老年人下肢深静脉血栓形成的临床特点

目的 总结老年人下肢静脉深血栓形成(DVT)的临床特点.方法 分析180例老年人DVT的发病情况、危险因素、并发症和疗效,并与同期收治的144例非老年人DVT病例资料对比.结果 老年人DVT以60～69岁年龄段最多[91例(50.5%)],其次为70～79岁[73例(40.5%)].前5位危险因素是大手术后(27.8%)、恶性肿瘤(15.0%)、外伤骨折(7.8%)、脑血管病后遗症(7.2%)、长期卧床(5.0%).并存Cockett综合征43例(49.4%),其中髂总静脉闭塞6例(14.0%)、狭窄>50%21例(48.8%)、狭窄<50%16例(37.2%).急性期DVT的取栓术疗效优于系统溶栓,非急性期两种方法 疗效差异无统计学意义.老年人与非老年人的近、远期疗效差异无统计学意义.结论 老年人易患DVT,恶性肿瘤和脑血管病后遗症是与老年人DVT相关的危险因素.对于老年人急性期DVT,取栓术的近、远期疗效优于系统溶栓.     

Successful management of acute massive pulmonary embolism using Angiovac suction catheter technique in a hemodynamically unstable patient

Massive pulmonary embolism with hemodynamic instability is a life-threatening condition requiring immediate treatment. Urgent thrombectomy or thrombolysis is commonly used for the treatment of this condition. However, surgery is associated with high mortality rate and many patients have contraindications to thrombolytic therapy and are at high risk for bleeding. Cather-based intervention has gained increasing popularity particularly in patients with contraindication to thrombolytic therapy or at high risk for surgical thrombectomy. Catheter-based thrombus removal can be achieved by many means such as suction, fragmentation, extraction or rheolytic thrombectomy. We present a case of an elderly lady who suffered from acute massive pulmonary embolism with hemodynamic compromise successfully treated with AngioVac catheter system (AngioDynamics, Albany, NY) with full recovery.     

经皮血栓吸除术治疗老年人急性心肌梗死无复流的临床观察

目的 采用实时心肌声学造影(RT-MCE),评价经皮血栓吸除术治疗老年人急性心肌梗死(AMI)无复流的疗效.方法 46例老年AMI患者,随机分为经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI组)23例和PCI联合血栓吸除术组(联合组)23例.于PCI术后24 h和1周行RT-MCE.记录各组灌注对比积分指数(CSI)、透壁性对比缺损长度百分数[CDL/LV length(%)]、室壁运动积分指数(WMSI)和严重室壁运动异常长度百分数[WML/LV length(%)].结果 24 h和1周,联合组CSI、CDL/LV length、WMSI和WMI/LV length均较PCI组降低[分别为(2.0±0.3)与(2.5±0.7)、(1.5±0.4)与(2.0±0.5)、(15.5±5.4)%与(22.8±4.9)%、(9.6±2.5)%与(21.5±4.6)%,(2.1±0.5)与(2.4±0.7)、(1.5±0.5)与(2.1±0.5)、(24.5±5.3)%与(35.6±8.3)%、(15.9±5.0)%与(27.6±6.4)%],差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05或P<0.01).结论 经皮血栓吸除术可明显减少患者术后无复流的发生,改善微循环和心脏功能,使PCI治疗老年人AMI更有效.     

Manual versus nonmanual thrombectomy in primary and rescue percutaneous coronary angioplasty

Although many thrombectomy devices have been tested in ST-segment elevation acute myocardial infarction (STEMI), there are no comparative data on safety or effectiveness in thrombectomy or ST-segment resolution. This study compares manual versus nonmanual thrombectomy devices in patients undergoing primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention in a tertiary care center. We identified 232 consecutive patients with STEMI and time from symptom onset to emergency room contact of ≤12 h undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention with coronary thrombectomy devices. Primary end point was ST-segment resolution of ≥70%. Several angiographic, procedural and clinical secondary end points were also evaluated. The manual thrombectomy group included 110 patients and the nonmanual group 122 patients. Both groups were similar in their clinical characteristics. The primary end point occurred with similar frequency in patients treated with manual versus nonmanual thrombectomy (67.9% vs 60.0%, P = 0.216). No significant differences were found in the two groups with regard to procedural complications, angiographic reperfusion parameters, in-hospital major adverse cardiac events, or infarct size, whereas manual thrombectomy was associated with a better left ventricle ejection fraction at discharge. Furthermore, treatment with a manual thrombectomy device was associated with significantly shorter procedural times (69 min vs 95 min, P < 0.001) and lower procedural costs (2981 euros vs 7505 euros, P < 0.001). The use of manual thrombus-aspiration catheters appeared equivalent to nonmanual thrombectomy devices in the setting of primary or rescue percutaneous intervention in terms of clinical efficacy, and led to shorter procedures and cost savings.     

