血液透析对肱动脉内皮功能影响的临床研究

目的：通过观察不同透析时间患者肱动脉内皮功能,评价血液透析对血管内皮的影响及其时间变化规律。方法：利用高频超声,测量血液透析患者（HD组）、尿毒症非透析患者（pre-HD组）和健康志愿者（正常组）的肱动脉收缩期、舒张期内径及反应性充血后内径,计算肱动脉的扩张系数（DC）、僵硬度（SD）和血流介导的内径扩张值（FMD）。结果：与正常组相比,HD组和pre-HD组肱动脉DC值、FMD值减小,SD值增大,差异有统计学意义（P〈0.01）;HD组透析12月患者和pre-HD组患者间各项指标差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）;透析36月肱动脉DC值、FMD值显著小于透析12月（P〈0.01）,SD值显著大于透析12月（P〈0.01）;透析60月与透析36月相比各观察指标差异无统计学意义（P〉0.05）。结论：血液透析可以加重尿毒症患者内皮功能损伤,且这种作用与透析时间长短有一定关系。     

心衰患者尿酸对血管内皮功能的影响及别嘌呤醇的干预

目的探讨心力衰竭（心衰）患者尿酸（UA）升高对血管内皮功能的影响及别嘌呤醇干预对尿酸升高的慢性心衰内皮依赖性血管舒张功能的影响。方法将30例心衰患者随机分为别嘌呤醇组和对照组，对照组15例，用常规药物治疗2周；别嘌呤醇组15例，在常规药物治疗基础上加用别嘌呤醇。采用高分辨超声技术检测血流介导和硝酸甘油介导的肱动脉舒张功能，并测定治疗前后血浆UA和内皮素（ET-1）。结果（1）用药前，二者比较UA水平及ET-1水平，差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）；用药后，别嘌呤醇组UA水平及ET-1水平和对照组比较均降低，差异有统计学意义（P〈0．05）。各组用药后UA水平及ET-1水平均明显降低（P〈0．01）。（2）别嘌呤醇组和对照组肱动脉内径基础值无明显差异（P〉0．05），反应性充血引起肱动脉内径变化别嘌呤醇组明显增加（P〈0．01）。含服硝酸甘油后两组肱动脉内径均明显扩张，但两组肱动脉内径变化无明显差异（P〉0．05）。结论心衰患者经药物干预后，UA水平降低，ET-1水平随之下降，尤以别嘌呤醇组降低明显。别嘌呤醇治疗后UA水平明显降低，内皮依赖性血管舒张功能明显改善，别嘌呤醇是慢性心衰的一种便宜而有效的辅助药物。     

血流介导的扩张与勃起功能障碍的相关性

为研究内皮细胞介导的肱动脉扩张与患者阴茎勃起功能之间的相关性，Kovācs等进行了一项研究，研究入选56例年龄35岁以下病程6～12月的ED患者，并对患者进行血流介导的肱动脉扩张（FMD）检测，该方法既往被用于评价血管内皮功能。患者按照国际勃起障碍评分（IIEF）情况进行分组，分为重度（5～10），中度（11～16），轻到中度（17～21），轻度（22～25）。     

自体动静脉内瘘局部血流动力学研究

目的探讨自体动静脉内瘘局部血流动力学特点及其影响因素。方法选择维持性血液透析（maintennance hemodialysis,MHD）患者71例,横断面分析,应用彩超测量自体动静脉内瘘瘘口直径,双侧上肢桡动脉、尺动脉、肱动脉内径及血流量,分析动静脉内瘘对双侧上肢局部血流动力学的影响。结果动静脉内瘘手术后1-144个月,术侧头静脉内径（6.67±2.18）mm;术侧肱动脉内径（5.59±1.24）mm,对侧肱动脉内径（3.81±0.72）mm;术侧桡动脉吻合口近心端内径（4.12±1.13） mm,吻合口远心端（2.84±0.90）mm,对侧桡动脉内径（1.93±0.46）mm;术侧尺动脉内径（2.21±0.86）mm,对侧尺动脉内径（1.64±0.58）mm;术侧和对侧相比,有统计学差异（P〈0.01）。术侧肱动脉血流量（2164.18±1413.06）ml/min,对侧肱动脉血流量（538.90±326.90）ml/min;术侧桡动脉血流量（1172.75±718.20）ml/min,对侧桡动脉血流量（106.50±75.83）ml/min;术侧尺动脉血流量（245.95±184.09）ml/min,对侧尺动脉近心端血流量（81.34±68.80）ml/min;术侧和对侧相比,有统计学差异（P〈0.01）。结论自体动静脉内瘘建立后,术侧肢体的肱动脉、尺动脉、桡动脉内径相应增粗,血流量增大。     

