Risk Of Vascular Complications Research Articles

Donor Atheromatous Disease is a Risk Factor for Hepatic Artery Thrombosis After Liver Transplantation.

The increasing age of liver donors and transplant candidates, together with the growing prevalence of metabolic comorbidities, could impact the risk of vascular complications after liver transplantation. We enrolled a consecutive cohort of adult patients undergoing liver transplantation from 2012 to 2021 who had a blinded pathological assessment of atherosclerosis in the donor and recipient hepatic arteries (HA). Patients receiving partial or reduced grafts, retransplantation, or combined organ transplantation were excluded. The relationship between HA atherosclerosis and HA thrombosis after liver transplantation was evaluated using logistic regression in the whole study cohort and in a propensity score-matched subpopulation. Among 443 eligible patients, 272 had a full pathological evaluation of the donor and recipient HA and were included in the study. HA atheroma was present in 51.5% of donors and in 11.4% of recipients. HA thrombosis occurred in 16 patients (5.9%), being more likely in patients who received a donor with HA atherosclerosis than in those without (10.7%vs. 0.8%; p<0.001). Donor HA atherosclerosis was an independent risk factor of HA thrombosis (OR=17.79; p=0.008), and this finding was consistent in the propensity score-matched analysis according to age, sex, complex arterial anastomosis, and alcoholic liver disease (OR=19.29; p=0.007). Atheromatous disease in the recipient had no influence on the risk of HA thrombosis (OR=1.70; p=0.55). In conclusion, patients receiving donors with HA atherosclerosis are at increased risk for HA thrombosis after liver transplantation. The evaluation of the donor graft vasculature could guide antiplatelet therapy in the postoperative period.

Transcutaneous oxygen tension-guided hyperbaric oxygen therapy for preventing skin necrosis after hyaluronic acid filler injections.

Hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers, popular for facial cosmetic enhancements, pose risks of vascular complications like skin necrosis due to arterial blockage, necessitating effective treatments such as hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). This study presents a series of cases where measurements of transcutaneous oxygen pressure (TcPO2) informed the application of HBOT for skin necrosis induced by HA. In cases 1 and 3, following the injection of HA, potential skin necrosis was observed. In addition to standard treatment, TcPO2 revealed values below 40mmHg, indicating tissue hypoxia. Treatment with HBOT increased TcPO2 levels to above 200mmHg, suggesting that HBOT could correct the hypoxia. Monitoring TcPO2 levels also aided in determining the optimal time to discontinue HBOT. In cases 2 and 4, patients received standard treatment, resulting in TcPO2 levels above 40mmHg, indicating adequate tissue oxygenation, and no additional HBOT was administered. All four patients mentioned above showed good clinical recovery. This study investigates the application of TcPO2 measurement technology in aiding decisions on whether to utilize HBOT in the treatment of complications arising from HA fillers, as well as in optimizing HBOT protocols.

Determining risk factors for vascular and bleeding complications after TAVR using CT angiography

