Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Recanalization”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 109 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

The effect of plaque composition on laser recanalization.

Laser recanalization using metal-capped laser fibers and continuous-wave laser energy occurs by thermal ablation of atherosclerotic plaque. Different types of plaque respond differently to laser energy and plaque composition may be an important determinant of the success of laser recanalization. To investigate this hypothesis, 16 patients with symptomatic arterial occlusions in the mid and distal superficial femoral artery underwent B-mode ultrasound arterial imaging prior to attempted argon laser recanalization. The composition of the occlusions was classified as soft (echogenicity less than the adjacent arterial wall), dense (echogenicity equal to the adjacent arterial wall), or calcified (echoreflective). Recanalization was successful in 100% (8/8) of patients with soft occlusions versus 38% (3/8) with dense or calcified occlusions (P = 0.01). Thus, plaque composition as assessed by B-mode ultrasound imaging appears to be an important predictor of the success or failure of arterial recanalization using a thermal laser probe.

Aged↗

Recanalization of Chronically Occluded Aortocoronary Saphenous Vein Bypass Grafts With Long-Term, Low Dose Direct Infusion of Urokinase (ROBUST): a serial trial.

OBJECTIVES: This multicenter study sought to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of prolonged, low dose, direct urokinase infusion in recanalization of chronically occluded saphenous vein bypass grafts in a large sample of patients, as well as to determine the 6-month patency rates for this procedure. BACKGROUND: Patients with chronically occluded aortocoronary vein grafts and uncontrolled angina pectoris have limited options for therapy. Previous work has shown that chronically occluded vein grafts can be recanalized by thrombolysis. METHODS: A coaxial infusion of urokinase (100,000 U/h) was given directly into occluded vein grafts in 107 patients. Balloon angioplasty was performed after lysis was achieved. Patients were discharged with warfarin and aspirin therapy. Six-month clinical follow-up data were obtained, and repeat angiography was encouraged. RESULTS: Initial patency was achieved in 74 patients (69%). Mean duration of infusion was 25.4 h, and mean urokinase dosage was 3.70 million U. Acute adverse events included acute myocardial infarction in 5 patients (5%), enzyme level elevation in 18 (17%), emergency coronary artery bypass graft surgery in 4 (4%), stroke in 3 (3%) and death in 7 (6.5%). Recanalization was unsuccessful in all seven patients who died. Six-month follow-up angiograms were obtained for 40 patients (54%), 16 of whom maintained a patent graft (40%). Angina was present in 13 patients with successful (22%) and 12 with unsuccessful (71%) recanalization at 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Chronically occluded aortocoronary vein grafts can be recanalized in approximately 70% of appropriately selected patients. Complications are similar to those observed with repeat operations. Clinical follow-up shows an improvement in angina. This procedure is intended for patients with only one occluded vein graft. Strict adherence to the protocol will improve patency and reduce complications.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Coronary↗

Reappraising the role of immediate intervention following thrombolytic recanalization in acute myocardial infarction.

Early studies indicated that after successful thrombolytic recanalization, adjunctive percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) was not appropriate, even when a significant residual stenosis was present. The aim of this study was to assess in-hospital clinical outcomes of patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) who underwent successful recanalization after thrombolytic therapy. The relation between repeat AMI/unstable angina and the severity of the stenosis, as well as other angiographic and clinical features was also examined. One hundred patients with AMI of <10 hours underwent coronary angiography 2 hours after receiving thrombolytic therapy. Salvage PTCA +/- stenting was performed if recanalization was unsuccessful (Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction [TIMI] trial grade 0 to 2), and no PTCA was undertaken if there was brisk anterograde flow (TIMI 3). Angiographic analysis was performed to assess the severity of the residual lesion, as well as the presence or absence of thrombus. Forty patients had unsuccessful recanalization, and of these, 36 underwent attempted PTCA. Of the 60 patients with TIMI 3 flow, 15 required repeat angiography and PTCA after repeat AMI (n = 13) or unstable angina (n = 2) within 5 days. Receiver-operating characteristic analysis indicated an optimum percent diameter stenosis predictor of 85% for repeat AMI/unstable angina. There was no additional relation to age, gender, time to thrombolysis, the infarct-related artery, or the presence of culprit lesion thrombus. After recanalization, a high-grade stenosis >85% is common (n = 25, 42.4%). This is associated with a 54% repeat AMI/unstable angina risk-a ninefold increase in the incidence of such events than in patients with lesions <85%. Thus, patients with narrowings >85% may benefit from early intervention rather than a conservative approach. Narrowings <85% have a 94% probability of no repeat AMI/unstable angina and do not require early intervention.