New Cerebral Microbleeds After Mechanical Thrombectomy for Large-Vessel Occlusion Strokes

The interval appearance of cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) after endovascular treatment has never been described. We investigated the frequency and predictors of new CMBs that developed shortly after mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke, and its impact on clinical outcome.We retrospectively analyzed patients with large-vessel occlusion strokes treated with Merci Retriever, Penumbra System, or stent-retriever devices. Serial T2∗-weighted gradient-recall echo (GRE) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) before and 48 h after endovascular thrombectomy were assessed to identify new CMBs. We examined independent factors associated with new CMBs after mechanical thrombectomy. We analyzed the association of the presence, burden, and distribution of new CMBs with clinical outcome.A total of 187 consecutive patients with serial GRE were enrolled in this study. CMBs were evident in 36 (19.3%) patients before mechanical thrombectomy. New CMBs occurred in 41 (21.9%) patients after mechanical thrombectomy. Of the 68 new CMBs, 45 appeared in the lobar location, 18 in the deep location and 5 in the infratentorial location. The presence of baseline CMBs was associated with new CMBs after mechanical thrombectomy (OR 5.38; 95% CI 2.13–13.59; P < 0.001), no matter whether the patients were treated primarily with mechanical thrombectomy or with intravenous thrombolysis followed by mechanical thrombectomy. Patients with new CMBs did not have increased rates of hemorrhagic transformation, in-hospital mortality, and modified Rankin Scale score 4 to 6 at discharge.New CMBs are common after mechanical thrombectomy in one-fifth of patients with acute ischemic stroke. Baseline CMBs before mechanical thrombectomy predicts the development of new CMBs. New CMBs after mechanical thrombectomy do not influence clinical outcome.     

双支架取栓治疗难治性颅内大动脉分叉处急性闭塞的疗效观察

目的探讨双支架取栓治疗难治性颅内大动脉分叉处急性闭塞的有效性及安全性。 方法回顾性分析盱眙县人民医院神经内科和江苏省人民医院介入放射科自2019年5月至2021年10月行双支架取栓治疗难治性颅内大动脉分叉处急性闭塞患者的临床及影像学资料，评估患者的血管再通情况、手术并发症及临床预后。比较患者术前及出院时美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表（NIHSS）评分，采用改良Rankin评分（mRs）评价患者术后90 d的临床预后。 结果本组共纳入11例患者，均为单支架取栓失败后改用双支架进行补救，9例（81.8%）患者成功再通（改良脑梗死溶栓分级为2b~3级），2例患者再通失败。4例患者术后发生症状性颅内出血。本组患者出院时NIHSS评分的中位数[12（2，20）分]较术前[16（8，21）分]明显降低，差异具有统计学意义（P=0.012）。术后随访90 d，2例患者死亡（mRs 6分），3例患者严重残疾（mRs 5分），1例患者重度残疾（mRs 4分），1例患者中等残疾（mRs 3分），4例患者良好（mRs≤2分）。 结论双支架取栓技术治疗难治性颅内大血管分叉处急性闭塞安全、有效，血管再通率高，可以作为单支架取栓不成功的补救措施。     

Intracoronary thrombectomy with the export aspiration catheter before angioplasty in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of thrombectomy with the Export Aspiration Catheter (EAC) before angioplasty, and its ability to improve angiographic results in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND: Distal embolization of atherothrombotic material often occurs during angioplasty in STEMI, compromising optimal myocardial reperfusion. METHODS: We performed a thrombus-aspiration with EAC prior to angioplasty in 64 consecutive patients with STEMI. Successful thrombectomy was defined as an improvement of TIMI flow grade >or=1. RESULTS: Successful thrombectomy (increase of TIMI flow >or=1) was achieved in 40 patients (62.5%). Mean TIMI flow grade increased from 0.7 +/- 1 to 1.9 +/- 1.2 (p < 0.0001) after thrombectomy. TIMI flow grade 3 was observed more frequently after EAC compared with guidewire alone (51.5% vs. 9%, p = 0.0062). Direct stenting was performed in most of the patients (n = 41, 64%). Distal embolization and no reflow/slow flow phenomenon occurred in 8 patients (12.5%). No vessel injury after EAC thrombectomy was reported. After treatment with balloon angioplasty and/or stenting, final TIMI flow grade 3 was achieved in 54 patients (84.5%). By multivariate analysis, ischemic time < 6 hours was a significant independent predictor of successful thrombectomy (p = 0.0437). CONCLUSIONS: Our series suggests that EAC thrombectomy prior to angioplasty in the setting of STEMI is safe and feasible. It might reduce the culprit coronary lesion's thrombus burden, leading to improved flow restoration and myocardial reperfusion. Further large randomized studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary results and to assess the impact of thrombus-aspiration on infarct size as well as on clinical outcomes.     