Abstract Funding Acknowledgements None. Introduction The use of pre-procedural computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the iliofemoral sector in the planning of transaortic valve replacement (TAVR) has demonstrated a reduction in the risk of vascular complications in patients undergoing TAVR. In this study, we aimed to characterise the clinical and radiological factors associated with bleeding and vascular complications after TAVR. Methods Patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR in a tertiary centre between 2017 and 2019 were included in this analysis. All patients underwent iliofemoral CTA before the procedure and classical CTA-derived data as well as iliofemoral calcium volume were collected. Clinical data and outcomes regarding bleeding events, as well as vascular complications according to Valve Academic Research Consortium 2 (VARC-2) criteria, were also collected. 207 patients were included in this analysis, of whom 53% were women. The median age was 82 years (IQR 76-86) and the median STS mortality risk score was 3.9% (IQR 2.59-5.99). In this population, vascular complications according to the VARC-2 criteria occurred in 33% of patients (19% with major complications). Patients with lower body mass index (BMI) were more likely to suffer vascular complications. Vascular access with fluoroscopy was associated with a higher prevalence of complications compared to ultrasound-guided vascular access (62% vs. 38%, p=0.037). When considering radiological criteria, smaller minimum luminal diameter and area of the common femoral and external iliac arteries were associated with a greater risk of vascular complications, as were increased sheath to external iliac artery ratios and luminal attenuation values (p&amp;lt;0.05 for all). Bleeding complications occurred in 20 patients, with a greater prevalence of bleeding events in female patients (77% vs. 23%, p=0.001). Patients with a lower BMI, a history of obstructive pulmonary disease or coronary artery disease, aortic insufficiency and fluoroscopic valvular access were more likely to have bleeding complications. Regarding radiological criteria, decreased maximal luminal diameter of the common femoral artery and smaller minimal luminal diameters and areas of the external iliac artery were associated with bleeding complications. Increased sheath-to-femoral artery ratios and luminal attenuation values were associated with an increased risk of vascular complications (p&amp;lt;0.05 for all). Conclusion Our study underscores the importance of pre-procedural CTA in TAVR planning and identifies separate risk factors for vascular and bleeding complications.

Relationship Between Triglyceride-Glucose Index and Microvascular Complications in Hospitalized Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

Aim: The increasing prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM) brings about a rise in nephropathy, retinopathy, and neuropathy, which are microvascular complications of diabetes. The triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index is a convenient indicator of insulin resistance. It is related to microvascular and macrovascular complications among nonhospitalized patients with diabetes. However, it is unclear if the TyG index poses risks for vascular complications of type 2 DM in hospitalized patients. This study aims to investigate possible relations between this index and the risk of microvascular complications in hospitalized patients with type 2 DM. Material and Methods: The present study included 420 type 2 DM patients who were hospitalized in our clinic between February 2019 and May 2022. The TyG index was measured as fasting triglycerides mg/dL × fasting glucose mg/dL/2. The presence of microalbuminuria (MAU), diabetic neuropathy, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and retinopathy (DR) were evaluated. The data were analzed using IBM SPSS 22.0 statistical software. The level of statistical significance was taken as p

Dulaglutide restores endothelial progenitor cell levels in diabetic mice and mitigates high glucose-induced endothelial injury through SIRT1-mediated mitochondrial fission

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) significantly impairs the functionality and number of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and resident endothelial cells, critical for vascular repair and regeneration, exacerbating the risk of vascular complications. GLP-1 receptor agonists, like dulaglutide, have emerged as promising therapeutic agents due to their multifaceted effects, including the enhancement of EPC activity and protection of endothelial cells. This study investigates dulaglutide's effects on peripheral blood levels of CD34+ and CD133+ cells in a mouse model of lower limb ischemia and its protective mechanisms against high-glucose-induced damage in endothelial cells. Results demonstrated that dulaglutide significantly improves blood flow, reduces tissue damage and inflammation in ischemic limbs, and enhances glycemic control. Furthermore, dulaglutide alleviated high-glucose-induced endothelial cell damage, evident from improved tube formation, reduced reactive oxygen species accumulation, and restored endothelial junction integrity. Mechanistically, dulaglutide mitigated mitochondrial fission in endothelial cells under high-glucose conditions, partly through maintaining SIRT1 expression, which is crucial for mitochondrial dynamics. This study reveals the potential of dulaglutide as a therapeutic option for vascular complications in T2DM patients, highlighting its role in improving endothelial function and mitochondrial integrity.

Vascular Alterations Following COVID-19 Infection: A Comprehensive Literature Review.

SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, has revealed a broader impact beyond the respiratory system, predominantly affecting the vascular system with various adverse manifestations. The infection induces endothelial dysfunction and immune system dysregulation, creating an inflammatory and hypercoagulable state. It affects both microvasculature and macrovasculature, leading to thromboembolic events, cardiovascular manifestations, impaired arterial stiffness, cerebrovascular complications, and nephropathy, as well as retinopathy-frequently observed in cases of severe illness. Evidence suggests that SARS-CoV-2 infection may result in persistent effects on the vascular system, identified as long-term COVID-19. This is characterized by prolonged inflammation, endotheliopathy, and an increased risk of vascular complications. Various imaging modalities, histopathological studies, and diagnostic tools such as video capillaroscopy and magnetic resonance imaging have been employed to visualize vascular alterations. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the evidence concerning short and long-term vascular alterations following COVID-19 infection, investigating their impact on patients' prognosis, and providing an overview of preventive strategies to mitigate associated vascular complications.

Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Acute Myocardial Infarction Undergoing Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: The Role of Vascular Access Site.

Background: in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), radial access should be favoured over femoral access as it reduces the risk of vascular complications and bleeding. Furthermore, a preventive role of radial access in the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI), mainly mediated by the reduction of bleeding and cholesterol crystal embolization into renal circulation, has been investigated in several studies, yielding conflicting results. Methods: we designed a retrospective study to appraise the effect of the use of a vascular access site on the occurrence of AKI in a cohort of 633 patients with acute myocardial infarction treated by PCI at our centre from 2018 to 2020. Results: after propensity score adjustment, radial access was associated with a reduced, albeit statistically not significant, incidence of AKI (14.7% vs. 21.0%; p = 0.06) and major bleeding (12.5% vs. 18.7%; p = 0.04) as compared to femoral access. At multivariate analysis, femoral access was an independent predictor of AKI, together with in-hospital occurrence of BARC 3-5 bleeding, Killip class >1 at presentation, female gender, baseline eGFR <60 mL/min, and baseline haemoglobin <12 g/dL. Conclusions: although limited by the observational design, our study supports the hypothesis that radial access may exert a protective role on the occurrence of AKI in patients with acute myocardial infarction undergoing PCI.

Atrial fibrillation and COVID-19: an analysis of the ambulatory database.

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common heart rhythm disorder in clinical practice. It worsens the quality of life of patients, leads to an increase in the mortality rate because of its association with a high risk of thromboembolic complications. The current pandemic of a new coronavirus infection, which began in March 2020, was marked by an increase in cardiovascular diseases, including an increase in the number of patients with AF. That is why it is extremely relevant to find answers to questions about the association and mutual influence of AF and coronavirus infection to reduce the risk of vascular complications. However, most research in this area has focused on hospital patients. In this study, an electronic database of outpatients with AF, including patients with a history of COVID-19 infection was analyzed in order to assess the most significant risk factors for complications.

Vascular complications in craniopharyngioma-resected paediatric patients: a single-center experience.

Craniopharyngioma (CP), although slow growing and histologically benign, has high morbidity, mostly related to hypothalamus-pituitary dysfunction and electrolyte imbalance. Increased risk of vascular complications has been described. However, data are still poor, especially in the paediatric population. The aim of our study was to evaluate the occurrence, timing, and predisposing factors of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and other vascular alterations in neurosurgical paediatric CP patients. In a single-centre, retrospective study, we investigated 19 CP patients (11 males, 8 females, mean age 10.5 ± 4.3 years), who underwent neurosurgery between December 2016 and August 2022, referred to Meyer Children's Hospital IRCCS in Florence. Five patients (26.3%) presented vascular events, which all occurred in connection with sodium imbalances. Three DVT (two with associated pulmonary embolism, in one case leading to death) developed in the post-operative period, most frequently at 7-10 days. Elevated D-dimers, a reduced partial activated thrombin time and a prolonged C-reactive protein increase were highly related to thrombotic vascular events. One case of posterior cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm was described soon after neurosurgery, requiring vascular stenting. Superficial vein thrombophlebitis was a late complication in one patient with other predisposing factors. CP patients undergoing neurosurgery are at risk of developing DVT and vascular alterations, thus careful follow-up is mandatory. In our study, we found that the phase of transition from central diabetes insipidus to a syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion may be a period of significant risk for DVT occurrence. Careful vascular follow-up is mandatory in CP-operated patients.