Adult↗

Contrast echocardiographic evaluation of early changes in myocardial perfusion after recanalization therapy in anterior wall acute myocardial infarction and their relation with early contractile recovery.

Temporal changes in myocardial perfusion after recanalization and their relation with functional recovery in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) using intravenous myocardial contrast echocardiography (MCE) have not yet been clarified. To address this issue, 19 patients with first, uncomplicated anterior wall AMI were studied using intravenous MCE within 24 hours of recanalization and before discharge. MCE was performed using harmonic power Doppler. Each asynergic left ventricular (LV) myocardial segment was scored for myocardial perfusion (1 = complete, 0.7 = patchy but >50%, 0.3 = patchy <50%, and 0 = absent) and a regional perfusion index was calculated within the dysfunctioning myocardium. During the day-1 study (11 +/- 2 hours from recanalization), the regional perfusion index was 0.4 +/- 0.3 and the LV wall motion score index was 1.9 +/- 0.2. During the study before discharge (7 +/- 4 days from admission), all but 2 patients showed an improvement of either perfusion index (0.6 +/- 0.3, p <0.0001) or wall motion score index (1.7 +/- 0.4, p <0.0001). Changes in perfusion score from 24-hours to before discharge showed a significant correlation with LV segment contractile recovery at 2-month of follow-up (R(2) = 0.42, 95% confidence interval 0.33 to 0.50, p <0.0001). Thus, our data show that after recanalized AMI, there is a significant amount of microvascular obstruction that recovers in the days after, and the extent of this perfusion improvement appears to be related with early myocardial contractile recovery. Our data provide clinical evidence for a transient microvascular dysfunction after successfully recanalized AMI.

Adult↗

Emergency endoscopy: recanalization of intestinal obstruction caused by colorectal cancer.

Endoscopic recanalization was attempted in 17 patients with obstruction caused by colorectal cancer who were at high surgical risk on account of their poor clinical condition. Combined use was made of pneumatic and mechanical dilation, debulking with a diathermal snare, and photoablation with neodymium-yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. Successful recanalization was obtained in 94% of cases. The only failure was in a patient with a neoplasm of the rectosigmoid junction. Elective surgery was not performed on the patients after recanalization because of the presence of severe concomitant disease or diffuse metastasis. Patients were followed for 6.25 +/- 6.17 months with 1.6 +/- 0.7 treatments within the first month to stabilize patency and then with an average of 0.88 +/- 0.63 treatments per month to maintain patency. Only 2 patients had recurrence of obstruction, and the actuarial survival was 63% at 6 months and 23% at 1 year. Endoscopic treatment has proved effective because it allows rapid recanalization with resolution of emergency and maintenance of patency in patients for whom elective surgery is not indicated. In selected cases, therefore, endoscopic recanalization is a sound alternative to emergency surgery.

Aged↗

Anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex in acute myocardial infarction: a placebo-controlled arteriographic coronary recanalization study.

Anisoylated plasminogen streptokinase activator complex (APSAC) is a new thrombolytic agent that is of interest because of its ease of administration as an intravenous bolus injection. This report describes the first double-blind, placebo-controlled evaluation of intravenous APSAC for coronary recanalization in acute myocardial infarction. Unequivocal documentation of recanalization was provided by coronary arteriography before and after the drug intervention. Forty patients with acute myocardial infarction underwent coronary arteriography 3.1 +/- 1.2 hours after the onset of symptoms. This demonstrated occlusion of the infarct-related coronary artery in 29 patients who were then randomized to treatment with intravenous APSAC, 30 mg (n = 16), and placebo (n = 13) 3.3 +/- 1.3 hours after the onset of symptoms. Repeat arteriography 90 minutes later demonstrated recanalization of the infarct-related coronary artery in nine patients who had received APSAC compared with only one patient who had received placebo (56 versus 8%, p less than 0.05). The 95% confidence limits for this 48% difference between the groups are 20 to 76%. Arteriography at 3 days showed persistent patency of all recanalized coronary arteries except one (APSAC group) and also showed late recanalization in another four patients, three of whom had received APSAC. In the patients who had a patent infarct-related coronary artery at the initial arteriographic study, patency was maintained throughout the study period regardless of whether the patient was randomized to APSAC (n = 4) or placebo (n = 7). Complications related to APSAC therapy were excessive bruising at the catheterization site in seven patients and minor sensitivity reactions in three.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adult↗

Subintimal versus intraluminal laser-assisted recanalization of occluded femoropopliteal arteries: one-year clinical and angiographic follow-up.

