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Biomedical subjects

R Suy

Publications and source records attributed to R Suy.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Carotid surgery in octogenarians: is it worthwhile?

Controversy surrounds the role of carotid endarterectomy in octogenarians. Although the prognosis of severe degree carotid stenosis is more ominous in the elderly, operative risk seems more important in the aged. To evaluate the presumed detrimental effect of advanced age on the mortality-morbidity of carotid endarterectomy, the authors reviewed their common experience with carotid surgery in patients aged 80 years or more. From 1980 to 1994, 129 octogenarians were operated on for occlusive carotid artery disease in two university hospitals. The data for these patients, 80 years of age and older (group 1) are compared to these for a large middle age group (less than 80 years) (group 2) operated by the same surgeons during that period. The baseline characteristics of both groups were similar, except for smoking, diabetes and previous myocardial revascularization, more prevalent in the younger age group. In the elderly group prophylactic surgery for asymptomatic stenosis was done in 36%, versus 40% of the middle aged patients, and for stroke in evolution in 8% versus 4% (p < 0.05). The perioperative stroke rate was 0.8% in the group older than 80 years, compared to 1.2% for non octogenarians (NS). The operative mortality was similar for both age groups (2.3 and 1.5 respectively). The long-term results gave a similar outlook for both age groups. The 5-year stroke-free rate reached 89% for group 1 versus 91% for group 2. The 5-year survival rate, however, was less for the elderly patients (47% versus 77%, mean follow-up periods of 30 and 49 months). These results suggest that carotid endarterectomy can be safely done in elderly patients, with a similar risk/benefit ratio as for the younger patients. Advanced age, by itself, is not to be considered as contraindication to carotid surgery.

Adult↗

[Morbidity and mortality after elective surgery of complicated aneurysms].

The post-operative mortality and morbidity after elective surgery of a complicated (difficult) infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm are reported. The authors compare a group of 126 patients with a simple uncomplicated aneurysm to a group of 126 patients with a complicated aneurysm. Mortality (3.2%) is similar in both groups but the morbidity is very high in the group of patients with difficult aneurysms. The most frequent complication was renal insufficiency determined by preoperative renal insufficiency. The length of the hospital stay was much longer for the patients after a surgery for a difficult aneurysm. A preoperative correct diagnosis is always possible and the surgical technique varies according the type of anomaly. Even elective surgery of a complicated aneurysm remains a challenge.

Adult↗

Microbiological monitoring of aortic aneurysm sac contents during abdominal aneurysmectomy: results in 176 patients and review of the literature.

To investigate the clinical significance of intraoperative cultures, aneurysmal thrombus was cultured in 176 patients with clinically non suspected infected abdominal aortic aneurysm. The incidence of positive cultures was 14.2% and 88% of the microorganisms were Gram-positive. Differences between elective and urgent reconstruction were not significant. During follow-up, there were no cases of graft infection in either group. Review of the literature shows a positive culture rate of 19% in a series of 1867 patients. 93% Of the microorganisms are Gram-positive and 78% are considered as contaminants. The incidence of graft infection is 1.99% in the group with positive culture and 0.7% in the series with negative culture (P = 0.06). It is concluded that the clinical significance of routine cultures in clinically non suspected infected aortic aneurysms is negligible.

Aged↗

Early inflammatory response to gelatin- and collagen-sealed Dacron prostheses.

The immediate inflammatory response following aortic reconstruction with two types of sealed Dacron grafts was studied in a prospective, randomized manner. C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were measured before surgery and on days 2 and 8 postoperatively. In the collagen-sealed group (n = 10) CRP levels were 10 +/- 9.6, 180.2 +/- 48.3, and 54.3 +/- 34.3 mg/L, respectively. In the gelatin-impregnated group (n = 10) the values were 10.5 +/- 8.7, 200.7 +/- 27.3, and 80.3 +/- 30.2 mg/L, respectively. The slight differences were not significant according to the analysis of variance test for repeated measurements. These findings suggest that implantation of a knitted Dacron graft sealed with collagen does not lead to a higher inflammatory reaction compared with a gelatin-sealed graft.

Aged↗

Recurrent aortic infection: treatment by arterial homograft replacement.

