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At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources
PubMed1995

Photodynamic therapy of vein grafts: suppression of intimal hyperplasia of the vein graft but not the anastomosis.

PURPOSE: There is no clinically useful therapy for the suppression of vein bypass graft intimal hyperplasia (IH). Photodynamic therapy (PDT), a technique that uses light to activate otherwise biologically inert photosensitizers to produce cytotoxic effects, has been demonstrated to successfully inhibit experimental IH in balloon-injured arteries. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of PDT as a method to reduce vein graft IH. METHODS: Reversed external jugular vein bypass grafts of the common carotid artery were performed in 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats. The animals received either chloroaluminum sulfonated phthalocyanine (2.5 mg/kg intravenously) 24 hours before the ex vivo irradiation of the vein grafts (VG) with 100 joule/cm2 at 675 nm (PDT VG) or saline solution as control (CON VG). Preharvest bromodeoxyuridine was administered to label proliferating cells. All vein grafts were perfusion fixed within 96 hours for a pilot study or at 2 and 4 weeks for the main study. Histology, immunohistochemistry, and morphometric analysis were performed. RESULTS: There was no acute thrombus formation in the hypocellular PDT VG with occasional platelets but no leukocytes adherent to the luminal surface. Intimal areas of the PDT VG were 18% at 2 weeks and 53% at 4 weeks of the CON VGs (p < 0.05). Medial areas and percent of stenoses were also significantly less in PDT than in CON VG. However, intimal hyperplasia noted in the longitudinal sections within 2 mm of the anastomoses did not demonstrate a difference between PDT and CON VG. Intimal hyperplasia of both PDT and CON VG consisted of smooth muscle cells, verified by immunohistochemistry. Bromodeoxyuridine-labeled cells were more abundant in 2-week than in 4-week specimens, were found most frequently in the intimal areas of the CON VG body, and were equivalent in the anastomoses of PDT VG and CON VG. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that PDT of vein grafts suppresses the development of IH in the body of the vein graft but does not affect IH adjacent to the anastomoses. The artery may be the source of proliferating smooth muscle cells that contribute to the anastomotic vein graft IH.

Anastomosis, Surgical↗
PubMed1996

Prospective randomized trial of carotid endarterectomy with primary closure and patch angioplasty with saphenous vein, jugular vein, and polytetrafluoroethylene: perioperative (30-day) results.

PURPOSE: The early outcomes of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with primary closure (PC) versus vein patch closure (saphenous vein [SVP] and jugular vein [JVP]) and polytetrafluoroethylene patch closure (PTFE-PC) were compared. METHODS: Three hundred ninety-nine CEAs were randomized into the following groups: 135 PC, 134 PTFE-PC, and 130 vein patch closure (SVP alternating with JVP). Surviving patients underwent a carotid color duplex ultrasonographic scan 1 month after surgery. Demographic characteristics were similar in all groups. RESULTS: The incidence of perioperative cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) was 4.4% for PC, 0.8% for PTFE-PC, and 0% for vein patch closure (PC vs vein patch, p = 0.0165; PC vs all patching [vein and PTFE], p = 0.007). The perioperative CVA and reversible ischemic neurologic deficit (RIND) combined rates for all patching were superior to PC (1.5% vs 5.2%; p = 0.04). These combined rates were also superior for vein patch closure when compared with PC (0.8% vs 5.2%; p = 0.037). The mean diameter of the internal carotid artery was similar in patients who had perioperative neurologic deficits and those who did not. After 1 month of follow-up, 11.9% of the PC arteries were narrowed 50% or more in contrast to 2.3% for PTFE-PC, 3.1% for SVP, and 10.3% for JVP.

