Standard Wire Research Articles

Evaluation of Standard Wire Loop Method in Determination of Significant Bacteriuria among Pregnant Women in Ekpoma

Standard wire loop method is a time-tested method for UTI diagnosis. The term "bacteriuria" means the presence of bacteria in urine. It may result from contamination during or after collection of urine or it may indicate the presence of bacteria in the bladder urine. There are several cultural quantitative techniques for determining bacteriuria but standard wire loop method is the most popular method though relatively simple and cheap. This study was carried out to evaluate the standard wire loop method for determination of significant bacteriuria among pregnant women in Ekpoma. A total of one hundred (100) early morning mid-stream urine samples from pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ekpoma and environs were collected aseptically using sterile, wide-mouthed, leak-proof universal bottles. Microscopic examination was carried out to detect the presence of pus cells, epithelial cells, red blood cells, yeast cells, crystals, parasites, bacteria and casts. Undiluted urine, 1:10and 1:1000 diluted urine samples were aseptically inoculated into blood agar and MacConkey agar using the Standard Loop method and compared with Miles and Mirsa method, it was incubated at 370C aerobically for 24 hours. After incubation colonies were counted and isolates identified by standard biochemical methods. Colony count of ≥105 CFU per ml were considered as significant growth. In vitro antibiotics susceptibility of bacterial isolates was determined using disc diffusion technique. The data generated was analyzed statistically using the chi-squared statistics to ascertain the significance of the results. Out of 100 urine samples collected 39(39%) samples yielded significant bacterial growth, while 61(61%) of the samples had no significant bacterial growth or no growth with higher prevalence in age group <25 years which is a sexually active group than in other age group ≤35 years which had incidence rate of 12 (25%). Standard loop method gave false positive rates of 4/35 (11.4%) and false negative rates of 4/36 (11.1%). The standard loop was found to have a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 88.9% and identical results in 76.3% of the samples. To reduce bacteriuria and consequently prevent UTIs, it is necessary to take the precautions by doing regular routine check-ups and appropriate treatment. For large scale urine surveys the method chosen should be reasonably accurate, fast and simple to use. The materials required should be minimal, stable and easily transported. It is recommended that the method of choice for most laboratories is the standard loop method.

How to use eddy current technology to test ferrous and non-ferrous wire

Eddy Current inspection is a technique used for detecting surface seams, cracks, pits, slivers and internal discontinuities in ferrous and non-ferrous wire. Different test sensor configurations including encircling coil and rotary probes can be used. When using encircling coil eddy current testing, the wire passes through the coil excited by an alternating current with one or more Drive signals. Rotary probe inspection can reliably detect surface seams and cracks using eddy currents which are induced by one or more probes traversing the surface of the material under test. Wire sizes can range from ultra-fine below .002” (.051mm), fine wire .002” (.051mm) to .005” (.127mm), standard wire .006” (.152mm) to .725” (18.42mm). Encircling coil testing can be used for the whole range whereas Rotary probe inspection can only be used above .200” (5.08mm).

Enhancing guidewire efficacy for transradial access: the EAGER randomised controlled trial