Essential thrombocythaemia: A contemporary approach with new drugs on the horizon.

Essential thrombocythaemia (ET) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm characterized by an increased risk of vascular complications and a tendency to progress to myelofibrosis and acute leukaemia. ET patients have traditionally been stratified into two thrombosis risk categories based on age older than 60 years and a history of thrombosis. More recently, the revised IPSET-thrombosis scoring system, which accounts for the increased risk linked to the JAK2 mutation, has been incorporated into most expert recommendations. However, there is increasing evidence that the term ET encompasses different genomic entities, each with a distinct clinical course and prognosis. Moreover, the effectiveness and toxicity of cytoreductive and anti-platelet treatments differ depending on the molecular genotype. While anti-platelets and conventional cytoreductive agents, mainly hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea), anagrelide and pegylated interferon, remain the cornerstone of treatment, recent research has shed light on the effectiveness of novel therapies that may help improve outcomes. This comprehensive review focuses on the evolving landscape of treatment strategies in ET, with an emphasis on the role of molecular profiling in guiding therapeutic decisions. Besides evidence-based management according to revised IPSET-thrombosis stratification, we also provide specific observations for those patients with CALR-, MPL-mutated and triple-negative ET, as well as cases with high-risk mutations.

Renal anatomical classification systems cannot predict the occurrence of vascular complications after partial nephrectomy.

To determine the relationship between renal tumor complexity and vascular complications after partial nephrectomy using PADUA, RENAL, and ZS scores. Between January 2007 and December 2018, a total of 1917 patients with available cross-sectional imaging were enrolled in the study. Logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of vascular complications. Of 1917 patients, 31 (1.6%) developed vascular complications, including 10 females and 21 males. The high-complexity category was significantly associated with a decreased risk of vascular complication in PADUA (OR = 0.256; 95%CI = 0.086-0.762; P = 0.014) and ZS score (OR = 0.279; 95%CI = 0.083-0.946; P = 0.040). Laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy were independent risk factors for vascular complications. Meanwhile, the incidence was significantly reduced in the recent 4years in the high score tumor group alone in PADUA (0.2% [1/474] vs. 2.2% [3/139], P = 0.038) and ZS score (0.2% [1/469] vs. 2.7% [3/112], P = 0.024). In the first 8years, laparoscopic partial nephrectomy and robot-assisted laparoscopic partial nephrectomy were the only two independent risk factors for vascular complications. In the recent 4years, only the high-complexity category was significantly associated with a decreased risk of vascular complication in the PADUA score (OR = 0.110; 95%CI = 0.013-0.938; P = 0.044). The renal anatomic classification system cannot predict the occurrence of vascular complications after partial nephrectomy.

Collagen-Based Bailout Compared to Suture-Mediated Vascular Closure Alone During Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement

BackgroundHemostasis for transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is typically achieved using a suture-mediated vascular closure device (VCD) prior to large-bore sheath insertion (preclosure technique). Recently, the addition of a hybrid closure technique using a preclose technique with the addition of a collagen-plug VCD after sheath removal in cases of failed hemostasis has been utilized. MethodsData were collected from the Northwell TAVR registry, including 3 high-volume TAVR centers. We evaluated a preclose strategy with suture-mediated vascular closure alone (“legacy strategy”) and standard bailout techniques versus a contemporary hybrid strategy of suture-mediated closure with collagen-mediated closure bailout. The primary end point was major or minor vascular complications as defined by the VARC-3 criteria. ResultsA total of 1327 patients were included, of which 791 patients underwent TAVR with suture-mediated closure alone and 536 with contemporary strategy. The primary end point (major or minor vascular complication) was lower in the contemporary strategy (5.44% vs 1.31%; P < .001). Both minor (3.92% vs 1.12%; P = .002) and major (1.14% vs 0.19%; P = .0196) vascular complications were reduced and the total length of stay was less in the contemporary strategy (median of 3 days vs 2 days; P < .0001). Using multivariable analysis, we observed that vascular management strategy significantly improved the composite primary outcome when adjusted for sheath size, peripheral artery disease, carotid disease, and site of procedure. In the contemporary group, bailout collagen-plug VCD with an Angio-Seal (Terumo Medical) was used in 68 patients (12.69%) and bailout MANTA (Teleflex) was required in 4 patients (0.75%). There were no major or minor vascular complications among the patients who received bailout collagen-plug VCD. ConclusionsA contemporary hybrid strategy of suture-mediated closure with collagen-mediated closure bailout reduces the risk of vascular complications among patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR.

Rosuvastatin-Based Lipid-Lowering Therapy for the Control of LDL Cholesterol in Patients at High Vascular Risk.

Vascular diseases are the leading cause of death in Spain. Hypercholesterolemia is not only a cardiovascular risk factor, but also underlies the etiopathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Therefore, reducing LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) to the goals recommended by clinical practice guidelines, is essential to decrease the risk of vascular complications. Despite this, current LDL-C control is scarce, even in subjects with high and very high risk. This is mainly due to an insufficient intensification of lipid-lowering treatment. In this context, it is essential to prescribe the appropriate therapy, adjusted to patient's needs based on their LDL-C and their vascular risk. Rosuvastatin, alone or in combination with ezetimibe, provides intensive LDL-C reductions (up to 50-55% and 60-75%, respectively), with a low risk of side effects and in an efficient manner, in patients both without and with established atherosclerotic vascular disease.

Ultrasound-guided deployment of ProGlide™ device in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation and risk reduction of vascular complications: A propensity-matched cohort study.

ProGlide is a percutaneous suture-mediated closure device used in arterial and venous closure following percutaneous intervention. Risk of vascular complications from use, particularly related to failure in hemostasis, or acute vessel closure, remains significant and often related to improper suture deployment. We describe a technique of ultrasound-guided ProGlide deployment in transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TF-TAVI). The aim of this study is to assess vascular outcomes for ultrasound-guided deployment of ProGlide vascular closure devices in patients undergoing TF-TAVI. We collected relevant clinical data of patients undergoing TAVI in a large volume centre. main access Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC-3) major vascular complication. any major/minor VARC-3 vascular complication, its type (bleed or ischemia), and treatment required (medical, percutaneous, or surgical). We performed inverse weighting propensity score analysis to compare the population undergoing ultrasound-guided versus conventional ProGlide deployment for main TAVI access. Ultrasound technique for ProGlide insertion was performed as described below. Five hundred and seventeen patients undergoing TF-TAVI were included. In 126 (ultrasound-guided) and 391 (conventional ProGlide insertion), 0% versus 1.8% (p < 0.001) had a major VARC-3 vascular complication, respectively. 0.8% (one minor VARC-3 bleed) vs 4.1% (13 bleeds and three occlusions) had any VARC-3 vascular complication (major and minor) (p < 0.001). Surgical treatment of vascular complication was required in 0.8% versus 1.3% (p = NS). Ultrasound-guided deployment of ProGlide for vascular closure reduced the risk of major vascular complications in a large population undergoing TAVI.

Management of intervenable factors to reduce vascular complications in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion treated by non-emergency endovascular treatment.