心脏移植患者血浆同型半胱氨酸含量的变化及临床意义

目的　了解心脏移植患者血浆同型半胱氨酸含量的变化及临床意义。方法　利用高压液相方法测定 1 4例心脏移植患者的血浆同型半胱氨酸的浓度 ;以肱动脉充血内径变化百分率为血管内皮功能的指标 ;同时对其中的 7例进行冠状动脉造影。采用单因素直线相关分析 ,观察心脏移植患者血浆同型半胱氨酸的浓度与血管内皮功能以及移植血管病变的关系。结果　心脏移植组患者的血浆同型半胱氨酸浓度明显高于健康对照组 [(1 3.4 7± 2 .78) μmol/Lvs (9.2 6± 3.5 7) μmol/L];肱动脉充血内径变化百分率明显低于对照组 [(8.2± 3.7) %vs(1 2 .5± 1 .6 ) %];直线相关分析 ,两者呈负相关 ,γ =- 0 .80 4 ;冠脉造影 2例出现单支冠状动脉病变 ,其血浆的同型半胱氨酸的浓度均升高。结论　心脏移植患者血浆同型半胱氨酸浓度的升高 ,与心脏移植患者血管内皮功能下降密切相关 ,可能与移植血管病变有关。     

超声稀释法监测血液透析患者的内瘘功能

目的对维持性血液透析患者进行内瘘血流量（Qb）及再循环率（R％）测定，了解血液透析患者的内瘘功能状态。方法在患者血液透析开始后30min及结束前1h采用超声稀释法测定内瘘功能。对内瘘血流量过低（Qb〈600ml／min）及过高（Qb〉1800ml／min）的患者进行彩色多普勒超声检查。测量内瘘头静脉内径、桡动脉内径、肱动脉内径及平均血流速度并排除血管腔有无狭窄。结果180例患者中的163例成功进行了内瘘功能测定，3例再循环率〉0，占0．02％。平均Qb（1010．3±662．6）ml／min，40例Qb〈600ml／min（24．5％，低流量组），104例Qb为600-1800ml／min（63.8％，正常流量组），19例Qb〉1800ml／min（11．7％，高流量组）。多普勒超声检查低流量组10例，高流量组7例。两组比较在头静脉内径、桡动脉内径、流速、肱动脉流速方面差异均有统计学意义。结论超声稀释法评定血管内瘘功能有较好的敏感性和特异性，是血管通路（包括自身血管和人造血管）功能监测的一种良好的手段。     

