The Use of Ultrasound in Vascular Procedures

Research on the application of collaborative teaching between ultrasonographers and vascular surgeons in the training of vascular surgery residents

This study aims to explore the significant role of collaborative teaching between ultrasonographers and vascular surgeons in the training of vascular surgery residents in China. By comparing and analyzing the learning outcomes, clinical practice abilities, and patient feedback data of vascular surgery residents under traditional teaching methods versus collaborative teaching methods, combined with questionnaire surveys and statistical analysis, it was found that collaborative teaching significantly improved the training effect of vascular surgery residents. The results of this study provide new insights for medical education training, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaborative teaching in the training of vascular surgery residents.

Nephronophthisis and central veins abnormalities: A case report

Patients with genetic disorders are potentially more susceptible to present vascular abnormalities compared to the general population. For these patients, unusual difficulties could appear during a CVC placement procedure that could lead to major complications if venous abnormalities are undiagnosed. Ultrasound and fluoroscopy guidance should be used routinely for all patients in order to avoid complications and catheter misplacement.

Ultrasonography of the Adult Male Urinary Tract for Urinary Functional Testing

The incidence of clinical benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is increasing due to the aging population, resulting in a significant economic and quality of life burden. Transgenic and other mouse models have been developed to recreate various aspects of this multifactorial disease; however, methods to accurately quantitate urinary dysfunction and the effectiveness of new therapeutic options are lacking. Here, we describe a method that can be used to measure bladder volume and detrusor wall thickness, urinary velocity, void volume and void duration, and urethral diameter. This would allow for the evaluation of disease progression and treatment efficacy over time. Mice were anesthetized with isoflurane, and the bladder was visualized by ultrasound. For non-contrast imaging, a 3D image was taken of the bladder to calculate volume and evaluate shape; the bladder wall thickness was measured from this image. For contrast-enhanced imaging, a catheter was placed through the dome of the bladder using a 27-gauge needle connected to a syringe by PE50 tubing. A bolus of 0.5 mL of contrast was infused into the bladder until a urination event occurred. Urethral diameter was determined at the point of the Doppler velocity sample window during the first voiding event. Velocity was measured for each subsequent event yielding a flow rate. In conclusion, high frequency ultrasound proved to be an effective method for assessing bladder and urethral measurements during urinary function in mice. This technique may be useful in the assessment of novel therapies for BPH/LUTS in an experimental setting.

Surgeon-led Intraoperative Ultrasound Localization for Nonpalpable Breast Cancers: Results of 5 Years of Practice

BACKGROUND

The uptake of breast screening has led to a rise in the number of nonpalpable breast cancer diagnoses. Breast conserving therapy (BCT) is the treatment of choice for early breast cancer, and this requires localization of the lesion. Commonly detection is achieved by wire-guided localization in the radiology department. This technique has complications and requires utilization of a radiologist. Intraoperative ultrasound (IOUS) has been shown to be a safe alternative, but there is little data on its use. The aim of this study is to report the use of surgeon-led IOUS over the past 5 years, assessing the ability to detect lesions and the re-excision rate for involved margins.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective observational study was performed on consecutive patients undergoing IOUS-marked BCT between 2014 and 2018. The technique is described, and patients' records were reviewed to assess the histologic specimen reports and need for subsequent re-excision.

RESULTS

Ninety-five IOUS BCT operations were performed. Every cancer was identified by IOUS and removed. Fourteen margins were positive and required re-excision. Of these, only 2 contained residual tumor.

CONCLUSION

This is the first data from the United Kingdom for IOUS skin marking without wire localization. IOUS is a safe method of localization in BCT. It offers advantages both to the patient and the unit as it reduces pressure on the radiology department.

Congenital Anomalies of Superior Vena Cava and their Implications in Central Venous Catheterization

Congenital anomalies of superior vena cava (SVC) are generally discovered incidentally during central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, pacemaker electrode placement, and cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Persistent left SVC (PLSVC) is a rare (0.3%) anomaly in healthy subjects, usually asymptomatic, but when present and undiagnosed, it may be associated with difficulties and complications of CVC placement. In individuals with congenital heart anomalies, its prevalence may be up to 10 times higher than in the general population.

In this perspective, awareness of the importance of the incidental finding of PLSV during CVC placement is crucial. To improve knowledge of this rare but potentially dangerous condition, we describe the embryological origin of SVC, its normal anatomy, and possible congenital anomalies of the venous system and of the heart, including the presence of a right to left cardiac shunt. Diagnosis of PLSVC as well as the clinical complications and technical impact of SVC congenital anomalies for CVC placement are emphasized.

Persistent left superior vena cava: review of the literature, clinical implications, and relevance of alterations in thoracic central venous anatomy as pertaining to the general principles of central venous access device placement and venography in cancer patients

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) represents the most common congenital venous anomaly of the thoracic systemic venous return, occurring in 0.3% to 0.5% of individuals in the general population, and in up to 12% of individuals with other documented congential heart abnormalities. In this regard, there is very little in the literature that specifically addresses the potential importance of the incidental finding of PLSVC to surgeons, interventional radiologists, and other physicians actively involved in central venous access device placement in cancer patients. In the current review, we have attempted to comprehensively evaluate the available literature regarding PLSVC. Additionally, we have discussed the clinical implications and relevance of such congenital aberrancies, as well as of treatment-induced or disease-induced alterations in the anatomy of the thoracic central venous system, as they pertain to the general principles of successful placement of central venous access devices in cancer patients. Specifically regarding PLSVC, it is critical to recognize its presence during attempted central venous access device placement and to fully characterize the pattern of cardiac venous return (i.e., to the right atrium or to the left atrium) in any patient suspected of PLSVC prior to initiation of use of their central venous access device.