This study aims to identify risk factors for vascular complications during non-emergency endovascular treatment in patients with internal carotid artery occlusion (ICAO) and to propose potential interventions. A retrospective analysis of 92 patients with ICAO who received non-emergency endovascular treatment in our center from 1 January 2018 to 31 June 2023, was conducted. The correlation between intraoperative vascular complications and potential risk factors was studied, and interaction analysis was performed. Our findings revealed that the use of non-neurology guide wires to open vessels (adjusted OR: 4.1, 95%CI: 1.3-12.8; p = 0.014) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) ≥ 6.5 mmol/L (adjusted OR: 3.2, 95%CI: 1.2-8.9; p = 0.023) was significantly associated with vascular complications in non-emergency endovascular treatment of ICAO patients. The restricted cubic spline (RCS) showed that the higher the HbA1c level, the higher the risk of vascular complications. The use of non-neurology guide wires for vessel opening during non-emergency endovascular treatment in patients with ICAO increases the risk of vascular complications. Preoperative assessment and management of HbA1c levels can reduce the incidence of intraoperative vascular complications.

High prevalence of retinopathy in young-onset type 2 diabetes and possible sex differences: insights from Norwegian general practice

IntroductionPeople with young-onset type 2 diabetes (YOD), defined as diabetes diagnosis before age 40, have a high lifetime risk of vascular complications. We aimed to estimate the prevalence of YOD...

OCT angiography findings in posterior persistent fetal vasculature

Aims/Purpose: To report optical coherence tomography angiography findings in a patient presenting unilateral posterior persistent fetal vasculature (PVF).Methods: We report the case of a 19‐year‐old female patient with longstanding visual impairment of the left eye (LE). Patient was assessed with multimodal imaging including color fundus photography, swept source optical coherence tomography (SS‐OCT) and SS‐OCT angiography (SS‐OCTA) of the macula and the optic disc.Results: The patient had a history of unilateral visual impairment of unknown aetiology and consulted for a routine examination. Best corrected visual acuity was 10/10 in the right eye (RE) and limited to counting fingers in the LE. Ophthalmological examination of the LE revealed a mild exophoria, a quiet anterior segment, a vestigial capsular bag and an inferonasal whitish spot at the posterior lens capsule corresponding to Mittendorf's dot. Dilated fundus examination of the LE showed a lack of foveal reflex, retinal vessel contraction associated to the presence of a fibrovascular stalk extending from the OD to the crystalline lens via the vitreous humour, corresponding to fibrovascular contraction of the persistent and hyperplastic Cloquet's canal. No associated retinal detachment was noted. The clinical diagnosis of posterior PVF was confirmed. Macular SS‐OCT revealed retinal thinning with absence of foveal pit. Optic disc SS‐OCT highlighted a hyporeflective tubular structure overlying a Bergmeister'papilla. Cross‐sectional SS‐OCTA detected a flow signal at the level of Bergmeister's papilla, but no confirmed flow signal was identified at the level of the fibrovascular stalk.Conclusions: PVF is a rare condition characterized by fetal remnant from developmental vascular system defects, clinically recognized in its three forms (anterior, posterior and combined). OCT‐angiography is a useful non‐invasive tool to confirm of persistent hyaloid artery patency and assess risk of vascular complications. Contraction of the fibrovascular mass is prone to tractional retinal detachment and repeated episodes of intravitreal or intracapsular haemorrhage. Monitoring is therefore recommended even in adulthood.

Microalbuminuria in Children with Type 1 Diabetes and Its Relationship with Body Mass Index, Hemoglobin A1c, and Age at Diabetes Onset

