Technical note: A preliminary assessment of UV-C imaging using the Full Spectrum Imaging System (FSIS-II) for the detection of latent fingermarks

The Full Spectrum Imaging System (FSIS-II) was assessed for the detection of latent fingermarks on a variety of substrates, specifically focusing on UV-C imaging for untreated marks and those that have been treated with cyanoacrylate (CA). The use of UV-C was effective at the detection of latent fingermarks on a variety of substrates and UV-C imaging may be effective when UV-A does not provide any fingermark detections on thermal paper. A Phase 2 and a small Phase 3 trials on aluminium cans were carried out with a detection sequence of UV-C imaging, CA fuming, UV-C imaging, UV-A imaging and BY40. For Phase 2 laboratory trials, the use of initial UV-C reflection was effective at removing the background and was a useful tool for initial screening. The use of UV-C was superior to UV-A after CA fuming and provided the highest overall number of high-quality marks. For phase 3 trials, the results showed that BY40 fluorescence was marginally more effective than UV-C imaging of CA-treated marks. This preliminary study shows that the FSIS-II and UV-C imaging can complement other methods for the detection of latent fingermarks.

Does cyanoacrylate have the best postoperative outcomes after third molar extractions when compared to conventional sutures? A systematic review and meta-analysis

Purpose

Tissue synthesis is extremely important for the attenuation of postoperative discomforts, as it keeps the tissues coapted, accelerates the healing process, and reduces the bleeding period of the surgical wound. Thus, this study aimed to systematically review the results of clinical trials that compared the use of cyanoacrylate with conventional sutures after third molars extraction.

Materials and methods

Searches were conducted on MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Central Registry of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Virtual Health Library (VHL), and Web of Science. Articles published up to February 20, 2022, were included. No restrictions were imposed on data or language of publication.

Results

A total of 8 studies (5 randomized controlled trials and 3 non-randomized comparative clinical studies) were included in this review and five studies were included in the meta-analysis, comprising 440 patients. The use of cyanoacrylate promoted better results in pain reduction in the first postoperative day when compared to the use of conventional suture (SMD: -1.01; 95%CI -1.90 to -0.12). Cyanoacrylate group promoted significant but borderline edema reduction compared to conventional sutures in the 7th postoperative day (SMD: -0.24, 95%CI -0.46 to -0.01, I2 = 0 %). For the trismus outcome, in all periods evaluated no differences were found between the groups.

Conclusion

Although promising results, there is no high-quality evidence to suggest the use of cyanoacrylate was better than conventional sutures.

The 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society clinical practice guidelines for the management of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Part II: Endorsed by the Society of Interventional Radiology and the Society for Vascular Medicine

The Society for Vascular Surgery, the American Venous Forum, and the American Vein and Lymphatic Society recently published Part I of the 2022 clinical practice guidelines on varicose veins. Recommendations were based on the latest scientific evidence researched following an independent systematic review and meta-analysis of five critical issues affecting the management of patients with lower extremity varicose veins, using the patients, interventions, comparators, and outcome system to answer critical questions. Part I discussed the role of duplex ultrasound scanning in the evaluation of varicose veins and treatment of superficial truncal reflux. Part II focuses on evidence supporting the prevention and management of varicose vein patients with compression, on treatment with drugs and nutritional supplements, on evaluation and treatment of varicose tributaries, on superficial venous aneurysms, and on the management of complications of varicose veins and their treatment. All guidelines were based on systematic reviews, and they were graded according to the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations, using the GRADE method. All ungraded Consensus Statements were supported by an extensive literature review and the unanimous agreement of an expert, multidisciplinary panel. Ungraded Good Practice Statements are recommendations that are supported only by indirect evidence. The topic, however, is usually noncontroversial and agreed upon by most stakeholders. The Implementation Remarks contain technical information that supports the implementation of specific recommendations. This comprehensive document includes a list of all recommendations (Parts I-II), ungraded consensus statements, implementation remarks, and best practice statements to aid practitioners with appropriate, up-to-date management of patients with lower extremity varicose veins.

A comparative study of cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive and surgical sutures on marginal flap stability following coronally advanced flap

INTRODUCTION

The present study evaluated the biomechanical characteristics of cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive (TA) compared to surgical sutures in coronally advanced flap (CAF) procedures using an ex-vivo model.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty-six half-pig mandibles were divided into three groups, n=12 each: (I) CAF fixed with sutures (sling and tag suture technique), (II) CAF fixed with TA, and (III) CAF fixed with sutures and TA. At mandibular premolars, gingival recession defects extending 3 mm apical to the cemento-enamel junction (CEJ) were created. CAF procedures were performed using a split-full-split approach, with coronal advancement of the flap to 1 mm above the marked CEJ and stabilization according to the respective groups I-III. Marginal flap stability against pull-of forces (maximum tensile force) was measured with a universal material testing machine until the CEJ became visible.

RESULTS

The comparison between groups I-III demonstrated a significantly increased maximum tensile force for the TA (II) compared to the suture group (I) (p<0.001). A significantly increased maximum tensile force was found for the suture and TA (III) compared to the suture group (I) (p<0.001). There was also a significantly increased maximum tensile force in the suture and TA (III) compared to the TA group (II) (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that cyanoacrylate-based TA can increase marginal flap stability compared to sutures in CAF procedures.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Cyanoacrylate-based TA can be considered a useful and valuable adjunct to conventional suturing techniques in periodontal plastic surgery, especially in cases where high flap stability is required. The results of this ex-vivo study can only be transferred to the clinical situation with limitations. Clinical long-term follow-up data must be generated.

Severe adverse reactions after cyanoacrylate endovenous ablation

Hypersensitivity reactions after endovenous ablation with cyanoacrylate are relatively common, mild, and self-limited. However, rare cases of severe hypersensitivity reactions have occurred. To date and to the best of our knowledge, only two other cases requiring vein excision have been reported, and we present the third. Even rarer are cases with severe reactions featuring cyanoacrylate extravasation with skin perforation. In the present report, we describe the second case of skin perforation after successful cyanoacrylate endovenous glue embolization. The mechanism of these severe hypersensitivity reactions is unknown. Clinicians should to consider this as a possible complication when using cyanoacrylate. Although rare, patients should also be advised of this adverse event when considering this alternative.

Outcomes of N-butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate Tissue Adhesive Application in Corneal Perforation Disorders: Consecutive Case Series

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to report the success and long-term outcomes of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA) application in the management of corneal perforation disorders.

METHODS

This retrospective case series describes the profile and outcomes of eyes that underwent CTA for corneal perforation over an 11-year period from January 2009 until January 2020 at a tertiary eye centre in the United Kingdom.

RESULTS

In total, 25 eyes underwent CTA application during the study period. Non-traumatic sterile corneal melt was responsible in more than half of the cases (56.0%; n = 14) followed by infection (32.0%; n = 8) and trauma (12.0%; n = 3). Median size of perforation was 2.0 mm (interquartile range, IQR 1.0-3.0). The most common anatomical location of corneal perforation was central (56.0%; n = 14). Ocular surface disease was seen in almost all eyes except two (92.0%; n = 23) with dry eye disease being the most common (48.0%; n = 12). Amongst 23 eyes that completed follow-up (median 27 months; IQR 9.5-46.5), single CTA application was successful in achieving intact globe in 13 (56.5%) eyes and repeat gluing sealed total of 20 (86.9%) eyes. Survival analysis showed cumulative success of 71.0% and 51.2% at 90 and 250 days, respectively. The CTA was retained in the eyes for median of 94.0 days (IQR 30.0-140.5). A total of five patients developed adverse events, including endophthalmitis (n = 2), following CTA application.

CONCLUSIONS

CTA was highly effective in sealing corneal perforations in acute setting and showed moderate long-term success. However, multiple applications are often required.

Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided injection of cyanoacrylate in the treatment of gastroesophageal varices type 1: a single-center randomized study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

First, it has been demonstrated that endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS)-guided cyanoacrylate (CYA) injection (EUS-CYA) has greater efficacy than direct endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate (DEI-CYA) for treating type 1-isolated gastric varices. However, it is necessary to conduct further studies to determine whether EUS has any advantage over the current guidelines for treating gastroesophageal varices type 1 (GOV1). Second, liver function is an important prognostic factor in patients with liver cirrhosis. Therefore, we evaluated the liver function of patients treated with EUS-CYA.

METHODS

In a single-center study, a prospective cohort from February 2021 to September 2022 involving 89 patients with cirrhosis with GOV1 were assigned to undergo EUS-CYA (n = 45) or DEI-CYA (n = 44). The success rate of CYA injection, the rate of overall rebleeding, the rate of reintervention, the complications during the follow-up period, and the liver function were compared.

RESULTS

In both groups, 100% of the operations were successful. The follow-up time of the two groups was 290 (153-398) days and 267 (177-416) days, respectively. In the EUS group, the perforating veins had an average diameter of 7.0 ± 2.7 mm, and they had a 100% occlusion rate. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups regarding the number of sessions needed to eradicate GV (p = 0.005, pairwise comparisons were conducted using the Bonferroni correction method.), the late rebleeding rate after EUS-CYA [n = 3 (6.7%) vs n = 10 (22.7%); p = 0.032], and the incidence of postinjection ulcers [n = 4 (8.9%) vs n = 12 (27.3); p = 0.023)]. Following EUS or DEI-CYA treatment, the patient's liver function did not show any significant deterioration or decline.

CONCLUSION

EUS-CYA has a higher eradication success rate and fewer complications, recurrences, and rebleeding episodes than DEI-CYA used for GOV1 treatment. In addition, EUS-CYA did not impair liver function.

