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Biomedical subjects

R W Hobson

Publications and source records attributed to R W Hobson.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

The arterial wall response to intimal injury in an experimental model.

Repair of occult arterial injuries is advocated to prevent thrombosis, arteriovenous fistula, and pseudoaneurysm formation. However, recent clinical series describe the healing of arterial intimal injuries and recommend nonoperative therapy. To investigate the arterial wall response to intimal injury, we created intimal flaps in 46 canine femoral arteries. The intimal flaps were imaged by arteriography, angioscopy, and intravascular ultrasound acutely, and at one and three weeks and five months post-injury. Lumen area was measured using caliper techniques (arteriography) and computerized video planimetry (angioscopy, intravascular ultrasound). Intimal and medial thickness were measured by intravascular ultrasound prior to harvest for histologic evaluation by light microscopy. Analysis of 32 patent arteries was performed after exclusion of 14 thrombosed arteries. Residual lumen area (mm2) correlated closely among the imaging modalities at one week (8.7 +/- 1.1, 7.3 +/- 2.0, 6.9 +/- 1.8), three weeks (4.2 +/- 0.9, 2.9 +/- 1.0, 2.7 +/- 0.8), and five months (5.3 +/- 0.9, 5.0 +/- 0.5, 5.0 +/- 0.9). Maximal intimal and medial thickness occurred three weeks post-injury, coincident with the maximal reduction in lumen area. Although intimal injuries can cause acute and delayed arterial thromboses, observation may be appropriate in selected cases. The evaluation of those patients chosen for nonoperative therapy should extend beyond three weeks, as this is the time of maximal arterial wall response with a continued potential for adverse clinical events.

Analysis of Variance

Adverse effects of aspirin in the treatment of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The VA Cooperative Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis Study Group.

We prospectively analyzed adverse effects of aspirin in a multicentered cooperative study undertaken to determine the role of endarterectomy in the treatment of asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. Persons with active peptic ulcer disease or known intolerance to aspirin were excluded from the study. Patients initially received 650 mg aspirin twice daily. After a 54-month recruitment period, 444 patients in 11 centers were followed up for as many as 8 years (mean 47.9 +/- 27.9 months). Patients intolerant to 650 mg aspirin twice daily could be switched to enteric-coated aspirin or "low-dose" aspirin (80 to 325 mg daily). At the conclusion of the study, we performed a cross-sectional analysis of aspirin usage and complications. Overall, there were 757 episodes reported wherein adjustments in study medications were made, including cessation and change in formulation or dosage. At the conclusion of the study, at the time of death, or at occurrence of a neurologic end point, 16% of patients were off medication entirely, 51% had been converted to enteric-coated aspirin, and only 33% were taking regular aspirin with 27% of those having been placed on a reduced dosage. Adverse reactions were ascertained from 4954 patient visit records. In all there were a total of 837 adverse reactions reported, or one in every 5.9 visits. The most frequently reported reaction was heartburn or stomach pain for which 372 episodes were reported in 184 (42%) patients. Nausea or vomiting occurred on 79 occasions in 58 patients, and bloody stools were reported 52 times in 41 patients. We conclude that high-dose aspirin therapy for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis is poorly tolerated and that adverse reactions even to low-dose enteric-coated aspirin are common even in patients screened for aspirin intolerance.

Aged

Infrapopliteal arterial injury: prompt revascularization affords optimal limb salvage.

Sixty-nine limbs with infrapopliteal arterial injuries were evaluated in 68 patients. Thirty-five (50%) cases were complicated by acute limb-threatening ischemia. Management consisted of revascularization (26 limbs), ligation (15 limbs), fasciotomy only (2 limbs), observation (18 limbs), and primary amputation (8 limbs). Penetrating injuries (n = 35) had a 33% incidence of ischemia and a reduced frequency of associated injury. One delayed amputation (3%) was required. In contrast, blunt injuries (n = 34) had a 68% incidence of ischemia and a greater frequency of associated injury. There were 20 amputations in the blunt group, including eight primary amputations performed in limbs with profound ischemia, complex open fractures, severe soft-tissue damage, and neural injury. Observation or ligation of single arterial injuries resulted in no early amputations. Associated local injuries in both groups included fracture or ligamentous disruption (64%), severe soft-tissue damage (32%), and nerve dysfunction (36%). In both groups, 15 of 35 ischemic limbs were salvaged by prompt revascularization (11 penetrating and four blunt injuries). Aggressive revascularization with autogenous repair or bypass is recommended for management of penetrating trauma. Though a good outcome will be achieved in some patients with combined blunt trauma and infrapopliteal arterial injury, the probability of delayed amputation and prolonged disability must be consciously integrated into the decision to pursue limb salvage. The prognosis for blunt injury complicated by arterial ischemia is poor; thus the severity of associated local and remote injuries will affect the results of revascularization program.

