Vascular Anatomy Research Articles

Laparoscopic nephrectomy in patients with renal exclusion secondary to urolithiasis. Which factors can predispose conversion to open surgery?

The prevalence of urolithiasis is 7-10% and has increased over the past years. Simple nephrectomy is, therefore, indicated when renal exclusion is associated with recurrent urinary tract infections and/or chronic pain. The aim of the study was to describe the surgical experience of laparoscopic nephrectomy (LPN) due to urolithiasis in Mexican South-east and which factors can predispose conversion to open surgery. This was a retrospective study including patients with renal exclusion secondary to urolithiasis, who underwent laparoscopic simple nephrectomy between 2016 and 2019. Forty simple LPN for renal exclusion due to urolithiasis was performed between 2016 and 2019. Mean age was 47 ± 10.8 and 82.5% were female. The mean BMI was 30.2 ± 5 kg/m2, mean operative time was 165.2 ± 64. Conversion rate was 12.5% (n = 5). Conversion was significantly associated with abnormal hilum vascular anatomy (p = 0.001), hilum adherences (p = 0.001), and hydronephrosis (p = 0.001). LPN is a safe surgical technique for renal exclusion due to urolithiasis. Hydronephrosis, abnormal vascular anatomy, and the adherences that involved de hilum are the factors that could predictive conversion to open surgery.

Reporting lower extremity CT angiography for treatment planning

Diagnostic radiologists play an important role in the evaluation of patients presenting with signs and symptoms of lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, including critical limb ischemia in both acute and chronic settings, and intermittent claudication. The complications associated with tissue and/or limb loss related to acute limb ischemia and critical limb ischemia of the lower extremity make rapid diagnosis and early intervention critical in the management of these patients. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) is an effective, widely available, easily reproducible, non-invasive imaging modality that offers a rapid and accurate means to diagnose and grade the extent of vascular disease. However, CTA run-off reports are usually dictated in free text form, and referring and treating physicians may be unsure whether an anatomic structure has been evaluated if it has not been specifically mentioned in the report. In this article, the vascular anatomy and anatomic variants of the lower extremity, the most common lower extremity vascular pathologies are reviewed and clinically important CTA imaging findings are outlined. This provides a framework for radiologists to accurately evaluate lower extremity vascular pathologies and convey clinically relevant imaging findings for management by vascular surgeons or interventional radiologists.

The Surgical Vascular Anatomy of the Lower Lumbar Arteries and Its Implications in Minimally Invasive Spine Surgery: A Cadaveric Study.

Minimally invasive lateral lumbar interbody fusion is a technique that has become increasingly popular for the treatment of degenerative lumbar spine disease; however, the pertinent surgical vascular anatomy has not been examined in detail. The goal of this study is to examine the anatomy of the lower lumbar and median sacral arteries, which are important determinants of these surgical outcomes. This is an observational, experimental study based on cadaveric models, including 20 embalmed adult human cadavers. The following measurements were made: length of the lumbar and median sacral arteries, vertical distance between the third and fourth lumbar arteries and the superior end plate of the corresponding vertebrae, anterior vertebral body height, and intervertebral disc height. Our sample showcased considerable variability regarding vascular anatomy around the lower lumbar spine. In 10% of specimens, the abdominal aorta bifurcated at the level of the L3-L4 intervertebral disc, and 20% showed variations in vena cava origin. Regarding the lumbar arteries, in 10% of the sample, the fourth lumbar artery was absent on the right side, and 10% presented a fifth lumbar artery. The median sacral artery was present in all cadavers; however, in 15% of specimens, it originated from a common trunk that also gave rise to the fourth pair of lumbar arteries. Anterior vertebral body height was smaller in L3 comparing with L5 (P = 0.003), and there was a significant cephalocaudal increase in the anterior intervertebral disc height in the analyzed levels (P < 0.001). Bilaterally, the distance between the fourth lumbar arteries and the superior end plate of the L4 vertebral body was shorter than this distance at the L3 vertebral body (P < 0.001 and P = 0.002 on the right and left, respectively). These data may be useful in spine surgery planning and operative management. These anatomic variations should be identified beforehand to prevent difficulties during surgery and possible complications.