Deep infection remains the most problematic complication following prosthetic aortoiliofemoral reconstruction. Prosthetic excision and extra-anatomic revascularization is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The possibilities of autogenous reconstruction are frequently limited. The authors present a patient with recurrent aortic infection who was successfully treated by prosthetic excision and revascularization in situ with a cryopreserved arterial homograft.

Aneurysm, Infected↗

Autogenous reconstruction with the lower extremity deep veins: an alternative treatment of prosthetic infection after reconstructive surgery for aortoiliac disease.

PURPOSE: This report evaluates the efficiency of use of the lower extremity deep vein as arterial conduits in the autogenous repair of prosthetic infection after reconstructive aortoiliac surgery. METHODS: We reviewed our records for the period 1990 to 1994 of all patients with prosthetic infection after reconstruction for aortoiliac disease, and we selected for this study all those patients who underwent autograft repair with the lower extremity deep veins. RESULTS: Included were 15 patients: 12 had previously undergone direct aorto(ilio)femoral reconstruction, and three had an extraanatomic prosthetic graft. Thirteen patients were admitted with primary graft infection, and two were admitted with secondary graft-enteric erosion. Treatment consisted of prosthetic excision and aorto(ilio)femoral reconstruction with the superficial femoral vein. In situ reconstruction was performed in 12 cases. The operative mortality rate was 7%. There were no early graft occlusions. One patient underwent an above-knee amputation because of concomitant femoropopliteal occlusion in the presence of a patent deep venous aortofemoral graft. Early postoperative limb swelling was common and was controlled with bed rest, elastic stockings, or intermittent pneumatic compression. The mean follow-up of this series was 17 months (range 4 to 33 months). Two patients died of unrelated causes. One graft occluded after 16 months. There were no reinfections, and all but one patient resumed normal daily activities. Disability from removal of the deep veins was minimal: only one patient continues to wear elastic stockings for limb swelling and shows signs of venous hypertension more than 2 years after surgery. CONCLUSION: Harvesting of the lower extremity deep veins is well tolerated. Autogenous reconstruction with these veins provides good potential for salvage of life and limbs in case of prosthetic infection. A longer period of follow-up is required to study the long-term behavior of these grafts and to allow definite comparison with more conventional approaches.

Aged↗

Local thrombolysis for occluded arterial grafts: is the yield worth the effort?

This study reports the results and complications of local thrombolytic therapy of 50 recently occluded grafts. These occurred in 41 patients with acute severe but still reversible ischemia. The majority were infra-inguinal synthetic grafts. Thrombolysis was induced with urokinase (n = 1), streptokinase (n = 11) or alteplase (n = 38) via an intra-arterial catheter. Complete angiographical lysis was obtained in 36 grafts (72%) and partial lysis in 6 (12%). The highest lysis rate was obtained with alteplase (32/36; 89%). Complementary endovascular and/or surgical intervention was needed in 17 patients to correct an underlying stenosis and/or to save the limb. Fifteen complications occurred (30%) of which distal embolization (n = 4) and bleeding (n = 8 of which 3 fatal) were the most frequent. Six of the bleeding episodes occurred in patients on chronic aspirin intake. The late results were poor. At six months, the primary patency of successfully lysed grafts dropped to 19% and the limb salvage rate to 64%. Thrombolytic therapy is far from the ideal management of thrombosed grafts: maintenance of restored patency is the challenge.

Acute Disease↗

Carotid artery surgery in the presence of an occlusion of the contralateral carotid artery: perioperative risk analysis and follow-up.

A retrospective study of 129 carotid artery reconstructions with an occlusion of the contralateral internal carotid artery (group CO) is presented. A control group comprised 489 patients with a stenosis of < 50% at the contralateral side (group CN). Both groups had the same mean age. There were fewer women in group CO (14% versus 31%, P < 0.0001), and more patients had a history of coronary heart disease (57% versus 44%, P < 0.05). In addition more patients of group CO had suffered a stroke (36% versus 27%, P < 0.05). A temporary shunt was used selectively and more frequently in group CO (87% versus 31%, P < 0.001). Major postoperative complications occurred with equal frequency in both groups: all strokes plus non-cerebral mortality (total combined morbidity and mortality): 4.65% versus 5.5%. The late incidence of stroke was the same in both groups: 8% in CO and 7% in CN at 5 years. The authors conclude that, under the described circumstances and with the appropriate surgical technique, the presence of an occlusion of the contralateral internal carotid artery does not imply an increase in major postoperative complications nor a higher stroke rate during follow-up.

