Basilic vein elevation (BVE) is a procedure where the basilic vein (BV) is surgically exposed, mobilized, and elevated into a more superficial position for the purpose of facilitating arteriovenous fistula (AVF) cannulation. The purpose of this study is to review the use of BVE as an adjunct to fistula maturation. Between January 2009 and December 2013, 60 patients received BVE. After performing the anastomosis between brachial artery and BV, the elevated vein was placed just anterior to the surgical incision, 3 to 4 mm deep. Patients' morbidity, mortality, and patency rates were evaluated. The 90-day mortality was 0%. Maturation rates were 91.6%. The mean time to maturation was 52 days (range, 25-75 days). Primary patency rate at 12 months was 90% and secondary patency rate was 95%. The mean vein size was 4.5 ± 0.5 mm. AVF surgery via BVE offers satisfactory results in patients with chronic hemodialysis.

Atrial myxoma is the most common benign tumor of the heart; moreover, atrial myxoma embolization to the peripheral vessels is rare. We present an unusual case of total acute infrarenal aortic occlusion resulting from embolic implantation from a left ventricular myxoma. A 37-year-old man with acute lower limbs ischemia, spinal cord ischemia, and acute renal insufficiency was urgently operated and discharged after surgery.

Thrombosed SFVs may be considered as a therapeutic option for infected aortic graft replacement.