血管内取栓次数与急性缺血性卒中预后的关系

目的探讨急性缺血性卒中患者血管内治疗中取栓次数与预后的关系。方法回顾性连续收集2014年6月至2016年6月在南京军区南京总医院行急诊血管内取栓的61例缺血性卒中患者的临床资料。根据取栓次数将患者分为常规取栓组(3次,48例)和多次取栓组(≥3次,13例)。采用改良Rankin量表(mRS)评估两组患者90 d的神经功能预后。将mRS评分0~2分定义为预后良好,3~6分定义为预后不良,其中6分代表死亡。采用单因素分析比较组间差异(剔除DSA资料缺失或质量差者),采用Spearman相关分析评价取栓次数与预后及病死率的关系。结果单因素分析显示,常规取栓组血管再通发生率[73.9%(34/46)比25.0%(3/12),P=0.005]和良好侧支代偿发生率[55.6%(25/45)比8.3%(1/12),P=0.004]高于多次取栓组,常规取栓组症状性颅内出血发生率低于多次取栓组[14.6%(7/48)比53.8%(7/13),P=0.003]。61例患者90 d病死率为18.0%(11例)。进一步行Spearman相关分析显示,取栓次数与死亡呈中度正相关(r=0.517,P=0.000),取栓次数与良好功能预后无明显相关性(r=0.076,P=0.560),但尚不能排除血管再通率、侧支代偿和症状性出血差异的影响。结论急诊血管内介入治疗多次取栓与急性缺血性卒中患者90 d病死率呈正相关,但仍需更大样本量的研究以进一步验证两者间的关系。     

Intracoronary thrombectomy with the Export Aspiration Catheter before angioplasty in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction

OBJECTIVES: We aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of thrombectomy with the Export Aspiration Catheter (EAC) before angioplasty, and its ability to improve angiographic results in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). BACKGROUND: Distal embolization of atherothrombotic material often occurs during angioplasty in STEMI, compromising optimal myocardial reperfusion. METHODS: We performed a thrombus-aspiration with EAC prior to angioplasty in 64 consecutive patients with STEMI. Successful thrombectomy was defined as an improvement of TIMI flow grade > or =1. RESULTS: Successful thrombectomy (increase of TIMI flow > or =1) was achieved in 40 patients (62.5%). Mean TIMI flow grade increased from 0.7 +/- 1 to 1.9 +/- 1.2 (P < 0.0001) after thrombectomy. TIMI flow grade 3 was observed more frequently after EAC compared with guidewire alone (51.5 vs. 9%, P = 0.0062). Direct stenting was performed in most of patients (N=41, 64%). Distal embolization and noreflow/slowflow phenomenon occurred in 8 patients (12.5%). No vessel injury after EAC thrombectomy was reported. After treatment with balloon angioplasty and/or stenting, final TIMI flow grade 3 was achieved in 54 patients (84.5%). By multivariate analysis, ischemic time <6 h was a significant independent predictor of successful thrombectomy (P = 0.0437). CONCLUSIONS: Our series suggests that EAC thrombectomy prior to angioplasty in the setting of STEMI is safe and feasible. It might reduce the culprit coronary lesion's thrombus burden, leading to improved flow restoration and myocardial reperfusion. Further large randomized studies are warranted to confirm these preliminary results and to assess the impact of thrombus-aspiration on infarct size as well as on clinical outcomes.     