A Step-Up Approach Using Alternative Endoscopic Modalities Is an Effective Strategy for Postoperative and Traumatic Pancreatic Duct Disruption

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Standard endotherapy for pancreatic duct (PD) disruption is pancreatic stenting and sphincterotomy. In patients refractory to standard treatment, treatment algorithm is currently not standardized. This study aims to report the 10-year experience with the endoscopic treatment of postoperative or traumatic PD disruption and to share our algorithmic approach.

METHODS

This retrospective study was conducted on 30 consecutive patients who underwent endoscopic treatment for postoperative (n = 26) or traumatic (n = 4) PD disruption between 2011 and 2021. Standard treatment was initially applied to all patients. Endoscopic modalities used with a step-up approach in patients unresponsive to standard treatment were stent upsizing and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrilate (NBCA) injection for partial disruption, and the bridging of the disruption with a stent and cystogastrostomy for complete disruption.

RESULTS

PD disruption was partial in 26 and complete in 4 patients. Cannulation and stenting of PD was successful in all patients and sphincterotomy was performed in 22 patients. Standard treatment was successful in 20 patients (66.6%). The resolution of PD disruption in 9 of 10 patients refractory to standard treatment was achieved with stent upsizing in 4, NBCA injection in 2, the bridging of the complete disruption in one, and cystogastrostomy after spontaneously and intentionally developed pseudocyst in one patient each. Overall, therapeutic success rate was 96.6% (100% for partial, 75% for complete disruption). Procedural complications occurred in 7 patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Standart treatment for PD disruption is usually effective. In patients refractory to standard treatment, the outcome may be improved by step-up approach using alternative endoscopic modalities.

Cyanoacrylate glue reactions: A systematic review, cases, and proposed mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

Cyanoacrylate glue closure was first used in humans 10 years ago to treat venous reflux of the axial veins. Studies have since shown its clinical efficacy in vein closure. However, great need exists to elucidate further the types of specific adverse reactions that cyanoacrylate glue can cause for better patient selection and to minimize these events. In the present study, we systematically reviewed the literature to identify the types of reported reactions. In addition, we explored the pathophysiology contributing to these reactions and proposed the mechanistic pathway with inclusion of actual cases.

METHODS

We searched the literature for reports of reactions following cyanoacrylate glue use in patients with venous diseases between 2012 and 2022. The search was performed using MeSH (medical subject headings) terms. The terms included cyanoacrylate, venous insufficiency, chronic venous disorder, varicose veins, vein varicosities, venous ulcer, venous wound, CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic), vein, adverse events, phlebitis, hypersensitivity, foreign body granuloma, giant cell, endovenous glue-induced thrombosis, and allergy. The search was limited to the literature reported in English. These studies were evaluated for the type of product used and the reactions noted. A systematic review, in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) method, was performed. Covidence software (Melbourne, VC, Australia) was used for full-text screening and data extraction. Two reviewers reviewed the data, and the content expert served as the tiebreaker.

RESULTS

We identified 102, of which, 37 reported on cyanoacrylate use other than in the context of chronic venous diseases and were excluded. Fifty-five reports were determined appropriate for data extraction. The adverse reactions to cyanoacrylate glue were phlebitis, hypersensitivity, foreign body granuloma, and endovenous glue-induced thrombosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Although cyanoacrylate glue closure for venous reflux is generally a safe and clinically effective treatment choice for patients with symptomatic chronic venous disease and axial reflux, some adverse events could be specific to the properties of the cyanoacrylate product. We propose mechanisms for how such reactions can occur based on histologic changes, published reports, and case examples; however, further exploration is necessary to confirm these theories.

A network meta-analysis on the efficacy and safety of thermal and nonthermal endovenous ablation treatments

OBJECTIVE

We assessed the mid-term efficacy and safety of thermal and nonthermal endovenous ablation for the treatment of lower limb superficial venous insufficiency.

METHODS

We performed a systematic review in accordance with the PRISMA (preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses) statement and a Bayesian network meta-analysis. The primary end points were great saphenous vein (GSV) closure and venous clinical severity score (VCSS) improvement. A meta-regression using GSV diameter as a covariate was undertaken for the two primary end points.

RESULTS

We included 14 studies and 4177 patients, with a mean follow-up of 25.7 months. Radiofrequency ablation (RFA; odds ratio [OR], 3.99; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.82-10.53), cyanoacrylate ablation (CAC; OR, 3.09; 95% CI, 1.35-8.37), and endovenous laser ablation (EVLA; OR, 2.72; 95% CI, 1.23-7.38) displayed increased odds for GSV closure compared with mechanochemical ablation (MOCA). MOCA inferiority compared with RFA (mean difference [MD], 0.96; 95% CI, 0.71-1.20), EVLA (MD, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.61-1.24), and CAC (MD, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.65-1.15) was also depicted regarding VCSS improvement. EVLA resulted in an increased risk of postoperative paresthesia compared with MOCA (risk ratio [RR], 9.61; 95% CI, 2.32-62.29), CAC (RR, 7.90; 95% CI, 2.44-38.16), and RFA (RR, 6.96; 95% CI, 2.31-28.04). Although the overall analysis identified nonstatistically significant differences for Aberdeen varicose vein questionnaire score improvement, thrombophlebitis, ecchymosis, and pain, further investigation revealed an increase pain profile for EVLA at 1470 nm compared with RFA (MD, 3.22; 95% CI, 0.93-5.47) and CAC (MD, 3.04; 95% CI, 1.05-4.97). A sensitivity analysis displayed a persistent underperformance of MOCA compared with RFA (OR, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.15-55.54) for GSV closure and both RFA (MD, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.22-1.77) and CAC (MD, 0.84; 95% CI, 0.08-1.65) regarding VCCS improvement. Although no regression model reached statistical significance, the GSV closure regression model revealed a trend for considerably decreased efficacy for both CAC and MOCA with larger GSV diameters compared with RFA and EVLA.

CONCLUSIONS

Although our analysis has produced skepticism regarding the efficacy of MOCA in the mid-term period for VCSS improvement and GSV closure rates, CAC showed equivalent results compared with both RFA and EVLA. Additionally, CAC displayed a decreased risk of postprocedural paresthesia and pigmentation and induration compared with EVLA. Also, both RFA and CAC had an improved pain profile compared with EVLA 1470 nm. The potential underperformance of nonthermal, nontumescent ablation modalities in ablating large GSVs necessitates further research.

Right lumbar lymph trunk injury after right laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: a case report

Laparoscopic donor nephrectomy (LDN) is increasingly popular because of its advantages over open surgery. Chyle leak after donor nephrectomy is a rare but potentially lethal complication if not treated appropriately. We describe a case of a 43-year-old female patient with no remarkable history who presented a chyle leak on day 2 after right transperitoneal LDN. Since conservative treatment failed, the patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and intranodal lipiodol lymphangiography, which confirmed the chyle leak from the right lumbar lymph trunk into the right renal fossa. The chyle leak was percutaneously embolized twice, on postoperative day (POD) 5 and POD 10, by a mixture of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and lipiodol. The drainage fluid decreased significantly after the second embolization. The subhepatic drainage tube was withdrawn on POD 14, and the patient was discharged on POD 17. MRI lymphangiography and intranodal lipiodol lymphangiography effectively identified the chyle leak point. Percutaneous embolization seems to be a safe, effective method for treating high-output chyle leaks.

Biodegradable plastics and their impact on fingermark detection methods

The use of plastics is extremely prevalent in society, with most individuals likely to handle several plastic items per day. It is therefore not surprising that many exhibits recovered from the scene of a crime are plastics, which are processed and examined for traces such as fingermarks. Societal trends have been pushing towards more environmentally friendly products with alternatives to traditional disposable plastics becoming increasingly available. These alternate plastics have different chemical compositions and physical properties, which may impact fingermark development for these substrates. As most detection techniques are known to be substrate-dependent, it is crucial to review current methods and procedures to examine how effective they are on new materials. The aim of this research was to assess a range of fingermark detection techniques on biodegradable plastics and provide recommendations for the preferred technique. First, the prevalence of these materials in the Australian market was evaluated. Over 40 different plastics obtained within the Sydney area were then divided into six broad categories using consumer information in combination with ATR-FTIR spectroscopy analysis. Following this, selected plastics from each category were used as substrates for the fingermark development study. In total, 6480 fingermark specimens were collected as split marks, to form 2160 fingermark comparisons. Each substrate was then developed with four fingermark detection techniques suitable for plastic substrates: cyanoacrylate (CA) fuming, vacuum metal deposition (VMD), powder suspensions (PS), and single metal deposition (SMD). SMD resulted in the most consistent development method across all tested substrates. VMD was able to successfully develop fingermarks on polyethylene-based plastics, but led to poorer results on alternative plastics, while CA fuming and PS were notably more dependent on the surface texture. This research was successful in confirming that biodegradable plastics do in fact have an impact on fingermark development techniques commonly applied on traditional plastics and recommendations have been formed to aid in operational contexts to improve the potential to recover latent fingermarks from biodegradable plastics.

Addition of cyanoacrylate adhesive improves the strength of catheter securement and integrity of transparent dressing: Results from an in vitro test model

INTRODUCTION

Intravenous catheters present complications to patients, such as dislodgment, pistoning, micromovement, and infection. Despite the use of transparent dressings, a significant rate of I.V. catheter complications still arise. This article is to provide a scientific and technological perspective on how bonding a transparent dressing to a substrate using 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl cyanoacrylate (OBCA) via multiple methods can significantly enhance the adhesion strength of the transparent dressing product, which subsequently increases the securement strength of the catheter.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Using porcine skin, an adhesive formula made of a mixture of OBCA was applied to both the I.V. catheter and transparent dressing to evaluate the adhesion strength and securement strength in vitro.