Abstract Background and Purpose The standard J tip peripheral guidewire used to perform coronary angiography was originally designed for transfemoral access and large vascular interventions over 70 years ago. The 3mm J tip on the standard wire is larger than the typical radial artery diameter and has limited ability to navigate smaller tortuous peripheral arteries increasing the risk of vessel spasm, and potentially reducing procedural success. We compared the efficacy and safety of a hydrophilic 1.5mm J tip guidewire (intervention - ‘baby J wire’) upfront versus the standard fixed core 0.035" J wire (‘control wire’). Methods Investigator initiated, blinded multicentre randomised trial conducted in Australia. Patients undergoing clinically indicated transradial coronary angiography were randomized 1:1 to either control or baby J peripheral guidewire use upfront. The primary endpoint was technical success defined as gaining access to the aortic root with the randomised guidewire. Secondary endpoints included total procedural time, time to aorta and coronary intubation, crossover rates to alternate wire or access site, fluoroscopy times, radial artery spasm, haematoma (EASY criteria), bleeding complications (BARC criteria) and vascular complications (VARC 2 criteria). Major adverse cardiac events (MACE) and clinical endpoints were adjudicated by a blinded independent clinical events committee. Results 330 patients were enrolled over a 9-month period from October 2022 to June 2023. The median age was 69 years (36% female), BMI 29kg/m2. The primary efficacy endpoint of technical success was achieved more frequently in the intervention group (96% v 85%; ARR 10.9% (95% CI 4.6 -17.2); P <0.001). Women were significantly more likely to benefit from the intervention related to higher failure rates with the control wire (69% vs 93% in men; P = < 0.001). Overall procedure times were similar between the groups (median 1135 vs 1354 seconds; P=0.094) but fluoroscopy time was lower in the baby J wire group (median 344 vs 491 seconds; P = 0.024). Radial completion of procedures was high and did not differ between groups (100% v 98%; P=0.2). Clinically significant bleeding (BARC2+) was more common in the control wire group (3% v 0%; P=0.017). There were no differences in MACE or vascular complications. Conclusion The hydrophilic 1.5mm J tip Baby J peripheral guidewire leads to greater upfront technical success and reduced fluoroscopy time for transradial coronary angiography compared to the standard 3mm J tip guidewire. The baby J hydrophilic guidewire is safe and may have key incremental benefits for the transradial approach particularly in patients with smaller diameter radial arteries including women.Primary Outcome

Структура та властивості багатошарового металу, наплавленого електродними порошковими дротами з осердям із порошків феросплавів та гранульованих твердосплавних матеріалів

Comparative studies of the possibility of using granulated hard alloy powders as a charge of flux-cored wires for electric arc surfacing have been carried out. In the studies, granulated powder of the PG-R6M5 brand with a fraction of 50...300 μm was used. As a standard, a flux-cored wire was used, in the core of which there was a composition of powders of different ferroalloys of the same fraction. The content of the charge components in the core of the standard wire was selected and calculated so as to obtain a similar chemical composition to the wire containing granulated hard alloy powder. The test samples were obtained by layer-by-layer electric arc surfacing under the flux layer with flux-cored wires on low-carbon steel plates. To obtain identical dependences, the flux-cored wires had the same diameter and filling factor and differed only in the content of the core. The test samples were deposited under the same conditions with strict adherence to the deposition regimes, which were monitored using a high-speed analog-to-digital converter. It was determined that the use of granulated hard alloy powder as a charge of flux-cored wire has a positive effect on the melting characteristics of the wire and the stability of the welding process in general in comparison with the standard reference wire, the charge of which contains ferroalloys. This effect can be explained by the greater chemical purity of the granulated powder and the uniformity of the physicochemical properties of its particles in comparison with the powders of various ferroalloys. The determined features of the melting of the wire with a charge with granulated hard alloy powder have a positive effect on the quality of the formation of the multilayer deposited metal and its structure, leading to an increase in its homogeneity, some grinding of the grain and a decrease in the number and size of microdefects, which should positively affect the operational properties of the deposited metal. Keywords: electric arc surfacing, multilayer deposited metal, tool steels, granular hard alloy powder, ferroalloy, metal structure.

