Preservation Of Vessels Research Articles

Midterm results from a physician-sponsored investigational device exemption clinical trial evaluating physician-modified endovascular grafts for the treatment of juxtarenal aortic aneurysms

ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to report midterm results of an ongoing physician-sponsored investigational device exemption pivotal clinical trial using physician-modified endovascular grafts (PMEGs) for treatment of patients with juxtarenal aortic aneurysms who are deemed unfit for open repair. MethodsData from a nonrandomized, prospective, consecutively enrolling investigational device exemption clinical trial were used. Data collection began on April 1, 2011, and data lock occurred on May 31, 2015, with outcomes analysis through December 31, 2015. Primary safety and efficacy end points were used to measure treatment success. The primary safety end point was defined as the proportion of subjects who experienced a major adverse event within 30 days of the procedure. The primary efficacy end point was the proportion of subjects who achieved treatment success. Treatment success required the following at 12 months: technical success, defined as successful delivery and deployment of a PMEG with preservation of those branch vessels intended to be preserved; and freedom from type I and III endoleak, stent graft migration >10 mm, aortic aneurysm sack enlargement >5 mm, and aortic aneurysm rupture or open conversion. ResultsDuring the 50-month study period, 64 patients were enrolled; 60 began the implant procedure and 59 received the PMEG implant. Aneurysm anatomy, operative details, and lengths of stay were recorded and included aneurysm diameter (mean, 65.9 mm; range, 49-104 mm), proximal seal zone length (mean, 40.8 mm; range, 18.9-72.2 mm), graft manufacture time (mean, 55.1 minutes), procedure time (mean, 156.8 minutes), fluoroscopy time (mean, 39.6 minutes), contrast material use (mean, 75.3 mL), estimated blood loss (mean, 213 mL), and length of hospital stay (mean, 4.1 days) with intensive care unit length of stay (mean, 2.2 days). There were 145 fenestrations made for 110 renal arteries and 38 superior mesenteric arteries (SMAs). One patient had an SMA stent placed before the procedure for severe stenosis, and one subject had the SMA stented during the procedure. Renal arteries were stented whenever possible (93%). There were 102 stented renal arteries in 58 patients. There were no open conversions or explantations. Thirty-day mortality was 5.1% (3/59). There were zero type Ia, one type Ib, and two type III endoleaks during follow-up treated with successful reintervention. The overall rate of major adverse events at 30 days was 11.9%. The primary efficacy end points were achieved in 94.1% of patients. ConclusionsThese midterm results are favorable and verify our early report that endovascular repair with PMEG is safe and effective for managing patients with juxtarenal aortic aneurysms. PMEG has exceptional midterm rates of morbidity, mortality, and endoleak and may outperform standard endovascular aneurysm repair with favorable anatomy. In patients who are poor open surgical candidates who present with symptomatic or ruptured juxtarenal aortic aneurysms, PMEG continues to be an extremely appealing option as reliable off-the-shelf solutions are not widely available. Preoperative planning remains the key ingredient for success with use of these techniques.

The tips of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy without preservation of splenic vessels (Warshaw technique)

The tips of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy without preservation of splenic vessels (Warshaw technique)

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy: Spleen and splenic vessels preservation does not increase morbidity

Laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with or without splenectomy: Spleen and splenic vessels preservation does not increase morbidity

A Study of the Association between Enabled Homolog Gene Polymorphisms and Kawasaki Disease in Korean Children

Objective: The etiology of the Kawasaki disease (KD) remains unknown despite of extensive studies but infection, immunity, and genetics were suggested as causes. There have been attempted to link susceptibility to KD to allelic variations to search related gene. The enabled homolog (Enah) gene on the human chromosome 1q42.12 encodes enabled/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (Ena/VASP). Ena/VASP is a regulator of actin cytoskeleton, exists in cytoplasm, and maintains homeostasis such as immune response, blood vessel preservation, and hemostasis. The aim of this study was to investigate polymorphisms of the Enah gene as a risk factor for KD and coronary artery lesions (CALs) as a complication. Methods: In the Enah gene region, 15 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were selected using human SNP websites (http://www.hapmap.org/, genome build). Three hundred and six healthy controls and 106 KD subjects were recruited. SNP genotyping was performed using the Golden Gate assay on an Illumina BeadStation 500 GX (Illumina Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Frequencies of allele were obtained and the genetic association between of the Enah gene polymorphisms and susceptibility to KD and CALs was analyzed by SNPstats, Haploview software ver. 4.1 (Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA). Multiple logistic regression analysis with adjustment for gender was performed. Results: One SNP (rs1891000) among total fifteen SNPs was associated with KD. Moreover, we found a significant association between rs487591, rs576861, rs7555139, rs10799319, and the development of CALs in KD patients. Conclusion: These results suggest that the polymorphism of Enah gene may be associated with the occurrence of KD and development of CALs as a complication. Key words: Mucocutaneous lymph node syndrome; Coronary artery; Enah protein; Single nucleotide polymorphism

Surgical considerations in FAP-related pouch surgery: Could we do better?