Aged↗
PubMed1999

Superficial femoral eversion endarterectomy combined with a vein segment as a composite artery-vein bypass graft for infrainguinal arterial reconstruction.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the results of composite artery-vein bypass grafting for infrainguinal arterial reconstruction. METHODS: This study was designed as a retrospective case series in two tertiary referral centers. Forty-eight of 51 patients underwent the procedure of interest for the treatment of ischemic skin lesions (n = 42), rest pain (n = 3), disabling claudication (n = 1), and infected prosthesis (n = 2). The intervention used was infrainguinal composite artery-vein bypass grafting to popliteal (n = 18) and infrapopliteal (n = 30) arteries, with an occluded segment of the superficial femoral artery prepared with eversion endarterectomy and an autogenous vein conduit harvested from greater saphenous veins (n = 43), arm veins (n = 3), and lesser saphenous veins (n = 2). The main outcome measures, primary graft patency rates, foot salvage rates, and patient survival rates, were described by means of the life-table method for a mean follow-up time of 15.5 months. RESULTS: The cumulative loss during the follow-up period was 6% and 24% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The primary graft patency rates, the foot salvage rates, and the patient survival rates for patients with popliteal grafts were 60.0% +/- 9.07%, 75.7% +/- 9.18%, and 93.5% +/- 6.03%, respectively, at 1 month; 53.7% +/- 11.85%, 68.9% +/- 12.47%, and 85. 0% +/- 9.92% at 1 year; and 46.7% +/- 18.19%, 68.9% +/- 20.54%, and 53.1% +/- 17.15% at 5 years. For infrapopliteal grafts, the corresponding estimates were 72.4% +/- 7.06%, 72.9% +/- 6.99%, and 92.7% +/- 4.79% at 1 month; 55.6% +/- 10.70%, 55.4% +/- 10.07%, and 77.9% +/- 9.02% at 1 year; and 33.6% +/- 22.36%, 55.4% +/- 30.20%, and 20.8% +/- 9.89% at 5 years. CONCLUSION: The composite artery-vein bypass graft is a useful autogenous alternative for infrainguinal arterial reconstruction when a vein of the required quality is not available or when the procedure needs to be confined to the affected limb.

Aged↗
PubMed1975

Location of aldosterone-producing adenomas by the determination of plasma aldosterone in adrenal vein or renal vein blood.

1. Aldosterone-producing adenomas were located before operation in eighteen patients by comparison of aldosterone concentrations in blood obtained by percutaneous catheterization of the adrenal vein or renal vein. The concentration of aldosterone in the venous effluent from the adrenal glands containing adenomas was significantly greater than in the venous effluent from contralateral glands. 2. Cathetherization of the adrenal vein is, however, technically difficult. The location of adrenal adenomas was also possible by analysis of blood from the renal vein. 3. If the concentrations of aldosterone in blood from the left renal vein were higher than those from the right, the existence of a left adrenal adenoma was suggested. A high value in plasma, obtained from the inferior vena cava above the entry of the right adrenal vein, showed a right adrenal adenoma. This procedure identified very small functional adenomas which could not be demonstrated radiographically, or seen or palpated at surgery. 4. It was concluded that differential aldosterone measurement after percutaneous bilateral adrenal vein or renal vein catheterization can be used as a definitive test for the location of an aldosterone-producing adenoma, where this is uncertain.

Adenoma↗
PubMed2000

Closure of the greater saphenous vein with endoluminal radiofrequency thermal heating of the vein wall in combination with ambulatory phlebectomy: preliminary 6-month follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Incompetence of the saphenofemoral junction with reflux into the greater saphenous vein is one cause of chronic venous hypertension which may lead to the development of varicose and telangiectatic leg veins. Therefore treatment is necessary. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a novel method for closing the incompetent greater saphenous vein at its junction with the femoral vein through an endoluminal approach. METHODS: Ten patients with reflux at the saphenofemoral junction into the greater saphenous vein were treated with radiofrequency heating of the vein wall through an endoluminal catheter. Patients were evaluated at 3 and 6 months to determine treatment efficacy as well as adverse sequelae. RESULTS: All treated patients achieved complete closure of the saphenofemoral junction and greater saphenous vein. Complete treatment took an average of 20 minutes. Adverse sequelae were minimal, with 2 of 12 patients having mild erythema for 2-3 days. CONCLUSION: Endoluminal radiofrequency thermal heating of an incompetent greater saphenous vein has been shown to be easily accomplished and efficacious throughout the 6-month follow-up period.