RESULTS

The studies show that using OBCA to bond the transparent dressing to the substrate significantly improved the adhesion strength by up to 8 times, and catheter securement by up to 7.4 times stronger than using a transparent dressing alone.

CONCLUSION

It was determined that using OBCA to bond the transparent dressing to the substrate results in strengthening the adhesion strength of the transparent dressing, which could potentially reduce dressing complications. By using OBCA to affix the transparent dressing to the substrate catheter securement strength was also significantly increased which can potentially reduce catheter dislodgment, migration, and micromovement.

The 2022 Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society clinical practice guidelines for the management of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Part I. Duplex Scanning and Treatment of Superficial Truncal Reflux: Endorsed by the Society for Vascular Medicine and the International Union of Phlebology

The Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society collaborated to update the 2011 Society for Vascular Surgery/American Venous Forum clinical practice guidelines and provide new evidence-based recommendations on critical issues affecting the care of patients with varicose veins. Each recommendation is based on a recent, independent systematic review and meta-analysis of the diagnostic tests and treatments options for patients with lower extremity varicose veins. Part I of the guidelines includes evidence-based recommendations for the evaluation of patients with CEAP (Clinical Class, Etiology, Anatomy, Pathology) class 2 varicose vein using duplex ultrasound scanning and other diagnostic tests, open surgical treatment (ligation and stripping) vs endovenous ablation techniques, thermal vs nonthermal ablation of the superficial truncal veins, and management of incompetent perforating veins in CEAP class 2 disease. We have also made recommendations on the concomitant vs staged treatment of varicose tributaries using phlebectomy or liquid or foam sclerotherapy (with physician-compounded foam or commercially prepared polidocanol endovenous microfoam) for patients undergoing ablation of incompetent superficial truncal veins.

The use of tissue adhesive in management of genitourinary fistulas: a systematic review and case report

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

Articles are getting published on the use of tissue adhesive for vesicovaginal fistula. The objective is to carry out a systematic review on their effectiveness and complications.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement. Two reviewers screened abstracts and full-text and extracted data independently. A narrative synthesis was conducted given the heterogeneity of studies.

RESULTS

A total of 1032 studies were identified after searching the database, and 14 articles were included in this systematic review. Of the 84 women included, 12 (14.3%) presented failure or recurrence of their fistula tract. The mean time of follow-up was 11.46 months. The average size of the fistula was 1.05 (range 0.1 to 3.9) cm. Most fistulas (81) included were vesicovaginal fistulas. Nine papers reported the usage of fibrin glue in which only three (6.5%) women reported recurrence of the fistula in a delay of 2 weeks to 26 months. The other studies used cyanoacrylate (14 women) and autologous fibrin injection from the patients' blood (31 women). No significant complications were reported. Complications reported were urinary tract infections in 3 women (3.6%), hematuria in 2 women (2.4%), overactive bladder symptoms in 6 women (7.2%) and septic pelvic thrombosis in one woman (1.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue adhesive appears to be a promising alternative for management of urogenital fistulas without reported important complications.

Thrombotic complications after radiofrequency and cyanoacrylate endovenous ablation: Outcomes of a multicenter real-world experience

OBJECTIVE

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects >40% of the U.S. population; thus, intervention for symptomatic venous disease comprises a large portion of many vascular practices. The treatment of superficial CVI has evolved from open surgical treatment to minimally invasive endovenous closure, including both thermal and nonthermal techniques. Thrombotic complications of thermal ablation have been well reported, with an overall complication rate of <2%. However, a paucity of high-powered, real-world data is available on the thrombotic outcomes of nonthermal techniques. In the present study, we compared the incidence of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis (EHIT) and endovenous glue-induced thrombosis (EGIT) in a large cohort of patients with CVI.

METHODS

A retrospective review was conducted at two tertiary-level institutions of patients who had undergone superficial endovenous ablation from 2018 to 2021. The patient demographics, comorbidities, and periprocedural outcomes were collected through medical record review. A Caprini risk assessment model score was assigned using the information available from the electronic medical records. The patients were categorized by procedure type (ClosureFast [Medtronic Inc, Minneapolis, MN] radiofrequency ablation [RFA] vs VenaSeal [Medtronic Inc] cyanoacrylate glue closure [CAG]). The primary end point was the incidence of EHIT or EGIT. The secondary end point was the incidence of deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism.

RESULTS

A total of 803 patients had undergone 1096 procedures during the study period. Their mean age was 62 ± 15 years, and 67% were women. Of the 1096 procedures, 700 were RFA and 396 were CAG procedures, with a combined closure rate of 98% by postprocedure duplex ultrasound at 7 days. The average Caprini score was 5.2 ± 1.8 (RFA, 5.0; vs CAG, 5.4; P < .001). The incidence of EHIT and EGIT was 1.9% and 1.3%, respectively (P = .57). The deep vein thrombosis rate was 0.1% in the RFA cohort and 0.3% in the CAG cohort (P = .81). A comparative analysis of thermal vs nonthermal techniques was performed. A univariate analysis of the risk factors for EHIT and EGIT revealed no significant factors predisposing to thrombotic events.

CONCLUSIONS

The results from the present study have demonstrated the safety of RFA and CAG closure techniques for CVI, with lower thrombotic rates than previously reported. Further work might help to identify how these results can be achieved across all venous ablative techniques for CVI, even for patient populations with advanced venous disease and possibly a greater than average risk of thrombotic events.

The fluoride release, abrasion resistance, and cytotoxicity to hGFs of a novel cyanoacrylate-based fluoride varnish compared with conventional fluoride varnish

The important factors contributing to the effectiveness of fluoride varnish are the amount of fluoride ion release and the retention time of the varnish on the tooth surface. Commercial fluoride varnishes are susceptible to mechanical removal; therefore, patients are informed to avoid eating or performing oral hygiene for at least 12-24 h, which results in patient inconvenience. However, cyanoacrylate-based fluoride varnish would not have these disadvantages. This study compared the daily fluoride ion release, abrasion resistance to brushing, and toxicity to human gingival fibroblasts (hGFs) between a newly-developed cyanoacrylate-based fluoride varnish and conventional fluoride varnish (Duraphat varnish). The results demonstrated that the cyanoacrylate varnish had a significantly higher fluoride release for 9 days after application, higher abrasion resistance to brushing, and slightly less toxicity to hGFs compared with Duraphat varnish. This novel cyanoacrylate varnish could be an alternative fluoride varnish for preventing dental caries.

Role of endoscopic ultrasound in vascular interventions: Where are we now?

From a mere diagnostic tool to an imperative treatment modality, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) has evolved and revolutionized safer efficient options for vascular interventions. Currently it is an alternative treatment option in the management of gastrointestinal bleeding, primarily variceal type bleeding. Conventional treatment option prior to EUS incorporation had limited efficiency and high adverse events. The characterization and detail provided by EUS gives a cutting edge towards a holistically successful management choice. Data indicates that EUS-guided combination therapy of coil embolization and glue injection has the higher efficacy for the treatment of varices. Conversely, similar treatment options that exist for esophageal and other ectopic variceal bleeding was also outlined. In conclusion, many studies refer that a combination therapy of coil and glue injection under EUS guidance provides higher technical success with fewer recurrence and adverse events, making its adaptation in the guideline extremely favorable. Endo-hepatology is a novel disciple with a promising future outlook, we reviewed topics regarding portal vein access, pressure gradient measurement, and thrombus biopsy that are crucial interventions as alternative of radiological procedures. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the latest available evidence in the literature regarding the role of EUS in vascular interventions. We reviewed the role of EUS in variceal bleeding in recent studies, especially gastric varices and novel approaches aimed at the portal vein.

Biomechanical evaluation of cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive for intraoral wound closure

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyze the biomechanical characteristics of a novel cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive (CTA) for soft-tissue closure of the (non-) tooth-bearing alveolar process and around dental implants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Halves of porcine mandibles (n = 21) were randomly divided into three experimental intraoral wound closure groups (A-C) with three different mucoperiosteal flap types (F1-3, n = 7 each): F1, crestal incision between the last incisor and the canine with a mesial and distal vestibular relief; F2, crestal double-T-shaped incision and dental implant placement between the canine and the first premolar; and F3, trapezoidal incision on the second premolar. F1-3 were respectively closed using (A) monofil non-resorbable sutures, (B) CTA, and (C) a combination of both. Tensile strength (TS) and elasticity (E) measurements were performed for biomechanical analysis.

RESULTS

In F1, CTA showed a significantly reduced TS compared to A (p < 0.001) and C (p < 0.01). In F2, an increased TS of C compared to A (p < 0.01) and B (p < 0.001) was found. Here, E was significantly increased in C compared to B (p < 0.02). In F3, TS was significantly decreased in B compared to A (p < 0.01) and C (p < 0.001). The E in group C was significantly increased compared to B (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

Different biomechanical characteristics between CTA and sutures were found. CTA could be a possible alternative to sutures for intraoral wound closure in special conditions.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

A combination of both, suturing and CTA, could be a promising option in critical soft-tissue wounds requiring high functional stability and elasticity.

Safety and efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided combination therapy for treatment of gastric varices: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

EUS-guided combination therapy (coil and hemostatic glue) for bleeding and non-bleeding gastric varices has recently attracted considerable attention after promising results were published in multiple small studies. We performed a meta-analysis to investigate the safety and efficacy of EUS-guided combination therapy in the treatment of GVs.

METHODS

Publications investigating the safety and efficacy of EUS-guided combination therapy in patients with gastric varices were searched in Medline, Ovid Journals, Medline non-indexed citations and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Pooling was conducted by both fixed and random effects model.

