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The anatomy of the femoral triangle is explored in various approaches, ranging from pulse verification to invasive catheterization procedures. Within the femoral triangle, the deep femoral artery is one of the vessels reported to present several anatomical variations that must be considered before clinical or surgical interventions. Here, we are reporting a unique bilateral variation of the deep femoral artery for medical education purposes and reflecting on its applied, surgical, and clinical anatomy. During the dissection of the femoral triangle, we observed that the deep femoral artery originated in the vicinity of the inguinal ligament and ran in parallel with the femoral artery in a superficial trajectory on both sides of the donor. On the right side, the DFA continued superficial for 8.8 cm, with an origin of 1.2 cm inferior to the inguinal ligament. On the left side, it presented a similar anatomical arrangement, though with an origin of 1.6cm inferior to the inguinal ligament and a superficial course of 5cm. The position of the lateral circumflex femoral vein posterior to the deep femoral artery played a role in this distinctive, lengthy, and superficial presentation of the deep femoral artery. This anatomical variation directly affects surgical procedures, diagnostics, and endovascular interventions. A deep femoral artery with such a lengthy superficial trajectory can be mistakenly used for catheterization instead of the femoral artery or be injured, disrupting the main blood supply of the thigh muscles.

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Non-traumatic or spontaneous dissection of the superficial femoral artery is an extremely rare entity, being more common in the external iliac artery in relation to intensive physical activity, pregnancy, among others. It has a variable clinical presentation. The diagnosis is made through angio-tomography (Angio-CT), angio-resonance (Angio-MR) and/or arteriography, the last one being diagnostic and therapeutic. The case of a 62-year-old female patient with a history of high blood pressure who consulted due to intense pain in the left lower limb is discussed. The diagnosis of dissection was made through arteriography and she underwent endovascular repair, showing favorable results.

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ABSTRACT The anatomy of the femoral triangle is explored in various approaches, ranging from pulse verification to invasive catheterization procedures. Within the femoral triangle, the deep femoral artery is one of the vessels reported to present several anatomical variations that must be considered before clinical or surgical interventions. Here, we are reporting a unique bilateral variation of the deep femoral artery for medical education purposes and reflecting on its applied, surgical, and clinical anatomy. During the dissection of the femoral triangle, we observed that the deep femoral artery originated in the vicinity of the inguinal ligament and ran in parallel with the femoral artery in a superficial trajectory on both sides of the donor. On the right side, the DFA continued superficial for 8.8 cm, with an origin of 1.2 cm inferior to the inguinal ligament. On the left side, it presented a similar anatomical arrangement, though with an origin of 1.6cm inferior to the inguinal ligament and a superficial course of 5cm. The position of the lateral circumflex femoral vein posterior to the deep femoral artery played a role in this distinctive, lengthy, and superficial presentation of the deep femoral artery. This anatomical variation directly affects surgical procedures, diagnostics, and endovascular interventions. A deep femoral artery with such a lengthy superficial trajectory can be mistakenly used for catheterization instead of the femoral artery or be injured, disrupting the main blood supply of the thigh muscles.

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BACKGROUND: The carotid artery stenting (CAS) has two common access sites: transradial access (TRA) and transfemoral access (TFA). However, there's no definitive answer to which one is superior. OBJECTIVE: Compare TRA and TFA for the CAS. METHODS: A systematic review of the literature of studies reporting both TRA and TFA results was conducted following the PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Embase were queried. RESULTS: The meta-analysis examined nine studies comprising 7513 patients who underwent CAS. Of these, 6750 patients had TFA (90%), while 763 had TRA (10%). There was no significant difference in procedure success rates between TRA and TFA, with a risk ratio (RR) of 0.99 (6/9; 95% CI 0.98 to 1.00; I² = 9%, fixed effects). However, cross-over to TFA was more frequent in TRA (odds ratio (OR) 10.37 (6/9; 95% CI 5.18 to 20.77; I² = 17%, fixed effects)). There were no significant differences in terms of major access complications (RR = 0.88 (7/9; 95% CI: 0.29 to 2.63; I² = 0, fixed effects)), total access complications (RR = 1.10 (6/9; 95% CI: 0.56 to 2.15; I² = 7%, fixed effects)), and mean difference in length of stay (Mean difference of -0.08 (3/9; 95% CI -0.18 to 0.02; I² = 0%, fixed effects)). CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences between TFA and TRA in terms of procedure success rates, time, complications, and length of stay, although cross-over to TFA was more common in TRA cases.