多层螺旋CT区分兔存活与梗死心肌

目的评价多层螺旋CT（MSCT）动态成像能否区分兔存活与梗死心肌。方法健康新西兰大白兔50只,随机分为对照组（10只）、冠状动脉前降支悬吊组（20只）与结扎组（20只）,均在施加作用因素1h后行MSCT动态增强检查,注射对比剂开始后3s至150s连续扫描,并行10min延迟扫描,测定缺血区心肌强化峰值与达峰时间、延迟强化CT值。处死动物后行TTC染色、组织学、心肌肌动蛋白抑制因子免疫组化染色,观察缺血区心肌是否存活。结果冠状动脉悬吊组TTC染色阴性,组织学可见心肌细胞轻度肿胀及炎细胞浸润、微血管改变轻微,免疫组化评分为（158.20±9.40）;动态扫描缺血区CT峰值（210.90±16.80）HU,达峰时间为（51.00±1.80）s,延迟增强CT值为（58.00±13.90）HU。冠状动脉结扎组TTC染色阳性,组织学可见心肌细胞明显肿胀、结构消失,微血管异常明显,免疫组化评分为（60.00±18.30）;动态扫描缺血区CT峰值（157.60±23.60）HU,达峰时间为（65.00±3.10）s,延迟强化CT值为（89.00±15.30）HU。两组免疫组化评分、缺血区心肌CT峰值及达峰时间、延迟强化差异均有显著统计学意义（P〈0.05）。对照组CT峰值、达峰时间及延迟扫描CT值与结扎及悬吊组差异有统计学意义（P〈0.05）。结论16层螺旋CT动态扫描可作为区分兔梗死与存活心肌的影像学检查方法。     

下肢动脉硬化性闭塞症的早期诊断

目的探讨下肢动脉硬化性闭塞症（ASOLE）的早期诊断方法。方法复习国内、外相关文献,对现阶段临床上使用的各种检测手段进行比较。结果踝肱指数（ABI）及趾肱指数（TBI）测定可以发现无症状的ASOLE,是评估下肢动脉功能的优良指标;脉搏波速度（PWV）测定适合大样本的筛查,但其测量值易受多方面因素影响,且其敏感性低于ABI;动脉弹性指数（ASI）是直接检测动脉结构及功能生物学状态的指标,与PWV有很好的相关性。流量介导的动脉扩张（FMD）是测量血管内皮细胞功能的指标;脉搏波测量操作简便、无创、结果灵敏、可靠。彩色多普勒超声具有解剖学定位准确、能够判定管腔狭窄程度等优势;多层CT血管成像（MSCTA）可精确判断ASOLE的病变部位和范围,但其固有缺陷也限制了临床应用;三维动态增强磁共振血管造影安全无创,但尚须与其他影像学手段相结合以判断血管病变。微循环检测操作简便快捷、无创或微创、灵敏度高,可用于ASO筛查,但对测量环境的一致性要求较高。结论加强对高危人群的宣教和筛查及合理选择检测手段,可以提高ASOLE的早期诊断率,对于该疾患的有效防治具有重大临床意义。     

药物涂层球囊治疗下肢动脉支架内再狭窄的疗效与安全性

目的 探讨药物涂层球囊治疗下肢动脉支架内再狭窄的疗效与安全性。方法 收集2019年5月至2022年8月于北京小汤山医院接受治疗的76例下肢动脉支架内再狭窄患者的临床资料,按照是否使用药物涂层球囊将其分为治疗组（n=36）和对照组（n=40）。比较两组患者不同时间（术前、术后6个月）的踝肱指数、靶病变管腔狭窄程度、靶病变管腔内径,统计两组患者术后6个月时的管腔通畅率及安全性指标。结果 两组患者均成功进行球囊扩张,即刻手术成功率均为100%,围手术期及住院期间均未发生出血、过敏、死亡等不良事件。术后6个月,治疗组患者靶病变血管通畅率为97.2%(35/36),明显高于对照组的75.0%(30/40),差异有统计学意义（P﹤0.01）。术后6个月,两组患者的踝肱指数、靶病变管腔内径均高于本组术前,靶病变管腔狭窄程度均低于本组术前,且治疗组患者的踝肱指数、靶病变管腔内径均高于对照组患者,靶病变管腔狭窄程度低于对照组患者,差异均有统计学意义（P﹤0.05）。结论 药物涂层球囊治疗下肢动脉支架内再狭窄安全、有效,值得在临床上推广应用。     