RESULTS

In pooled analysis of 10 studies (N = 323), the technical success of EUS-guided combination therapy was 98.66% (95% CI 97.14-99.62). The pooled variceal obliteration rate after first session of treatment was 78.31% (95% CI 73.05-83.14). In patients requiring single or multiple treatment sessions, the overall variceal obliteration rate was 96.79% (95% CI 94.28-98.60). The pooled rate of hemorrhage from treated gastric varices was 4.92% (95% CI 2.85-7.52). After EUS-guided combination therapy, the pooled percentage of patients developing abdominal pain was 9.79% (95% CI 6.82-13.24), pulmonary embolism was 2.20% (95% CI 0.89-4.06), febrile episodes was 1.17% (95% CI 0.30-2.61), and procedure-related bleeding was noted in 2.62% (95% CI 1.18-4.63) of the patients. Subgroup analysis of studies using coil embolization and cyanoacrylate injection showed pooled variceal obliteration rate of 77.92% (95% CI 72.35-83.01) after first session of treatment. In patients requiring single or multiple treatment sessions, the overall variceal obliteration rate was 96.76% (95% CI 94.11-98.65). The pooled rate of re-bleeding from treated gastric varices was 5.09% (95% CI 2.90-7.83).

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis suggests that EUS-guided combination therapy is safe and effective for patients with gastric varices and should be considered in the clinical management of these patients.

Does second generation n-butyl cyanoacrylate embolization really smooth in greater saphenous vein closure?

BACKGROUND

Cyanoacrylate (CA) has been used as an embolizing agent in the treatment of greater saphenous vein (GSV) insufficiency in recent years and the results regarding the use of this method have started to be published. To the best of our knowledge, the publications in literature do not mention about a significant negative effect of endovenous CA (EVCA) embolization. We aimed to evaluate the effects and undesirable events of this relatively new treatment method and compare them with literature, using the follow-up data of our patients.

METHODS

Patients who had GSV insufficiency for at least 3 months and were treated with EVCA embolization because of this disease were included in the study. Patients were excluded if they had deep vein thrombosis (DVT), excessive tortuous GSV, and peripheral neuropathy. Hospital archive records were reviewed and undesirable events like DVT, thrombophlebitis, and pain related to this treatment procedure were recorded.

RESULTS

EVCA embolization procedure was performed in a total of 54 patients with an average age of 49.36 ± 13.06 years for the purpose of treating GSV insufficiency. One patient was observed to develop n-butyl CA (NBCA) extension of approximately 5 mm from saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) to the main femoral vein and painful thrombophlebitic reaction was observed in 6 extremities at the first control examination.

CONCLUSION

In our opinion, while EVCA embolization is a treatment option with similar success rates to endovenous thermal ablation (EVTA), it should be kept in mind that there may be a possibility of developing thrombophlebitis and NBCA extension or thrombus extension to the deep veins.

CLINICAL RESULTS AND COST EFFECTIVENESS OF RADIOFREQUENCY AND CYANOACRYLATE COMPARED WITH TRADITIONAL STRIPPING FOR TREATING VARICOSE VEINS

BACKGROUND

Disease of the venous system is an underappreciated public health problem. Minimally invasive treatments based on radiofrequency ablation (RFA) or cyano-acrylate adhesive ablation (CA) have almost entirely replaced surgical stripping (SS) of the great and small saphenous veins.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to compare the outcome 3 years after SS, RFA, or CA by assessing complications and reintervention and performing a cost-effectiveness analysis.

METHODS

Between February 2016 and February 2019, all consecutive patients with symptomatic varicose veins from the Vascular Department of two hospitals who were treated with SS, RFA or CA were included in the study. The clinical outcomes were measured by quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), complications and reintervention. A comparison with conservative treatment was also performed. A detailed resource use was recorded for each procedure. All costs were normalized to May 2020 US dollars and euros. Analysis of the data was by treatment received. All statistical tests were two-sided, and the significance level was set at 5%. Two perspectives of the analysis were considered: the social perspective and that of the Spanish Public Health System (SPHS). The time horizon was 3 years. No discount rate was applied.

RESULTS

A total of 233 patients were enrolled in this study: 90 SS (38.6%), 93 RFA (39.9%), and 50 CA (21.5%). There were 11 complications in the SS group (12.2%) vs. 3 (3.3%) with RFA and 3 (6%) with CA (p = 0.06). There were no cases of reinterventions. The median loss of workdays was 15 days for SS (IQR 10-30), 0 days for RFA (IQR 0-6), and 0 for CA (IQR 0-1) groups, respectively (p < 0.001). The median level of satisfaction for SS was 9 (IQR 8-10), 10 for RFA (IQR 9-10), and also 10 for CA (IQR 9-10) (p < 0.001). The QALYs was 2.6 years for all three procedures. The medians overall cost is €852/US$926 for SS, €1002/US$1089 for RFA and €1228.3/US$1335 for CA. The total cost per QALY is 323 €/QALY (351US$/QALY) for SS; 380 €/QALY (413US$/QALY) for RFA and 467 €/QALY (508US$/QALY) for CA. Indirect cost was measured by workdays lost cost for each patient, for SS was €1527 (US$1660) (IQR 1018-3054); 0€ (IQR 0- 611) for RFA and 0€ (IQR 0-102) for CA (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

All three techniques were cost effective (procedures are recommended with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio under 30,000€/QALY). From the SPHS perspective, when considering only health care costs, the most cost-effective technique was SS. From the social perspective, including the opportunity cost of medical leave, CA was the most cost-effective technique, saving €1600 per patient, a cost that more than compensates for the savings of SS in direct healthcare costs.

Cyanoacrylate Embolization versus Endovenous Laser Ablation in Treating Saphenous Vein Insufficiency: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

INTRODUCTION

Cyanoacrylate embolization (CAE) is a novel non-thermal non-tumescent venous ablation technique that has shown promising results in treating saphenous vein insufficiency. We aimed to assess the efficacy and safety profile of CAE in comparison to endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) in treating saphenous vein insufficiency.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis in accordance with the PRISMA Statement. A systematic search was performed through online databases including PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Cochrane to find relevant studies. Manual searching was also performed from the references of the selected studies. Specific keywords that we used were "(cyanoacrylate) AND (laser OR laser ablation OR laser therapy) AND (vein OR venous OR saphenous vein OR venous insufficiency OR varicose vein)". Outcomes of interest were efficacy, safety, and intervention time. Efficacy was determined by venous closure rate one year post-intervention and Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS) one year post-intervention. Safety was determined by rates of periprocedural pain, skin pigmentation, nerve damage, phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and ecchymosis. Data extraction and quality assessment of included studies were performed by two reviewers, and statistical analysis was conducted using RevMan 5.4.0 software.

RESULTS

Five relevant articles (2 randomized-controlled trials and 3 cohort studies) were selected for this study, consisting a total of 1432 venous ablation procedures (710 CAE and 722 EVLA). From the efficacy point of view, venous closure rates and VCSS did not differ significantly between CAE group and EVLA group. From the safety point of view, pooled data showed that CAE group was associated with less periprocedural pain score (P < 0.001), lower skin pigmentation rates (0.60% vs 4.46%; P = 0.008), and lower nerve damage rates (0% vs 3.94%; P = 0.007). Rates of phlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, and ecchymosis did not differ significantly between the two groups. In addition, intervention time was significantly faster in CAE group compared to EVLA group (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Cyanoacrylate embolization yields similar efficacy compared to EVLA. However, CAE is associated with less periprocedural pain, lower occurrence rates of skin pigmentation and nerve damage, and faster intervention time.

How effective is cyanoacrylate closure in small saphenous vein insufficiency? A single center experience

OBJECTIVES

The present study was aimed to evaluate the efficacy and early outcomes of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) ablation in small saphenous vein (SSV) insufficiency.

METHODS

In this single-center, retrospective, single-arm study, NBCA ablation was performed in 80 patients with SSV insufficiency between September 2018 and May 2020. Primary outcomes (anatomic success rate and occlusion rate) and secondary outcomes (VCSS and AVVQ scores) of the patients were analyzed.

RESULTS

No technical failure and device-related complications were encountered. Anatomic success rate was 100% after procedures. Each treated SSV was occluded on colored Doppler ultrasonography immediately after the procedure, and all veins remained occluded at 2 weeks after the procedure. Partial recanalization was observed in five patients at 12-month follow-up. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed an occlusion rates at 6 months and 12 months follow-up were 97.5% and 93.75%, respectively. The mean pretreatment VCSS (4.72 ± 2.04) decreased to 1.61 ± 0.93, 0.87 ± 0.58, and 0.73 ± 0.52 at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment, respectively (p < .001). The mean pretreatment AVVQ score (11.92 ± 2.23) decreased to 8.2 ± 1.89, 4.2 ± 1.16, and 3.32 ± 1.19 at 2 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after treatment, respectively (p < .001). The Clinical, Etiologic, Anatomic, and Pathophysiology clinical classification at 12 months demonstrated a significant reduction in disease severity compared with preoperative values (p < .001). There was no mortality and major adverse events including anaphylaxis and pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE) related to procedure after follow-ups. Moreover, there were no symptoms or signs of any sural nerve injury and no cases of skin necrosis, infection, or hyperpigmentation. In addition, no hematoma, deep venous thrombosis, and hypersensitivity reactions were observed. Phlebitis-like abnormal reaction was observed in three patients (3.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, in patients with SSV insufficiency, NBCA ablation with VenaBlock® system appears to be an effective and reliable treatment method. At the 12-month follow-up, the NBCA of SSVs showed a low recanalization rate and had a satisfactory improvement on the VCSS and AVVQ scores.