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A rare cause of limb ischemia in young patients, adductor canal syndrome, can be debilitating and result in functional impairment. Diagnosis and treatment may be delayed due to this vascular disease's rarity in young people and because the presenting symptoms can overlap with other more common causes of leg pain in young athletes. Here, authors discuss a young athletic patient with a history of year-long claudication. The patient's reported symptoms, exam findings, and imaging results were consistent with a diagnosis of adductor canal syndrome. This case proved uniquely challenging, given the extent of disease and illustrates potential approach considerations.

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BACKGROUND: In-stent restenosis remains a common and important complication after endovascular treatment of superficial femoral artery peripheral artery disease. It occurs in 14 to 35% of cases in 1 year and there is still no efficient treatment for this condition. Paclitaxel-coated balloons have shown promising results. OBJECTIVE: Investigate the 3 year results of superficial femoral artery in-stent restenosis treated with paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty, using the Lutonix™ 035 device. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective observational study with patients with symptomatic (Rutherford 2 to 5) superficial femoral artery in-stent restenosis, that were treated with paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty using the Lutonix™ 035 device, in a single center from January 2016 to December 2020. Duplex scan was used to follow the patients. Primary patency was obtained through Kaplan-Meier analysis. Mortality, and amputation rates were also evaluated. RESULTS: 105 patients were included. Two patients had technical failure and required an additional stent, and were thus excluded. 103 patients were analyzed. Primary patency was 91.26, 80.47, and 67.71%, respectively, in the first, second, and third year after the procedure. There were no deaths 30 days after the procedure. There were no major amputations during the 3 year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Paclitaxel-coated balloon angioplasty with the Lutonix™ 035 device was a safe and effective treatment to superficial femoral artery in-stent restenoses. The results were maintained along the 3 year follow-up.

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BACKGROUND: The transradial approach (TRA) to coronary angiography reduces vascular complications but is associated with greater radiation exposure than the transfemoral approach (TFA). It is unknown whether exposure remains higher when TRA is performed by experienced operators. METHODS: Patients were randomly, prospectively assigned to TRA or TFA. The primary end point was patient radiation dose; secondary end points were the physician radiation dose and 30-day major adverse cardiac event rate. Coronary angiography was performed by experienced operators using a standardized protocol. RESULTS: Clinical and procedural characteristics were similar between the TRA (n = 150) and TFA (n = 149) groups, and they had comparable mean (SD) radiation doses for patients (616.51 [252] vs 585.57 [225] mGy; P = .13) and physicians (0.49 [0.3] vs 0.46 [0.29] mSv; P = .32). The mean (SD) fluoroscopy time (3.52 [2.02] vs 3.13 [2.46] min; P = .14) and the mean (SD) dose area product (35,496.5 [15,670] vs 38,313.4 [17,764.9] mGy·cm2; P = .2) did not differ. None of the following factors predicted higher radiation doses: female sex (hazard ratio [HR], 0.69 [95% CI, 0.38-1.3]; P = .34), body mass index >25 (HR, 0.84 [95% CI, 0.43-1.6]; P = .76), age >65 years (HR, 1.67 [95% CI, 0.89-3.1]; P = .11), severe valve disease (HR, 1.37 [95% CI, 0.52-3.5]; P = .68), or previous coronary artery bypass graft (HR, 0.6; 95% CI, 0.2-1.8; P = .38). CONCLUSION: TRA for elective coronary angiography is noninferior to TFA when performed by experienced operators.