Translated article] Graphic representation of intraosseous and extraosseous talus blood supply. Illustrated anatomy

BackgroundThe vascular anatomy of the talus attracts intense research being not always easy to understand.The high intraosseous variability together with the anatomical characteristics makes some areas of the talus more prone to vascular compromise.The aim of this study is to describe the vascularisation of the talus, both intraosseous and extraosseous. Material and methodsFrom the literature reviewed, we have developed a graphic scheme that allows easy observation of the irrigation distribution. To this end, nineteen anatomical dissections of human cadaveric feet have been carried out. Fifteen fresh-frozen slices have been cut in different planes and prepared using the modified Spalteholz technique and latex injection with blue and black ink to visualise the vascular network. In addition, the study has been complemented with a comprehensive literature review on this subject. ResultsThe findings allowed us to conclude that the posterior tibial artery provides the most important blood supply to the neck and body of the talus through the tarsal canal artery and the deltoid branch.The anterior tibial artery splits in the dorsal pedis artery, for the head and neck, and the lateral tarsal artery which throughout anastomoses breeds the tarsal sinus artery.The perforating peroneal artery branches out from the peroneal artery, creating an intraosseous anastomosis for the body and the posterior process. ConclusionThe results obtained have contributed to develop a graphical representation that we present in this study, which allows a simple understanding of the intraosseus and extraosseus vascularisation of the talus.

A Motion Artifact Correction Algorithm for Cone-Beam CT in Patients with Hepatic Malignancies Treated with Transarterial Chemoembolization

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of a motion artifact correction algorithm (MACA) on cone-beam computed tomography (CT) during transarterial chemoembolization for hepatic malignancies. Materials and MethodsFrom June 2020 to March 2021, 42 patients with mild-to-severe motion artifacts detected using single cone-beam CT scans were evaluated retrospectively. The image quality of native and motion-corrected data was compared. The maximum intensity, sharpness, and full width at half maximum (FWHM) of 5 segmental hepatic arteries were quantitatively measured. The overall quality of maximum intensity projection (MIP) images, conspicuity of tumor-supplying arteries, and need for selective angiography to ascertain the vascular anatomy were qualitatively evaluated by multiple readers. Paired t and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to compare the parameters. ResultsThe mean maximum intensity and sharpness increased from 2,792.01 HU ± 451.36 to 3,148.40 HU ± 594.46 and from 0.31 ± 0.02/mm to 0.34 ± 0.02/mm, respectively, using the MACA (both P < .001). The MACA decreased the mean FWHM from 2.02 mm ± 0.27 to 1.78 mm ± 0.26 (P < .001). The overall quality of the MIP images and the conspicuity of the tumor-supplying artery were enhanced from 2.5 to 3.0 points and from 3.0 to 4.0 points, respectively (both P < .001). Selective angiography was expected to be omitted in 7 cases (16.7%, 7/42) after using the MACA. ConclusionsThe MACA significantly improved both quantitative and qualitative image quality of cone-beam CT in selected patients with motion artifacts during transarterial chemoembolization for hepatic malignancies.

“Posterior interosseus artery flap for hand reconstruction: anatomical basis and clinical application”

SummaryFlap options for upper limb reconstruction have increased due to better understanding of its vascular anatomy. The posterior interosseus artery flap (PIAF) is used to cover defects of the wrist, hand, proximal thumb, and first web space. This flap has many advantages but requires good knowledge about the anatomy of the posterior interosseus artery (PIOA) and its perforators.MethodsTwenty upper extremity cadaveric specimens were injected with red latex, Fine dissection of the PIOA and its perforators took place; the perforators were counted, measured, described and photographed.Twenty patients with dorsal hand defects, had PIAF. Cases have Post-operative care and followed up for 6 months post-operative.ResultsThe PIOA was constant in all cadaveric dissections and gave off 4–8 septocutaneous perforators along its course between the extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU) and extensor digitorum (EDM) muscles.The mean distance of the distal most perforator in the middle third forearm from the ulnar styloid was 10.39 ± 1.54 cm. The anastomosis between the PIOA and the anterior interosseus artery (AIOA) was there in all specimens.Venous congestion occurred in 10% of the cases and was managed conservatively. Necrosis of the distal third of the flap was inevitable in one case; excellent results were obtained in the other cases 90%.ConclusionsThe posterior interosseus artery flap is an excellent perforator flap for hand reconstruction preserving the ulnar and radial artery; but it has a possible complications such as venous congestion or partial flap necrosis that could be managed conservatively.Level of evidenceII.

Stand-Alone Large Bore Aspiration Catheter (0.072 Inch) for Both Guide Support and Clot Aspiration in Transradial Posterior Circulation Stroke Thrombectomy: Technical Series.