Aged↗

[Approach to aortic aneurysms including the renal arteries: retroperitoneal method].

A pararenal aneurysm is a rare type of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The authors report 25 cases out of 429 abdominal aneurysms. The diagnosis was based on a CT-scan and subsequent biplane arteriography. The most common type was the dorsal proximal aortic dilatation, involving the origin of 1 or 2 renal arteries. A retroperitoneal approach was used in 18 of the 25 patients. The most common complication was the retroperitoneal hemorrhage, necessitating reintervention. None of these patients died or developed renal insufficiency despite a suprarenal clamping during the proximal reconstruction.

Aged↗

The superficial femoral vein as autogenous conduit in the treatment of prosthetic arterial infection.

Autogenous reconstruction is a well-accepted alternative treatment for prosthetic infection after reconstructive arterial surgery. Because of its technical complexity and the lack of suitable substitutes, the procedure remains limited to a few selected centers. We describe four patients with prosthetic infection after reconstructive surgery for lower limb ischemia. Treatment consisted of prosthetic excision and aortofemoral grafting with the use of the superficial femoral vein. All patients survived the operation and infection was eradicated in all cases. We conclude that the superficial femoral vein represents an acceptable arterial conduit in the treatment of these difficult cases.

Aged↗

Blood pressure management during aortic surgery: urapidil compared to isosorbide dinitrate.

The efficacy and hemodynamic effects of urapidil, an arteriolar vasodilator, and isosorbide dinitrate, a venodilator, were compared, when used for blood pressure control during abdominal aortic surgery. Urapidil is an alpha-adrenergic receptor antagonist with serotonin-1A receptor-agonist activity in the central nervous system. Hemodynamic profiles were recorded before and after the administration of the study drug (+/- 10 minutes before aortic clamping), 3 and 10 minutes following aortic clamping, and before and 3 and 10 minutes following the removal of the aortic clamp. Arterial and mixed venous oxygen contents were compared. Both groups of 18 patients were similar with respect to demographic profiles, anesthetic technique, and perioperative fluid therapy. Identical heart rate and blood pressure profiles were obtained. In contrast to isosorbide dinitrate, urapidil produced a 17% (P < 0.05) increase in cardiac index as a result of a 30% (P < 0.001) decrease in systemic vascular resistance before placement of the aortic clamp. In patients treated with urapidil, cardiac index was higher (P < 0.05) 10 minutes after aortic clamping, before removal of the clamp, and 10 minutes later. The arterio-venous oxygen content difference decreased from 3.2 +/- 0.8 mL O2/dL to 2.4 +/- 1.0 mL O2/dL (P < 0.01) following urapidil, but did not change during the administration of isosorbide dinitrate. It is concluded that urapidil is an effective and safe drug for the prevention of the hemodynamic consequences of aortic clamping. Compared to a venodilator (isosorbide dinitrate), urapidil offers the advantage of improving cardiac output and oxygen delivery.

Alfentanil↗

Mesenteric involvement of thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease) in a woman.

Although patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease due to thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) have been well characterized and the relationship of this disease to tobacco is stressed, little attention has been focused on its ability to involve the mesenteric vasculature and its ability to affect women. We report a rare case of a known TAO female patient who presented with abdominal pain due to inflammatory changes of the mesenteric vessels. The resulting small bowel ischemic changes and formation of intramural gas were demonstrated on a small bowel follow-through and a plain abdominal film. An angiography finally showed a superior mesenteric artery occlusion.

Adult↗

Graft occlusion following aortofemoral Dacron bypass.