PURPOSE: To compare the prolonged effect of subintimal versus intraluminal recanalization of occluded femoropopliteal arteries. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Recanalization of an occluded femoropopliteal artery was attempted in 63 patients (51 men, 12 women; mean age, 63 years) with lifestyle-limiting claudication and at least one patent distal artery. After assessment of baseline clinical and angiographic variables, mechanical passage was first attempted with use of a laser catheter with a 2.2-mm- diameter hemispherical contact probe that was connected to a neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser. In case of failure, the laser was activated at 1-second pulses of 15 W. In some cases additional guide-wire and catheter manipulations were used. Successful recanalization was followed by standard balloon dilation. An intense antithrombotic regimen was used. RESULTS: The occluded artery could be entered in 62 of 63 patients. The catheter was assumed to have followed a subintimal course in 20 patients (group A) and an intraluminal course in 42 patients (group B). Successful recanalization was achieved in 17 patients (85%) of group A and in 36 (86%) of group B. No significant differences were found in clinical and angiographic follow-up measurements between the two groups. The angiographic cumulative primary patency rate (open vs closed) at 1 year was 93% +/- 6 in group A and 93% +/- 4 in group B. The cumulative restenosis/reocclusion-free patency rate was 63% +/- 13 and 65% +/- 9 for groups A and B, respectively. Median length of the original occlusion (8.0 cm in group A vs 4.5 cm in group B) was the only distinguishing baseline variable between the groups (P < .02) and was also the single independent predictor of recurrent flow limitation (P = .0017). Significant complications were distal embolization in three patients, followed by death in one patient and puncture site bleeding in two patients. CONCLUSION: The 1-year clinical and angiographic results of assumed subintimal and intraluminal recanalization are comparable. Thus, a subintimal course per se should not be regarded as a failure of the procedure.

Angioplasty, Balloon, Laser-Assisted↗

Sharp recanalization of central venous occlusions.

PURPOSE: To describe a sharp puncture technique for recanalization of chronic central venous occlusions that could not be traversed by a guide wire. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients presented with six longstanding central venous occlusions that could not be traversed with a guide wire after thrombolysis. The occlusions occurred following radiation for lung carcinoma (n = 2) and indwelling venous catheters (n = 4). The length of venous occlusion was determined by simultaneously advancing transbrachial and transfemoral catheters to the site of occlusion. Initially, a curved guiding catheter with a Rosch-Uchida needle and, in subsequent patients, a coaxial sheathed needle with a 21-gauge stylet were used for recanalization. The recanalized veins were then balloon dilated and stents were placed. RESULTS: With use of this technique, recanalization was successful in five of the six occlusions. One occlusion was too long to traverse safely in one patient. Two patients were asymptomatic 16-18 months after the recanalization. CONCLUSION: This new technique offers an effective alternative to surgery in the treatment of central venous occlusion.

Aged↗

Photothrombotic occlusion of rat middle cerebral artery: histopathological and hemodynamic sequelae of acute recanalization.

The histopathological and hemodynamic consequences of photochemically induced middle cerebral artery (MCA) thrombosis and recanalization were studied in the rat. Recanalization of the thrombosed MCA segment was achieved by the topical application of nimodipine at 1 h following photochemically induced occlusion. Pathological consequences of permanent and temporary occlusion were compared by morphometric procedures 7 days following thrombus formation. Rats with permanent thrombosis exhibited consistent infarction of both striatum and cortex. MCA recanalization at 1 h was associated with a significant reduction in total infarct volume. In recanalized rats, small cortical infarcts, confined to the peripheral MCA territory, were observed in only three of six rats. In contrast, a mixed pattern of infarction and ischemic cell damage was documented throughout the striatum in all rats. Local CBF (1CBF), measured autoradiographically, was significantly reduced in the MCA territory following 1 h of MCA occlusion, especially within the striatum. At 1 h after recanalization, 1CBF recovered within the previously ischemic brain regions to greater than 50% of control. Perfusion deficits were detected by carbon black infusion within focal areas of the striatum following reperfusion. Thus, cortical neurons appear to tolerate 1 h of MCA occlusion in this model. In contrast, reperfusion following 1 h of photochemically induced MCA occlusion gives rise to selective injury to the striatum.