The large size of guide catheters in the traditional triaxial configuration can prove limiting during transradial vertebrobasilar thrombectomy. This is especially important for the direct aspiration technique because of the large aspiration catheters that can reach an inner diameter of 0.072 in. A strategy that strikes a balance between stable proximal vessel support and distal navigation for aspiration is conceptually attractive. To describe a series of transradial posterior circulation thrombectomy procedures in which the aspiration catheter served a dual role of guide support and clot aspiration in a coaxial configuration, thus obviating a larger guide catheter. Patients selected in the series underwent radial artery access and direct over-the-wire navigation of the aspiration catheter into the vertebral artery. With coaxial microcatheter navigation, the aspiration catheter reached distal enough to ingest the clot successfully. Along with clinical and angiographic data, imaging features such as angle of vertebral artery origin were calculated. Five patients underwent a stand-alone aspiration catheter technique for basilar artery occlusion through transradial access. All procedures resulted in thrombolysis in cerebral infarction 3 recanalization. The mean time to basilar artery recanalization was 10 minutes. No access site complications or vertebral artery dissection were noted. The mean subclavian artery-vertebral origin angle was 84.06° (range 78.2-90.2°). For patients selected properly based on vascular anatomy and a careful technique, a large bore aspiration catheter can fulfil a stand-alone dual-role, thus obviating the need for a guide catheter. This can potentially improve the technical feasibility and success of transradial vertebrobasilar thrombectomy.

Two unusual variants of pulmonary intra-lobar sequestration.

A pulmonary sequestration is a congenital malformation characterized by non-functional lung tissue with abnormal arterial systemic supply and abnormal connection to the bronchial tree. This may lead to recurrent infections rendering a surgical intervention more demanding. Because of multiple anatomic variations, it is important to obtain high-quality preoperative radiological clarification to determine the most suitable surgical approach. Although a non-surgical technique, consisting of embolization of the aberrant artery has been described, a surgical technique remains the treatment of choice in operable patients. Preoperative embolization of the aberrant artery may reduce the risk of haemorrhage but could cause technical challenges in a hybrid approach and therefore unforeseen peroperative stress to the surgical team. We report 2 adult patients with unusual intra-lobar sequestration with aberrant vascular rare anatomy. Both were treated by surgery. In the latter patient, we performed a hybrid approach. This was complicated by peroperative coils exposure making it a technical challenge to proceed.

Twenty-Five-Year Experience with Minimally Invasive Splenectomy in Children: From Minilaparotomy to Use of Sealing Devices and Indocyanine Green Fluorescence Technology: Tips and Tricks and Technical Considerations.

Background: This study aimed to review our 25-year experience with pediatric laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) and describe tips, tricks, and technical considerations. Methods: The records of 121 children, undergoing minimally invasive splenectomy in the last 25 years (1996-2021), were retrospectively reviewed. Median patient age was 10.2 years (range 7-17). The patients were grouped according to the period: G1 (1996-2005) included 31 patients undergoing open splenectomy using left subcostal minilaparotomy (G1a) and 28 receiving LS using supine position (G1b); G2 (2006-2021) included 62 patients undergoing LS using lateral decubitus. A five-trocar technique was adopted in G1b, with the spleen removed through a Pfannenstiel incision. In G2, we preferred to use lateral decubitus, 10-mm 30° optic, only four trocars, and sealing devices. In such cases, the spleen was placed in an endobag, finger-fragmented, and extracted through the umbilicus. Furthermore, indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence was used in the last 4 G2 patients to clearly identify the vascular anatomy. Results: The median operative time was 65 minutes in G1a, 125 in G1b, and 95 in G2. Complications occurred intraoperatively in 14 cases (11.5%): 5 bleedings during dissection (G1b), 4 endobag breakages during spleen removal (G2); 3 spleen capsule breakages during removal (G1a); and 2 instrumentation failures (G2). No conversions to open occurred. Median hospital stay was 6 days in G1a and 4 days in G1b and G2. Conclusions: LS is a standardized and effective procedure in children and is preferable to mini- or conventional open splenectomy. Our 25-year experience showed that major complications may occur even in expert hands, mainly during hilar dissection or spleen extraction. Technically, sealing devices and ICG fluorescence were helpful to perform a safer and faster procedure. We believe that lateral decubitus and 30° optic should be considered technical key points to provide excellent organ exposure and easier dissection of hilar structures.