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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to compare the traditional radial artery, distal radial artery, and transfemoral artery, which are vascular access sites for coronary angiography, in terms of pain level using the visual analog scale. METHODS: Between April 2021 and May 2022, consecutive patients from three centers were included in our study. A total of 540 patients, 180 from each of the traditional radial artery, distal radial artery , and transfemoral artery groups, were included. The visual analog scale was applied to the patients as soon as they were taken to bed. RESULTS: When the visual analog scale was compared between the groups, it was found to be significantly different (transfemoral artery: 2.7±1.6, traditional radial artery: 3.9±1.9, and distal radial artery: 4.9±2.1, respectively, p<0.001). When the patients were classified as mild, moderate, and severe based on the visual analog scale score, a significant difference was found between the groups in terms of body mass index, process time, access time, and number of punctures (p<0.001). Based on the receiver operating characteristic analysis, body mass index>29.8 kg/m2 predicted severe pain with 72.5% sensitivity and 73.2% specificity [(area under the curve: 0.770, 95%CI: 0.724-0.815, p<0.0001)]. CONCLUSION: In our study, we found that the femoral approach caused less access site pain and a high body mass index predicts severe pain.

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INTRODUCTION: The totally thoracoscopic approach for mitral valve (MV) disease is a minimally invasive method. We investigated the procedure's feasibility, safety and effectiveness when it was performed by an experienced operator. METHODS: We retrospectively analysed 96 consecutive patients with MV disease treated between March 2016 and November 2019 by minimally invasive procedures. The procedures were performed on a femoral artery-vein bypass through two ports, including a main operation port and a thoracoscopic port. The clinical data of patients were collected, including preoperative cardiac function, operative data, postoperative complications, and follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients (57 male patients; average age, 49.7±14.5 years; left ventricular ejection fraction, 65.6±7.7%) were enrolled in this study. No intraoperative conversion incision or death occurred. The cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were 163.8±50.6 minutes and 119.7±38.9 minutes, respectively. Postoperative chest tube drainage in the first 24 hours was 232.8±108.1 ml. The ventilation time and length of intensive care unit stay were 13.2±6.2 hours and 2.9±2.2 days, respectively. One patient died of disseminated intravascular coagulation and prosthesis thrombosis 3 days after the operation, fearing anticoagulant-related hemorrhage. The overall success rate of valve repair during 1-year follow-up was 97.9%. CONCLUSION: The totally thoracoscopic procedure on mitral valves by an experienced surgeon is technically feasible, safe, effective and worthy of widespread adoption in clinical practice.

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OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to present patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD) who underwent hybrid procedures at our institution, the results of these interventions for a 5-year period and determine patency, mortality, failure, and amputation rates compared to the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, single center, retrospective, and cross-sectional study which analyzed data gathered from the vascular quality initiative from patients who had hybrid revascularization procedures from January 2010 to December 2015. RESULTS: 87 patients were identified: 51 (58%) male, 36 (41%) female, 9 (10%) had critical limb ischemia (CLI), and 78 (90%) claudication. We analyzed results of hybrid interventions in their variations. Technical success rate was 100%, patency at 2 years 88.5% (primary 65%, primary-assisted 18.3%, and secondary 4.5%) and 11.49% failure rate (lost patency < 1 year, conversion to open or/and amputation). Predictors of failure were: Female, previous chronic heart failure, longer length of stay, and previously transferred from another hospital. Amputation rate was 12.6% (10.3% major and 2.2% minor amputation), the only significant predictor was age (p = 0.035, odds ratio = 0.89) (0.806-99). CONCLUSIONS: Hybrid procedures are effective to treat patients with either CLI or claudication. Our study had outcomes comparable to the literature, with similar patency, amputation, and complication rates. We conclude it is a safe and effective option for PVD with multi-level disease.

OBJETIVO: Presentar pacientes con EAP que requirieron procedimientos híbridos en nuestra institución, resultados en 1 periodo de 5 años y determinar permeabilidad, mortalidad, falla y rangos de amputación comparado con la literatura. MATERIAL Y MÉTODOS: Estudio observacional un céntrico, retrospectivo y transversal que analizó datos obtenidos del VQI de pacientes post-revascularización híbrida de Enero 2010 a Diciembre 2015. RESULTADOS: Se identificaron 87 pacientes: 51 masculinos (58%) y 34 femeninos (41%). 9 (10%) presentaron isquemia crítica, 78 (90%) claudicación. Se analizaron resultados de dichas intervenciones en sus variaciones, con éxito técnico 100%, permeabilidad a 2 años 88.5% (primaria 65%, primaria asistida 18.3%, secundaria 4.5%) y 11.49% de falla (pérdida de permeabilidad < 1 año, conversión a cirugía abierta y/o amputación). Predictores de falla: femenino, IC, larga EIH, traslado de hospital previo). El rango de amputación fue 12.6% (10.3% mayor, 2-2% amputación menor) y el único predictor significativo fue edad (p = 0.035, OR = 0.89) (0.806-99). CONCLUSIONES: Los procedimientos híbridos son efectivos para tratar pacientes con isquemia crítica o claudicación. Nuestro estudio tuvo resultados similares a la literatura,permeabilidad, riesgo de amputación y complicaciones comparables con lo descrito. Concluimos que es una opción segura y efectiva para tratar pacientes con EAP multinivel.