The ileoanal pouch has become the standard restorative procedure of choice for patients with the classical phenotype in FAP (familial adenomatous polyposis) and also for ulcerative colitis (UC). Whilst we tend to encounter descriptive analyses comparing functional outcome, fertility and quality of life (QOL) between series in literature, there may be an urgent need to discuss the subtle technical modifications that may be pivotal for improving long-term QOL in FAP patients. Our aim is to review the current literature and discuss the aspects of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis that may require specific reevaluation for FAP. Surgical strategies aimed at minimizing post-interventional desmoid growth is one of the most important aspects. For this study, the following topics of interest were selected: Timing of surgery, IRA or ileoanal pouch for classical FAP, laparoscopic or conventional surgery, TME or mesenteric dissection, preservation of the ileocolic vessels, handsewn or double-staple anastomosis, shape and size of pouch, protective ileostomy, Last and definitely not least: how to manage desmoid plaques or desmoids at the time of prophylactic surgery. For the depicted technicalities of the procedure, a review of recent literature was performed and evaluated. For the topics selected, only sparse reference in literature was identified that was focused on the specific condition situation of FAP. Almost all pouch literature focusses on the procedural aspects, and FAP patients are always a very minor number. Therefore it becomes obvious that the specific entity is not adequately taken into account. This is a serious bias for identification of important steps in the procedure that may be beneficial for patients with either of the diseases. The results of this study demonstrate that several technical differences for construction of ileoanal pouches in FAP patients deserve more attention and prospective evaluation-perhaps even randomized trials. The role, importance and potential benefit or deterioration of outcome in most of the discussed technicalities remains unclear to date. Significant differences between the underlying diseases (UC and FAP) have not been taken into consideration, such as specifically the management of precursor desmoid lesions at the time of prophylactic surgery as well as prevention of desmoid tumors. Several of the aspects discussed in this paper should be prospectively evaluated in larger and exclusive series of FAP patients.

Robotic-Assisted Approach Improves Vessel Preservation in Spleen-Preserving Distal Pancreatectomy

Background: Vessel-preserving spleen preservation (SP) during distal pancreatectomy (DP) is supposed to be beneficial for patients with benign and borderline tumors. This study evaluated the first experiences with robotic-assisted laparoscopic DP (RA-LDP) and its rate of vessel preservation and SP compared to conventional laparoscopic DP (C-LDP). Methods: Patients scheduled for spleen-preserving DP for benign or borderline tumors by either C-LDP or RA-LDP were retrieved from a prospective database and retrospectively analyzed regarding vessel-preservation and SP, conversion rate, blood loss, operating time, complications, perioperative blood transfusion, postoperative hospital stay (PHS) and mortality. Results: Twenty-nine patients underwent C-LDP and 12 patients underwent RA-LDP between September 2009 and May 2015. SP rates were 79% (23 of 29) in the C-LDP and 92% (11 of 12) in the RA-LDP group (p = 0.32). Splenic vessels could be preserved in 17% (5 of 29) of the C-LDP and 50% (6 of 12) of the RA-LDP group (p = 0.052). Operating time, intraoperative blood loss, the number of perioperative red blood cell transfusions, overall morbidity and the rate of postoperative pancreatic fistulas were not different between the groups. PHS was shorter in the RA-LDP group (10.5 vs. 13 days; p = 0.02). Conclusion: RA-LDP for benign or borderline tumors of the pancreas is a safe procedure and tended to be associated with a better vessel-preservation rate, thereby making it a good alternative to C-LDP.

Study on laparoscopic spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy procedures comparing splenic vessel preservation and non-preservation.