Animals↗

[Fluoroscopically guided fallopian tube recanalization with a simplified set of instruments].

PURPOSE: Fluoroscopically guided transcervical fallopian tube recanalization is recognized as an important step in the workup of female infertility. In the present study, a simplified set of recanalization instruments was tested. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-two women with infertility and sonographically confirmed or suspected uni- or bilateral tubal occlusion were examined. After vaginal placement of a plastic speculum and fixation of a tenaculum, a 4F glide catheter with a 0.89 mm glidewire was advanced transcervically. After documentation of tubal occlusion by hysterosalpingography, the uterotubal junction was catheterized with the same instruments. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the glidewire was negotiated beyond the intramural portion of the tube. Selective salpingography documented the outcome of the recanalization. RESULTS: Hysterosalpingography confirmed tubal occlusions in 26 of 42 patients (in 12 cases unilateral and in 14 cases bilateral). Fallopian tube recanalization was successful in 23 of 26 patients (technical success rate of 88 %). The resulting fertility rate was 30 % (7/23), without any ectopic pregnancy. Complications such as tubal perforation, infection, or bleeding did not occur. Tubal catheterization was straightforward and smooth in 17/23 cases. For a hyperflexed uterus (6/23), a curved tip of the catheter was helpful in tubal probing. CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopically guided transcervical fallopian tube recanalization is a patient-friendly alternative to tubal microsurgery and in-vitro fertilization. Tubal catheterization with 4F glide catheter and glidewire further streamlines the procedure.

Adult↗

Coagulation, fibrinolysis, and recanalization after acute deep venous thrombosis.

OBJECTIVE: Recanalization is common after acute deep venous thrombosis, but the factors that contribute to its variable extent are unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between recanalization and plasma markers of coagulation and fibrinolysis. METHODS: Subjects with an ultrasound-confirmed deep venous thrombosis had prothrombin fragment 1+2 (F 1+2), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) activity, plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) activity, and t-PA antigen levels determined before anticoagulation therapy. Ultrasound and plasma studies were repeated at 14 days, 1 month, and every 3 months for 1 year. RESULTS: Among 71 enrolled subjects, F 1+2 levels normalized within 14 days. The mean t-PA activity was within the normal range at all follow-up intervals. However, the mean t-PA antigen (10.7 plus minus 10.5 to 13.6 plus minus 13.5 ng/mL; P =.04) and PAI-1 (9.0 plus minus 8.1 to 13.2 plus minus 17.3 U/mL; P =.05) levels increased between the time of presentation and day 14. The mean reduction in thrombus score among 44 patients who completed 9 months of follow-up was 60.9% (plus minus 42.1%). Percent recanalization was directly associated with initial t-PA activity levels (R =.4; P =.006) and inversely related to F 1+2 (R = minus sign. 5; P =.004), t-PA antigen (R = minus sign.5, P =.002), and PAI-1 (r = minus sign. 5, P =.001) levels. However, only initial F 1+2 (P =.0009) and t-PA antigen (P =.004) levels were independent predictors of the degree of recanalization. CONCLUSION: Although the mechanisms by which the venous lumen is restored are still being elucidated, recanalization is inversely related to levels of activated coagulation (F 1+2) and fibrinolytic inhibition (t-PA antigen) at the time of presentation.

Acute Disease↗

Recanalization of totally occluded iliac and adjacent venous segments.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to report our experience with percutaneous recanalization of totally occluded iliac veins and inferior vena cava. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Recanalization of the iliac vein was performed in 38 limbs. In nine limbs, recanalization of the inferior vena cava was also necessary (two with filter). In 28 of 38 limbs, the stent was extended below the groin crease into the common femoral vein segment. Large-caliber (14 or 16 mm for iliac vein) flexible self-expanding stents were used. Stents were routinely extended for a short distance into the inferior vena cava to forestall development of iliocaval stenosis. Intravascular ultrasound scan was a valuable tool in the procedure. The median length of the recanalized segment was long (22 cm), and multiple stents (median, n = 3) were necessary in most patients. Forty-five percent of the patients had coagulation abnormalities. RESULTS: No morbidity or mortality was seen. Actuarial primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates of the stents at 24 months were 49%, 62%, and 76%, respectively. Median pain level decreased significantly (level 4 to level 0; P <.0001) after stent placement, and more than two thirds of the patients became totally pain free after the procedure. Swelling also improved significantly, and a third of the patients became totally free of any swelling after stent placement. Sixty-six percent of cases with stasis ulcers/dermatitis (n = 14) were resolved (actuarial, 1 year), although uncorrected reflux persisted in many of these limbs. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous recanalization of the occluded iliac vein with stent placement appears to be successful in the short term, with good patency, significant symptom resolution, and minimal morbidity.

