An EVAR simulation system using 3D printed aneurysms was feasible. The best results were obtained with the 3D printers Form1+ (using flexible resin) and Makerbot (using silicone). Patient specific training prior to EVAR at a university hospital in Brazil improved residents' surgical performance (based on fluoroscopy time, surgery time, and volume of contrast used) and increased their self confidence.

Surgical treatment and foam sclerotherapy achieved high rates of ulcer healing, without a statistically significant difference. Both treatments led to significant improvements in VCSS, VDS, AVVQ scores, demonstrating improvements in clinical outcomes and quality of life.

The endovascular technique has led to a revolution in the care of patients with vascular disease; however, acquiring and maintaining proficiency over a broad spectrum of procedures is challenging. Three-dimensional (3D) printing technology allows the production of models that can be used for endovascular training. This article aims to explain the process and technologies available to produce vascular models for endovascular training, using 3D printing technology. The data are based on the group experience and a review of the literature. Different 3D printing methods are compared, describing their advantages, disadvantages and potential roles in surgical training. The process of 3D printing a vascular model based on an imaging examination consists of the following steps: image acquisition, image post-processing, 3D printing and printed model post-processing. The entire process can take a week. Prospective studies have shown that 3D printing can improve surgical planning, especially in complex endovascular procedures, and allows the production of efficient simulators for endovascular training, improving residents’ surgical performance and self-confidence.

79.1%) was significantly different (90.0% [vein group] vs 62.9% [HePTFE group]; P = .021). Survival was similar between the groups (47.3% vs 42.9%; P = .582) as well as MALE free survival (69.4% vs 55.0%; P = .348).Conclusion: Bypasses to the below knee popliteal artery show good results in patients with CLI unsuitable for endovascular therapy. Vein is still the first line graft material.

Background There is a dearth of studies conducted to understand the socio-professional profile of the vascular surgery specialty and the population demands of specific regions, which are needed to support creation of care policies and direct infrastructure improvements in healthcare. Objectives The purpose of this study was to describe the socio-professional profile of vascular surgeons in the state of Pará, Brazil, to guide creation of tools for professional improvement. Methods A cross-sectional, self-report survey was conducted in Pará using a questionnaire comprising 30 questions covering six main topics. Results All vascular surgeons actively practicing in the state participated in this study. The total number of specialists was 59, with 71.2% working in the greater Belém area and 16.9% exclusively practicing in the interior of the state. The mean age of these professionals was 48 ± 11.1 years, 86.4% of respondents were men, 64.4% of surgeons had completed medical residency, and 96.6% (n=57) of the surgeons would like to improve their skills in venous surgery, echo-guided vascular access, and endovascular surgery. The method of professional improvement of greatest interest was simulation courses (hands-on), endorsed by 93% of the participants. Conclusions Pará has 59 vascular surgeons. These professionals mainly work in the greater Belém (71.2%), in hospitals (100%) or in private clinics or offices (94.9%), performing a wide range of procedures, including venous and arterial surgery, amputations, and provision of hemodialysis access. More than 90% of these surgeons were satisfied professionally and reported that they would choose the specialty again. However, 22% had a pessimistic view of the specialty’s future. The vast majority of professionals (96.6%) consider that training or a continuing education program are necessary.

OBJETIVO: Estudo comparativo do enxerto autólogo e heterólogo de ovário na bolsa omental de ratas, utilizando ciclosporina A. MÉTODOS: No presente estudo, foram utilizadas 20 ratas distribuídas randomicamente em quatro grupos, denominados grupo controle (animais submetidos à ooforectomia); grupo A (enxerto autólogo de ovário); grupo H (enxerto heterólogo de ovário); e grupo C (enxerto heterólogo de ovário e tratamento com ciclosporina A). Todos os animais foram submetidos à ooforectomia bilateral. Um dos ovários removidos foi individualizado e enxertado no omento maior do animal. Os animais do grupo C receberam a dose de 10mg/kg/dia de ciclosporina por via subcutânea durante todo o período do experimento. Após um período de 33 dias, todos os animais foram submetidos a uma nova intervenção cirúrgica para identificação do leito receptor e retirada do ovário transplantado, além do útero e da vagina, seguido de eutanásia. As peças foram submetidas a processamento histológico e coloras pela hematoxilina eosina. RESULTADOS: Todos os grupos apresentaram epitélios vaginal e uterino com 1 a 2 fileiras de células cúbicas ou cilíndricas simples, núcleo arredondado e central. Houve também grande reação inflamatória em todo o enxerto, com áreas de necrose. Ocorreu óbito de um animal do grupo C no 20º dia do experimento. CONCLUSÃO: Conclui-se que o enxerto de ovário íntegro realizado em omento maior de ratas nesta amostra, independente do uso da Ciclosporina, não mostrou-se viável.

OBJECTIVE:The aim of this study was to describe our early experience in the treatment of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms with bifurcated endografts. We report on our initial twelve-month experience using this approach.METHODS:Clinical data on patients with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms treated at a single tertiary center in Brazil were prospectively recorded. The eligibility for endovascular treatment was evaluated by computed tomography scanning and anatomical features were determined based on the method of treatment.RESULTS:From February 2012 to January 2013 (12 months), 28 consecutive patients (mean age 67.2 years, range 45-85 years) underwent treatment for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms at our hospital. Eighteen patients (64.3%) were suitable for and underwent endovascular treatment with bifurcated endografts (16 patients) or aortouniiliac endografts (two patients). Ten patients who were considered unsuitable for endograft repair underwent open repair. Seven patients were classified as hemodynamically unstable (Endovascular, 5; Open, 2), and 21 were classified as stable (Endovascular, 13; Open, 8). The overall 30-day mortality rate associated with endovascular treatment was 27.8% (stable, 18.7%; unstable, 40%) and the rate associated with open repair was 50% (stable, 37.5%; unstable, 100%).CONCLUSIONS:In this study, the suitability of patients for endovascular repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms was high and the overall results of endovascular treatment remain encouraging. Indeed, bifurcated endografts are a feasible option for treating anatomically eligible ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.

OBJECTIVES:The aim of this study was to analyze silicone tubes with an internal diameter of 4 mm as a possible material for vascular prostheses.METHODS:Grafts were implanted into the infrarenal aortas of 33 rabbits. Fluoroscopic examinations were performed within 150 days after surgical implantation. Sample grafts were analyzed via electron microscopy to evaluate the eventual endothelialization of the prostheses.RESULTS:The patency rates of the prostheses were 87% (±6.7%) after 30 days, 73% (±9.3%) after 60 days and 48% (±12%) after 120 days. The material presented characteristics that support surgical implantation: good tolerance promoted by polyester tear reinforcement, ease of postoperative removal and a lack of pseudoaneurysms. However, intimal hyperplasia was a limiting factor for the patency rate.CONCLUSIONS:We concluded that polydimethylsiloxane has limited potential as an alternative material for small vascular prostheses.