAS). This study sought to evaluate differences in CAS embolic potential and restenosis performed on XRT and non-XRT patients.

Midterm outcomes after treatment of type II endoleaks associated with aneurysm sac expansion.

Purpose: To examine the outcomes following interventions for type II endoleaks in patients with aneurysm sac expansion after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR).

Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of all patients who underwent treatment for type II endoleak from July 2001 to September 2010 in a single center. In this time period, 29 (4.

Endovascular management as first therapy for chronic total occlusion of the lower extremity arteries: comparison of balloon angioplasty, stenting, and directional atherectomy.

Purpose: To evaluate the role of endovascular therapy in the management of infrainguinal arterial chronic total occlusions (CTOs).

Methods: Data on all patients with CTOs treated at a single center from 2004 to 2010 were extracted from a prospectively maintained database for retrospective analysis. Patient demographics, angiographic studies, noninvasive vascular test results, and clinical outcomes were evaluated.

Gender differences in outcomes of endovascular treatment of infrainguinal peripheral artery disease.

Objective: Our goal was to assess the outcomes of females compared to males treated with endovascular lower extremity interventions in order to determine optimal therapy based on gender.

Methods: We performed a retrospective review evaluating the outcomes of primary transluminal angioplasty (PTA) and PTA + stenting (PTA + S) for peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Patency rates and limb salvage were the primary end points.

Outcomes and timing of aortic surgery in renal transplant patients.

Background: Solid organ transplantation in elderly patients has become more common in recent years. An increasing number of patients present with renal failure requiring transplantation and comorbid occlusive or aneurysmal aortic pathology. The optimal strategy for the timing and management of the aortic disease and renal transplantation in these patients is unknown.