Experience with VariClose® vein sealing system in the Czech Republic

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to assess occlusion rates of saphenous veins treated with the VariClose vein sealing system.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis including a total of 64 patients from four centres from the Czech Republic. Occlusion was defined as a non-compressible vein with absence of flow with exception to the first 3 cm from the saphenofemoral or saphenopopliteal junction on duplex ultrasound.

RESULTS

In 64 patients a total of 79 veins were treated. Technical success of the procedure was achieved in 74 (94%) of cases. The mean follow-up was 5.5 months. The closure rates calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months were 94%, 85%, 69% and 36%, respectively, and there were no significant differences between centers. The average difference in VCSS score before and after the procedure was 1.8.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study demonstrated surprisingly worse occlusion rates than the current literature.

Infective thrombophlebitis after great saphenous vein cyanoacrylate embolization

The use of cyanoacrylate embolization has increased in interest as a safe, effective, and minimally invasive method to treat symptomatic saphenous reflux. The procedure is generally well tolerated by patients, and complications such as phlebitis are minor and usually self-limiting. Postprocedural infections have been described but occur infrequently and usually in the early postoperative course. In the present case report, we have described a late-onset infective thrombophlebitis of the great saphenous vein after cyanoacrylate embolization, requiring surgical excision of the treated vein.

A multicenter randomized controlled trial of cyanoacrylate closure and surgical stripping for incompetent great saphenous veins

OBJECTIVE

The treatment of varicose veins has shifted from conventional surgical stripping (SS) to minimally invasive endovenous modalities. Cyanoacrylate closure (CAC) with the VenaSeal system (Medtronic, Dublin, Ireland) has increased in popularity owing to its nonthermal and nontumescent technique. The purpose of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes of CAC and SS for the treatment of incompetent great saphenous veins.

METHODS

An open-label, multicenter, prospective, randomized controlled trial was conducted. The subjects were randomized to either the CAC or SS procedure. The primary endpoint of the present study was to evaluate complete closure of the target vein at 3 months. Target vein occlusion was assessed on the third day and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively using duplex ultrasound. The pain and ecchymosis grades were also assessed. Additionally, the clinical outcomes, such as the venous clinical severity score and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire score, were assessed.

RESULTS

Three-month follow-up data were obtained for all 126 enrolled and randomized subjects (63 with CAC and 63 with SS). At 3 months, complete target vein closure was observed in both groups. The postoperative pain score was significantly better in the CAC group than in the SS group (0.3 ± 0.6 in the CAC group and 1.1 ± 1.5 in the SS group; P < .001). In addition, the mean ecchymosis grade was 0.3 ± 0.5 in the CAC group and 1.1 ± 1.1 in the SS group (P < .001). The venous clinical severity score and quality of life had improved equally in both groups. The adverse events after both procedures were mostly minor complications (9 events in CAC group and 20 events in SS group). Major complications occurred in one patient who had undergone the SS procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The CAC and SS procedures were both associated with complete occlusion of the target vein at 3 months. The postoperative pain and ecchymosis grades were significantly lower in the CAC group. Other differences between the two groups included the frequency and nature of the complications. The results showed that CAC has high success with few complications.

Sutureless venous microanastomosis using thermosensitive poloxamer and cyanoacrylate: experimental study on a rat model

INTRODUCTION

Sutureless microvascular anastomoses could simplify the microvascular field, shortening operative time and improving the final outcome. The use of thermosensitive poloxamers (TP407) together with the application of cyanoacrylate as an alternative method for conventional sutures was well-documented for arteries, but not for veins. The purpose of our study was to prove the feasibility of this technique for venous anastomoses and compare it with the traditional hand-sewn technique on a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats that weighed between 265 and 310 g were used. In the sutureless group (SG), 20 left external jugular veins (LEJV) end-to-end anastomoses were performed using a T704 and cyanoacrylate glue. They were compared to 20 right external jugular veins (REJV) anastomoses sutured with conventional 10-0 stitches (control group - CG). Diameters of veins, anastomosis time, and patency rate at 15 days were reported. Foreign body reaction was assessed histologically.

RESULTS

The mean diameter of the LEJV was 0.94 ± 0.1 mm and 0.95 ± 0.09 mm for the REJV. The mean anastomosis time was 11.9 ± 1.37 min for the SG and 27.75 ± 3.31 min for the CG. In the latter group, the immediate patency rate was 95% and 90% at 15 days. For the SG group, 90% of the anastomoses were patent immediately and 85% at 15 days.

CONCLUSION

TP407 and cyanoacrylate could offer a fast and reliable technique for sutureless venous anastomoses. Before human application, effectiveness of this method remains to be confirmed in larger animals in a long-term follow-up.

The need for perforator treatment after VenaSeal and ClosureFast endovenous saphenous vein closure in CEAP 6 patients

OBJECTIVE

The authors have previously demonstrated that VenaSeal (Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn) adhesive, compared with radiofrequency ablation (RFA, ClosureFast; Medtronic, Inc), in treatment of refluxing saphenous veins in CEAP 6 limbs, results in shorter healing times of venous ulcers. The authors hypothesize that the longer treated length possible with VenaSeal's nonthermal modality may affect the number of critical refluxing perforators contributing to the nonhealing wound. This follow-up study compares the need for follow-up treatment of perforator veins after saphenous vein treatment with either radiofrequency ablation (ClosureFast RFA) or adhesive closure (VenaSeal).

METHODS

A multi-institutional retrospective review of CEAP 6 patients who had closure of their saphenous veins from 2015 to 2020 was conducted. Patients who underwent follow-up treatment of perforator veins were grouped according to their method of initial management of their saphenous veins. The primary end point was incidence of a perforator procedure after ClosureFast or VenaSeal ablation. Secondary end points included sclerotherapy to facilitate wound healing. Bivariate analysis used the χ² test, Fisher exact test, t-test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test. A P value of <.05 defined statistical significance.

RESULTS

There were 119 CEAP 6 patients with saphenous closure: 51 limbs treated with VenaSeal and 68 with RFA. Median follow-up was 105 days (interquartile range: 44, 208). All limbs achieved wound healing during the study period. Mean time to wound healing post index procedure was shorter for VenaSeal than RFA (72 vs 293.8 days, P > .0009), as was median time (43 vs 104 days, P = .001). More limbs treated with RFA had previous known deep vein thrombosis (29% vs 10%, P = .009), deep venous insufficiency (82% vs 51%, P = .0003), and perforator reflux (57% vs 29%, P = .002). Limbs with identified follow-up perforator reflux treated with RFA had a higher prevalence of initially treated saphenous veins with RFA compared with those treated with VenaSeal (49% vs 27%, P = .003). There was no difference between the methods of vein closure and use of concurrent sclerotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

ClosureFast and VenaSeal are both effective and safe modalities of saphenous ablation, but VenaSeal treatment was associated with less perforator RFA intervention.

Histological and microbiological evaluation of surgical wound closure in mouse skin with cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl®) in comparison to poliglecaprone (Monocryl®) traditional suture

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Incisional wound closure is a critical surgical step to facilitate tissue healing.

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Cyanoacrylates (Histoacryl®) have become a popular veterinary wound closure practice.

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Effects of Histoacryl® over traditional suture on wounds rest undetermined.

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Histoacryl® vs. Poliglecaprone (Monocryl®) have similar regenerative results in mice.

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Histoacryl® or Monocryl® could be used to treat wounds in rodents.

Incisional wound closure is a key surgical step to facilitate tissue healing, reduce the risk of infection and obtain esthetic and functional recovery. Cyanoacrylates such as Histoacryl® have become a popular choice in surgical veterinary practice. However, how Histoacryl® is affecting tissue regeneration and bacterial load in the wound in comparison to poliglecaprone (Monocryl®) traditional suture methods remains to be determined. This work aimed to evaluate how wounded tissue responds to traditional suture with Monocryl® (poliglecaprone 25/4-0) and Histoacryl®, as well as provide evidence of their effects on wound healing in mice. Fortyeight hours after the incisional procedure, wound tissue biopsies were prepared for histological and microbiological analysis. Biopsies were fixed and colored with Mallory's trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin stains. For microbiological assays, biopsies were suspended in tryptic soy broth (TSB) and 1/10 diluted to evaluate the number of CFU in nutrient agar plates. Our results show no differences between Histoacryl® and Monocryl® traditional suture suggesting that both methods could be used to treat wounds in small animals such as rodents.

Tissue adhesives for bacterial inhibition in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannulae

BACKGROUND

One of the most serious complications of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) therapy is ECMO cannulae infection, which can occur at quadruple the rate of central venous catheter infections, and significantly impact morbidity and paediatric mortality. The objective of this in vitro observational study was to assess antimicrobial properties of two n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (TA) formulations for bacterial inhibition at peripheral ECMO cannulae insertion sites.

METHODS

Antimicrobial properties were assessed using modified agar disk-diffusion (n = 3) and simulated agar cannulation insertion site (n = 20) models. Both assays used Staphylococcus epidermidis which was seeded at the edge of the TA or dressing. Microorganism inhibition was visually inspected and evidenced by the presence or absence of a TA bacterial inhibition zone at 24 and 72 h.

RESULTS

Both TAs provided effective barriers to bacterial migration under cannula dressings, to cannula insertion sites and down cannula tunnels. Additionally, both TAs demonstrated distinct zones of inhibition produced when left to polymerise onto agar plates seeded with S. epidermidis.

CONCLUSIONS

N-Butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate TA appears to inhibit bacterial growth and migration of S. epidermidis. Application of TA to cannulae insertion sites may therefore be a potential bedside strategy for infection prevention in ECMO cannulae, but requires further testing before being used clinically for this purpose.