Manual Aspiration Thrombectomy in Acute Myocardial Infarction: A Clinical Experience

Multiple clinical studies have failed to establish the role of routine use of thrombectomy in ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients. There is a paucity of data on the impact of thrombectomy in unselected STEMI patients outside clinical trials. We sought to evaluate the clinical variables and outcomes associated with the performance of thrombectomy in STEMI patients. We retrospectively examined the clinical outcomes in all STEMI patients who underwent successful percutaneous intervention (PCI) at our center. Patients were divided into two groups, one with patients who underwent conventional PCI and another with patients who had thrombus aspiration in addition to conventional PCI. We compared the baseline clinical characteristics, laboratory investigations, re-infarction rates, and all-cause mortality. Total 477 consecutive STEMI patients were identified. Overall, 29% (139) of the patients underwent conventional PCI and 71% (338) of the patients were treated with aspiration thrombectomy and PCI. In addition to the presence of thrombus, patients with nonanterior infarction, and patients with hemodynamic instability requiring intra-aortic balloon pump support were more likely to undergo thrombectomy. Thrombectomy was associated with higher enzymatic infarction (creatine kinase: 2,796 [2,575] vs. 1,716 [1,662]; p < 0.0001; CK-MB: 210.6 [156.0] vs. 142.0 [121.9], p < 0.0001). However, thrombectomy was not associated with any difference in 30 day reinfarction rate (3.3 vs. 2.9%, p = 0.83), mortality (5.0 vs. 7.2%, p = 0.35), or composite of death and 30 day reinfarction (7.7 vs. 9.4%, p = 0.55). We observed that STEMI patients with anterior infarction and hemodynamic instability were more likely to undergo thrombectomy during primary PCI.     

Thrombus aspiration in acute myocardial infarction:Rationale and indication

Reperfusion of myocardial tissue is the main goal of primary percutaneous coronary intervention(PPCI) with stent implantation in the treatment of acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI). Although PPCI has contributed to a dramatic reduction in cardiovascular mortality over three decades, normal myocardial perfusion is not restored in approximately one-third of these patients. Several mechanisms may contribute to myocardial reperfusion failure, in particular distal embolization of the thrombus and plaque fragments. In fact, this is a possible complication during PPCI, resulting in microvascular obstruction and no-reflow phenomenon. The presence of a visible thrombus at the time of PPCI in patients with STEMI is associated with poor procedural and clinical outcomes. Aspiration thrombectomy during PPCI has been proposed to prevent embolization in order to improve these outcomes. In fact, the most recent guidelines suggest the routine use of manual aspiration thrombectomy during PPCI(class Ⅱa) to reduce the risk of distal embolization. Even though numerous international studies have been reported, there are conflicting results on the clinical impact of aspiration thrombectomy during PPCI. In particular, data on long-term clinical outcomes are still inconsistent. In this review, we have carefully analyzed literature data on thrombectomy during PPCI, taking into account the most recent studies and meta-analyses.     

A case of massive pulmonary embolism treated with angiojet thrombectomy system]

Pulmonary embolism is a common disease process associated with a high mortality rate. In patients with massive pulmonary embolism, systemic thrombolysis is considered to be the treatment of choice, but surgical or catheter thrombectomy may be alternative emergency treatments. A 36-year-old woman with massive pulmonary embolism and contraindications to thrombolytic therapy was treated with catheter thrombectomy using the Angiojet thrombectomy system. The procedure was successfully performed with an excellent immediate angiographic result at the site of the rheolytic thrombectomy. The clinical improvement was maintained while in-hospital and during a 4-month follow-up period, with a decrease to a normal level of the peak systolic pulmonary pressure. Our case report indicates that in patients with contraindications to systemic thrombolysis, catheter thrombectomy for massive pulmonary embolism may constitute a life-saving intervention.     

Long‐term outcomes with aspiration thrombectomy for patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention: A meta‐analysis of randomized trials

Randomized clinical trials that examined long‐term clinical outcomes of routine aspiration thrombectomy prior to primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI ) in patients with acute ST ‐segment elevation myocardial infarction have yielded different results. We hypothesized that the routine use of manual thrombus aspiration prior to primary PCI lacks long‐term clinical benefits. Electronic databases were searched for randomized trials comparing routine aspiration thrombectomy and conventional PCI . We included only trials that reported clinical outcomes beyond 6 months. The primary outcome was all‐cause mortality, and the secondary outcomes included major adverse cardiovascular events, re‐infarction, cardiovascular mortality, and stent thrombosis (ST) . A DerSimonian ‐Laird model was used to construct the summary estimates risk ratio (RR ). We retrieved 18 trials with 20 641 ST ‐segment elevation myocardial infarction patients, of whom 10 331 patients underwent routine aspiration thrombectomy prior to primary PCI . At a mean follow‐up of 12 months, there was no significant decrease in the risk of all‐cause mortality (RR : 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI ]: 0.82‐1.05, P = 0.22), major adverse cardiac events (RR : 0.95, 95% CI : 0.87‐1.03, P = 0.18), re‐infarction (RR : 0.95, 95% CI : 0.80‐1.13, P = 0.59), cardiovascular mortality (RR : 0.80, 95% CI : 0.47‐1.36, P = 0.40), or ST (RR : 0.80, 95% CI : 0.63‐1.01, P = 0.06) with routine aspiration thrombectomy. Routine aspiration thrombectomy prior to primary PCI was not associated with a reduction in long‐term mortality or clinical outcomes. Future randomized trials are warranted to further evaluate the role of aspiration thrombectomy in select patients and coronary lesions.     