The purpose of this study is to investigate whether two types of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (Lap-SPDP) techniques are being implemented safely. The study compares the clinical outcomes from laparoscopic Warshaw operation (Lap-W) with those from laparoscopic splenic vessels preserving SPDP (Lap-SPDP-VP) and considers the role of those operations. On August 2013, the Warshaw technique was introduced to our institution and 17 patients with a lesion in the distal pancreas who underwent Lap-SPDP by December 2015 were enrolled. Six patients who underwent a Lap-W and 11 patients who underwent a Lap-SPDP-VP were investigated retrospectively. In the Lap-W and Lap-SPDP-VP patients, the sizes of the tumors were 46.5±31.2 and 25.7±14.9 mm [Probability (P) value =0.0913)]; the operative times were 287 min (range, 225-369 min) and 280 min (range, 200-496 min); the blood loss was 95 mL (range, 50-200 mL) and 60 mL (range, 0-650 mL); the length of the postoperative hospital stay was 12 days (range, 8-43 days) and 11 days (range, 7-28 days); median follow-up was 19 months (range, 13-28 months) and 23 months (range, 6-28 months), respectively. There was no case of symptomatic spleen infarction in either group. However, partial infarctions of the spleen without symptoms were observed by computed tomography in three out of six cases (50%) in the Lap-W. No patient required reoperation and the postoperative mortality was zero in both groups. All patients were alive and recurrence-free at the end of the follow-up period. Collateral veins around the spleen developed in 83.3% (five out of six patients) in the Lap-W and developed in 12.5% (one out of eight patients) in the Lap-SPDP-VP. A significant difference was observed between groups (P=0.0256). Gastric varices developed in 33.3% (two out of six patients) in the Lap-W. However, no case of rupture of varices, or other late phase complications was observed in either group. Both the Lap-W and Lap-SPDP-VP were found to be safe and effective, and in cases in which the detachment work of the splenic vessels from the tumor or the pancreatic parenchyma is difficult, performing Lap-W, rather than Lap-SPDP-VP, is considered appropriate. While Lap-SPDP is recommended for patients with benign or low grade malignant diseases, long-term follow-up to monitor hemodynamic changes in splenogastric circulation is considered needed.

Laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy with and without splenic vessel preservation – a comparative study

Introduction: Preservation of the spleen with distal pancreatectomy can be performed either with or without preservation of the splenic vessels. This study is to compare the clinical outcomes of laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy (LSPDP) with and without splenic vessel preservation in patients with benign pancreatic lesions. Patients and methods: This is a retrospective analysis of all patients who had undergone LSPDP in our institution during the period Jan 2009–Jun 2015. Patients who underwent LSPDP with splenic vessel preservation (LSPDP-SVP) were compared with those who underwent LSPDP with splenic vessel resection (LSPDP-SVR). The clinical outcomes were compared. Results: Of the 13 patients who underwent LSPDP, LSPDP-SVP was done in 5 patients and LSPDP-SVR in 8 patients. The mean operating time (210vs. 180 minutes) and mean intra-operative bloodloss (250 vs. 160 ml) were significantly lower in SVR group. No procedure was converted to open, but one patient with attempted LSPDP-SVP was converted to LSPDP-SVR because of accidental injury to splenic vein. Mean postoperative hospital stay (7 vs. 8 days) and general postoperative morbidities were similar in both groups. But spleen related morbidities in the form of significant splenic infarction was present in 2 (25%) patients in SVR group and no patients in SVP group. On a median follow up of 34 months (12–70 months) 2 patients in SVR group developed asymptomatic gastric varies with no progression. Conclusion: On comparison, LSDP-SVR is technically easier but spleen related complications are more. The short term benefits associated with the preservation of the splenic vessels should lead to an increased preference for LSPDP-SVP.

Impact of preservation of the right gastric vessels on postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Impact of preservation of the right gastric vessels on postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy

Spleen-preserving pancreatic resections with preservation of splenic vessels: A cautionary note on the risk of vascular complications

Spleen-preserving pancreatic resections with preservation of splenic vessels: A cautionary note on the risk of vascular complications

It's six of one, and half a dozen of the other: splenic vessel preservation and splenic vessel resection in laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy

It's six of one, and half a dozen of the other: splenic vessel preservation and splenic vessel resection in laparoscopic spleen-preserving distal pancreatectomy

Intracorporeal reconstruction after laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy for middle-third early gastric cancer: a hybrid technique using linear stapler and manual suturing.