Adult

Comparison of multicenter study designs for investigation of carotid endarterectomy efficacy.

BACKGROUND: Our report summarizes and compares the characteristics of six prospective, multicenter, randomized clinical trials of carotid endarterectomy underway in North America and Europe. SUMMARY OF REVIEW: Three trials are designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of endarterectomy in patients with asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis. The other three trials enroll patients who have had transient ischemic attacks or a minor cerebral infarction in the distribution of the randomized artery. Considered together, these six clinical trials span the range of candidates for carotid endarterectomy. The inclusion and exclusion criteria, methodology, and statistical considerations of each study are detailed in tables. CONCLUSIONS: The results from these trials will be helpful in resolving some of the questions surrounding endarterectomy, provided the similarities and differences in the study designs are considered when interpreting the results.

Carotid Arteries

Carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis: a ten-year experience with 120 procedures in a fellowship training program.

Performance of carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic carotid stenosis has been restricted during recent years because of concern of reported complications in as high as 10-15% of patients, as well as limited long-term data on stroke protection. During the last 10 years, we have studied immediate and long-term results of carotid endarterectomy for asymptomatic disease in 120 patients. Operations were performed by a clinical vascular fellow with a staff surgeon in attendance in 113 (94%) cases with the remainder performed by the staff surgeon. Patients' mean age was 66 years; 82% were men. Risk factors included hypertension (56%), smoking (52%), coronary artery disease (32%), diabetes (24%), and hypercholesterolemia (6%). Arteriographic severity of stenoses was 80-99% in 74%, 60-79% in 22%, and 40-59% in 4% of cases. Postoperative complications included two transient neurological events (1.7%). No permanent strokes or deaths occurred. Using the life table method, cumulative stroke rate was 4.5% for ipsilateral events and 7.3% for contralateral events, confirming the high degree of stroke protection afforded by carotid endarterectomy in this population. Since these results were accomplished in a fellowship training program, we regard adequacy of this experience as the most influential factor in accomplishing this record. Surgeons who are unable to achieve comparable results should consider abandonment of the procedure or an extended period of additional training.

Aged

Leukocyte activation in ischemia-reperfusion injury of skeletal muscle.

Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) participation in the pathophysiology of the reperfusion injury following skeletal muscle ischemia has become recognized. We measured the activation of PMNs as evidenced by production of superoxide anion (O2-) in the isolated canine gracilis muscle preparation of ischemia-reperfusion injury. PMNs were isolated from the gracilis muscle venous effluent and central venous blood after 6 hr of bilateral gracilis ischemia and 1 hr of reperfusion in five dogs. Baseline samples were obtained prior to ischemia from the central venous circulation. Liberation of O2- from PMNs and from PMNs stimulated by opsonized zymosan was determined by measuring ferricytochrome reduction. Results are expressed as nanomoles of O2- produced/2 x 10(6) PMN +/- SEM. O2- production by unstimulated cells was increased from 0.33 +/- 0.15 nmole in the baseline samples to 0.96 +/- 0.08 nmole in the central venous sample (P less than 0.01). With stimulation by zymosan, production increased from 10.3 +/- 1.4 nmole in the baseline samples to 15.2 +/- 1.1 nmole in the central venous sample (P less than 0.05) and to 15.5 +/- 0.9 nmole in the gracilis venous sample (P less than 0.01). These increases in superoxide production were not seen in the three sham-operated animals. Mean infarct size determined by planimetry was 55%. O2- produced by PMNs from central venous blood correlated with infarct size (r = 0.934, P = 0.02). These data imply that PMNs are activated by muscular ischemia, and the degree of activation is directly related to the extent of the muscle infarction.