维生素D缺乏与慢性肾脏病患者血管内皮细胞功能异常的相关性研究

目的观察慢性肾脏病(CKD)患者血清25-羟维生素D水平与血管内皮细胞功能异常的相关性。方法选取病情稳定的非透析CKD患者为研究对象,以血流介导的血管舒张功能(FMD)作为评价血管内皮细胞功能的指标,观察血清25-羟维生素D水平与FMD的相关性。结果符合条件的139例患者进入本研究,血清25-羟维生素D缺乏、不足及正常的患者分别为71例(51.08%)、58例(41.73%)和10例(7.19%)。25-羟维生素D缺乏与不足患者的肱动脉FMD低于25-羟维生素D水平正常者,并以缺乏组患者的FMD最低。相关分析显示,血清25-羟维生素D与肱动脉FMD呈显著正相关(r=0.623,P0.01),多因素回归分析显示血清25-羟维生素D水平降低是血管内皮细胞损伤的独立危险因素(β=0.418,P0.01)。结论血清25-羟维生素D水平降低是非透析CKD患者血管内皮细胞功能异常的独立危险因素,补充25-羟维生素D可能有助于改善患者的内皮细胞功能。     

Brachial artery dilatation after arteriovenous fistulae in patients after renal transplantation: a 10-year follow-up with ultrasound scan

BACKGROUND: Dilatation of the artery proximal to arteriovenous fistula (AF) is not well known but is a potential serious complication in patients for renal transplant. METHODS: From 1991 until 2001, the diameters of the brachial arteries of 29 patients after successful renal transplantation and with existing AF were prospectively evaluated with ultrasound scan. Nine patients with longstanding AF without transplantation were included as a control group. RESULTS: In 1991, the mean brachial artery diameter was 6.4 mm (+/-1.8 mm) with patent AF and 5.2 mm (+/-1.5 mm) with occluded AF (P= not significant). The 1994 mean diameter was 6.6 mm (+/-1.7 mm) versus 5.3 mm (+/-2.0 mm; P =.029). In 2001, the mean diameter rose to 7.4 mm (+/-1.3 mm) versus 5.7 mm (+/-2.8 mm; P =.022). Compared with the side without fistula, the diameter of brachial artery on the AF side was significantly greater during the whole study period. The increase in the diameter correlates significantly with the time the AF had been patent (P =.001, according to Spearman test). The dilatation of the brachial arteries of patients without transplantation was smaller compared with patients after transplantation but did not reach statistical significance. Two patients had to undergo operation on a symptomatic aneurysm of the axillobrachial artery. CONCLUSION: According to our results, dilatation of the brachial artery after AV is time dependent. Higher flow in the AF seems to be the main trigger of dilatation.     

Low levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol are associated with vascular remodeling in cardiac transplant recipients

BACKGROUND: Early atherosclerosis may be associated with compensatory vessel enlargement, termed positive remodeling. Enlarged brachial artery diameter has been reported in patients with risk factors for atherosclerosis and in individuals with coronary atherosclerosis, indicating that brachial artery enlargement is a marker for the presence of atherosclerotic changes. Cardiac transplant recipients often have abnormal lipid levels, but the effect of specific lipid abnormalities on vascular remodeling in this population has not been evaluated. This study examined the relationship between lipid levels and brachial artery diameter in cardiac transplant recipients. METHODS: Thirty-five stable cardiac transplant recipients underwent high-resolution brachial artery ultrasound to evaluate resting brachial artery diameter. Levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and triglycerides were determined and the presence of other cardiac risk factors was assessed. RESULTS: Brachial artery diameter was larger (4.3 +/- 0.1 mm) in subjects with low levels of HDL-C (< 40 mg/dL, n = 11) compared to subjects with high HDL-C (> or = 40 mg/dL, n = 24), who had a mean brachial artery diameter of 3.7 +/- 0.1 mm (P = .006). Neither high LDL-C (> or = 100 mg/dL) nor high triglycerides (> or = 200 mg/dL) were associated with differences in brachial artery diameter. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that the relationship between low HDL-C and increased brachial artery diameter was independent of body surface area or statin use. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of HDL-C are an independent predictor of brachial artery enlargement in stable cardiac transplant recipients. These findings suggest that suboptimal HDL-C levels may be associated with the development of vascular remodeling and atherosclerosis in this population.     