Laparoscopy-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy has been increasingly reported as a treatment for early gastric cancer located in the middle third of the stomach because of its low invasiveness and preservation of pyloric function. Advantages of a totally laparoscopic approach to distal gastrectomy, including small wound size, minimal invasiveness, and safe anastomosis, have been recently reported. Here, we introduce a new procedure for intracorporeal gastro-gastrostomy combined with totally laparoscopic pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (TLPPG). The stomach is transected after sufficient lymphadenectomy with preservation of infrapyloric vessels and vagal nerves. The proximal stomach is first transected near the Demel line, and the distal side is transected 4 to 5cm from the pyloric ring. To create end-to-end gastro-gastrostomy, the posterior wall of the anastomosis is stapled with a linear stapler and the anterior wall is made by manual suturing intracorporeally. We retrospectively assessed the postoperative surgical outcomes via medical records. The primary endpoint in the present study is safety. Sixteen patients underwent TLPPG with intracorporeal reconstruction. All procedures were successfully performed without any intraoperative complications. The mean operative time was 275min, with mean blood loss of 21g. With the exception of one patient who had gastric stasis, 15 patients were discharged uneventfully between postoperative days 8 and 11. Our novel hybrid technique for totally intracorporeal end-to-end anastomosis was performed safely without mini-laparotomy. This technique requires prospective validation.

Endovascular management of internal carotid artery injuries secondary to endonasal surgery: case series and review of the literature

OBJECTIVE Internal carotid artery (ICA) injury is a rare but severe complication of endonasal surgery. The authors describe their endovascular experience managing ICA injuries after transsphenoidal surgery; they review and summarize the current literature regarding endovascular techniques; and they propose a treatment algorithm based on the available evidence. METHODS A retrospective review of 576 transsphenoidal pituitary adenoma resections was performed. Cases of ICA injury occurring at our institution and transfers from other hospitals were evaluated. Endovascular treatments for ICA injury reported in the literature were also reviewed and summarized. RESULTS Seven cases were identified from the institutional cohort (mean age 46.3 years, mean follow-up 43.4 months [1-107 months]) that received endovascular treatment for ICA injury. Five injuries occurred at our institution (5 [0.9%] of 576), and 2 injuries occurred at outside hospitals. Three patients underwent ICA sacrifice by coil placement, 2 underwent lesion embolization (coil or stent-assisted coil placement), and 2 underwent endoluminal reconstruction (both with flow diversion devices). Review of the literature identified 98 cases of ICA injury treated with endovascular methods. Of the 105 total cases, 46 patients underwent ICA sacrifice, 28 underwent lesion embolization, and 31 underwent endoluminal reconstruction. Sacrifice of the ICA proved a durable solution in all cases; however, the rate of persistent neurological complications was relatively high (10 [21.7%] of 46). Lesion embolization was primarily performed by coil embolization without stenting (16 cases) and stent-assisted coiling (9 cases). Both techniques had a relatively high rate of at least some technical complication (6 [37.5%] of 16 and 5 [55.6%] of 9, respectively) and major technical complications (i.e., injury, new neurological deficit, or ICA sacrifice) (5 [31.3%] of 16 and 2 [22.2%] of 9, respectively). Endoluminal reconstruction was performed by covered stent (24 cases) and flow diverter (5 cases) placement. Covered stents showed a reasonably high rate of technical complications (10 [41.7%] of 24); however, 8 of these problems were resolved, leaving a small percentage with major technical complications (2 [8.3%] of 24). Flow diverter placement was also well tolerated, with only 1 minor technical complication. CONCLUSIONS Endovascular treatments including vessel sacrifice, coil embolization (with or without stent assistance), and endoluminal reconstruction offer a tailored approach to ICA injury management after endonasal surgery. Vessel sacrifice remains the definitive treatment for acute, uncontrolled bleeding; however, vessel preservation techniques should be considered carefully in select patients. Multiple factors including vascular anatomy, injury characteristics, and risk of dual antiplatelet therapy should guide best treatment, but more study is needed (particularly with flow diverters) to refine this decision-making process. Ideally, all endovascular treatment options should be available at institutions performing endonasal surgery.

Development of the UK Vessel Health and Preservation (VHP) framework: a multi-organisational collaborative

Vascular access is an important part of many patient care management plans but has some unwanted risks. Previous work published by Moureau et al. (2012) inspired a working group led by the UK Infection Prevention Society (IPS) to produce a vessel health and preservation (VHP) framework. This was with the intention of producing a resource for frontline staff to be able to assess and select the best vascular access device to meet the individual patient's needs and to preserve veins for future use. The working group produced a framework that used available evidence, expert opinion and some small scale testing of the components of the framework. The work so far has received positive feedback but further work is required to formally evaluate the VHP framework in clinical practice to measure both staff knowledge and patient outcomes.