Spontaneous calcific coronary embolus from a degenerative calcific aortic valve-a rare cause of acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction

This case report describes pathology-proven spontaneous coronary embolization from a calcific aortic valve resulting in an acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction. It serves as an important reminder that, especially for elderly patients with coexisting aortic valvular disease, initial treatment for abrupt coronary artery occlusion with aspiration thrombectomy catheterization is standard of care.     

静脉溶栓桥接动脉内取栓治疗颅内大血管急性闭塞的效果分析

目的探讨静脉溶栓桥接动脉内取栓开通颅内大血管急性闭塞的安全性和有效性。方法回顾性分析首都医科大学宣武医院2016年1月至9月采用静脉溶栓桥接动脉内取栓模式治疗的63例颅内大血管急性闭塞患者的临床资料,静脉溶栓开始时间在发病≤4.5 h,血管内治疗开始时间(股动脉穿刺)在发病≤6 h。根据取栓方式将其分为单纯支架取栓组(41例)和支架联合抽吸取栓组(22例),两组患者在性别构成、平均年龄、闭塞部位及入院美国国立卫生研究院卒中量表(NIHSS)评分方面差异无统计学意义(均P0.05)。采用改良脑梗死溶栓试验(m TICI)评价血管开通效果,分析静脉桥接下两种动脉内治疗方式的血管再通时间,取栓次数,入院时、术后72 h和90 d的NIHSS评分,术中及术后并发症发生情况。结果 (1)单纯支架取栓组中,前循环闭塞37例(90.2%),后循环闭塞4例(9.8%);支架联合抽吸取栓组中,前循环闭塞20例(90.9%),后循环闭塞2例(9.1%),组间差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。治疗后患者大血管均获得良好开通(m TICI分级:Ⅱb~Ⅲ级)。(2)单纯支架取栓组血管平均再通时间为(86±11)min,平均动脉取栓次数为(2.8±0.9)次;术后并发症发生率为14.6%(症状性出血5例,心源性死亡1例),90 d随访mRS(0~2分)患者占51.2%(21/41)。支架联合抽吸取栓组血管平均再通时间为(83±11)min,平均动脉取栓次数为(2.2±0.8)次,术后并发症发生率为13.6%(症状性出血2例,心源性死亡1例),90 d随访mRS(0~2分)患者占59.1%(13/22)。两组以上指标比较,差异均有统计学意义(均P0.05)。结论静脉溶栓桥接单纯支架取栓和支架联合抽吸取栓均能快速使颅内闭塞大血管获得再通,并且支架联合抽吸取栓具有更好的再通率。但两种技术在改善患者临床预后方面尚有待进一步研究。     

A Bayesian Meta‐Analysis Comparing AngioJet® Thrombectomy to Percutaneous Coronary Intervention Alone in Acute Myocardial Infarction

Objective: The purpose of this meta‐analysis was to compare outcomes for AngioJet thrombectomy versus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) without thrombectomy in acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. Background: PCI is the preferred treatment for revascularizing the infarct‐related artery in patients with AMI. There is controversy about the benefits of thrombectomy as an adjunct to PCI. Methods: AMI studies published between January 1, 1999, and March 1, 2007, were used to compare AngioJet thrombectomy plus PCI to PCI alone. Bayesian meta‐analytic estimates were used to estimate the odds ratios (95% CI) for short‐term mortality, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and final TIMI 3 flow. Results: The AngioJet data included 11 studies and 1,018 patients. The PCI data included 81 studies and 24,076 patients. The AngioJet group included more patients with large thrombus burden, rescue PCI after failed thrombolytic therapy, and longer symptom duration compared to the PCI group. Despite the higher risk profile of AngioJet patients, the groups had similar odds of short‐term mortality, 0.98 (0.53, 1.50), MACE, 1.25 (0.54, 2.40), and final TIMI 3 flow, 1.12 (0.70, 2.27). Conclusion: AngioJet thrombectomy results in clinical and angiographic outcomes that are similar to PCI in lower risk AMI patients. These observations suggest that AngioJet thrombectomy may reduce the additional risk associated with visible thrombus in the infarct‐related lesion.     