Background: Children with type 1 diabetes are at risk of developing microvascular and macrovascular complications, with diabetic nephropathy (DN) being a significant microvascular complication. Microalbuminuria is a crucial diagnostic marker for the early detection of DN and can predict the risk of vascular complications. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between microalbuminuria and body mass index (BMI), changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and the age of disease onset in children and adolescents with type 1 diabetes. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted in Mofid and Imam Hossein hospitals in Tehran, Iran, within 2021 - 2022. This study included 120 children and adolescents aged 5 - 20 years who had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes for at least 3 years. All patients underwent evaluation for microalbuminuria, and its association with BMI, HbA1c levels, and the age of diabetes onset was assessed. Results: Among the 120 patients, 51% were female. Microalbuminuria was present in 15% of patients; however, 13.3% were overweight or obese. Furthermore, 91% of patients had HbA1c levels above 7%. The mean age of diabetes onset was 13 years, and the mean disease duration was 5.5 years. The study revealed a significant association between microalbuminuria and HbA1c levels, BMI, and the age of diabetes onset (P-values &lt; 0.05). Conclusions: Microalbuminuria showed a positive correlation with increased BMI and poorer glycemic control. An early age of diabetes onset was identified as a risk factor for microalbuminuria in children and adolescents with diabetes.

The Assessment of the Vascular Risk for Facial Procedures using Thermal Scanning Imaging and Doppler Ultrasonography

Introduction: Surgical and non-surgical facial procedures have gained immense popularity thanks to their aesthetic benefits. Understanding the vascularization of the face and assessing potential risks is crucial to ensure patient safety and optimal outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the utility of thermal scanning and Doppler ultrasonography in evaluating the vascular risk for facial procedures. Material and Methods: A cohort of 60 patients were included in this prospective study. Preoperative thermal scanning and Doppler ultrasonography were performed in order to visualize the facial vasculature and identify potential areas of risk. Results: For 30 patients, we performed preprocedural Doppler ultrasound imaging and thermal scanning at the injection site. Only 6.66% of them suffered vascular complications, whilst 23.33% among those who didn’t undergo ultrasound and thermoscanning suffered vascular injuries. The combined use of these tools proved to be valuable in assessing the vascular risk for facial procedures. The findings emphasize the importance of preoperative assessment to identify patients at risk for vascular complications. Conclusions: Thermal scanning and Doppler ultrasonography offer a comprehensive approach to assessing the vascular risk for facial procedures. By ensuring the identification of abnormal vascular patterns and altered blood flow dynamics, these techniques enhance patient safety and procedure planning.

Improving outcomes in single chamber leadless pacemakers: strategies for minimizing vascular complications

BackgroundLeadless pacemaker therapy is associated with a significant reduction in lead-related complication rate compared to conventional transvenous single chamber pacemaker therapy. However, a significant complication rate of 1.2% was observed in vascular access due to the use of large delivery femoral sheath (27Fr). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of real-time ultrasound guidance and Z suture technique in reducing total and major vascular complications in leadless pacemaker therapy.MethodIn this study, we performed a retrospective and prospective analysis of all adverse events associated with leadless pacemaker (Micra) implantation by two operators at a single tertiary center from December 2016 to December 2018. To mitigate the risk of vascular complications, all patients underwent real-time ultrasound-guided venipuncture for vascular access, as well as the application of a Z-suture technique for hemostasis at the end of the procedure. Data were collected on implant indications, implant procedure details, complications, and follow-up information.ResultsIn this study, 45 patients with an age range of 24 to 94 years (mean 76 ± 14 years) were recruited, with 21 (46.6%) being female. The pacing indications for the patients included atrial fibrillation (24, 53.3%), vascular (7, 15.5%), infection (9, 20%), cognitive/frailty (3, 6.6%), and occupational (2, 4.4%). The implant procedures were performed under general anesthesia in 6 (13.3%) of the cases, and under local anesthesia and sedation in 39 (86.6%) of the cases. A single deployment was achieved in 43 (95.5%) of the patients, while 2 deployments were required in 2 (4.4%) of the patients. Notably, no vascular or major complications were reported in our cohort of patients.ConclusionsThe results of this observational study indicate that incorporating real-time ultrasound guidance during venipuncture and the use of a Z-suture technique significantly reduce the occurrence of both total and major vascular complications associated with the implantation of leadless pacemaker. However, more robust and larger studies are required in order to confirm these results and implications for clinical practice.