Pediatric burns with cyanoacrylate glue - an inconspicuous danger

Burns are a common cause of pediatric injury and represent significant morbidity and mortality in this age group. In children, most burns are thermal, resulting from exposure to a hot surface, liquid, or fire. Cyanoacrylate is a liquid compound commonly found in households, mainly in "superglue" and nail glue. This compound solidifies through an exothermic reaction that is magnified when in contact with certain fibers that act as catalysts, such as cotton. In these circumstances, intense heat is produced in the contact area, potentially causing severe thermal burns. Despite its widespread availability, there is a paucity of safety information about cyanoacrylate and its role as a cause for burns. In the literature, only 18 cases of cyanoacrylate burns are reported in children. We present 2 cases of pediatric burns with cyanoacrylate and a review of the literature.

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing the efficacy of cyanoacrylate ablation over endovenous thermal ablation for treating incompetent saphenous veins

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to systemically review and analyze the efficacy of cyanoacrylate ablation (CA) in comparison with endovenous thermal ablation (ETA) for the treatment of incompetent saphenous veins.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using databases of Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library from the times of their inception to April 2020. Studies were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria after assessing the risk of bias in comparative studies with Cochrane and rating quality of evidence with the GRADE methodology. The meta-analysis was carried out using the Review Manager 5.4 program to conduct homogeneity tests.

RESULTS

One cohort study and three randomized controlled trials (RCT), including a total of 1457 participants were included in the meta-analysis. ETA included endovenous laser ablation (ELVA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the selected studies. Comparison between CA and a combination of EVLA and RFA or RFA alone were carried out in two of RCTs, while comparison between CA with EVLA was conducted in one RCT and the cohort study. There was no statistical difference in closure rates between CA and ETA after pooled analysis. Similar symptom alleviation observed between different groups. However, the CA group showed a lower ecchymosis rate than RFA and a significantly lower incidence of adverse events, such as ecchymosis, phlebitis and paresthesia, than EVLA. Compared with ETA, the patients received CA treatment exhibited lower pain scores in a shorter procedure duration without needing compression stocking, returned to normal life sooner, and had significantly better quality of care. There was no significant difference in the number needed to treat for additional therapy after three months of follow-up between groups.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis indicates that CA has better overall outcomes than ETA and offers superior clinical benefits in the treatment of incompetent saphenous veins.

Glue mesh fixation in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy: results at 3 years' follow-up

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS

We assessed 3-year anatomic and functional results using synthetic glue to fix mesh in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy.

METHODS

Prospective multicenter cohort study in three academic urogynecology departments. Seventy consecutive patients with stage ≥ 3 POP-Q (Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification) anterior and/or apical prolapse underwent laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy using synthetic surgical glue to fix anterior and posterior meshes to the vagina. Patients were followed up at 1, 2 and 3 years. Primary outcome was anterior and apical anatomic success (POP-Q stage ≤ 1) at 3 years. Secondary outcomes comprised functional results (international quality of life and sexuality scales), mesh-related morbidity and urinary incontinence at 3 years.

RESULTS

Mean age was 56.7 ± 1.2 years. Mean follow-up was 43 months. Anterior compartment anatomic success rate was 87% at 2 years (Ba, -2.4 cm; p < 0.0001) and 86.5% at 3 years (Ba, -2.3 cm; p < 0.0001); apical success was 96.3% at 2 years (C, -6.8 cm; p < 0.0001) and 97.3% at 3 years (C, -6.5 cm; p < 0.0001). All quality-of-life scores improved significantly and lastingly at 3 years: PFDI-20, PFIQ-7 and PISQ-12, respectively, p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.01. There was one case of vaginal mesh exposure at 3 years (2.8%) and five of mesh shrinkage at 1 year (7.8%), none at 2 years and two at 3 years (5.4%). Urinary incontinence rate was 29.7% at 1 year, 14.8% at 2 years and 11.1% at 3 years.

CONCLUSION

Vaginal mesh adhesive in laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy remained effective at 3 years, with excellent tolerance and no specific complications. Anatomic and functional results were good and enduring in terms of both anterior and apical correction.

A comparison of cyanoacrylate glue and radiofrequency ablation techniques in the treatment of superficial venous reflux in CEAP 6 patients

OBJECTIVE

Venous leg ulcers (CEAP [clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic] class 6) represent the most severe form of chronic venous insufficiency. As closure techniques for superficial venous reflux evolve, direct outcome comparisons of treatments are integral, because many studies have already demonstrated that early endovenous intervention improves wound healing. The present study compared the rates of venous wound healing between two techniques of superficial vein closure: ClosureFast radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and adhesive closure (VenaSeal; both Medtronic, Inc, Minneapolis, Minn).

METHODS

We performed a multi-institutional retrospective review of all patients with CEAP class 6 who had undergone closure of their truncal veins from 2015 to 2020. Patients undergoing ClosureFast RFA were compared with those undergoing VenaSeal adhesive closure. The primary endpoint was the interval to wound healing from initial vein closure. The secondary endpoints included ulcer recurrence and infection rates. Bivariate analysis involved the χ², Fisher exact, t, and Wilcoxon rank sum tests. Multivariate linear regression analysis was used to examine the factors affecting the time to wound healing in the most predictive model. Statistical significance was defined as P < .05.

RESULTS

A total of 119 patients with CEAP 6 were included, with a median follow-up of 105 days (interquartile range, 44-208 days). Of the 119 limbs, 68 were treated with RFA and 51 with VenaSeal. Significantly more patients undergoing RFA had had a history of deep vein thrombosis (29% vs 10%; P = .01) and deep venous reflux (82% vs 51%; P = .003). The VenaSeal patients were older (72 years vs 65 years; P = .02) with a greater rate of coronary artery disease (16% vs 37%; P = .01). The median time to wound healing after the procedure was significantly shorter for VenaSeal than for RFA (43 vs 104 days; P = .001). Two RFA patients developed a postprocedure infection. The ulcer recurrence rate was 19.3% (22.1% for RFA vs 13.7% for VenaSeal; P = .25). On multivariate analysis, the treatment modality was the only significant predictor of the time to wound healing. When stratified by ulcer size as small (<3 cm²) vs large (>3 cm²), VenaSeal closure healed the wounds significantly faster for all ulcers.

CONCLUSIONS

ClosureFast and VenaSeal are both safe and effective treatments to eliminate truncal venous insufficiency. VenaSeal showed a superior time to wound healing compared with ClosureFast in both large and small ulcers.

CT portography guided endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate into gastric varices

BACKGROUND

Endoscopic therapy is undoubtedly beneficial in the management of esophageal and gastric varices (GOV), especially the recently widely performed endoscopic selective varices devascularization (ESVD). ESVD requires accurate determination of the source and destination of varices in pre-endoscopic therapy planning, as well as accurate blockade of variceal flow during endoscopic therapy. ESVD is now advocated as a safe procedure for prevention of variceal rebleeding and achieving adequate hemostasis. However, finding the source vessel or target vessel before operation is a difficult problem for each endoscopist, and there is still a lack of clinical guidance and unified standard in administering this therapy.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate into gastric varices guided by CT portography (CTP), which could narrow down to exact vessels to be devasculated.

METHODS

In a single-center study, a retrospective cohort of 68 cirrhosis patients with esophagogastric varices undergoing endoscopic treatment were analyzed. The patients were divided into either a CTP group with 38 cases who underwent CTP before treatment by selective varices devascularization using the sandwich method, or a control group with 30 cases who were treated by sandwich method without CTP beforehand. The main outcomes assessed were rates of improvement, efficiency, overall rebleeding, and adverse events.

RESULTS

There was no difference in liver function between the two groups before and after treatment; there was no difference in Child-Pugh grade in the CTP group before and after treatment, but there was a significant difference in the control group (P < 0.001). The amount of glue used in the CTP group was 1.2 ± 0.4 mL, which was significantly lower than that of the control group (2.0 ± 0.6 mL; P < 0.001). The number of ligation rings in the CTP group was less than that of the control group (7.2 ± 2.7 vs 8.7 ± 2.7, P < 0.05). The rate of rebleeding was significantly lower in the CTP group than in the control group [5.3% (2/38) vs 23.3% (7/30), P < 0.05]. The improvement rate in the CPT group was 65.8% (25/38), which was better than that of the control group [53.3% (16/30); P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

CTP guided endoscopic injection of cyanoacrylate appears to be the preferred strategy for treatment of esophagogastric varices.

Rectal varix treated with endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection therapy

There is no established treatment for rectal varices. Although endoscopic cyanoacrylate (N-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate) injection therapy is the standard treatment for gastric varices, there are few reports of its use for rectal varices. We present a case of rectal varix that was successfully treated with endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection therapy. An 80-year-old man with cirrhosis was treated for rectal varices with interventional radiology 2 years earlier. At his current presentation, he underwent colonoscopy for hematochezia and anemia, which showed recurrence of rectal varix. We performed endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection therapy for the lesion. However, since we observed bleeding from the treated varix the next day, additional cyanoacrylate was injected. Thereafter, there was no re-bleeding and no recurrence was observed at the 3-year follow-up. According to the previous reports, interventional radiology (IVR), endoscopic sclerotherapy (EIS), and endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) have been mainly used to treat rectal varices; however, there are few reports of endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection therapy. Our case suggests that endoscopic cyanoacrylate injection therapy might be a useful and safe treatment option for rectal varices.

