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Biomedical subjects

I Franco

Publications and source records attributed to I Franco.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

Determinants of primary success in elective percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty for significant narrowing of a single major coronary artery.

Clinical and angiographic characteristics, procedural details and outcome were analyzed in 2,677 consecutive patients who underwent elective single-artery, single-lesion percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) between December 1980 and May 1987. Primary success was achieved in 2,479 (93%) patients. The primary success rate was significantly lower during the first period, when nonsteerable systems were used (73%), than in later periods (94%) (p less than 0.0001), when steerable and low-profile systems became available. Univariate analysis revealed the following variables as predictors of lower primary success: totally obstructed arteries (p less than 0.0001), presence of calcium in the narrowing (p = 0.002), prior myocardial infarction (p = 0.005), stenoses located in the right coronary artery (p = 0.02), narrowings between 90 and 99% in diameter (p = 0.02) and patients older than 60 years of age (p = 0.07). Multivariate analysis revealed the following 4 independent predictors of lower primary success: 100% obstruction (p less than 0.0001), calcium (p = 0.005), previous myocardial infarction (p = 0.029) and patients older than 60 years of age (p = 0.036). With present technology, single-narrowing elective PTCA can be performed with a high success rate in most patients. Although total occlusion, presence of calcium, older age and history of myocardial infarction influence the outcome unfavorably, PTCA can still be performed with acceptable primary success rates.

Adult↗

Balloon inflation following injection of contrast material through the distal lumen of the USCI balloon catheter.

We report on four patients in whom we observed inflation of the balloon following injection of contrast material into the distal lumen during percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. This is a rare technical problem. However, inadvertent balloon inflation may cause transient occlusion of the proximal coronary artery and in one case was associated with acute occlusion of a vessel that had been dilated. Management involves prompt deflation of the balloon.

Adult↗

Value of proximal diversion and ureteral stenting in management of penetrating ureteral trauma.

Cases of penetrating ureteral trauma (17 gunshot wounds and 4 stab wounds) seen at two New York City hospitals over a nine-year period were reviewed. Early urologic complications (defined as urine drainage from the wound for greater than 2 weeks or need for a second operation) occurred in 50 percent of patients with a proximal ureteral injury but were less common when a nephrostomy and stent were used in the repair. A similar beneficial effect of stenting was seen in published cases, with a 91 percent complication rate for unstented repairs and a 15 percent rate when stenting and nephrostomy drainage were both used. The effect of stenting on midureteral repairs was less obvious, but the rate of urologic complications was lower in stented cases. None of the patients with distal ureteral injuries suffered a urologic complication. Stenting with and without a nephrostomy tube also produced good results in 2 patients with proximal ureteral injuries diagnosed late. We conclude that repair of penetrating ureteral injuries should include stenting and nephrostomy tube drainage in cases of proximal injuries, as well as generous debridement and water-tight closure. Midureteral injuries accompanied by gastrointestinal, pancreatic, and major vascular injuries should be stented and proximal diversion considered when prosthetic materials are used for vascular repairs.

Adolescent↗

Fibroepithelial polyp associated with congenital ureteral diverticulum: report of 2 cases.

We report 2 cases of a single fibroepithelial polyp in conjunction with ureteral diverticula. Ureterorenoscopy is valuable in the identification of the benign nature of these lesions preoperatively to avert unnecessary nephroureterectomy. The etiology of fibroepithelial polyps remains unknown, although many theories have been proposed. Recent evidence has suggested that these lesions may be a developmental anomaly. Congenital ureteral diverticula also are thought to be of developmental origin. We hypothesize that fibroepithelial polyps and congenital diverticula of the ureter are part of a spectrum of the same developmental anomaly.

Adult↗

Bladder neck obstruction secondary to Brunn's cyst.

A large solitary Brunn's cyst caused a ball-valve type of obstruction of the bladder neck in a 29-year-old man without endoscopic or histological evidence of bladder inflammation. Unroofing and drainage restored normal voiding. The histopathological features of Brunn's nests are reviewed.