Animals

A prospective evaluation of arterial intimal injuries in an experimental model.

The management of arterial intimal defects remains controversial because of uncertainty concerning their natural history. We developed an experimental canine model to prospectively evaluate posterior wall intimal flaps in the superficial femoral artery. Arterial intimal flaps were constructed in 20 anesthetized dogs (40 arteries) and evaluated by arteriography, and angioscopy, and intravascular ultrasound. Postoperative patency rates at 1 (n = 20) and 3 weeks (n = 20) were compared with a control group of ten animals (n = 20, arteriotomy without intimal flap). Acute thromboses occurred in five experimental arteries with thromboses of eight additional experimental arteries at followup. Control patency was 100%, while experimental group patencies were 75% (p less than 0.05) at 1 week and 60% (p less than 0.009) at 3 weeks. All thrombosed arteries had intimal flaps with greater than 75% luminal stenosis. We conclude that intimal injuries cause arterial thromboses acutely and during subsequent followup. Intimal flaps with stenosis greater than 75% as determined arteriographically are at greatest risk for thrombosis. Angioscopy and intravascular ultrasound characterize arterial intimal defects and may delineate injuries requiring surgical or endovascular repair.

Angiography

A new model for studying ischemia-reperfusion injury in hamster cheek pouch.

The cheek pouch was prepared as a single layer and attached to a two-piece Lucite chamber that was filled with bicarbonate buffer (pH 7.35, equilibrated with 95% N2-5% CO2). Two microcirculatory areas were circumscribed in the cheek pouch by equilateral triangular chambers. Each chamber was made of 90-microns thick Mylar sheet (2 mm wide, 18 mm long). A cover slip was used as the chamber top. Ischemia was induced by applying pressure to the cover slip. The experimental area was reperfused after 1 h of ischemia by releasing the pressure. The other area served as control. One hour of reperfusion after 1 h of ischemia caused a significant increase in the number of leukocytes adhering to postcapillary venules (PCVs) per 100 microns vessel length in the ischemic area relative to the values in the control area (7.8 +/- 2.5 vs. 3.7 +/- 1.3, respectively, for PCVs 10-19.9 microns diam; and 10.9 +/- 2.8 vs. 6.2 +/- 1.8 for PCVs 20-29.9 microns diam; P less than 0.01 for both comparisons). The results demonstrate the adequacy of the model to investigate leukocyte adhesion to endothelium in ischemia-reperfusion. Because blood flow is maintained in most of the pouch, our model should also be useful for identifying possible interactions between ischemic and nonischemic areas in the microcirculation.

Animals

The influence of arachidonic acid metabolites on leukocyte activation and skeletal muscle injury after ischemia and reperfusion.

Derivatives of arachidonic acid have been found to play a role in the reperfusion injury of various tissues. These compounds have a broad spectrum of activity, including modulation of white blood cell response to injured tissue. This study was designed to determine the effect of thromboxane and lipoxygenase derivatives on the local and systemic response to ischemia and reperfusion of skeletal muscle. Fifteen dogs were separated into three groups and subjected to gracilis muscle ischemia followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. One group served as controls, one group was treated with OKY-046 (a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor), and one group was treated with diethylcarbamazine (a lipoxygenase inhibitor). White blood cell activation as measured by superoxide anion production, and eicosanoid levels were measured both in the gracilis venous effluent and central venous circulation. These results were compared to infarct size in the gracilis muscle. OKY-046 significantly reduced thromboxane production in both the central venous (102 +/- 30 to 31 +/- 9 pg/ml, p less than 0.05) and gracilis samples (107 +/- 22 to 25 +/- 6 pg/ml, p less than 0.005). This was accompanied by a reduced white cell activation in the central venous blood (15 +/- 1 to 10 +/- 1 nmol O2-, p less than 0.05), but did not affect infarct size or white cell activation in the gracilis. Conversely, diethylcarbamazine significantly reduced both white cell activation (16 +/- 1 to 10 +/- 1 nmol O2-, p less than 0.005) and infarct size in the gracilis muscles (61.6% +/- 4.5% to 28.5% +/- 8.6%, p less than 0.01), as well as reduced systemic white blood cell activation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

6-Ketoprostaglandin F1 alpha

Intravascular ultrasonography: validation studies and preliminary intraoperative observations.