Robotic-assisted laparoscopy living donor nephrectomy: Technique and results of a monocentric retrospective series

Robot-assisted nephrectomy for living kidney donation (LKD) has been described in the literature as a safe and reproducible technique in high volume centers with extensive robotic surgery experience. Any surgical procedure in a healthy individual ought to be safe in regards to complications. The objective of this study was to evaluate the Robotic-assisted Living Donor Nephrectomy (RLDN) experience in a robotic surgery expert center. This is a retrospective study from 11/2011 and 12/2019. In total, 118 consecutive Living Donor (LD) kidney transplants were performed at our institution. All the procedures were performed by robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach. Extraction was performed by iliac (IE), vaginal (VE) or umbilical extraction (UE). The left kidney was preferred even if the vascular anatomy was not modal. For donors: the median operative time was 120min with 50mL of blood loss. The median warm ischemia time was 4min, with a non-significant shorter duration with the UE (4min) in comparison with IE or VE (5min). Nine patients had postoperative complications including 1 grade II (blood transfusion) and 1 grade IIIb (vaginal bleeding after VE). None of our procedures were converted to open surgeries and no deaths were reported. For the recipients: 1.7% presented delayed graft function; their median GFR at 1 year was 61mL/min/1.73m2. RLDN in an expert center appears to be a safe technique. The advantages of the robot device in terms of ergonomy don't hamper the surgical outcomes. Donor, recipient and graft survivals seem comparable to the reported laparoscopic outcomes in the literature.

Transradial Versus Transfemoral Approach for Endovascular Thrombectomy of Left Anterior Circulation Stroke With Bovine Arch

Transradial Versus Transfemoral Approach for Endovascular Thrombectomy of Left Anterior Circulation Stroke With Bovine Arch

Management of Patients With Single-Ventricle Physiology Across the Lifespan: Contributions From Magnetic Resonance and Computed Tomography Imaging.

Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) and cardiac computed tomography (CCT) are robust cross-sectional imaging modalities that are increasingly being used to guide the diagnosis and management of those born with single-ventricle physiology. The purpose of this review is to acquaint the reader with the wide range of cross-sectional imaging applications that can be applied in this population. Illustrative examples of information provided by CMR and CCT are included, such as delineation of cardiac anatomy, measurement of ventricular volumetry, interrogation of vascular anatomy and flows, evaluation of myocardial viability, and exclusion of thromboembolic disease. Focus is placed on the appropriate selection and timing of advanced cardiac imaging modalities, and differentiations are made between establishedindications for imaging and emerging applications (such as 4-dimensional [4D] flow assessment and parametric imaging for identification of diffuse fibrosis using CMR). Potential CMR and CCT contributions in the selection of interventional strategies in the child and for surveillance of postoperative complications in the adult are highlighted. Furthermore, the importance of extracardiac cross-sectional imaging in the single-ventricle population is emphasized given the recognition that complications post-Fontan palliation are not limited to the cardiovascular system but will often include extracardiac manifestations of disease (such as hepatic disease or lymphatic abnormalities), While the value of CMR and CCT for contemporary clinical care of individuals born with single-ventricle physiology appears to be well-established, further research will be necessary to explore the impact of risk stratification using imaging biomarkers on clinical outcomes following Fontan palliation.

Estimation of Optimum Flip Angle using 3D VANE XD Technique: Focused on Pre-Contrast and Hepatobiliary Phase

To investigate the optimum flip angle that can enhance image quality, SNR (signal to noise ratio), and CNR (contrast to noise ratio), comparing the images obtained, applying flip angles, 11°, 14°, 17°, 20°, and 23° in getting Liver Hepatobiliary Phase image using 3D VANE XD(3D Multivane mDixon, Philips Healthcare) technique. Experiments were conducted on a total of 30 outpatients and inpatients to our hospital (HCC:10, Metastasis:10, Abscess:10). As for the equipment used in the experiments, Philips Ingenia 3.0T CX was used, and all parameters other than the flip angle were set the same to conduct the tests. As for the image analysis method, using the Image-J program (National Institutes of Health and LOCI), the SNR of the liver, kidney, and pancreas obtained from the images by flip angle before the contrast medium injection and the CNR between the lesion and the normal tissue after the contrast medium injection were measured to conduct comparative analysis. As a result of a comparison of images before and after the contrast medium injection by disease, when the flip angle of 17° was applied, SNR and CNR were measured higher than in the images of other flip angles (p0.05). In the comparisons of the images taken before and after the injection of contrast medium by disease, when a flip angle of 17° was applied, the SNR before contrast medium injection was 28-29 % higher, and the SNR after the injection of contrast medium was 11 % up to 49 % higher than that at other flip angles. There was a difference in CNR before contrast medium injection of 30-43 % and CNR after contrast medium injection of 58-68 %. The measured value increased up to 17° and then decreased after that. Additionally, in the qualitative evaluation, Lesion Conspicuity (p=0.003), Image Artifact (p=0.0001), Lesion Delineation (p=0.0002), and Vascular Anatomy (p=0.0002) received the most excellent evaluations at 17°. In conclusion, in this study, the flip angle of 17° provided the highest SNR and CNR values when the tests were conducted using the free breath hold technique, 3D VANE XD Sequence. Thus, in liver MRI protocol tests, the overall diagnostic information was provided, including hypervascular tumor.