Characters and influential factors of vascular remolding after native arteriovenous fistula

Objective To finding out the characters of vascular remolding after the establishment of native arteriovenous fistula on the wrist, and exploring the influential factors.MethodsDoppler ultrasound was used to monitor the diameter of cephalic vein, brachial artery, radial artery and ulnar artery at the time before the surgery and one day, one week, two weeks, four weeks and eight weeks after the surgery respectively. The tendency of the diameter change was analyzed. ResultsTwenty eight patients completed the whole monitor session, in which eleven were female. The average age of those patients was (53.68 ± 2.61) years old. Twelve of them were diabetic nephropathy. The diameters of all vessel were increased more rapidly at the first day than any other days after surgery(all P＜0.01). The patients were divided into two groups depending on whether diabetic nephropathy. No significant difference was found between the two groups on the tendency of diameter change in cephalic vein and brachial artery (all P ﹥ 0.05). However, the tendency of diameter change in radial artery and ulnar artery was statistically significant difference between the two groups (all P＜0.05). ConclusionsCephalic vein, brachial artery, radial artery and ulnar artery are all apparently dilated on the first day after the surgery. The vascular dilation and diameter increasing become much slower after the period, the diameter tend to be stable. The primary diseases may affect the tendency of the diameter change in radial artery as well as ulnar artery.     

The effect of occult diabetic status and oral glucose intake on brachial artery vasoactivity in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

Brachial artery vasoactivity is a well known non-invasive method of assessing arterial endothelial function in vivo. Brachial artery vasoactivity has been found to be impaired in overt diabetes and in patients with coronary artery disease. Impaired brachial artery vasoactivity is felt to be an early indicator of atherosclerosis. The authors identified a group of patients with lower extremity peripheral vascular disease, who had normal fasting glucose level and were not known to be diabetics. An oral glucose tolerance test was performed in this group of patients. Brachial artery vasoactivity was assessed at each step of the oral glucose tolerance test to examine their occult diabetic status and correlate brachial artery vasoactivity to that status. The authors studied 23 randomly selected patients from the vascular surgery clinic between the ages of 50 and 79 years. Serum glucose level was assessed after a 10-h fast and at 30, 60 and 120 min after a 75-g oral glucose challenge. Any patient with two serum glucose values > 140 mg/dl was considered to have a positive oral glucose tolerance test. Using duplex ultrasound, the brachial artery diameter (cm) and blood volume (ml/min) were assessed before and after tourniquet occlusion at each step of the oral glucose tolerance test. Paired and unpaired t-tests were used to evaluate the results, P < 0.05 was considered significant. Nine patients had abnormal oral glucose tolerance test for a prevalence of 39%. There was no significant difference in fasting glucose levels between positive and negative oral glucose tolerance test patients (97.4+/-16.7 versus 88.5+/-5.8, P = 0.23). Patients with a positive oral glucose tolerance test had impaired vasoactivity at fasting and at each step of the test with no significant changes in brachial artery diameter or blood flow in response to brachial artery occlusion. Patients with a negative oral glucose tolerance test exhibited increased brachial artery diameter at fasting in response to brachial artery occlusion (0.43+/-0.02 versus 0.46+/-0.02, P = 0.03), but not after oral glucose challenge. In patients with a negative oral glucose tolerance test, brachial artery flow volume increased significantly in response to hyperemia at fasting (240+/-61 versus 578+/-262, P = 0.001) and at 30 min after glucose intake (260+/-53 versus 358+/-72, P = 0.01). At 60 and 120 min after glucose intake, brachial artery flow volume did not significantly increase in response to brachial artery occlusion. These results indicate that individuals with PVD and normal fasting glucose levels have a high prevalence of positive oral glucose tolerance test (39%). Patients with normal fasting glucose levels and abnormal oral glucose tolerance test have impaired brachial artery vasoactivity at fasting and after oral glucose challenge, this is in contrast to patients with normal oral glucose tolerance test who have normal fasting hyperemic response to brachial artery occlusion. However, this normal brachial artery vasoactivity is lost in the negative oral glucose tolerance test group in response to oral glucose load. These results suggest that endothelial function in diabetics is impaired in the early stages of the disease even before overt hyperglycemia occurs. Tight control of blood glucose level in glucose-intolerant patients prior to occurrence of overt fasting hyperglycemia may prove protective.     