A single-center experience with the laparoscopic Warshaw technique in 122 consecutive patients.

Background Preservation of the spleen in distal pancreatectomy has recently attracted considerable attention. Our current study aimed in the first instance to define the safety of lap-WT in relation to the capacity of this technique to achieve preservation of the spleen and secondly to investigate the effectiveness of a planned lap-WT procedure or early conversion to lap-WT in selected patients with a large tumor attached to the splenic vessels.MethodsAmong 1056 patients who underwent a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy between January 2005 and December 2014 at our hospital, 122 (24.6 %) underwent lap-WT which were analyzed. The 122 patients were categorized into two groups chronologically (early group: 2005–2012, late group: 2013–2014).ResultsThe median follow-up was 35 months, and the median operation time was 181 min. The median postoperative hospital stay was 7 days, and the median estimated blood loss was 316 ml. Postoperative complications occurred in 9 patients (7.3 %), including 4 patients (3.2 %) with major pancreatic fistula (ISGPF grade B, C). A reoperation to address postoperative bleeding was needed in one patient. During a median follow-up of 35 months, there were no clinical significant splenic infarctions or gastric varices in any case. All patients were observed conservatively. In patients in the late group who underwent the lap-WT, the mean operating time (171 vs. 205 min, p = 0.001) and mean estimated blood loss (232.1 vs. 370.0 ml, p = 0.017) were significantly less than the early group cases who received lap-WT.ConclusionsA lap-WT is a safe treatment strategy in select cases when used as a way of preserving the spleen. When splenic vessel preservation is technically challenging, for example when the tumor is enlarged or is attached to the splenic vessels, planned lap-WT or early conversion to lap-WT may be a feasible option.

Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy for Gastric Cancer.

Pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) is a function-preserving surgery for the treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC), aiming to decrease the complication rate and improve postoperative quality of life. According to the Japanese gastric cancer treatment guidelines, PPG can be performed for cT1N0M0 gastric cancer located in the middle-third of the stomach, at least 4.0 cm away from the pylorus. Although the length of the antral cuff gradually increased, from 1.5 cm during the initial use of the procedure to 3.0 cm currently, its optimal length still remains unclear. Standard procedures for the preservation of pyloric function, infra-pyloric vessels, and hepatic branch of the vagus nerve, make PPG technically more difficult and raise concerns about incomplete lymph node dissection. The short- and long-term oncological and survival outcomes of PPG were comparable to those for distal gastrectomy, but with several advantages such as a lower incidence of dumping syndrome, bile reflux, and gallstone formation, and improved nutritional status. Gastric stasis, a typical complication of PPG, can be effectively treated by balloon dilatation and stent insertion. Robot-assisted pylorus-preserving gastrectomy is feasible for EGC in the middle-third of the stomach in terms of the short-term clinical outcome. However, any benefits over laparoscopy-assisted PPG (LAPPG) from the patient's perspective have not yet been proven. An ongoing Korean multicenter randomized controlled trial (KLASS-04), which compares LAPPG and laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for EGC in the middle-third of the stomach, may provide more clear evidence about the advantages and oncologic safety of PPG.

Evaluation of a newly developed piezo actuator-driven pulsed water jet system for liver resection in a surviving swine animal model.

Background Preservation of the hepatic vessels while dividing the parenchyma is key to achieving safe liver resection in a timely manner. In this study, we assessed the feasibility of a newly developed, piezo actuator-driven pulsed water jet (ADPJ) for liver resection in a surviving swine model.MethodsTen domestic pigs underwent liver resection. Parenchymal transection and vessel skeletonization were performed using the ADPJ (group A, n = 5) or an ultrasonic aspirator (group U, n = 5). The water jet was applied at a frequency of 400 Hz and a driving voltage of 80 V. Physiological saline was supplied at a flow rate of 7 ml/min. After 7 days, the animals were killed and their short-term complications were examined and compared between the two groups.ResultsNo significant complications, such as massive bleeding, occurred in either group during the surgical procedures. The transection time per transection area was significantly shorter in group A than in group U (1.5 ± 0.3 vs. 2.3 ± 0.5 min/cm2, respectively, P = 0.03). Blood loss per transection area was not significantly different between groups A and U (9.3 ± 4.2 vs. 11.7 ± 2.3 ml/cm2, P = 0.6). All pigs in group A survived for 7 days. No postoperative bleeding or bile leakage was observed in any animal at necropsy.ConclusionThe present results suggested that the ADPJ reduces transection time without increasing blood loss. ADPJ is a safe and feasible device for liver parenchymal transection.

