Early resection of carotid body tumors should be undertaken while still small to minimize the risk of neural injury, which increases with tumor size. In cases of bilateral CBT, we recommend that the smaller tumor be resected first, before the staged resection of the larger contralateral tumor. In familial or bilateral tumor cases, other synchronous and metachronous paragangliomas should be excluded. Mandatory lifelong follow-up is essential.

We determined the effect of relaxation therapy for hypertension in patients whose blood pressure remained elevated despite the use of antihypertensive medication. The effect was assessed in multiple settings, including the relaxation therapist's office, the Hypertension Clinic, and the patient's natural environment, the latter using 24-hour automated ambulatory blood pressure measures. Nineteen patients were randomized either to temperature biofeedback-assisted relaxation or to an attention control, "stress education." Antihypertensive medication was kept constant. In the behavioral therapist's office, blood pressure decreased in equivalent amounts with both treatments. Hypertension Clinic nurse blood pressure remained stable or increased with both treatments, but again there was no difference between treatments. Ambulatory blood pressure increased with relaxation therapy and decreased with stress education, the effect being significant for diastolic pressure. The effects on ambulatory blood pressure were limited to the waking hours. The only variable that showed superior effects for relaxation therapy was physician-determined blood pressure. These results call into question the generalizability of the effects of relaxation therapy from one setting to another.

The outcomes of elective EVAR at the RBWH are broadly consistent with those of a nationwide Australian audit and recent randomized trials. Age and ASA score are independent predictors of midterm survival after elective EVAR. The ERA model predicts mortality-related outcomes and initial type I endoleak well for RBWH elective EVAR patients.

Open surgical mesenteric revascularization by bypass grafting for atherosclerotic-induced chronic mesenteric ischemia can be performed with low mortality and morbidity and provides excellent long-term primary patency rates and symptom-free outcomes. Pending more data on the acute and long-term results of endovascular techniques, open mesenteric revascularization remains the gold standard for most patients with chronic mesenteric ischemia.

Most patients who present with ruptured AAA experience a significant delay prior to surgery. This study suggests it is safe to assess the majority of RAAA patients for EVAR.