We report on a series of 930 patients who received an aortobifemoral Dacron graft between 1963 and 1988. The operative mortality was 5.6% and the mean follow-up reached 5.45 years (range one month to 23.6 years). Late occlusion was noted in 125 patients and the primary patency rate decreased to 74% and 69%, respectively at 10 and 15 years. Long-term patency was primarily (p less than 0.05) dependent on (1) the date of operation, (2) postoperative smoking habits, (3) distal occlusive disease, and (4) age of the patients at the time of surgery. Vascular reconstruction for late thrombosis was performed for 110 late occlusions in 103 patients. Included were 95 unilateral and 15 bilateral occlusions. The method of choice was graft limb thrombectomy (unilateral occlusion) or anatomical graft replacement (bilateral occlusion or unilateral occlusion when thrombectomy proved to be impossible). Associated outflow reconstructions consisted of profundaplasty in 73.3% of the cases. A mean yearly thrombosis rate of 9.4% (range 4-14%) resulted in a five year patency rate of 59%. Differences between graft thrombectomy and anatomical replacement were not statistically significant. Reconstruction for secondary occlusions was associated with a 25% thrombosis rate. Tertiary occlusion in six cases invariably led to major amputation. A total of 20 patients ultimately needed a major amputation, resulting in an eight year limb salvage rate of 79%.

Aorta↗

The return of clinically evident ischemia after coronary artery bypass grafting.

Although survival after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is the most serious outcome information, the quality of life in living patients is largely determined by the freedom from ischemic events. The return of angina, acute myocardial infarct and sudden death were studied in a large (n = 5880) population of patients undergoing CABG between 1971 and 1987. The freedom from angina pectoris was 95%, 83% and 63% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively, after surgery. Early return of angina was related to both procedure incremental risk factors (incomplete revascularization and non-use of the internal mammary (thoracic) artery (IMA) as a conduit) and patient incremental risk factors (aggressiveness of the atherosclerotic process and severity of preCABG symptoms). Late angina return was related to patient risk factors including coexisting factors (hyperlipidemia and hypertension), preCABG symptom severity and gender (female). The freedom from an acute fatal or non-fatal postCABG myocardial infarct was 99%, 96% and 85% at 1, 5 and 10 years after surgery. The incremental risk factors for early infarction were related to incomplete revascularization, but late infarction was related to lipid levels, coexisting diseases (diabetes, positive family history) and non-use of IMA to LAD. The freedom from sudden death was 99.8%, 99% and 97% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively, after surgery. The incremental risk factors were dominated by the severity of the left ventricular dysfunction. The freedom from any ischemic event (any of the previous three) was 93%, 79% and 54% at 1, 5 and 10 years, respectively, after surgery. The incremental risk factors included all those cited above for the specific components. Patient-specific predictions validate the influences of these risk factors. They demonstrate that unlike the profound influence of the use of the IMA on survival, there is little benefit of the use of the IMA on return of ischemic events over and above the effect of revascularization per se. The study demonstrates that most patients will experience return of ischemic symptoms within a period of 15-20 years after surgery, but that this is most likely to be return of angina and rarely sudden death.

Adult↗

Aortofemoral dacron reconstruction for aorto-iliac occlusive disease: a 25-year survey.

The authors present a consecutive series of 869 patients, who received an aorto(bi)femoral Dacron graft for occlusive disease between 1963 and 1988. The operative indications were grade 1 disease (n = 371), grade 2 disease (n = 408) or grade 3 disease (n = 90). The operative mortality was 4.5% and remained stable over the years of the study. The median survival was 8.2 years and 25% of the patients survived for more than 15 years. Late patency decreased to 74% and 70% after 10 and 15 years, respectively. Fifty-six patients underwent a major amputation in the long run. The amputation rate increased to 3, 8.6 and 12.1%, respectively for grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 disease. Satisfactory functional results were obtained by 51% and 40% of the patients after 10 and 15 years, respectively. By means of secondary and tertiary operations this increased to 70% and 61%. Long term functional results were primarily dependent on smoking habits postoperatively, the date of operation and the presence of concomitant femoro-popliteal occlusive disease.

Amputation, Surgical↗

Routine screening for unsuspected aortic aneurysms in patients after myocardial revascularization: a prospective study.

Ultrasonography of the abdominal aorta was routinely performed in a consecutive series of 100 patients during postoperative reconvalescence after myocardial revascularization. The mean aortic diameter was greater in the male series (n = 80) then in the female population (n = 20) (2.17 +/- 0.85 cm vs 1.6 +/- 0.3 cm). Abnormalities were only seen in male patients over 50 years of age (n = 65). The overall incidence of aneurysm greater than or equal to 4 cm was 6%. The incidence of aortas at least 3 cm was 7/65 (11%). It is suggested that the incidence of unsuspected aortic aneurysm in this subgroup is high enough to justify continued screening programmes by ultrasound.

Adult↗