Brachial artery cannulation facilitates lower ministernotomy cardiac surgery

BACKGROUND: Lower ministernotomy has become a more popular approach for many heart operations. However, cannulation of the ascending aorta may cause serious complications. Femoral and brachial arteries have been used for alternative arterial cannulation sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The lower ministernotomy approach was used in 65 patients. Ascending aortic cannulation was performed in group 1 (n = 38), femoral cannulation in group 2 (n = 12), and brachial cannulation in group 3 (n = 15) patients. Brachial artery diameter was measured preoperatively by Doppler ultrasound in the preoperative period. RESULTS: Average cross-clamp time for femoral and brachial artery cannulated patients was significantly shorter than in patients in group 1 (31 +/- 9 and 35 +/- 6 minutes, respectively) (p = 0.034). Total cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) time was 56 +/- 11 minutes for group 1, 39 +/- 7 minutes for group 2, and 41 +/- 5.4 minutes for group 3 (p = 0.041). Operation time was 112 +/- 24, 88 +/- 12, and 91 +/- 11 minutes for the groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. There was also statistically significant difference between group 1 and group 3 comparisons with regard to CPB time (p = 0.041). Difficult exposure from many cannulas impedes access and lengthens the operation in group I. Superficial wound infection developed in seven patients in group 1, one patient in group 2, and one patient in group 3. CONCLUSION: Cannulation of the brachial artery is superior to the femoral due to possible infection and lymph leakage with the latter and both are superior to central cannulation when lower ministernotomy is performed. By avoiding the difficulties of central aortic cannula placement the operative time is decreased and possible wound edge is protected as lesser exposure is required.     

Flow-mediated vasodilation and distensibility of the brachial artery in renal allograft recipients

BACKGROUND: Alterations of large artery function and structure are frequently observed in renal allograft recipients. However, endothelial function has not yet been assessed in this population. METHODS: Flow-mediated vasodilation is a useful index of endothelial function. We measured the diameter and distensibility of the brachial artery at rest using high-resolution ultrasound and Doppler frequency analysis of vessel wall movements in the M mode. Thereafter, changes in brachial artery diameter were measured during reactive hyperemia (after 4 min of forearm occlusion) in 16 cyclosporine-treated renal allograft recipients and 16 normal controls of similar age and sex ratio. Nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation was measured to assess endothelium-independent vasodilation. Brachial artery blood pressure was measured using an automatic sphygmomanometer, and brachial artery flow was estimated using pulsed Doppler. RESULTS: Distensibility was reduced in renal allograft recipients (5.31 +/- 0. 74 vs. 9.10 +/- 0.94 x 10-3/kPa, P = 0.003, mean +/- sem), while the brachial artery diameter at rest was higher (4.13 +/- 0.14 vs. 3.25 +/- 0.14 mm, P < 0.001). Flow-mediated vasodilation was significantly reduced in renal allograft recipients (0.13 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.60 +/- 0.08 mm or 3 +/- 2 vs. 19 +/- 3%, both P < 0.001). However, nitroglycerin-mediated vasodilation was similar in renal allograft recipients and controls (0.76 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.77 +/- 0.09 mm, NS, or 19 +/- 3 vs. 22 +/- 2%, NS). There were no significant differences in brachial artery flow at rest and during reactive hyperemia between both groups. The impairments of flow-mediated vasodilation and distensibility in renal allograft recipients remained significant after correction for serum cholesterol, creatinine, parathyroid hormone concentrations, end-diastolic diameter, as well as blood pressure levels, and were also present in eight renal allograft recipients not treated with cyclosporine. Flow-mediated vasodilation was not related to distensibility in either group. CONCLUSIONS: The results show impaired endothelial function and reduced brachial artery distensibility in renal allograft recipients. The impairments of flow-mediated vasodilation and distensibility are not attributable to a diminished brachial artery vasodilator capacity, because endothelium-independent vasodilation was preserved in renal allograft recipients.     