Spleen and splenic vessel preserving distal pancreatectomy for bifocal PNET in a young patient with MEN1

MEN1 patients requiring resection of neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) are frequently young, active patients in whom a minimal access approach minimizes perioperative morbidity and splenic preservation decreases the risk of post-splenectomy sepsis. Laparoscopic spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy can be performed with removal (Warshaw's technique) or preservation of the splenic vessels, the later having a higher rate of successful splenic preservation. This is an active, 16-year-old Jehovah's Witness with trifocal nonfunctioning neuroendocrine tumor in the proximal body and tail of the pancreas as part of MEN1 syndrome. A spleen preserving distal pancreatectomy was performed with the final pathology showing three pNET with low mitotic count and three lymph nodes free of cancer (final stage pT2pN0). This video demonstrates patient and trocar positioning as well as operative tactics for a laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with preservation of splenic vessels. Intraoperative ultrasound is crucial in assessing pNETs' relation to critical vessels, pancreatic duct, and to exclude synchronous lesions. The video focuses on safe laparoscopic creation of the retropancreatic tunnel and dissecting the pancreas off the splenic vessels using novel energy devises to control direct splenic venous branches into the pancreas. Improvements in laparoscopic techniques and technology have enabled surgeons to preserve the major splenic vessels to avoid splenic infarcts, abscesses and re-operations, and minimize the risk of left-sided portal hypertension. Splenic preservation is particularly important in young MEN1 patients undergoing laparoscopic pancreatectomy for pNET due to the increased risk of overwhelming post-splenectomy sepsis.

Traumatic anterior cerebral artery aneurysms and management options in the endovascular era

Traumatic anterior cerebral artery (ACA) pseudoaneurysms are a challenge to manage. Difficult diagnosis, delayed presentation and catastrophic outcomes contribute to the overall prognosis of traumatic intracranial aneurysms. Clipping or coiling of the aneurysm and/or parent vessel occlusion are the treatment options. However, surgery and coiling both may be difficult due to limited access and the need for parent vessel preservation. Rarely, these aneurysms must be managed conservatively. We present four patients with traumatic ACA aneurysms admitted to our center in the last 10months. Three patients had pseudoaneurysms of the distal ACA and one had an aneurysm arising from a cortical branch of the ACA. Their clinical presentations and management, along with outcomes, are discussed as well as the dilemmas associated with them. Three patients were managed by clipping and coiling while one was managed conservatively. The diagnosis was made relatively early in three patients while delayed subarachnoid hemorrhage led to diagnosis in the fourth. Although the overall prognosis remains grim, with high mortality and morbidity rates, both microsurgical and interventional management of these traumatic aneurysms may be useful, if detected early before rupture. Expectant management and surveillance may be required in a select group of patients.

"Mini-Flow-Through" Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap for Breast Reconstruction with Preservation of Both Internal Mammary and Deep Inferior Epigastric Vessels.

This procedure was developed for preservation of the rectus muscle components and deep inferior epigastric vessel after deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flap harvesting. A 53-year-old woman with granuloma caused by silicone injection underwent bilateral nipple-sparing mastectomies and immediate reconstruction with "mini-flow-through" DIEP flaps. The flaps were dissected based on the single largest perforator with a short segment of the lateral branch of the deep inferior epigastric vessel that was transected as a free flap for breast reconstruction. The short segments of the donor deep inferior epigastric vessel branch are primarily end-to-end anastomosed to each other. A short T-shaped pedicle mini-flow-through DIEP flap is interposed in the incised recipient's internal mammary vessels with two arterial and four concomitant venous anastomoses. Although it requires multiple vascular anastomoses and a short pedicle for the flap setting, the mini-flow-through DIEP flap provides a large pedicle caliber, enabling safer microsurgical anastomosis and well-vascularized tissue for creating a natural breast without consuming time or compromising the rectus muscle components and vascular flow of both the deep inferior epigastric and internal mammary vessels.