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Background: Despite significant improvements in outcomes, traumatic arterial limb injuries remain a significant cause of limb loss and mortality. Objectives: This study sought to identify predictors of mortality and major amputation in patients undergoing revascularization after femoropopliteal arterial trauma. Methods: This was a retrospective review of a trauma registry from an urban trauma center in Brazil. All patients admitted to our hospital with a femoropopliteal arterial injury from November 2012 to December 2017 who underwent vascular reconstruction were included. Univariate analyses and logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors independently associated with the primary outcome of amputation and the secondary outcome of mortality. Results: Ninety-six patients were included. Eleven patients (11.5%) had an amputation and 14 (14.6%) died. In the logistic regression model for amputation, patients with ischemia duration greater than 6 hours were approximately 10 times more likely to undergo an amputation compared to those with ischemia duration less than or equal to 6 hours (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 9.6 [1.2-79.9]). The logistic regression model for mortality revealed that patients with ischemia duration greater than 6 hours were approximately 6 times more likely to die compared to those with ischemia duration less than or equal to 6 hours (AOR [95% CI]: 5.6 [1.3 to 24.7). Conclusions: Ischemia duration remains the most important factor independently associated with limb loss and mortality for patients undergoing femoropopliteal arterial revascularization after traumatic injuries. Physiological status on admission and trauma scores are also important.

Contexto: As lesões arteriais traumáticas de membros ainda permanecem uma causa significativa de perda de membros e mortalidade, apesar de melhorias significativas observadas nos resultados após a ocorrências dessas lesões. Objetivos: Este estudo buscou identificar preditores de mortalidade e amputações em pacientes submetidos à revascularização após trauma arterial femoropoplíteo. Métodos: Esta é uma revisão de um Registro de Trauma Vascular. Todos os pacientes com lesão arterial femoropoplítea internados em nosso hospital de novembro de 2012 a dezembro de 2017 e submetidos a reconstrução vascular foram incluídos. Análises univariadas, seguidas de análises de regressão logística, foram realizadas para identificar fatores independentemente associados com os resultados primários de amputação e mortalidade. Resultados: Foram incluídos 96 pacientes, com média de 27 anos. O Revised Trauma Score (RTS) foi, em média, 7,152; já o Injury Severity Score (ISS) foi, em média, 15. Onze pacientes (11,5%) tiveram amputação, e 14 pacientes (14,6%) morreram. Observou-se que pacientes com o tempo de isquemia maior que 6 horas apresentaram aproximadamente 10 vezes mais chance de amputação do que aqueles com tempo igual ou menor que 6 horas (intervalo de confiança de 95% [IC95%]: 1,2 a 79,9). O tempo de isquemia maior que 6 horas aumentou em aproximadamente 6 vezes a chance de mortalidade (IC95%: 1,26 a 24,77). A instabilidade hemodinâmica aumentou em 9 vezes a chance de mortalidade (IC95%: 2,36 a 36,67). Conclusões: O tempo de isquemia continua sendo o fator mais importante independentemente associado a amputação e óbito em pacientes submetidos à revascularização arterial femoropoplítea após traumas. O estado fisiológico e os escores de trauma são importantes.

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ABSTRACT Cannulation through the femoral artery is the preferred method of establishing peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass in minimally invasive totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery. However, faced with the contraindication of femoral artery cannulation, modified ascending aortic cannulation is an alternative approach to minimally invasive totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery.