Enhancing Wireless Charging for Electric Vehicles: Active Load Impedance Matching and Its Impact on Efficiency, Cost and Size

This paper presents an advanced Wireless Power Transfer (WPT) system for electric vehicles (EVs) featuring Active Load Impedance Matching (ALIM) at the rectification stage. Unlike traditional synchronous rectification, ALIM dynamically adjusts load impedance, optimizing energy transfer efficiency and reducing thermal stresses, system costs, and mass. The system incorporates two circuits optimized for distinct frequency bands: one operates below 10 kHz using standard copper wiring for cost-effectiveness, and the other at 85 kHz, which significantly reduces the mass of the onboard coil and magnetic circuit while ensuring interoperability according to SAE J2954 standard. Our approach enhances charging efficiency across various operating conditions, improves thermal management, and minimizes maintenance costs. Additionally, it enables partial compensation for vehicle misalignment and ground assembly impedance, further boosting efficiency and interoperability. Experimental results demonstrate a notable increase in efficiency and reduction in system mass, confirming the superiority of the ALIM-equipped WPT system over conventional solutions. This paper underscores the potential of ALIM to advance the scalability, efficiency, and economic viability of wireless EV charging technology, promoting broader adoption and sustainability in EV infrastructures. By providing a comprehensive solution that addresses key challenges in wireless charging, our work paves the way for more efficient and cost-effective EV charging systems.

The pressure-derived microvascular resistance reserve and its correlation to Doppler MRR measurement-a proof of concept study.

Microvascular resistance reserve (MRR) is a recently introduced specific index of coronary microcirculation. MRR calculation can utilize parameters deriving from coronary flow reserve (CFR) assessment, provided that intracoronary pressure data are also available. The previously proposed pressure-bounded CFR (CFRpb) defines the possible CFR interval on the basis of resting and hyperemic pressure gradients in the epicardial vessel, however, its correlation to the Doppler wire measurement was reported to be rather poor without the correction for hydrostatic pressure. We aimed to determine the pressure-bounded coronary MRR interval with hydrostatic pressure correction according to the previously established equations of CFRpb adapted for the MRR concept. Furthermore, we also aimed to design a prediction model using the actual MRR value within the pressure-bounded interval and validate the results against the gold-standard Doppler wire technique. Hydrostatic pressure between the tip of the catheter and the sensor of the pressure wire was calculated by height difference measurement from a lateral angiographic view. In the derivation cohort the pressure-bounded MRR interval (between MRRpbmin and MRRpbmax) was determined solely from hydrostatic pressure-corrected intracoronary pressure data. The actual MRR was calculated by simple hemodynamic equations incorporating the anatomical data of the three-dimensionally reconstructed coronary artery (MRRp-3D). These results were analyzed by regression analyses to find relations between the MRRpb bounds and the actual MRRp-3D. In the derivation cohort of 23 measurements, linear regression analysis showed a tight relation between MRRpbmax and MRRp-3D (r 2 = 0.74, p < 0.0001). Using this relation (MRRp-3D = 1.04 + 0.51 × MRRpbmax), the linear prediction of the MRR was tested in the validation cohort of 19 measurements against the gold standard Doppler wire technique. A significant correlation was found between the linearly predicted and the measured values (r = 0.54, p = 0.01). If the area stenosis (AS%) was included to a quadratic prediction model, the correlation was improved (r = 0.63, p = 0.004). The MRR can be predicted reliably to assess microvascular function by our simple model. After the correction for hydrostatic pressure error, the pressure data during routine FFR measurement provides a simultaneous physiological assessment of the macro- and microvasculature.

Practice Patterns in Sternal Closure and Evaluation of Adoption of a Novel Sternal Closure Device.

The technique for sternal closure has remained largely unchanged owing to the efficacy, simplicity, and low cost of stainless-steel sternal wires. Despite their ubiquity, several other closure devices designed to address the complications associated with sternal wires such as sternal bleeding and dehiscence have become popular. We have developed a novel sternal closure device that reduces sternal bleeding and dehiscence. This study quantifies the use of currently available sternal closure devices and determines predicted uptake of the novel device. An electronic survey, designed to determine practice patterns for sternal closure, was distributed to 70 US cardiac surgeons. The survey included a discrete choice section in which surgeons evaluated relative value of device attributes including cost, ease of emergent sternal reentry, and dehiscence risk. There were 70 surgeons from 30 states who completed the survey. The most frequent means of sternal closure was straight sternal wires (35.8%), followed by straight sternal wires plus figure-of-8 sternal wires (18.1%), double wires (10.9%), plates (10.2%), and other (25%). The relative utilization shifted from sternal wires to sternal plates as the risk for dehiscence increased. The adoption of the novel closure device was estimated at 34.6%. The standard stainless-steel sternal wire remains the most common means of sternal reapproximation, but its utilization is lower in patients at high risk for sternal dehiscence. Based on this survey, there is acceptance in the community for a novel sternal closure device designed to address the limitations of traditional sternal closure methods.