急性脑梗死患者支架取栓术后出血转化的影响因素分析

目的 分析急性脑梗死(ACI)患者支架取栓术后出血转化的影响因素.方法 回顾性分析2018年3月至2020年3月在我院行支架取栓术治疗的76例ACI患者的临床资料,按术后是否出现出血转化将患者分为未出血转化组(57例)和出血转化组(19例).比较两组患者的性别、年龄、既往病史等一般资料以及各项实验室检测指标水平;对AC...     

Power thrombectomy in acute ischemic coronary syndromes

Intracoronary thrombi are commonly found in patients with acute coronary syndromes. A large thrombus burden or a platelet-rich thrombus frequently resists pharmacologic therapy ("thrombolytic ceiling"). In such cases restoration of adequate antegrade coronary flow necessitates application of a mechanical force. Power thrombectomy is a revascularization strategy incorporating a mechanical device for removal of occlusive coronary thrombi in conjunction with or following administration of either platelet glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor inhibitors or thrombolytic agents, or both. Mechanical devices for power thrombectomy include ultrasound sonication, rheolytic thrombectomy (Angiojet), laser, transluminal extraction catheter, aspiration catheter, and to a limited extent, balloon angioplasty. In acute coronary syndromes the strategy of power thrombectomy aims to achieve the clinical advantages of more nearly complete vessel patency, improved antegrade flow, and enhanced preservation of myocardial tissue.     

Angiographic and clinical characteristics associated with the removable plaque components by means of thrombectomy catheters in patients with myocardial infarction

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that atheroembolism during percutaneous coronary intervention is associated with myocardial damage. The purpose of this study is to investigate the clinical and angiographic characteristics related to removable plaque elements in patients undergoing thrombectomy for myocardial infarction. METHODS: Eighty consecutive lesions in 80 patients (M/F=58/22, age 65.5+/-11.6 years) with myocardial infarction who underwent thrombectomy (TVAC system, Nipro, Osaka, Japan) prior to mechanical dilatation (balloon angioplasty and/or stent implantation) were investigated. Visible debris was collected and plaque elements (cholesterol clefts and/or foamy cells) were investigated pathologically. Baseline angiographic characteristics [baseline thrombolysis in myocardial infarction (TIMI) grade, culprit lesion, haziness, lesion length, ostium, bifurcation, calcification, eccentricity, thrombus, and multivessel] were analyzed, and predictive angiographic and clinical factors for plaque elements were investigated. RESULTS: There were no complications related to thrombectomy. Final TIMI grade 3 and blush grade 2 or 3 were achieved in 75 (94%) and 66 (83%) patients, respectively. Visible debris specimens were obtained in 49 (61%) patients. Histological plaque elements (cholesterol clefts and/or foamy cells) were observed in 27 out of 49 patients with debris specimens. There was no significant difference in the clinical characteristics between the groups of patients with (group P) and without (group NP) plaque elements. Aspirated plaque elements were more frequently observed in discrete and eccentric lesions (group P vs. group NP: discreteness, 52% vs. 28%, P<.05; eccentricity, 67% vs. 36%, P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the clinical characteristics associated with removable plaque components in patients with myocardial infarction undergoing thrombectomy by means of the TVAC system. Discreteness and eccentricity were more frequently observed in lesions with removable plaque elements.     

Anatomo-clinical correlations after the treatment of iliocaval phlebitis with a 1-year follow-up

Clinical results and anatomical findings on isotopic angiography, after a minimum follow-up period of one year, were compared in 32 patients treated for iliocaval venous thrombosis. Therapy had involved: iliofemoral thrombectomy alone (8 cases), iliocaval thrombectomy and retroperitoneal clip (10 cases), a clip alone (5 cases), fibrinolysis and heparin therapy (3 cases), heparin therapy alone (6 cases). Overall clinical results were considered as being good in 26 patients and poor in 6, whereas permeability of the main venous axis was confirmed by isotopic phlebography in only 5 cases. There appears to be a total lack of parallelism between clinical results and anatomical findings following treatment of these recent iliocaval phlebitis cases.