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ABSTRACT Introduction: The totally thoracoscopic approach for mitral valve (MV) disease is a minimally invasive method. We investigated the procedure's feasibility, safety and effectiveness when it was performed by an experienced operator. Methods: We retrospectively analysed 96 consecutive patients with MV disease treated between March 2016 and November 2019 by minimally invasive procedures. The procedures were performed on a femoral artery-vein bypass through two ports, including a main operation port and a thoracoscopic port. The clinical data of patients were collected, including preoperative cardiac function, operative data, postoperative complications, and follow-up. Results: A total of 96 patients (57 male patients; average age, 49.7±14.5 years; left ventricular ejection fraction, 65.6±7.7%) were enrolled in this study. No intraoperative conversion incision or death occurred. The cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were 163.8±50.6 minutes and 119.7±38.9 minutes, respectively. Postoperative chest tube drainage in the first 24 hours was 232.8±108.1 ml. The ventilation time and length of intensive care unit stay were 13.2±6.2 hours and 2.9±2.2 days, respectively. One patient died of disseminated intravascular coagulation and prosthesis thrombosis 3 days after the operation, fearing anticoagulant-related hemorrhage. The overall success rate of valve repair during 1-year follow-up was 97.9%. Conclusion: The totally thoracoscopic procedure on mitral valves by an experienced surgeon is technically feasible, safe, effective and worthy of widespread adoption in clinical practice.

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Los aneurismas femorales son raros y más aún en la arteria femoral superficial. Estos representan solo el 3 por ciento de todos los aneurismas periféricos. El objetivo de este trabajo fue presentar el caso de un aneurisma verdadero aislado en arteria femoral superficial asociado a síndrome del dedo azul. Se reporta un paciente masculino de 75 años, fumador, con antecedentes patológicos personales de hipertensión arterial, que llega remitido con urgencia desde su área de salud por presentar cambios de coloración (cianosis), frialdad y dolor en la planta y los dedos del pie derecho (microembolias distales). En la tomografía computarizada contrastada se observó aneurisma aislado en la arteria femoral superficial de 4,5 cm de diámetro transversal. Se decidió operar al paciente y se realizó aneurismectomía con interposición de injerto protésico con politetrafluoroetileno, con una configuración de anastomosis término-terminal. Tuvo una evolución clínica posoperatoria inmediata y tardía satisfactoria. Entre los aneurismas femorales, los que afectan a la arteria femoral superficial están menos descritos y pueden complicarse con trombosis, embolización distal o rotura. Existe un alto consenso para su reparación, al eliminar la fuente embólica, prevenir la trombosis, tratar la rotura, eliminar cualquier efecto de masa y restaurar la perfusión de la extremidad distal. Dado que el síndrome del dedo azul puede ser la primera manifestación de esta enfermedad, su rápido reconocimiento, diagnóstico precoz de la fuente embolígena y tratamiento médico-quirúrgico pueden evitar la amputación mayor o la muerte del paciente(AU)

Femoral aneurysms are rare and even more so in the superficial femoral artery. These account for only 3 percent of all peripheral aneurysms. The objective of this study was to present the case of an true isolated aneurysm in the superficial femoral artery associated with blue finger syndrome. A 75-year-old male patient, smoker, with a personal pathological history of arterial hypertension, is reported to be urgently referred from his health area for presenting changes in coloration (cyanosis), coldness and pain in the sole and toes of the right foot (distal microembolisms). The contrasted computed tomography showed an isolated aneurysm in the superficial femoral artery of 4.5 cm transverse diameter. It was decided to operate on the patient and aneurysmectomy was performed with interposition of prosthetic graft with polytetrafluoroethylene, with a configuration of termino-terminal anastomosis. He had a satisfactory immediate and late postoperative clinical evolution. Among femoral aneurysms, those affecting the superficial femoral artery are less described and can be complicated by thrombosis, distal embolization, or rupture. There is a high consensus for their repair by removing the embolic source, preventing thrombosis, treating rupture, eliminating any mass effects and restoring perfusion of the distal limb. Since blue finger syndrome may be the first manifestation of this pathology, its rapid recognition, early diagnosis of the emboligenic source and medical-surgical treatment can prevent major amputation or death of the patient(AU)

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Co-occurrence of acute limb ischemia (ALI) and arteriovenous fistula (AVF) as a manifestation of inadvertent arterial injury during percutaneous femoral vein dialysis catheter insertion is a rare and dangerous, but preventable complication. Iatrogenic femoral AVF commonly presents late, with leg swelling or high output cardiac failure. However, the co-occurrence of a femoral AVF with both progressive leg swelling, and acute thromboembolism has not been previously reported. We report the case of an iatrogenic femoral AVF with superficial femoral artery (SFA) thrombosis and distal embolism in a 53-year-old female who underwent percutaneous femoral access for temporary hemodialysis. Both the SFA and AVF were managed with open surgical repair.