New microfocus source based on a betatron for hard X-rays imaging

The paper reports experimental results demonstrating some properties of microfocus radiation generated in narrow internal silicon (Si) and tantalum (Ta) targets of the B-18 betatron with electron energy of 18 MeV. The targets were 50-μm- and 8-μm-thick Si crystals and a 13-μm-thick Ta foil oriented with a goniometer along the inner electron beam. The results showed strong dependence of the radiation beam shape on the orientation of the target relative to the electron beam, and on the target material. The resolution and contrast dependences of the Duplex IQI standard wire pair images on the position of the pairs in the radiation beam and on the target material are shown. The obtained results revealed the role of absorption and refraction of radiation in generation of magnified images of plastic and metal plate edges. Radiation generated in the Ta target showed high detection sensitivity for narrow gaps and thin inclusions in steel thickness.

Evaluation of Melting Efficiency in Cold Wire Gas Metal Arc Welding Using 1020 Steel as Substrate

A key welding parameter to quantify in the welding process is the ratio of the heat required to melt the weld metal versus the total energy delivered to the weld, and this is referred to as the melting efficiency. It is generally expected that the productivity of the welding process is linked to this melting efficiency, with more productive processes typically having higher melting efficiency. A comparison is made between the melting efficiency in standard gas metal arc welding (GMAW) and cold wire gas metal arc welding (CW-GMAW) for the three primary transfer modes: short-circuit, globular, and spray regime. CW-GMAW specimens presented higher melting efficiency than GMAW for all transfer modes. Moreover, an increase in plate thickness in the spray transfer regime caused the melting efficiency to increase, contrary to what is expected.

The Effect of Twisted Wire Configuration on the Stability of External Fixator: A Biomechanical Study

The Ilizarov fixator is a type of external fixator that is used to treat patients who have suffered injuries from accidents, bone shortening, or nonunion of the bone. The principle behind the Ilizarov fixator is that thin wires (called Kirschner wires) are used to support the bones and connect them to framed rings. Before being fastened to the rings, the wires are tensioned and drilled through the bones. This study suggests using a new parallel wires configuration at the same level on the same ring and two revised versions, which are divergent and convergent models, and compare them with standard wires, 60 angle wires model. All models were designed using SolidWorks, a computer-aided design (CAD) software, and then analyzed in four conditions (axial compression, medial bending, posterior bending, and torsion) with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) using Ansys Workbench 2020 R2. Mechanical testing was conducted to validate the FEA results, A simple model consisting of a single ring, two K-wires, and polylactic acid (PLA) cylinders was utilized in a tensile test. It has been concluded from the results that the parallel model and its improvement have higher stiffness to axial compression, medial bending, and torsion, but a lower posterior bending stiffness, except the divergent model with 8-hole separation which has a relatively acceptable stiffness for posterior bending.