Adult↗

Procedural results and patient selection in recanalization of chronic coronary occlusions by low speed rotational angioplasty.

From 1988 to 1991, 200 consecutive patients (18 female, 182 male, mean age 55.4 +/- 9 years) with chronic coronary occlusions resistant to recanalization by conventional techniques were treated by low speed rotational angioplasty. Indication was based on preserved left ventricular contraction and on exercise-induced symptoms or exercise induced signs of myocardial ischaemia. Duration of occlusion ranged from 1 to 192 months (median 6 months, interquartile range 4-9 months, mean 12 +/- 26 months). Success rate was 91% in occlusions 4 weeks-3 months old, 72% in occlusions 4-6 months old, 55% in occlusions 6-12 months old and 8% in occlusions older than 12 months. In 99 of 116 successfully treated patients (85%) follow-up angiography was performed 4 months after recanalization. In 80/99 (81%) patients the vessel remained open. Fifty of these 80 patients needed no further intervention, while 30/80 of the patients had restenosis treated by a second PTCA in 28 patients. Nineteen of the 99 (19%) patients had reocclusions. Including cases submitted to a second dilation, and angiographically determined long-term patency 4 months after successful recanalization was thus achieved in 78/99 (78%) of patients. Minor complications included asymptomatic dissection in the recanalized vascular region. Serious complications occurred in two proximal occlusions of the left anterior descending coronary artery dissecting into the adjacent circumflex branch, and embolism into distal parts of recanalized vessels. It is concluded that in selected patients low speed rotational angioplasty (Rotacs) is a safe technique applicable to chronic total coronary occlusions even if the duration of occlusion exceeds 6 months and after conventional techniques have failed.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Atherectomy, Coronary↗

Release of chemoattractants and neutrophil activation in acute myocardial infarction immediately after successful recanalization of the infarct-related vessel by angioplasty.

The study investigated inflammatory responses in evolving myocardial infarction. Fifteen patients with acute myocardial infarction, who had undergone balloon recanalization of the infarct-related coronary artery within 4 h after onset of symptoms, were examined. Blood samples were obtained through the guiding catheter and from the pulmonary artery before and immediately after successful recanalization. After recanalization, plasma from the pulmonary artery was 47% (quartiles: 19%, 78%; P = 0.001) more chemotactic to neutrophils from normal donors than before recanalization. Furthermore, significant changes in neutrophil function were found in the pulmonary artery. Compared to the values before recanalization, the nitroblue tetrazolium score rose by 31% (quartiles: 4%, 37%; P = 0.003), FMLP-stimulated superoxide anion production by 10% (quartiles: 0%, 39%; P = 0.020), and chemotaxis by 46% (quartiles: 0%, 81%; P = 0.011), while neutrophil filterability decreased by 28% (quartiles: 15%, 47%; P = 0.010). No significant changes in neutrophil parameters were found in the arterial blood. The study indicates that chemoattractants are released in the early reperfusion period of evolving myocardial infarction. These chemoattractants may act as inflammatory mediators causing neutrophil activation.

Aged↗

Central venous recanalization in patients with short gut syndrome: restoration of candidacy for intestinal and multivisceral transplantation.