椎管外臂丛的血供分布特点及其临床意义

目的 探讨臂丛的动脉来源、分布及其临床意义。方法 （1）取3具成人新鲜尸体标本,采用明胶一氧化铅微血管放射显影法观察臂丛动脉的区带状分布;（2）取10具防腐固定并经颈总动脉灌注红色乳胶的尸体标本,于手术显微镜下解剖并观察臂丛的动脉来源和分布。结果 臂丛血供来源于锁骨下动脉-腋动脉轴发出的分支,各分支间互相吻合。根据其分布特点。可将臂丛营养血管分为三个带状血管区。Ⅰ区指自椎间孔处臂丛神经根延伸至上、中、下干及其前后股区域,该区以椎动脉及颈深动脉供血为主。Ⅱ区包括股与束的大部分区域．此区供血以肩胛背动脉分支及锁骨下动脉直接营养支为主。肩胛背动脉分支较粗大,供血区域较宽;锁骨下动脉直接营养支相对较细,数量较多,平均2．7支（1-5支）。Ⅲ区包括束的小部分区域及终末支,此区以腋动脉直接营养支供血为主,营养支数量平均为3．4支（1-6支）。结论 椎管外臂丛动脉可分为三个带状血管区。每一动脉分支在进入臂丛后分为升支和降支与神经伴行,升、降支之间的吻合方式以不改变口径的真性吻合为主。三个分区之间的血供可以互相代偿,为血管化臂丛神经移植提供了解剖学基础。     

Endothelial dysfunction in renal transplant patients is closely related to serum cyclosporine levels

BACKGROUND: Cyclosporine (CsA), one of the standard agents used in renal transplant recipients, has been considered to cause endothelial dysfunction and to contribute to arterial complications posttransplant. Since concentration-dependent effects of CsA on endothelial functions in humans have not been examined, this study was performed to investigate this relationship. METHODS: Fifteen renal transplant patient and 20 healthy subjects (controls) were evaluated for brachial artery endothelial function using high-resolution vascular ultrasound just before the CsA dosage (baseline) and at the second hour after the administration. Endothelium-dependent and -independent vasodilatations (EDD and EID, respectively) were assessed by establishing of the responses to reactive hyperemia and by using sublingual nitroglycerine, respectively. CsA levels were assessed at baseline and at second hour, times when performing brachial artery measurements. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between recipients and controls with respect to atherosclerosis risk factors. Mean EDD of recipients at baseline times were significantly less than those in controls (9.1% +/- 5.5% vs 15.2% +/- 7.2%, respectively; P < .001). CsA levels at trough and at second hour were 153.9 +/- 74.8 ng/mL and 646.8 +/- 163.2 ng/mL, respectively (P < .0001). Recipient, EDD at second hour was significantly reduced compared to baseline values (5.3% +/- 3.6% vs 9.1% +/- 5.5% respectively; P = .014) while changes in EID and in the diameter of the brachial artery between baseline and second hour were insignificant. CONCLUSION: Endothelial dysfunction evaluated by brachial ultrasound in renal transplant recipients is closely related to CsA levels. It is more pronounced at 2 hours after CsA dosage, at the time of peak drug levels.     