3D Woven Liquid Metals for Radio‐Frequency Stretchable Circuits

AbstractMechanically flexible and stretchable inductive coils are critical for enabling communication, sensing, and wireless power transfer capabilities in wearable electronics that conform to the body for healthcare and Internet of Things (IoT) applications. Leading stretchable conductors such as liquid metals (LMs) offer conformability but sacrifice electromagnetic performance compared with Cu wires, leading to lossy radio‐frequency (RF) characteristics. Here, a strategy leveraging multistranded 3D woven ‘litz’ transmission lines is presented to amplify the resonant RF performance of LM inductors. Through comprehensive simulations and experiments, it is discovered that interwoven LM litz wires boost the Quality Factor (Q) by 80% compared to standard liquid metal wires. A fabrication methodology is also demonstrated for stretchable coils that retain high Q (&gt;30), outperforming the previously reported LM coils and maintaining 98% of their wireless transmission efficiency under up to 30% biaxial strain. Moreover, the versatility of this approach is showcased by 3D printing four‐terminal ‘choke’ inductors optimized for RF filtering and inductance tunability, overcoming the fabrication limitations of traditional planar printed electronics. These results offer valuable insights into the design and implementation of 3D‐printed inductors for a diverse suite of electromagnetic device applications.

Mechanical Analysis of a Novel Sternal Closure System in Static Tensile Loading.

The most common means of sternal closure after sternotomy is stainless steel wire cerclage. These wires, while inexpensive and simple in design, are known to be associated with low strength and sternal dehiscence. In this biomechanical analysis, we compare single sternal wires, double sternal wires, and a novel sternal closure device we have designed to mitigate sternal dehiscence. The device uses polymer grommets at the sternal interfaces to distribute load over a large surface area of bone. Samples of each closure device were installed in a bone model and distracted at a rate of 10 mm/min while tensile forces were continuously measured and compared. Single wires generated the lowest stiffness and strength values, followed by the double wires. The novel device demonstrated significantly higher stiffness and strength at all displacements compared with the single and double wires. Clinical use of this device may result in meaningful reduction in complications associated with the use of standard sternal wires such as sternal separation and fracture.

Silver Bonding Wire - an Alternative for Mechanical Sensitive Chip Configurations in Automotive Electronics Packaging

Silver (Ag) bond wires are mainly used in consumer products as a reliable low-cost alternative to gold (Au) bond wires. In previous investigations, we have shown that silver wires also have potential for use in the automotive sector (1, 2, 3, 4], where the materials are exposed to particularly harsh environmental conditions. In order to understand thc intluence of these conditions in the electronic package on the silver-aluminum material system, we carried out extensive studies on test packages built on laboratory level. For the future development of challenging automotive devices, it will be important to have a cooperation between semiconductor package developer and material supplier with an assist of characterization spccialists. In this project, we formed a threeparty project in which characterization specialists, package developer, and wire manufacturer collectivcly conduct a feasibility study of a new Ag wire material for automotive application. Two wire types (standard Ag wire and new type of Ag wire GX2s) were chosen for the investigation in direct comparison regarding long-term reliability. Samples were built under mass production conditions and then subjected to various reliability tests following AEC-Q006 requirements. Subsequently, mechanical characterizations by means of ball shear and pull tests as weil as high resolution SEM microstructure analyses on cross-section samples are applied. In the paper, results of the different tests will be summarized, but a more in-depth analysis will be given to the temperature cycle test (TCT), where the most significant differences between the sample variations occurred. Overall, the results show the importance of the knowledge for the material reliability upfront a device qualification process (robustness validation) and give further guidance for material selection.

UV Laser Copper Pad Surface Exposure for Laser Direct Structuring (LDS) of Interconnection

Microelectronics market demands strong miniaturization and high-quality packages solutions; therefore, companies and researchers start thinking about alternative methods to create more flexible and performing interconnections which are able to reduce package dimensions. Laser direct structuring (LDS) technology creates a conductive pattern on MID (Moulded Interconnected Device) with the combination of laser layout structuring and electroplating bath. LDS can be applied to leadframe based IC packages to realize interconnections in alternative to standard wires connection. Feasibility study on copper (Cu) pad covered by moulding compound is conducted varying laser parameters as power, frequency and scanning speed to obtain a 80μm diameter via on die. Die via is connected through a trace with a 200μm diameter via on lead to realize the interconnection path, filled with copper after plating process. UV 355nm wavelength laser is used to obtain a complete exposition of Cu surface without silicon damage. Visual inspection with optical microscope and SEM analysis method are performed to evaluate the integrity of metal pads and interconnection layout.

