AIMS The aim of this study was to compare coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) using either endoscopic (EVH) or open harvest (OVH). Leg-related morbidity and histological comparison of the veins were the outcome measures. METHODS One hundred consecutive patients scheduled for isolated CABG were randomly divided into two goups: an EVH and OVH group. Perioperative data were recorded. Patients...

AIMS Despite the lower patency of venous compared with arterial coronary artery bypass grafts, approximately 50% of grafts used are saphenous vein conduits because of their easier accessibility. In a search for ways to increase venous graft patency, we applied the results of a previous pharmacological study screening for non-toxic compounds that inhibit intimal hyperplasia of saphenous vein con...

BACKGROUND The objective is to study the medium-term results of angioplasty and stenting in the femoro-popliteal sector in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI), and identify angiographic predictive factors of primary patency. PATIENTS AND METHODS Retrospective review of 98 patients with critical ischemia and angiographic lesions characterized as TASC A=13 (14%), B=38 (40%), C=24 (25%) o...

BACKGROUND The Saphenous Vein (SVG) is used in over 80% of coronary artery bypass procedures (CABG) and SVG patency is the Achilles heel of CABG. To address this issue, the eSVS Mesh(R), an external Nitinol knitted mesh, fitted like a sleeve over the vein graft preventing over expansion in the high pressure arterial system, has been introduced to improve disease management. Patency data is limi...

The accuracy of non-invasive radionuclide angiography in detecting portal vein occlusion was assessed in 61 patients--10 with portal vein occlusion confirmed by conventional portography, 25 with chronic liver disease and a patent portal vein (mild = 12, severe = 13), and 26 with normal liver function, who served as controls. The median percentage portal venous flow for the portal vein occlusion...

OBJECTIVES Autologous vein grafts are still widely used, but their long-term patency is suboptimal. The objective of the current study was to determine whether wrapping a vein graft in gelatin hydrogel sheet incorporating basic fibroblast growth factor improves their mechanical and physiological properties. METHODS AND RESULTS Autologous femoral vein was interposed into the abdominal aorta in...

The standard treatment for acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) targets to reduce immediate complications, however thrombolysis could reduce the long-term complications of post-thrombotic syndrome in the affected limb. This systematic review aimed to assess the effects of thrombolytic therapy and anticoagulation versus anticoagulation in people with deep vein thrombosis of the lower limb through th...

Chronic inferior vena cava and iliac vein occlusion, caused by long-term of deep venous thrombosis, will lead to swelling of the limbs, venous claudication and intractable ulcer. However, conservative treatment is often ineffective for vein occlusion. With the development of interventional techniques, endovascular therapy has become the first choice for the treatment of vein occlusion with high...

250 The Journal of Thoracic and Cardio T otal arterial revascularization offers the potential to avoid the problems associated with vein graft failure. Bilateral internal thoracic arteries (ITAs) are the conduits of first choice because of excellent shortand long-term patency and the possibility of improved survival. The radial artery (RA) is easily harvested, versatile, has excellent handling ...