VIE was not found to play a role in most preoperative situations compared to axial CT images. However, VIE provided additional postgrafting information on the 3D relationship of the suprarenal stent struts to the aortic branch ostia (in particular the renal and superior mesenteric arteries). VIE findings might aid clinicians in accurately assessing the effect of suprarenal stent-grafting on the renal arteries.

VIE was not found to play a role in most preoperative situations compared to axial CT images. However, VIE provided additional postgrafting information on the 3D relationship of the suprarenal stent struts to the aortic branch ostia (in particular the renal and superior mesenteric arteries). VIE findings might aid clinicians in accurately assessing the effect of suprarenal stent-grafting on the renal arteries.

This report describes the use of thrombin to treat a type II endoleak which was causing continued abdominal aortic aneurysm expansion in a patient who had undergone endovascular repair. A small quantity of thrombin was injected into the leak by a percutaneous approach directly into the aneurysm sac using color doppler ultrasound. The procedure was successful and required only a few minutes to perform. We believe this procedure is an alternative to some of the more complex and technically challenging means of treating this lesion.

No abstract

The authors describe the advantages of using the basilic vein as an arterial conduit in the management of children with supracondylar humeral fractures requiring vascular repair. Eight children, aged 3 to 10 years, presented with supracondylar humeral fractures and vascular injury. In all eight children, the arteries were successfully reconstructed with a reversed, interposition basilic vein graft harvested from the ipsilateral arm. The basilic vein was anatomically consistent with few side branches and was an excellent size match for the brachial artery. There were no postoperative thromboses. At a minimum follow-up of 1 year, all children had palpable radial pulses and the vein grafts were patent with no anastomotic or other focal stenoses. This series confirms the safety of using a donor vein from within the zone of injury for arterial reconstruction, after a supracondylar humeral fracture. Benefits include a single surgical wound on the less conspicuous medial side of the arm, reduced operating time, and preservation of donor veins that may be subsequently required for the management of atherosclerotic disease.