Re-interpreting mesenteric vascular anatomy on 3D virtual and/or physical models, part II: anatomy of relevance to surgeons operating splenic flexure cancer

BackgroundThe splenic flexure is irrigated from two vascular areas, both from the middle colic and the left colic artery. The challenge for the surgeon is to connect these two vascular areas in an oncological safe procedure.Materials and methodsThe vascular anatomy, manually 3D reconstructed from 32 preoperative high-resolution CT datasets using Osirix MD, Mimics Medical and 3-matic Medical Datasets, were exported as STL-files, video clips, stills and supplemented with 3D printed models.ResultsOur first major finding was the difference in level between the middle colic and the inferior mesenteric artery origins. We have named this relationship a mesenteric inter-arterial stair. The middle colic artery origin could be found cranial (median 3.38 cm) or caudal (median 0.58 cm) to the inferior mesenteric artery. The lateral distance between the two origins was 2.63 cm (median), and the straight distance 4.23 cm (median). The second finding was the different trajectories and confluence pattern of the inferior mesenteric vein. This vein ended in the superior mesenteric/jejunal vein (21 patients) or in the splenic vein (11 patients). The inferior mesenteric vein confluence could be infrapancreatic (17 patients), infrapancreatic with retropancreatic arch (7 patients) or retropancreatic (8 patients). Lastly, the accessory middle colic artery was present in ten patients presenting another pathway for lymphatic dissemination.ConclusionThe IMV trajectory when accessible, is the solution to the mesenteric inter-arterial stair. The surgeon could safely follow the IMV to its confluence. When the IMV trajectory is not accessible, the surgeon could follow the caudal border of the pancreas.Graphical abstract

Variations in Origin and Branching Pattern of Anterior Division of Internal Iliac Artery: a Cadaveric Study

Introduction: Detailed knowledge of the branching pattern of internal iliac artery will be a guidance for ligating the artery and its branches during various pelvic surgeries. Hence, the main objective of this study was to know the branching pattern of internal iliac artery, based on the Adachis Classification along with the length and diameter of the arteries. Methods: The descriptive observational cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Human Anatomy of the Nepal medical college, examined over a period of 9 months from June 2021- February 2022 which included 30 internal iliac arteries and its branches of right and left sides from 15 embalmed male human cadavers. Results: In the study, branching pattern of internal iliac artery (IIA) was Type Ia in 19 (63.33%) and Type III in 11 (36.66%) of the cases while type I b, Type II a, Type II b, IV and V pattern were not observed. The total minimum and maximum lengths of both right and left trunk of internal iliac arteries were 1.33 cm and 3.42 cm respectively and average lengths with standard deviation were 2.61cm ± 0.66.The calculated P valve (0.002) showed that the differences between the lengths of IIA of both sides were statistically significant. The diameter and standard deviation of IIA and obturator artery were 6.37±1.33 and 2.47cm±0.67 respectively. The obturator artery was found to be originated from both anterior and posterior division of IIA accounting as 96.66% and 3.33% respectively. Conclusions: Pelvic surgeries may lead to hemorrhage if branching patterns of the IIA are incorrectly interpreted and thus endanger the patient’s life while ligating the artery during prostatectomy, hernioplasty. The current study explain the important aspects of the vascular anatomy of the IIA not only for anatomists and morphologists, but also for the radiologists, general and vascular surgeons. Key words: internal iliac artery; inferior gluteal artery; internal pudendal artery; obturator artery; variations.