Adult↗
PubMed1978

Human umbilical veins and autogenous veins as canine arterial bypass grafts.

Glutaraldehyde treated human umbilical veins (Dardik Biograft) were used to bypass short segments of the femoral artery in 15 dogs and were compared to autogenous jugular veins placed in the contralateral femoral artery of each animal. All 15 autogenous jugular veins remained patent for the four month period of observation whereas thrombosis occurred in seven of 15 umbilical vein grafts. This patency rate of 53% was significantly lower than that observed for autogenous jugular veins (p less than 0.01). Neointimal Fibrous Hyperplasia (NFH) a the proximal anastomosis was responsible for six of the seven umbilical vein graft occlusions. Of the eight patent umbilical veins, five had varying degrees of proximal anastomotic stenosis secondary to NFH. Histological examination of each graft revealed significant fibroblastic proliferation and collagen deposition within the lumen of stenosed and thrombosed grafts. Although human umbilical veins have distinct advantages over other prosthetics, such as availability and flexibility, the incidence of experimental neointimal fibrous hyperplasia causing anastomotic stenosis and thrombosis is prohibitively high.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Do umbilical vein catheterization and sepsis lead to portal vein thrombosis? A prospective, clinical, and sonographic evaluation.

Extrahepatic portal vein obstruction (EHPVO) affects 20-30% of all patients with portal hypertension in India. The etiopathogenesis of this disease is unknown. In retrospective studies, umbilical vein cannulation and sepsis have been alleged to cause portal thrombosis. This prospective study was undertaken to detect clinically and by serial sonography whether thrombosis and consequent obstruction of the splenoportal venous system develops after umbilical vein catheterization and sepsis. Forty-seven children who had undergone exchange transfusion for hyperbilirubinemia, belonging to two different age groups, were studied. Twenty-two new-borns (Group A) were studied within 4 weeks of birth and later at 3-month intervals until the age of 12 months and subsequently at 24 months. Another group of 25 children (Group B), 1- to 5-year-olds who had earlier undergone exchange transfusion and 15 healthy newborns (Group C) were also screened. In Group A, seven (29%) neonates had septicemia, and in five, the splenic vein could not be initially visualized. The splenic vein was not seen in five of the 15 newborns in Group A who had no umbilical sepsis. Twenty-one of the 22 neonates in Group A were followed-up, and the splenic vein was well visualized and found patent on subsequent ultrasound in all of them. In Group B, four (16%) children had umbilical sepsis. None of these or the other Group B children showed any thrombosis or obstruction of the splenoportal system. The portal vein and its branches and the splenic vein were visualized in all healthy (Group C) neonates.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Catheterization, Peripheral↗
PubMed1996

Natriuretic peptide receptors in human artery and vein and rabbit vein graft.

Natriuretic peptides elicit their biological effects by elevation of cGMP through activation of two biologically active receptors: natriuretic peptide A receptor, which shows high affinity to atrial and brain natriuretic peptides, and natriuretic peptide B receptor, which is specific to C-type natriuretic peptide. To elucidate the implications of the natriuretic peptide system in arteries and veins, we examined the cGMP production in response to atrial and C-type natriuretic peptide and gene expressions of biologically active natriuretic peptide receptors in human gastroepiploic artery, internal mammary artery, and saphenous vein. Atrial natriuretic peptide augmented cGMP production more potently by one order of magnitude in arteries than in veins. C-type natriuretic peptide stimulated cGMP production weakly and equally in these vessels. Analyzed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, gene expression of natriuretic peptide A receptor was four times more abundant in arteries than in veins. Gene expression of natriuretic peptide B receptor was approximately the same between these vessels. We also studied the responsiveness to atrial and C-type natriuretic peptide in rabbit jugular vein grafted into carotid artery. In arterialized vein grafts 4 weeks after operation, the effects of atrial and C-type natriuretic peptides on cGMP production did not change from those in jugular veins. In conclusion, atrial natriuretic peptide stimulates cGMP production more potently in arteries than in veins due to the preferential expression of natriuretic peptide A receptor in arteries. These observations support the distinct roles of natriuretic peptides in cardiovascular homeostasis.