Intravascular ultrasonography is emerging as an important imaging modality to assess the presence, distribution, and extent of atherosclerotic vascular disease. To determine the accuracy and clinical utility of intravascular ultrasonography, a flexible catheter-based system was used to generate two-dimensional, cross-sectional vascular images. In 23 arteries of 11 sheep 206 in vivo images demonstrated an echo-free lumen surrounded by three distinct concentric acoustic transitions corresponding to intima, media, and adventitia. Ultrasound measurements of lumen diameter and area correlated significantly with those of corresponding arteriographic measurements obtained by use of digital calipers (r = 0.91, r = 0.86). To evaluate clinical feasibility, intraoperative images (n = 160) were obtained in 10 patients undergoing vascular bypass or hemodialysis access procedures. The images depicted luminal configuration and arterial wall morphologic characteristics. Measurements of lumen diameter and lumen area correlated closely with corresponding intraoperative arteriography (r = 0.81, r = 0.79). The ultrasound images demonstrated arterial stenoses, intimal hyperplasia, intraluminal thrombus, polytetrafluoroethylene graft material, and anastomotic sites. We conclude that flexible catheter-based ultrasonography produces images that accurately demonstrate arterial wall architecture, lumen diameter, and area. Intraoperative application can produce images that provide unique information thus expanding the clinical potential of ultrasonography as a guidance system for vascular procedures.

Animals

Endovascular management of arterial intimal defects: an experimental comparison by arteriography, angioscopy, and intravascular ultrasonography.

To determine the feasibility of the endovascular management of intimal defects while comparing the accuracy of arteriography with angioscopy and intravascular ultrasonography, we developed an in vivo model of arterial intimal flaps. In 10 superficial femoral arteries of five anesthetized mongrel dogs, intimal flaps were constructed and then imaged by arteriography, angioscopy, and intravascular ultrasound. A flexible microbiopsy forceps was used to remove each intimal flap under angioscopic guidance. Arteriographic lumen diameters were measured and cross-sectional areas calculated. Corresponding measurements by angioscopy and intravascular ultrasound with reduction in luminal area at the flap were obtained by use of computerized planimetry. Uniplanar arteriography identified 60% (6/10) of the intimal flaps, whereas angioscopy and intravascular ultrasound demonstrated 100%. Lumen diameter (in millimeters) measured by arteriography (3.4 +/- 0.6) correlated significantly with measurements by angioscopy (3.5 +/- 0.5, r = 0.77) and intravascular ultrasound (3.5 +/- 0.6, r = 0.96). Similarly, lumen area (square millimeters) by arteriography (9.2 +/- 2.9) correlated with measurements by angioscopy (8.9 +/- 2.2, r = 0.82) and intravascular ultrasound (8.6 +/- 2.7, r = 0.91). Reduction in lumen area by the flap by angioscopy (37 +/- 7%) and intravascular ultrasound (33 +/- 8%) also correlated significantly (r = 0.72). The intimal flaps were removed successfully in all 10 arteries as confirmed by arteriography, angioscopy, and intravascular ultrasound. We conclude that the endovascular management of intimal defects is possible. Additionally, angioscopy and intravascular ultrasound accurately evaluate lumen diameter and area while providing direct assessment of intimal defects.

Animals

Sustained benefit of temporary limited reperfusion in skeletal muscle following ischemia.