Vascular Anatomy and Variants: Knowledge during Laparoscopic Right Colectomy

From the review of the literature and clinical data, it is clear that the anatomy of the vessels of the right colon is remarkably variable, especially those of Henle branch. This justifies why the laparoscopic colectomy (LRC) plus complete mesocolon excision (CME) is often difficult to perform with the conversion rate due to the lesion of the vessels. The objective of this study was to retrospectively review the videos and literature of the right laparoscopic colectomy plus CME to highlight the greatest number of vascular variations of the right colon, to record them, and to highlight the methods by which cope with these variations during surgery.

The Use of Indocyanine Green (ICG) and Near-Infrared (NIR) Fluorescence-Guided Imaging in Gastric Cancer Surgery: A Narrative Review.

Near-infrared fluorescence imaging with indocyanine green is an emerging technology gaining clinical relevance in the field of oncosurgery. In recent decades, it has also been applied in gastric cancer surgery, spreading among surgeons thanks to the diffusion of minimally invasive approaches and the related development of new optic tools. Its most relevant uses in gastric cancer surgery are sentinel node navigation surgery, lymph node mapping during lymphadenectomy, assessment of vascular anatomy, and assessment of anastomotic perfusion. There is still debate regarding the most effective application, but with relatively no collateral effects and without compromising the operative time, indocyanine green fluorescence imaging carved out a role for itself in gastric resections. This review aims to summarize the current indications and evidence for the use of this tool, including the relevant practical details such as dosages and times of administration.

Improved maceration techniques to study the fruit vascular anatomy of grape

The visualization and evaluation of fruit vascular bundles in grape are indispensable for understanding the development and growth of the fruit. The vascular bundles in grape are as thin as human hair, and strongly adhere to flesh cells, making it difficult to isolate individual intact vessel elements. Currently there is little information about methods to characterize grape vascular tissue. In this study, we describe an easy and effective technique to visualize the xylem cell structure of the ‘Red Globe’ grape (Vitis L.). The intact vascular bundles of the grape were isolated through enzymatic degradation of flesh cells by hydrolases which were effective in removing flesh cells from vascular bundles. This enabled the illustration of the fine surface structure of vessel elements and their arrangement in the vascular bundles of the grape. This modified method to separate the vascular bundles into individual vessel elements was more effective than former methods of manually shaking to isolate individual vessels. Clear images of xylem vessel arrangement and structural characteristics of individual vessel element were acquired by light microscopy (BX51, Olympus, Tokyo, Japan), transmission electron microscopy (Tecnai 12, Philips, Netherlands) and scanning electron microscopy (GeminiSEM 300, Carl Zeiss, Germany). In addition, the 3D structure of vessel elements was observed using confocal laser scanning microscopy (Zeiss: model: LSM-880, Oberkochen, Germany). The imaging techniques for visualizing and analyzing the structure of xylem vessels in grape described in this study are an improvement of past methods. An effective method to isolate grape vascular bundles from flesh cells was also developed, which enables the imaging of the fine surface structure of vessel elements and their arrangement in grape vascular bundles. By adjusting the process of maceration of vascular bundles, an easy and effective method was developed to gently disrupt the plant tissue and isolate individual vessel elements. These improved techniques are suitable to observe the intact morphology of vascular bundles in the grape, improve experimental efficiency and accelerate new discoveries on the anatomical structure of the grape.

What Is Hidden Behind The Gender Differences Of Carotid Atherosclerosis?

This review article reveals possible causes that may underlie gender differences of carotid atherosclerosis: vascular anatomy, localization and morphology of atherosclerotic plaques, different effects and prevalence of known risk factors between genders (arterial hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, obesity, smoking, alcohol consumption, depression / stress). A separate place in the review is given to markers of inflammation and the protective effect of female sex hormones.

Non-linear shrinkage of Batson's #17 resin during vascular corrosion casting.

Many studies of cardiovascular function require a realistic representation of vascular geometry. Corrosion casting has been used to acquire such geometries for many decades. However, the fidelity with which this method reproduces vascular anatomy has not been completely determined. Here we report on the non-linear shrinkage characteristics and exothermic properties of Batson's #17, a widely used casting resin, in model systems and in aortas of rats and rabbits. The setting process was captured using high-resolution photography. Shrinkage ranged from 3.4± 1.5% of the diameter in 1ml plastic syringes (inner diameter 4.8 mm) to 19.6± 5.6% in the aorta of rats (diameter 1.5-2.6 mm). In addition, aortic curvature and branching angles changed during setting. These effects should be determined and corrected in studies of vascular geometry where high accuracy is required.