Aged↗
PubMed2001

Preliminary report of a new approach to sparing the greater saphenous vein for grafting: valvuloplasty combined with axial transposition of a competent tributary vein.

PURPOSE: To compare a new vessel-sparing technique combining valvuloplasty with axial transposition of a competent tributary vein versus single valvuloplasty for the treatment of greater saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence. METHODS: In 55 patients with GSV incompetence, 29 of 57 limbs were treated by angioscopic valvuloplasty of the subterminal valve alone, whereas the remaining 28 limbs underwent angioscopic valvuloplasty combined with axial transposition of a competent tributary vein identified preoperatively by duplex scanning. After angioscopic valvuloplasty in the latter group, the competent tributary vein was exposed and cut 1.5 cm distal to its insertion point on the GSV. The transected vein was anastomosed end to side to the GSV, which was ligated between the tributary insertion site and the anastomosis. Changes in venous hemodynamics, including venous filling index (VFI), ejection fraction (EF), and residual volume fraction (RVF), were analyzed by use of air plethysmography. RESULTS: In the 1-year follow-up, no venous thrombosis was detected in either group. In the valvuloplasty-only group, 22 (75.9%) limbs exhibited reflux in the proximal GSV; recurrent varicose veins were detected in 5 (17.2%) limbs. In contrast, only 2 (7.1%) limbs showed reflux in the valvuloplasty + transposition group. There were no significant differences in EF and RVF between the groups before or after the operation, although a significant difference was seen in VFI at 1 year (p = 0.005, Wilcoxon rank sum test). CONCLUSIONS: Valvuloplasty combined with tributary vein transposition gives a better result than valvuloplasty alone at 1 year. This new treatment option may be useful for both reducing the rate of varicose veins and sparing the GSV for grafting.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

The lateral accessory saphenous vein - a common cause of recurrent varicose veins.

BACKGROUND: Varicose veins commonly recur after surgery and present a large burden to the NHS. The aim of this study was to demonstrate that the lateral accessory saphenous vein is the commonest cause of groin recurrence of varicose veins and we discuss a possible anatomical reason for this. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The case notes of all patients presenting to two vascular surgeons with recurrent varicose veins over a 3-year period were studied. All limbs were assessed by duplex ultrasound scanning. These scans were reviewed to identify the site of recurrence. When recurrence occurred in the groin, the scans were further evaluated to identify the cause of groin recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 216 limbs in 186 patients were evaluated over a 36-month period. Of these, 141 (65%) demonstrated a recurrence in the groin: 56 (26%) recurrences were due to either incompetent thigh or calf perforators and there were 19 (9%) cases of saphenopopliteal or short saphenous vein incompetence. Out of 141 groin recurrences, 61 (43%) were due to a persistent lateral accessory saphenous vein. CONCLUSIONS: The lateral accessory saphenous vein is the commonest cause of recurrence in the groin of varicose veins. It should be looked for specifically during pre-operative assessment duplex scanning and at primary surgery. If identified at operation, we believe it should be either stripped or avulsed to reduce the risk of recurrence.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Endovenous laser ablation of the saphenous vein for treatment of venous insufficiency and varicose veins: early results from a large single-center experience.