In vitro testing of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives and sutures for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation cannula securement

BACKGROUND

Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), an invasive mechanical therapy, provides cardio-respiratory support to critically ill patients when maximal conventional support has failed. ECMO is delivered via large-bore cannulae which must be effectively secured to avoid complications including cannula migration, dislodgement and accidental decannulation. Growing evidence suggests tissue adhesive (TA) may be a practical and safe method to secure vascular access devices, but little evidence exists pertaining to securement of ECMO cannulae. The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of two TA formulations (2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate) for use in peripherally inserted ECMO cannula securement, and compare TA securement to 'standard' securement methods.

METHODS

This in vitro project assessed: (1) the tensile strength and flexibility of TA formulations compared to 'standard' ECMO cannula securement using a porcine skin model, and (2) the chemical resistance of the polyurethane ECMO cannulae to TA. An Instron 5567 Universal Testing System was used for strength testing in both experiments.

RESULTS

Securement with sutures and n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate both significantly increased the force required to dislodge the cannula compared to a transparent polyurethane dressing (p = 0.006 and p = 0.003, respectively) and 2-octyl cyanoacrylate (p = 0.023 and p = 0.013, respectively). Suture securement provided increased flexibility compared to TA securement (p < 0.0001), and there was no statistically significant difference in flexibility between 2-octyl cyanoacrylate and n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate (p = 0.774). The resistance strength of cannula polyurethane was not weakened after exposure to either TA formulation after 60 min compared to control.

CONCLUSIONS

Tissue adhesive appears to be a promising adjunct method of ECMO cannula insertion site securement. Tissue adhesive securement with n-butyl-2-octyl cyanoacrylate may provide comparable securement strength to a single polypropylene drain stitch, and, when used as an adjunct securement method, may minimise the risks associated with suture securement. However, further clinical research is still needed in this area.

Effectiveness of bronchial arterial embolization using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for local control of pulmonary hilar or mediastinal tumors that are refractory to chemotherapy

PURPOSE

To investigate local control and survival after bronchial artery embolization (BAE) using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for pulmonary hilar or mediastinal tumors that are refractory to chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy.

METHOD

This is a single center retrospective study involving 42 patients treated between 2015 and 2018 for pulmonary hilar or mediastinal tumors (primary tumors in 5 and metastatic ones in 37). Tumor histology was sarcoma in 22 and carcinoma in 20 patients. All patients had shown tumor progression regardless of previous chemotherapy (n = 37) or chemoradiotherapy (n = 5). Thirty-seven patients (88 %) had respiratory symptoms, such as cough, dyspnea, and hemoptysis. BAE was performed using NBCA to shrink tumors for extending life expectancy. Target tumors were followed with computed tomography at 1,3, and 6 months after BAE. Endpoints included the best tumor response within 6 months as well as overall survivals in patients with and without tumor responses.

RESULTS

Best local responses within 6 months were complete response (CR) in 1 patient, partial response (PR) in 16, stable disease (SD) in 24, and progressive disease (PD) in 1; the CR/PR rate was 40 % (17/42). Median follow-up period was 13 months (range:1-43). Overall survival in patients with CR/PR was significantly better than in those with SD/PD (p = 0.006); with 3-year survival rates of 45 % (8/17) and 0% (0/25), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

BAE using NBCA has potential promise for shrinking hilar and/or mediastinal tumors that are refractory to chemotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, and may also improve overall survival in patients who respond.

Glue Embolization of Lymphopseudoaneurysm for Chylous Ascites after Retroperitoneal Surgery

OBJECTIVE

To assess the safety and efficacy of lymphopseudoaneurysm (LPA) glue (n-butyl cyanoacrylate [NBCA]) embolization in the management of chylous ascites after retroperitoneal surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective analysis from January 2014 to October 2018 was performed in six patients (4 females and 2 males; mean age, 45.3 ± 14.2 years; range, 26-61 years) who underwent LPA embolization for chylous ascites developing after retroperitoneal surgery involving the perirenal space (four donor nephrectomies, one partial nephrectomy, and one retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy). After placing a percutaneous drainage catheter into the LPA or adjacent lymphocele, embolization was performed by filling the LPA itself with a mixture of glue and Lipiodol (Guerbet).

RESULTS

Daily drainage from percutaneously placed drains exceeded 300 mL/day despite medical and surgical treatment (volume: mean, 1173 ± 1098 mL; range, 305-2800 mL). Intranodal lymphangiography was performed in four of the six patients and revealed leakage in 2 patients. Percutaneous embolization of the LPA was successful in all patients using an NBCA and Lipiodol mixture in a ratio of 1:1-1:2 (volume: mean, 4.3 ± 1.1 mL; range, 3-6 mL). Chylous ascites was resolved and the drainage catheter was removed in all patients within 4 days after the procedure (mean, 2.0 ± 1.8 days; range, 0-4 days). No procedure-related complications or recurrence of chylous ascites occurred during a mean follow-up period of 37.3 months (range, 21.1-48.4 months).

CONCLUSION

Glue embolization of LPA has the potential to be a feasible and effective treatment method for the management of chylous ascites after retroperitoneal surgery.

Efficacy of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive in the management of corneal thinning and perforation due to microbial keratitis

PURPOSE

Report the efficacy of cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive (CTA) application in the management of corneal thinning and perforations associated with microbial keratitis.

METHODS

A retrospective review of consecutive patients who underwent CTA application for corneal thinning and perforation secondary to microbiologically proven infectious keratitis between 2001 and 2018 at a single center. We defined successful CTA application as an intact globe without tectonic surgical intervention.

RESULTS

The cohort included 67 patients, and 37 presented with corneal perforation while 30 had corneal thinning. The perforation/thinning was central/paracentral in 43 eyes and peripheral in 23 eyes. The underlying infectious etiologies were monomicrobial in 42 cases (35 bacterial, 3 fungal, 2 viral, and 2 acanthamoeba cases) and polymicrobial in 25 cases (22 polybacterial cases and 3 cases with a combination of Gram positive bacteria and fungus). The median duration of glue retention was 29 days. The CTA success rate was 73%, 64%, and 44% at 10, 30, and 180 days, respectively. CTA application appears more successful in monomicrobial (vs. polymicrobial) and Gram positive bacterial (vs. Gram negative) keratitis but the differences are statistically non-significant. The location of perforation/thinning and the use of topical corticosteroid were not associated with CTA failure.

CONCLUSION

CTA was moderately effective in restoring globe integrity in severe corneal thinning and perforation secondary to microbial keratitis in the short term. However the majority of patients require tectonic surgical intervention within 6 months. CTA application success is not significantly associated with the location of thinning/perforation or the use of topical corticosteroid.

Investigation into the effect of fingermark detection chemicals on the analysis and comparison of pressure-sensitive tapes

Pressure sensitive tapes such as duct tape are a common trace type sent for forensic analysis. The limited variation of tape backings and adhesives can provide valuable linkage evidence between a scene, a victim or a person of interest. Fingermarks are also often found on tapes and prioritised over tape analyses. This project aimed to investigate the effects of fingermark enhancement chemicals, namely Wet Powder™, cyanoacrylate and cyanoacrylate stained with rhodamine 6G, on various tapes and their comparison with untreated tapes. The changes in physical and optical features were observed using a Video Spectral Comparator (VSC) and microscopy. Chemical changes were analysed by Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). Most physical and optical properties were not heavily affected by the treatments. An increase in fluorescence was observed with specimens stained with rhodamine 6G as might be expected. Significant chemical changes were observed in the FTIR spectra produced from cyanoacrylate fuming. Polyethylene backings and rubber adhesives were heavily affected while polypropylene backings were moderately affected. Cellulose backings, polyester and polyacrylate adhesives were not significantly affected. Wet Powder™ treatment proved useful for enhancing fingermarks on most adhesives while leaving behind little chemical residue that might interfere in a forensic comparison.

Three-year follow-up results of the prospective European Multicenter Cohort Study on Cyanoacrylate Embolization for treatment of refluxing great saphenous veins

OBJECTIVE

Cyanoacrylate closure of refluxing saphenous veins has demonstrated excellent safety and effectiveness results in feasibility and pivotal studies. This article provides the 36-month follow-up results of a prospective, multicenter, nonrandomized cohort study.

METHODS

A total of 70 patients were enrolled in a prospective, multicenter study conducted at seven centers in four European countries and underwent treatment of a solitary refluxing great saphenous vein with endovenous cyanoacrylate embolization without the use of tumescent anesthesia or postprocedure compression stockings. The primary effectiveness end point was freedom from recanalization (closure rate) of the great saphenous vein at 6 months. Safety was assessed by occurrence of adverse events after the procedure and during the 6-month follow-up period. Quality of life and clinical improvement parameters were measured before and after the procedure and through a 12-month follow-up period. Anatomic success and clinical improvement were assessed through 36 months after the procedure.

RESULTS

Of 70 treated patients, 64 (91%) were available for the 3-year follow-up. The closure rates by Kaplan-Meier life table methods at 6-, 12-, 24-, and 36-month time points were 91.4%, 90.0%, 88.5%, and 88.5%, respectively. Through 36 months, the improvement in change of the mean venous clinical severity score over time was statistically significant by dropping from 4.3 at baseline to 0.9 at the 36-month follow-up (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

The 3-year follow-up results of the prospective, multicenter eSCOPE study demonstrated the continued anatomic and clinical effectiveness of cyanoacrylate embolization over an extended follow-up period.