A coocorrência de isquemia aguda de membro (IAM) e fístula arteriovenosa (FAV) como uma manifestação de lesão arterial inadvertida durante a inserção de cateter para hemodiálise por via femoral percutânea é uma complicação rara e perigosa, porém evitável. A FAV femoral iatrogênica geralmente tem apresentação tardia, com edema dos membros inferiores ou insuficiência cardíaca de alto débito. No entanto, a coocorrência de FAV femoral com edema progressivo dos membros inferiores e tromboembolismo agudo não foi previamente relatada. Relatamos o caso de uma FAV femoral iatrogênica com trombose da artéria femoral superficial (AFS) e embolia distal em uma paciente do sexo feminino, 53 anos, submetida à acesso femoral percutâneo para hemodiálise temporária. Tanto a AFS quanto a FAV foram manejadas com reparo cirúrgico aberto.

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Due to its anatomical characteristics, the deep femoral artery is protected from most vascular injuries. We report a case of a soccer player with pseudoaneurysm of a perforating branch of the deep femoral artery, associated with an arteriovenous fistula and secondary to complete rupture of the vastus medialis muscle. Magnetic resonance imaging showed muscle damage associated with a pseudoaneurysm and angiotomography confirmed the presence of a pseudoaneurysm associated with a deep arteriovenous fistula of a branch of the deep femoral artery. Endovascular treatment of the fistula was performed by embolization with fibrous microcoils and surgical drainage of the muscle hematoma. The patient recovered well, was free from clinical complaints on the 30th postoperative day and also after 1 year.

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Cannulation through the femoral artery is the preferred method of establishing peripheral cardiopulmonary bypass in minimally invasive totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery. However, faced with the contraindication of femoral artery cannulation, modified ascending aortic cannulation is an alternative approach to minimally invasive totally thoracoscopic cardiac surgery.

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INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this study are to experimentally evaluate the haemostatic effects of two organic substances, a membrane of chitosan and a collagen sponge coated with thrombin and human fibrinogen (TachoSil®), in sealing 7-0 needle stitches holes on the femoral arteries of rats as well as to evaluate local histological reactions. METHODS: Twenty-four rats were included, and four holes were made in each common femoral artery. In the control group, haemostasis was achieved only by compression with gauze sponge; and in the two other groups, haemostasis was achieved with application of one of these two substances. RESULTS: Membrane of chitosan and TachoSil® showed a power to reduce the time to achieve haemostasis compared with the control group (P=0.001), and the haemostatic effects of these two substances were comparable. There was lower blood loss in the groups where these two substances were used when compared with the control group, but no difference was found comparing the two substances. CONCLUSION: The use of these sealants did not promote more adhesion or local histological reactions when compared to the control group. Since chitosan is easy to find in nature, has a positive effect to promote haemostasis, and did not bring considerable local reactions, it might be used as a sealant in cardiovascular surgery.

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ABSTRACT Introduction: The objectives of this study are to experimentally evaluate the haemostatic effects of two organic substances, a membrane of chitosan and a collagen sponge coated with thrombin and human fibrinogen (TachoSil®), in sealing 7-0 needle stitches holes on the femoral arteries of rats as well as to evaluate local histological reactions. Methods: Twenty-four rats were included, and four holes were made in each common femoral artery. In the control group, haemostasis was achieved only by compression with gauze sponge; and in the two other groups, haemostasis was achieved with application of one of these two substances. Results: Membrane of chitosan and TachoSil® showed a power to reduce the time to achieve haemostasis compared with the control group (P=0.001), and the haemostatic effects of these two substances were comparable. There was lower blood loss in the groups where these two substances were used when compared with the control group, but no difference was found comparing the two substances. Conclusion: The use of these sealants did not promote more adhesion or local histological reactions when compared to the control group. Since chitosan is easy to find in nature, has a positive effect to promote haemostasis, and did not bring considerable local reactions, it might be used as a sealant in cardiovascular surgery.