Limiting the rate of reperfusion blood flow following prolonged ischemia in skeletal muscle has been shown beneficial. However, the persistence of this benefit with reinstitution of normal blood flow remains undefined. We investigated the role of temporary limited reperfusion on ischemia-reperfusion injury in an isolated gracilis muscle model in six anesthetized dogs. Both gracilis muscles were subjected to 6 hr of ischemia followed by 2 hr of reperfusion. Reperfusion blood flow was limited for the first hour in one gracilis muscle to its preischemic rate followed by a second hour of normal reperfusion (LR/NR). The contralateral muscle underwent 2 hr of normal reperfusion (NR/NR). Muscle injury was quantified by technetium-99m pyrophosphate (TcPyp) uptake and by histochemical staining using triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) with planimetry of the infarct size. Capillary permeability was evaluated by muscle weight gain. Results are reported as the mean +/- SEM: [table: see text] These data demonstrate a sustained benefit from temporary limited reperfusion. This methodology should be considered in the surgical management of the acutely ischemic limb.

Animals

Role of eicosanoids and white blood cells in the beneficial effects of limited reperfusion after ischemia-reperfusion injury in skeletal muscle.

Limiting the rate of reperfusion blood flow has been shown to be beneficial locally in models of ischemia-reperfusion injury. We investigated the effects of this on eicosanoids (thromboxane B2, 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and leukotriene B4), white blood cell activation, and skeletal muscle injury as quantitated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride and technetium-99m pyrophosphate after ischemia-reperfusion injury in an isolated gracilis muscle model in 16 anesthetized dogs. One gracilis muscle in each dog was subjected to 6 hours of ischemia followed by 1 hour of limited reperfusion and then by a second hour of normal reperfusion. The other muscle was subjected to 6 hours of ischemia followed by 2 hours of normal reperfusion. Six dogs each were used as normal reperfusion controls (NR) and limited reperfusion controls (LR), with 5 dogs being treated with a thromboxane synthetase inhibitor (LR/TSI) and another five with a leukotriene inhibitor (LR/LI). LR in all three groups (LR, LR/TSI, and LR/LI) showed a benefit in skeletal muscle injury as measured by triphenyltetrazolim chloride and technetium-99m pyrophosphate when compared with NR. However, there was no significant difference between the groups with LR regarding eicosanoid levels and white blood cell activation when compared with NR. These results demonstrate that LR produces benefits by mechanisms other than those dependent upon thromboxane A2, prostacyclin, or white blood cell activation.

Animals

Diagnosis of acute deep venous thrombosis.

This article outlines the application of continuous-wave Doppler, plethysmographic techniques, and B-mode ultrasonography to the diagnosis of suspected deep venous thrombosis in ambulatory patients. Methodology is evaluated, and the diagnostic accuracy and application of these studies are reviewed. The authors' current algorithm for the application of these noninvasive studies also is presented.

Humans

Iloprost infusion decreases skeletal muscle ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Iloprost (a long-acting prostacyclin analog) has been demonstrated to decrease cardiac muscle infarct size after ischemia-reperfusion injury. We investigated the ability of iloprost to decrease skeletal muscle injury and platelet sequestration after ischemia-reperfusion injury in a canine bilateral isolated gracilis muscle model. Anesthesized animals (n = 13) were subjected to 6 hours of gracilis muscle ischemia and 1 hour of reperfusion. Fifteen minutes before muscle reperfusion, the animals were infused with radium 111-labeled autogenous platelets. Experimental animals (n = 7) received a continuous preischemic intravenous infusion of iloprost (0.45 microgram/kg/hr) and two 0.45 microgram/kg intravenous injections of iloprost (10 minutes before the ischemic interval and 10 minutes before reperfusion). Muscle injury was measured with triphenyltetrazolium chloride histochemical staining. Platelet sequestration within ischemic muscle specimens was determined by measuring indium 111 activity in a gamma counter. Iloprost infusion decreased muscle infarct size from 57.0% +/- 12.6% in control animals to 15.8% +/- 4.4% in experimental animals (p less than 0.05). Platelet uptake in experimental and control muscle was 1.2 +/- 0.21 x 10(7) and 2.17 +/- 0.48 x 10(7) platelets/gm ischemic muscle, respectively (p = 0.1). Although platelet sequestration was not altered significantly in this experiment, a reduction in skeletal muscle injury was confirmed. Further investigation on the mechanisms of action of iloprost in chronic and acute skeletal muscle ischemia is warranted.

Animals