Failure Analysis on OPGW Cable During Short Circuit Test

A new type of ground wire used for communication lines in high-voltage power transmission systems is called Optical Ground Wire cable (OPGW). In addition to serving as a communication optical cable and standard overhead ground wire, it may also prevent lightning strikes and carry short circuit currents. The OPGW cable must fulfil the specifications for both construction and performance for the ground wire to work, the optical fiber integrity, and the optical transmission characteristics to be appropriate for the intended use. It is anticipated that OPGW cables will safeguard the optical fiber and that the cable’s temperature won’t rise to the point where the fiber’s parameters could deteriorate. This paper examines the analysis and review of OPGW cable failure cases during short circuit tests.

No benefit in using rubber‐coated wire to counter loss of voltage due to tall grass in large carnivore deterring fences

Electric wire enclosures to protect livestock represent one intervention to mitigate negative impacts of large carnivores. However, appropriate fence construction and voltage level in the live wires are crucial to deter carnivores. To ensure that the voltage level remains sufficiently high, maintenances and clearing the wires from tall or growing vegetation is regularly needed. In this study, we investigate the performance of a fence wire coated with conductive rubber, claimed by the supplier not to short circuit and drop in voltage due to contact with e.g. ground and vegetation. We examine the voltage of the rubber‐coated wire during contact with soil, ground, and wet vegetation and observed a voltage loss comparable to that of the standard metal fence wire. Our results imply that the rubber‐coated wire does not perform better than a conventional metal fence wire when in contact with growing grass and other elements that usually short circuit an electric fence.

Abstract WP195: The Impact of Tortuosity on Microwire Torquability

Introduction: Navigation of a microguidewire through the intracranial vasculature is crucial for the success and safety of neuroendovascular procedures. Its navigation is influenced by a combination of patient factors, such as vessel tortuosity, and device factors, such as microwire torquability. In this study, we compared the torquability of microwires in two vascular models of differing tortuosity. Methods: We tested torquability of three 0.014” nitinol microwires (Synchro Select Soft, Standard, or Support, Stryker Neurovascular, Fremont, CA) docked in either a moderate tortuosity silicone flow model of the middle cerebral artery (MCA), or a severe tortuosity model of the anterior cerebral artery (ACA). Tortuosity was determined by measuring the length of the centerline/straight length (MCA 1.28, ACA 2.22). The microwires were rotated proximally at a constant rate of 180 degrees per second, seven times clockwise and seven times counterclockwise. Rotation at the distal tip was quantified by measuring the change in angle every 0.2 seconds over 6 seconds. To quantify the deviation of distal tip motion from the ideal, the difference between the distal degrees measured and the proximal degrees rotated were summed and compared between wires. Results: In the severe tortuosity ACA model, the distal tip of the stiffer Support wire displayed significantly larger deviation from ideal than either the Standard (p&lt;0.0001) or Soft (p&lt;0.0001) wires. There was no significant difference amongst the three wires in the moderate tortuosity MCA model (p=0.598). Discussion: Our results demonstrated that increased vessel tortuosity decreased the torquability of the stiffer Support microwire. This was observed as “whip” motions of the Support wire in the severe tortuosity model, likely due to its higher bending rigidity. In cases of distal vessel selection or tortuous vasculature, our results suggest a Soft or Standard microwire should be utilized in place of a stiff wire.