Adult↗

Frequency, management and follow-up of patients with acute coronary occlusions after percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Angiograms from 1,500 consecutive patients undergoing percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) at the Cleveland Clinic were reviewed to determine the frequency of acute coronary occlusion after successful PTCA. Thirty-two patients (2%) had acute coronary occlusions. Of these, 27 (84%) presented within 6 hours. Compared with control group, only the presence of eccentric lesions (72% vs 24%) and intimal tears (78% vs 34%) was more predominant in the group with acute occlusion. Redilation was attempted in 31 patients and was successful in 27 (87%). Nine of these patients eventually required coronary bypass surgery and 18 were discharged and followed for 11 to 34 months (mean 18). Thus, redilation is a safe and effective approach to manage patients in whom coronary occlusion develops after PTCA.

Acute Disease↗

Percutaneous angioplasty of internal mammary artery graft stenosis using the brachial approach: a case report.

Cannulation of the internal mammary artery (IMA) via the ipsilateral brachial approach offers a complementary alternative to the transfemoral approach for IMA graft angioplasty and can offer potential advantage in terms of catheter stability and ease of IMA cannulation. This report describes successful IMA graft stenosis angioplasty using the ipsilateral brachial approach.

Adult↗

Balloon rupture during coronary angioplasty.

Out of a total of 1,500 percutaneous coronary angioplasties (PTCA), 55 (3.6%) were associated with balloon rupture. Lesion calcification was noticed in 7 of these 55 patients (12.7%). Balloon rupture occurred at a mean pressure of 10.7 atmospheres. All balloons were retrieved without difficulty. Intimal tears were noted in 18 (32.7%) cases. Three patients required bypass surgery. In 29 patients restudied angiographically, the restenosis rate was 38%. Balloon rupture during PTCA does not seem to be associated with detrimental consequences.

Adult↗

Early results of emergency surgery after coronary angioplasty.

During the period of our study 81 patients undergoing elective coronary artery angioplasty at our institution required emergency revascularization surgery within the ensuing 24 hr. The mean age of the 59 men and 22 women was 57 years (32 to 74 years). The principal indications for the emergency surgery were acute occlusion (n = 36), dissection (n = 28), unstable angina (n = 10), ventricular arrhythmias (n = 4), and unsuccessful balloon dilatation (n = 3). There were two early deaths and in 35 patients the presence of three criteria for myocardial infarction was noted postoperatively. Including these patients, 52 patients surviving their hospital course suffered 75 major complications. Emergency surgery after failed percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty can be performed with low mortality, but it carries a high incidence of major postoperative complications.

Adult↗

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty after previous coronary artery bypass surgery.

To improve symptomatic status and avoid repeat coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG), 115 lesions were approached for transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) in 94 patients (82 men, 12 women) with angina pectoris and prior CABG at a mean of 60 months (range 4 to 192) after CABG. Fifteen patients were in Canadian Cardiovascular Society functional class I, 32 were in class II, 31 were in class III, and 16 were in class IV. Patients were 37 to 76 years old (mean 57). PTCA was successful (at least a 40% reduction in stenosis diameter and improvement in symptomatic status) in 83 patients (88%) and 103 (90%) lesions. Mean stenosis was reduced from 80 +/- 14% to 20 +/- 16% (mean +/- standard deviation) and mean pressure gradient from 41 +/- 7 mm Hg to 14 +/- 6 mm Hg. Seven patients had lesions that could not be crossed for technical reasons and these patients underwent non-emergency CABG. Four patients required emergency CABG after PTCA; 1 patient subsequently died and 2 survived acute myocardial infarction. One patient had a femoral artery laceration, which required surgical repair. At a mean follow-up of 8 +/- 4 months, 63 patients (76%) with initially successful results were free of angina or in improved condition. Of the remaining 20 patients, 18 consented to repeat coronary angiography. Four patients did not have restenosis. Of the 14 patients with documented restenosis, 5 underwent successful repeat PTCA, 5 had repeat CABG, and 4 were treated medically. Thus, when coronary anatomy is suitable, PTCA is an effective alternative to reoperation in symptomatic patients with prior CABG.