PURPOSE: To assess feasibility and success of venous recanalization in patients with short gut syndrome who have lost their traditional central venous access and required intestinal or multivisceral transplantation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve patients between the ages of 7 and 55 years with short gut syndrome and long-standing total parenteral nutrition (TPN) dependency and/or hypercoagulability were treated. All had extensive chronic central venous occlusions and survival was dependent on restoration of access and planned transplantation. Central venous recanalizations were obtained via sharp needle recanalization techniques, venous reconstructions with stents, and/or extraanatomic access to the central venous system for placement of central venous tunneled catheters. RESULTS: Central venous access was restored in all patients without operative-related mortality. Three major hemodynamic perioperative technical complications were recorded and successfully treated. There were three self-limited early infectious complications. With a mean follow-up of 22 months, eight of the 12 patients were alive with successful small bowel or multivisceral transplantation; six of those became independent of TPN. The remaining four patients died of complications related to TPN (n = 3) or transplantation (n = 1). With a mean follow-up of 20 months, all but two of the recanalized venous accesses were maintained, for a success rate of 83%. CONCLUSIONS: Recanalizations of extensive chronic vein occlusions are feasible but associated with high risk. The technique is life-saving for TPN-dependent patients and can restore candidacy for intestinal and multivisceral transplantation. This approach is likely to be increasingly requested because of the current clinical availability of the transplant procedure.

Adolescent↗

Early magnetic resonance imaging prediction of arterial recanalization and late infarct volume in acute carotid artery stroke.

In patients with acute ischemic stroke, early recanalization may save tissue at risk for ischemic infarction, thus resulting in smaller infarcts and better clinical outcome. The hypothesis that clinical and diffusion- and perfusion-weighted imaging (DWI, PWI) parameters may have a predictive value for early recanalization and final infarct size was assessed. Twenty-nine patients were prospectively enrolled and underwent sequential magnetic resonance imaging (1) within 6 hours from hemispheric stroke onset, before thrombolytic therapy; (2) at day 1; and (3) at day 60. Late infarct volume was assessed by T2 -weighted imaging. At each time, clinical status was assessed by the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS). Twenty-eight patients had arterial occlusion at day 0 magnetic resonance angiography (MRA). They were classified into two groups according to day 1 MRA: recanalization (n = 18) versus persistent occlusion (n = 10). Any significant differences between these groups were assessed regarding (1) PWI and DWI abnormality volumes, (2) relative and absolute time-to-peak (TTP) and apparent diffusion coefficient within the lesion on DWI; and (3) day 60 lesion volume on T2 -weighted imaging. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the most powerful predictive factors for recanalization were lower baseline NIHSS score and lower baseline absolute TTP within the lesion on DWI. The best predictors of late infarct size were day 0 lesion volume on DWI and day 1 recanalization. Early PWI and DWI studies and day 1 MRA provide relevant predictive information on stroke outcome.

Acute Disease↗

Nonsurgical fallopian tube recanalization for treatment of infertility.

Fluoroscopic transcervical fallopian tube recanalization was performed in 100 consecutive patients with infertility and proximal tubal obstruction documented with hysterosalpingography. In 86 patients, the procedure enabled at least one tube to be opened. Twenty-six intrauterine pregnancies resulted from the successful recanalization. A well-defined subset of 20 patients were evaluated to better define the treatment effect of fallopian tube recanalization. All 20 had bilateral proximal tubal obstruction without other tubal disease, and all had been recommended for tubal microsurgery or in vitro fertilization. Recanalization of one or both tubes was successful in 19 of these women (95%). Nine patients conceived (47%) without receiving any other therapy, and the average time from procedure to conception was 4 months. All pregnancies were intrauterine. Eight of the 10 patients who did not conceive underwent follow-up hysterosalpingography an average of 6 months following the procedure; four (50%) demonstrated reocclusion of both tubes. The authors conclude that nonsurgical fallopian tube recanalization is an effective treatment for infertility caused by proximal tubal obstruction.

Adult↗

Total peripheral artery occlusions: conventional versus laser thermal recanalization with a hybrid probe in percutaneous angioplasty--results of a randomized trial.

Increasing the primary success rate in recanalization of peripheral vascular occlusions is one aim of using laser techniques in the treatment of peripheral vascular disease. Although reports of lasers enabling recanalization after failure of guide wires have been numerous, direct comparisons of the success of the two techniques in a randomized trial have been few. The results of a randomized trial showed no statistical difference in recanalization of femoropopliteal occlusions between the conventional guide wire and hybrid laser probe. The number of patients with iliac occlusions was small and comparisons are difficult to make, but the findings suggest that the hybrid laser probe has little to offer. Immediate crossover to the alternative method allowed investigation of the relationship between the two methods in practice. Combining the two methods improved the primary success rate from 82% to 91% for femoropopliteal occlusions randomized to laser thermal recanalization and from 74% to 91% for those randomized to conventional recanalization.

Angioplasty, Balloon↗