Endoscopic treatment of bronchopleural fistula using ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate: A report of two cases

Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) is a serious complication after lung resection or chronic empyema. BPF often causes severe pneumonia or fatal airway bleeding due to bronchoarterial fistula. Although BPF often requires surgical treatment, another, more conservative treatment option is endoscopic bronchial occlusion for non-operable patients. Many endoscopic treatments have been reported. We report here two patients with BPF who underwent endoscopic bronchial occlusion. Patient 1 had postoperative BPF with empyema and Patient 2 had BPF due to chronic empyema. Because the BPF in Patient 1 was small, it could be successfully treated by endobronchial occlusion using only ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate. In contrast, because the BPF in Patient 2 was large, it could not be treated by endobronchial occlusion using ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate alone; it was successfully treated by endobronchial occlusion using the combination of ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate and a silicone spigot (endobronchial Watanabe spigot, EWS). When we attempt endoscopic bronchial occlusion with BPF for non-operable patients, ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate may be an option for small fistulas, while the combination of EWS and ethyl-2-cyanoacrylate may be suitable for large fistulas.

Risk of rebleeding from gastroesophageal varices after initial treatment with cyanoacrylate; a systematic review and pooled analysis

Background

Cyanoacrylate alone or in combination with other interventions, can be used to achieve variable rates of success in preventing rebleeding. Our study aims to assess the pooled risk of gastric and esophageal varices rebleeding after an initial treatment with cyanoacrylate alone and/or in combination with other treatments, by a systematic review of the literature and pooled analysis.

Methods

PubMed, EMBASE, SCOPUS, and the Cochrane library were searched for studies that reported the risk of rebleeding during the follow-up period after treatment of gastric or esophageal varices with either cyanoacrylate alone or in combination with other treatments. Standard error, upper and lower confidence intervals at 95% confidence interval for the risk were obtained using STATA Version 15 which was also used to generate forest plots for pooled analysis. The random or fixed effect model was applied depending on the heterogeneity (I²).

Results

A total of 39 studies were found to report treatment of either gastric or esophageal varices with either cyanoacrylate alone or in combination with other treatments. When gastric varices are treated with cyanoacrylate alone, the risk of rebleeding during the follow-up period is 0.15(Confidence Interval: 0.11–0.18). When combined with lipiodol; polidocanol or sclerotherapy the rebleeding risks are 0.13 (CI:0.03–0.22), 0.10(CI:0.02–0.19), and 0.10(CI:0.05–0.18), respectively. When combined with percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization; percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization; endoscopic ultrasound guided coils; or with ethanolamine, the rebleeding risk are 0.10(CI:0.03–0.17), 0.10(CI:0.03–0.17), 0.07(CI:0.03–0.11) and 0.08(CI:0.02–0.14), respectively.

When esophageal varices are treated with cyanoacrylate alone, the risk of rebleeding is 0.29(CI:0.11–0.47). When combined with percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization; sclerotherapy; or band ligation, the risks of rebleeding are 0.16(CI:0.10–0.22), 0.12(CI:0.04–0.20) and 0.10(CI:0.04–0.24), respectively. When combined with a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt; or ethanolamine, the risks of rebleeding are 0.06(CI: − 0.01-0.12) and 0.02 (CI: − 0.02-0.05), respectively.

Conclusion

In treating both gastric and esophageal varices, cyanoacrylate produces better results in terms of lower risk of rebleeding when combined with other treatments than when used alone. The combination of cyanoacrylate with ethanolamine or with endoscopic ultrasound guided coils produces the lowest risk of rebleeding in esophageal and gastric varices, respectively. We call upon randomized trials to test these hypotheses.

Polycyanoacrylate (super glue) as bladder concretion in a patient after bilateral inguinal hernioplasty

A rare case of cyanoacrylate urine bladder urolithiasis in a 60-year-old male is presented. The application of surgical glue (Glubran) as treatment of seroma one month after laparoscopic inguinal hernioplasty led to the instillation of the n-butyl cyanoacrylate into the bladder resulting in the formation of a concretion. Infrared spectroscopy of the urine stone removed by cystoscopic laser lithotripsy four months after the surgery allowed the identification of the nature of the stone and revealed cyanoacrylate as the major component and co-monomer methacryloxy sulfolane as the minor component. Polypropylene from the mesh was not detected.

Comparing intra-oral wound healing after alveoloplasty using silk sutures and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate

Objectives

The need for proper wound closure is of paramount importance after any intra-oral surgery. Various wound closure techniques have been described in literature using traditional non-absorbable suture materials. These include like synthetic absorbable sutures, surgical staples and tissue adhesives. Cyanoacrylates are among the most commonly used biocompatible tissue adhesives. To evaluate and compare intraoral wound healing using 3-0 silk sutures and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate after alveoloplasty.

Materials and Methods

A total of 20 patients requiring bilateral alveoloplasty in the same arch (upper or lower) were included in this study. Patients with any pre-existing pathology or systemic disease were excluded. After alveoloplasty was performed, the wound was closed using 3-0 braided silk sutures on one side, and using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate bio adhesive on the other side. Patients were evaluated based on the following parameters: time required to achieve wound closure; the incidence of immediate and postoperative hemostasis; the time to the use of the first rescue medication; the side where pain first arises; and the side where wound healing begins first.

Results

Compared to 3-0 silk sutures, cyanoacrylate demonstrated better hemostatic properties, reduced operative time, reduced postoperative pain and better wound healing.

Conclusion

These data suggest that cyanoacrylate glue is an adequate alternative to conventional sutures to close the surgical wound after alveoloplasty, and better than are 3-0 silk sutures.

Network meta-analysis to compare VenaSeal with other superficial venous therapies for chronic venous insufficiency

OBJECTIVE

Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have compared different interventions for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) management, but mixed comparison of these interventions is lacking. The aim of this network meta-analysis was to compare VenaSeal closure system (Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minn) with endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), radiofrequency ablation (RFA), mechanochemical ablation, sclerotherapy, and surgery for management of CVI to achieve anatomic success (complete closure of treated vein within 6 months after intervention) as the primary outcome and health-related quality of life (HRQoL; EuroQol-5 Dimension, Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire), Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), pain scores, and adverse events as secondary outcomes.

METHODS

A systematic review of journal databases was undertaken, and RCTs between January 1996 and September 2018 comparing different treatment options were included. Risk of bias and quality of publications were assessed using the Cochrane bias tool; Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used for study selection and reporting. Twenty RCTs comprising 4570 patients were analyzed. Data for anatomic success, VCSS, HRQoL, pain score, and adverse events were extracted and analyzed using mixed treatment comparison in a network meta-analysis. A Bayesian fixed or random effects model was selected for analysis. Rank probability graphs were generated for various treatments and corresponding ranks obtained to estimate their probability of being best. Relative treatment effects were calculated in terms of log odds ratios for anatomic success and adverse events. Mean difference was calculated for VCSS, HRQoL, and pain score.

RESULTS

For the primary outcome measure (anatomic success), VenaSeal system had the highest probability of being ranked first (P = .980); RFA was ranked second (P = .365), EVLA third (P = .397), surgery fourth (P = .290), mechanochemical ablation fifth (P = .695), and sclerotherapy sixth (P = .982). For secondary outcome measures, VenaSeal system ranked third for VCSS (P = .332), fifth for EuroQol-5 Dimension (P = .420), and third for Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (P = .300). Although, VenaSeal system was slightly inferior to some of the other interventions for HRQoL, the 95% credible interval of log odds ratio indicated insufficient evidence for any concrete conclusion to be drawn. VenaSeal system ranked first in reduction of postoperative pain score from baseline (P = .690) and was lowest in occurrence of adverse events (P = .650). Odds of occurrence of adverse events was 3.3 times in the sclerotherapy arm, 2.7 times in the EVLA arm, 1.6 times with surgery, and 1.1 times with RFA vs VenaSeal system arm.

CONCLUSIONS

VenaSeal system is a promising therapeutic option for anatomic success at 6 months, with fewer occurrences of adverse events (wound and groin infection, pulmonary embolism) in CVI patients compared with other interventions in this study. Additional economic analysis including cost-effectiveness analysis would provide interesting perspectives on real-world insights to patients, payers, and providers.

Combination therapy versus monotherapy for EUS-guided management of gastric varices: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Cyanoacrylate (CYA), coil embolization, and/or combination thereof are available EUS-guided therapies for the treatment of gastric varices (GV). The primary aim of this study was to perform a structured systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of EUS-guided interventions for the treatment of GV. Individualized search strategies were developed for PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases, from inception through November 2018 in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. This cumulative meta-analysis was performed using calculating pooled proportions. Measured outcomes included technical success, clinical success, adverse events, and rate of rebleeding or reintervention. Comparative subgroup analyses were performed for three treatment cohorts (EUS-guided CYA injection, EUS-guided coil embolization + CYA injection, and EUS-guided coil injection alone). Heterogeneity was assessed with I² statistics. Eleven studies (n = 536 patients; 62.20% of males) were included. The mean age was 58.21 ± 4.15 years with an average follow-up of 12.93 ± 7.69 months. Overall technical success, clinical success, and adverse events for EUS treatments was 100% ([95% confidence interval [CI] 98–100]; I² = 30.54%), 97% ([95% CI 92–100]; I² = 59.99%), and 14% ([95% CI 6–23]; I² = 82.23%), respectively. On subgroup analysis, EUS-guided CYA + coil embolization resulted in a better technical and clinical success compared to CYA alone (100% vs. 97%; P < 0.001 and 98% vs. 96%; P < 0.001) and coil embolization alone (99% vs. 97%; P < 0.001 and 96% vs. 90%; P < 0.001). CYA + coil embolization also resulted in lower adverse event rates compared to CYA alone (10% vs. 21%; P < 0.001), and comparable rates to coil embolization alone (10% vs. 3%; P = 0.057). EUS-guided treatment overall appears to be an effective and safe modality for GV. Among a variety of EUS-therapies available, EUS combination therapy with coil embolization + CYA injection appears to be a preferred strategy for the treatment of GV over EUS-based monotherapy.