PURPOSE: To report early results of a single-center experience with endovenous laser ablation of the saphenous vein (ELAS). METHODS: From February 2002 to January 2003, 165 eligible patients (116 women; mean age 59.1 years, range 27-90) were treated with ELAS for venous insufficiency in 203 lower limbs. All patients were symptomatic, and the majority (62%) had class 4 or higher clinical disease (CEAP classification). Eighteen (8.9%) patients had ulcers. A 940-nm diode laser was used in an office setting under local tumescent anesthesia to deliver 100 to 140 laser applications along the course of the vein. Two weeks of compression bandages and a 1-week course of ibuprofen were prescribed postoperatively. All patients underwent a duplex scan of the target vein at 2 weeks. RESULTS: The great (154, 76%), short 37 (18%), and accessory 12 (6%) saphenous veins were ablated, achieving a 97% clinical success rate. Postoperative complications were few (mild induration and ecchymosis) and well tolerated (no DVT or nerve injury). Of the 6 (3.0%) recanalized target veins, 4 were only partially open and successfully treated with sclerosis. Of the 18 patients with active ulceration, 15 (83%) demonstrated healing after ELAS. In a satisfaction survey of patients more than 1 year after ELAS treatment, 84% of the 31 responders claimed their symptoms had diminished to none or minimal; 97% were mostly or very satisfied with their treatment results. CONCLUSIONS: ELAS for symptomatic saphenous vein incompetence and varicose veins has excellent short-term subjective and objective outcomes. This technique appears to be very successful in reducing symptoms, resolving varicose veins, and healing ulcers.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

The effects of temporary occlusion of the superior mesenteric vein or splenic vein on biliary bilirubin and bile acid excretion in rats.

To elucidate the possible implication of hepatic blood supply to the occurrence of hepatolithiasis, the rat superior mesenteric vein, which drains blood from the intestine, or the splenic vein, which drains from the spleen, was occluded for 30 minutes. Changes in the hepatic oxygen saturation index, intrahepatic uridine diphosphate-glucuronic acid concentration, bile flow, and the excretion of bilirubin as well as its fraction, along with bile acid in bile before and after the procedure, were observed. In association with superior mesenteric vein occlusion, oxygen saturation index, hepatic uridine diphosphate-glucuronic acid concentration, bile flow, bile acid concentration in bile, and percentage of biliary bilirubin diglucuronide were all decreased. Incubation of bile under sterile conditions from rats with occluded superior mesenteric veins resulted in precipitation of mainly calcium salt of fatty acid. In contrast, splenic vein occlusion caused no changes except for a decrease in biliary bilirubin concentration. Incubation of bile from rats with occluded splenic veins did not induce precipitation. From these findings it can be concluded that blood flow in the superior mesenteric vein is the primary source of oxygen supply to the rat liver and that this vein plays an important role in maintaining bile flow, bile acid excretion, and bilirubin conjugation and in preventing the precipitation of bile (possibly preventing hepatolithiasis).

Animals↗
PubMed1986

Portographic opacification of hepatic veins and (anomalous) anastomoses between the portal and hepatic veins in cirrhosis--indication of extensive intrahepatic shunts.

On the premise that extensive intrahepatic portal-venous anastomoses known to occur in cirrhosis would be demonstrated by contrast medium directly placed in the portal vein, percutaneous transhepatic portograms were analyzed in 82 patients with liver cirrhosis in relation to the estimated degree of shunting. The degree of intrahepatic shunt was measured during transhepatic portography using 99mTc-macroaggregated albumin. Hepatic veins began to opacify at 4 to 10 s after the start of injection of contrast medium during portography in 20 patients with cirrhosis who had intrahepatic shunt indices of 58.5 +/- 18.5%, but it was not visualized in 62 patients with cirrhosis whose shunt indices were 19.9 +/- 14.1%. Anomalous large anastomoses of 1 or 2 mm in size between the right portal vein and the right hepatic vein were clearly visualized during portography in 18 of 20 patients in whom the hepatic vein was opacified. Frequency and time of beginning opacification of the hepatic vein were closely correlated with the degree of intrahepatic shunt. Thus, opacification of the hepatic vein and abnormal anastomoses between the portal and hepatic vein systems in an early phase of portography indicates extensive intrahepatic shunts.

Hepatic Veins↗
PubMed1983

[Upper abdominal sonography in total abnormal pulmonary vein confluence into the portal vein].