Retroperitoneal synovial sarcoma

Synovial sarcoma of the retroperitoneum is a rare and aggressive tumor. In some cases, differential diagnosis between retroperitoneal sarcoma and adrenocortical cancer is difficult due to the similar clinical and intrascopic manifestations of these neoplasms. The final diagnosis is established based on the results of histological, immunohistochemical and genetic studies. The most important step in the treatment of synovial sarcoma is complete removal of the tumor. However, despite the radical nature of the intervention, the incidence of local relapse and metastasis remains high.&#x0D; AIM: to conduct a retrospective analysis of the parameters of operated patients with synovial sarcoma of the retroperitoneum.&#x0D; This study is aimed at studying the results of examination and surgical treatment of patients with synovial sarcoma of the retroperitoneal space who were hospitalized in the E.E. Eichwald Clinic surgical department of the North-Western State Medical University named after. I.I. Mechnikov.&#x0D; The patients were assessed for hormonal status using an immunoassay to determine the levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone, cortisol, aldosterone, renin, normetanephrine and metanephrine in the blood, and a dexamethasone suppression test has been performed at a dose of 1 mg. High-performance liquid chromatography has determined 6 glucocorticoids in the blood serum: cortisol, cortisone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, 11-dehydrocorticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol. The urine steroid profile was studied in all the patients using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. All the patients underwent computed tomography of the abdominal organs and retroperitoneal space with contrast, morphological and immunohistochemical examination of the removed material. The material was fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin. The pieces were then subjected to standard wiring followed by embedding in paraffin. Sections 2–3 microns thick were prepared from the resulting blocks and stained with hematoxylin and eosin. Immunohistochemical studies were performed on paraffin sections. A panel of monoclonal antibodies was used: protein S-100 (poly), pancytokeratin (AE1/AE3), EMA, cytokeratin-8, -18, chromogranin A, synaptophysin, α-inhibin, SOX-10, CD99, TLE-1, bcl- 2, GATA-3. Postoperative outcomes and follow-up were assessed according to the information in the medical records and data obtained from a telephone conversation with each patient. Statistical processing of the results has not been out due to rare cases of the disease.

A deformed Lunderquist wire in a percutaneous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair procedure

Introduction: An endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) is a minimally invasive procedure for repairing an abdominal aneurysm. The advantage of this procedure is that EVAR does not require a laparotomy, hence reducing the physical insult to the body with a quicker recovery time for the patient. Percutaneous EVAR (PEVAR) involves accessing the femoral arteries percutaneously using an access needle without the need of a groin dissection. In this case, a guidewire was damaged and an emergency ‘cut down’ was required to repair the femoral artery. Case: An 85-year-old woman attended for an elective EVAR. The initial access was gained via percutaneous punctures to both her common femoral arteries under ultrasound guidance. On completion of the procedure the guidewire was removed with difficulty and an emergency right femoral dissection was performed and the common femoral artery was repaired. Postoperatively, the patient recovered well and was discharged the following day after observation. Discussion: In PEVAR there is no need to make an incision to dissect down to the vessels. Although the vascular closure device comes with an access wire, a standard wire can be passed through; in this case, a stiff wire was used. After removal of the guidewire from the right groin it was found that the wire was severely deformed. It is thought that the wire was caught in the calcium within the vessel. Conclusion: Although PEVAR is a common procedure, one must be mindful that many factors can affect the endovascular access and closure of the patient. The wire was damaged in this case, either in the femoral artery or in the closure device. It is paramount for vascular surgeons to anticipate that this could be a complication of PEVAR.

Retained Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval: Novel Approach Using Tiger Tooth Foreign Body Holding Forceps

Abstract Only about one-third of all inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are successfully retrieved. This is largely due to factors such as IVC occlusion, filter tilt, and caval wall penetration among other reasons. IVC filter retrieval methods currently followed in practice involve the use of standard snares and wires, endobronchial forceps, LASER-tipped sheaths, and even open surgery. However, the success rate of filter retrieval continues to remain low, thereby increasing the risk of complications associated with retained IVC filters. This warrants a need to explore and adopt newer techniques of IVC filter retrieval. In this case report, we describe the novel use of a tiger tooth foreign body holding forceps in the successful retrieval of a retained IVC filter in an elderly man with intracranial hemorrhage.