Catheterization of the radial or brachial artery in neonates and infants

Background : In neonates and small children, percutaneous insertion of arterial catheters may be very difficult because of the small diameter of the arteries. Multiple attempts at cannulation are common and may be a predictor of serious adverse events following arterial cannulation. As an endartery, the brachial artery is usually not recommended for cannulation. However, limited data exist about brachial artery catheterization in neonates and young children. In this retrospective study, we report our experience with arterial indwelling catheters placed in neonates and small children prior to surgery for congenital heart defects. Methods : We reviewed 1473 patient medical files containing information about 1574 arterial lines for perioperative and intensive care monitoring. Patient data (age and weight), cannulation characteristics (site, type, percutaneous or cut down insertion), duration of catheterization and complications were documented using the anesthesia and/or intensive care unit files. Patients were divided into three groups according to body weight. Group I: patients with a bodyweight up to 5 kg (n = 561), group II: bodyweight 5–10 kg (n = 615), and group III: bodyweight 10–20 kg (n = 297). Results : The vast majority of our patients had radial or brachial artery catheterization. In group 1, we placed 200 brachial artery lines. Radial artery insertion was more successful with increasing body weight. Two ‘cut downs’ were necessary to place the arterial cannula (0.3%). The mean duration of the arterial cannula in place was 5.8 + 4.3 days in group I, which was significantly longer than in group III (2.9 + 2.2 days). Multiple attempts at catheter insertion were required for 200 patients in group I (P < 0.05 compared with groups II and III). The number of guide wires used was similar in all study groups. Generally, we preferred 24 and 22 G catheters for cannulation. Serious complications such as permanent ischemic damage were not observed. Temporary occlusion of an artery occurred in five of 1473 patients. The rate of local infection was 0.5% in group I, 0.7% in group II and 2.3% in group III. Local hematoma were observed more frequently, but with no relevant consequences. Most of our patients were cannulated on the right side. In group I, 112 brachial artery catheters were placed. The greater the weight, the more radial catheters were used compared with a brachial approach. The mean functional time of the catheters (5.8 ± 4.3 days in group I) was significant shorter compared with patients from group III (2.9 ± 2.2 days). In 33.3% (n = 200) multiple punctures were needed to place a catheter in group I (P < 0.05 compared with the other groups) whereas the use of a guide wire was evenly distributed throughout the study groups. Small catheters (24 and 22 G) were preferred for most patients. In total only eight 20 G sized catheters were used in the children of group III. Conclusions : Even considering the nature of a retrospective study design, we conclude that the brachial artery could be considered for cannulation in neonates and small children.     

Relation between autogenous arteriovenous fistula diameter and hemodynamic parameter

Objective To analyze the relationship between the least diameter of autogenous arteriovenous fistula and other parameters like flow rate and artery diameter. To identify an appropriate way in defining fistula stenosis. Methods Physical examination and Doppler ultrasound were used to examine the autogenous arteriovenous fistula of maintenance hemodialysis patients. Well-used wrist arteriovenous fistula was included. The least diameter of the fistula vein was found and marked by ultrasound, and the diameter and the distance between the point and the anastomotic stoma were measured. Diameters of different places along the cephalic vein of the fistula, including the forearm place, the place close to elbow and the upper arm place were measured by ultrasound. Meanwhile, diameter as well as flow velocity and flow rate of brachial artery, radial artery and ulnar artery were also measured. Result Sixty-eight patients were enrolled in the study. The average age of those patients was 52.56±2.00 years old. Thirty-one patients were female. Forty-nine fistula were located on the left arm. The average diameter and flow rate of brachial artery were 5.72(5.34, 6.33) mm and 821.50(540.50, 1075.00) ml/min, respectively. The average diameters of radial artery and ulnar artery were 3.95±0.10mm and 3.17(2.73,3.75) mm, respectively. The least diameter of cephalic vein was 3.34±0.11mm in average. The distance between the least place to the anastomotic stoma was 3.76±0.14cm in average. The diameter of forearm cephalic vein was averaged 5.36(4.52, 6.45) mm. Diameter of place close to elbow and the upper arm place in the cephalic vein were (5.57±0.12) mm and (5.80±0.14) mm, respectively. The least diameter of cephalic vein was positively and statistically associated with the diameter and flow rate of brachial artery as well as radial artery. The least diameter was also positively and statistically associated with the diameter of each place in the cephalic vein. Statistical inter-group difference was found when the division was based on the value of the least diameter. Conclusion sThe least diameter of the wrist autogenous arteriovenous fistula vein will indeed affect the whole diameter and flow rate of the fistula. The value of the least diameter is more closely associated with the fistula function rather than narrow rate.