Upper abdominal sonography demonstrated an asplenia-syndrome and a massive dilatation of the portal vein and its intrahepatic branches in a newborn infant with angiocardiographically confirmed total anomalous pulmonary venous return to the portal vein. A common venous trunk (vertical vein) could be traced from behind the heart to the sinus-like dilated portal vein. Because demonstration of the vertical vein may not be possible with the sector scanner below the diaphragm, we consider sonographic demonstration of a dilated portal vein as an important sign for total anomalous pulmonary venous return to the portal vein. In the newborn period, no other cause is known for such a massive dilatation of the portal vein. Differentiation from malformations of the biliary system can be easily achieved by upper abdominal sonography.

Abnormalities, Multiple↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Leiomyosarcoma of the great veins: a case involving the left iliac vein extending to the inferior vena cava].

Large veins LMS is a rare slow growing malignant tumor originating from smooth muscle cells of the media. The authors report a case of LMS of the left common iliac vein propagating to the Inferior Vena Cava that presented with a left femoral-iliac deep thrombophlebitis. CT scan showed an uneven solid mass approximately 5 cm large within the left side of the pelvis. The mass displaced the left iliac artery and compressed the left iliac vein without a significant cleavage surface between the mass itself and the vascular structures. Location was next to the spine, medially and anteriorily to the psoas muscle. A thrombosis could be noticed within the distal segment of the inferior Vena Cava and within the proximal segment of the left iliac vein. US scan with fine needle biopsy of the mass didn't yield significant information. At surgical exploration a neoplastic mass involving and blocking the left iliac vein was found. Veinotomy performed on the iliac vein and on the distal segment of the Inferior Vena Cava but without infiltration of the vein walls. Surgical treatment consisted of asportation of the neoplastic mass, resection of the left iliac vein and thrombectomy of the Inferior Vena Cava. Histologic examination of the operated specimen revealed a mixoid LMS with vascular origin without involvement of the surrounding lymph nodes. Absence of clinical and radiological signs of relapse eight months after surgery makes further surgical and complementary (drug- and radiotherapy) treatments currently unnecessary.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

The effect of acute experimental retinal vein occlusion on cat retinal vein pressures.

PURPOSE: Retinal ischemic damage associated with retinal vein occlusion is exacerbated by fluid extravasation and hemorrhage, which may be caused by increased permeability, elevated intravascular pressure, or both. Direct measurement of the retinal vein pressure in the cat after acute experimental retinal vein occlusion may define the role of intravascular pressures in fluid extravasation associated with this condition. METHODS: Intravenous retinal pressure measurements were obtained using a micropipette connected to a servonull device and positioned by a robot micromanipulator, while a major retinal vein near the optic disc was occluded by argon laser radiation delivered through an optical fiber positioned by a manual micromanipulator. After occlusion, retinal vein pressures were measured on both sides of the occlusion site at a controlled intraocular pressure of 20 mm Hg. RESULTS: Upstream of the occlusion site, the retinal vein pressures were not greatly elevated, although they were significantly different from controls. Downstream vein pressures were significantly lower than controls, but vascular collapse near the optic nerve was not observed. CONCLUSIONS: In retinal vein occlusion, venous pressures in a segmental retinal circulatory bed are not substantially elevated, thus implying the presence of a pressure-release mechanism and implicating vascular damage for the increased transvascular fluid flux. The lack of vascular collapse downstream of the occlusion site suggests collateral communication before a large intraocular pressure-dependent resistance segment that lies between the intraocular and extraocular vessels.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1975

Combined hepatic vein, umbilicoportal vein, and superior mesenteric artery catheterization in portal hypertension: estimation of the portal fraction of total hepatic blood flow in cirrhotic patients.