Adult↗

Digital subtraction fluoroscopy: a new method of detecting coronary calcifications with improved sensitivity for the prediction of coronary disease.

The association between calcification of the coronary arteries and coronary artery narrowing is well established. However, fluoroscopic visualization of coronary calcifications has been insufficiently sensitive to be useful as a screening test. Since digitization of radiographic images permits the subtraction of noncardiac structures from moving cardiac structures, such subtraction might increase the sensitivity of coronary fluoroscopy. To determine whether coronary calcifications were better visualized with digital subtraction fluoroscopy than with conventional fluoroscopy, we taped diseased human coronary arteries to a pulsating water balloon inside the thorax of a dog cadaver and studied this model with both fluoroscopic techniques. Calcific atherosclerotic plaques were more easily identified with digital subtraction fluoroscopy than with conventional fluoroscopy. We tested the method clinically by submitting 191 subjects without history or electrocardiographic evidence of previous myocardial infarction who were referred for coronary arteriography to both fluoroscopic studies. For at least one, at least two, and three calcified coronary arteries, digital fluoroscopy was more sensitive (92%, 66%, and 40%) than conventional fluoroscopy (63%, 21%, and 2%) (all p less than .001) for the prediction of significant coronary obstructions (greater than 50%). Although digital fluoroscopy was less specific than conventional fluoroscopy (digital: 65%, 89%, and 97%; conventional: 81%, 98%, and 100%) (all but last, p less than .01), receiver operating curve analysis revealed a significantly larger area under the curve, indicating higher accuracy for the digital technique (p = .03). Digital subtraction fluoroscopy was more accurate in younger than in older patients.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Angiography↗

Coronary angioplasty: can you refer older patients?

Analyzing data of PTCA performed at our institution on people above age 65, we have been encouraged by its safety and the initially favorable angiographic and hemodynamic result. Projecting from Jang et al's data regarding relative cost effectiveness of PTCA and coronary bypass surgery at various major medical centers, PTCA was less costly by a factor of 2 to 5. This cost differential may actually be higher in the elderly.

Aged↗

Effects of vitamin A and beta carotene on intra-abdominal sepsis.

Vitamin A may play a role systemically and locally in controlling intra-abdominal sepsis. Adult male rats were divided into three groups. Group 1 ate a standard rat laboratory chow (not vitamin A deficient), group 2 ate the same chow supplemented with vitamin A, and group 3 ate the chow supplemented with beta carotene. All animals underwent cecal ligation, and the cecum was perforated either with a 27-gauge or an 18-gauge needle. Vitamin A dietary supplementation had a significant protective effect, which was manifested by improved survival in the animals whose cecum was perforated with an 18-gauge needle, prevention of postoperative hypothermia, maintenance of peripheral WBC counts at normal or above-normal values, and better localization of the intra-abdominal inflammatory process. Dietary supplementation with beta carotene had a lesser protective effect.

Abdomen↗

A strategy for cost containment in coronary surgery.

Patients with multivessel coronary atherosclerosis and stable angina pectoris were examined by outpatient testing and admitted to a staging area with their families on the morning of coronary bypass surgery. This experimental group was not hospitalized before surgery. Their hospital charges were compared with those of cohorts of coronary artery surgery patients from 1977 to 1981 who met the same entrance criteria. Length of stay in the hospital was reduced by two days. A 10% savings in hospital charges was realized in the 1981 experimental group as compared with the 1981 control group. A comparison of total hospital charges, adjusted for inflation, shows that 1981 experimental group patients paid 35% less for their hospital room, 45% less for their intensive care period, and 17% less in total charges than the 1977 control group. Interviews indicated that these patients with stable cardiac conditions preferred to stay with their families or friends before surgery.

Aged↗