Hemodynamic data were obtained in 13 cirrhotic patients with severe portal hypertension, undergoing combined hepatic vein, umbilicoportal vein, and superior mesenteric artery catheterization. The relative clearance of indocyanine green, the portohepatic gradient (difference between the free portal venous pressure and the free hepatic venous pressure), and the estimated hepatic blood flow were measured. The portal fraction (PF) of total hepatic blood flow was calculated in all patients using indicator dilution curves obtained from the portal bifurcation, a right hepatic vein, and when possible a left hepatic vein (six cases) after injection of (51)Cr-labeled red blood cells ((51)Cr RBC) into the superior mesenteric artery. Flows were overestimated because of loss of indicator through spontaneous portosystemic shunts; however, the ratio between hepatic and portal indicator dilution curves can be used to calculate the portal fraction of total hepatic blood flow since no extrahepatic shunts existed after the bifurcation of the portal vein (as shown on portography). In 10 patients, 15 series of curves were calculable and the PF varied between 30.1 and 100% (mean ± SE: 71.1 ± 6.2%). In the three other patients, only delayed activity from recirculation was detected from portal and hepatic vein samples and PF was 0%; in these three cases, portography and arteriography revealed spontaneous portacaval shunting with reverse and/or stagnant circulation in the portal vein. In the 13 patients, no correlation existed between PF and the relative clearance of indocyanine green or the portohepatic gradient, parameters generally used as indices of severity in cirrhosis. In 10 patients, no correlation was found between PF and the estimated hepatic blood flow.These data indicate that (51)Cr RBC dilution curves can be used for the estimation of the portal fraction of total hepatic blood flow in conscious cirrhotic patients before portacaval shunts. Using this methodology, it could be assessed whether any critical level of portal fraction exists above which poor clinical results occur after portacaval shunting. This measurement could eventually be helpful in determining the appropriate surgical procedure to be applied in individual cases.

Adult↗
PubMed2004

Correlation of duplex ultrasound scanning-derived valve closure time and clinical classification in patients with small saphenous vein reflux: Is lesser saphenous vein truly lesser?

OBJECTIVE: We recently identified small saphenous vein (SSV) reflux as a significant risk factor for ulcer recurrence in patients with severe chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) undergoing perforator vein ligation. In this study we examined the role of SSV reflux in patients across the spectrum of CVI. METHODS: From March 15, 1997, to December 24, 2002, clinical and duplex ultrasound (US) scanning data from all valve closure time studies performed in our vascular laboratory were prospectively recorded. Valve closure time in the deep and superficial leg veins was assessed with the rapid cuff deflation technique; reflux time greater than 0.5 seconds was considered abnormal. SSV reflux was correlated with the CEAP classification system and eventual surgical procedure. Data were analyzed with Pearson chi(2) analysis. RESULTS: We analyzed 722 limbs in 422 patients, 265 (63%) female patients and 157 (37%) male patients, with a mean age of 48 +/- 12.8 years (range, 16-85 years). In the entire cohort the cause was congenital (Ec) in 5 patients, primary (Ep) in 606 patients, and secondary (Es) in 112 patients. SSV reflux was present in 206 limbs (28.5%) evaluated. Among limbs with SSV reflux, Ec = 4 (2%), Ep = 162 (79%), and Es = 40 (19%). SSV reflux did not correlate with gender, side, or age. The prevalence of SSV reflux increases with increasing severity of clinical class: C1-C3, 25.8% versus C4-C6, 36.1% (P =.006). SSV reflux is highly associated with deep venous reflux, 35.2% of femoral vein reflux (P =.015), 35.8% of femoral vein plus popliteal vein reflux (P =.001), and 40.5% of isolated popliteal vein reflux (P <.001). Great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux was identified in 483 (67%) limbs studied with valve closure time, whereas SSV reflux was present in 206 (28%) limbs. In this cohort, 127 GSV or SSV surgical procedures were performed subsequent to valve closure time examination. Among these operations 107 (84%) were GSV procedures, and only 20 (16%) were SSV procedures. CONCLUSION: SSV reflux is most common in patients demonstrating severe sequelae of CVI, such as lipodermatosclerosis or ulceration. The increasing prevalence of SSV reflux in more severe clinical classes and the strong association of SSV reflux and deep venous reflux suggest that SSV may have a significant role in CVI. Our data further show that, in our institution, a GSV with reflux is more than twice as likely to be surgically corrected as an SSV with reflux. It is time for the SSV to assume greater importance in the treatment of lower extremity venous disease. Future improvements in surgical techniques for access and visualization of the SSV may facilitate this method.

Cohort Studies↗