Search Results (37)

Background: Central giant cell granuloma of the jaw is a benign but potentially aggressive lesion that can cause pain, facial deformity, tooth loss, and jaw destruction. Many treatment methods are described in the literature, but the less invasive ones are associated with a higher recurrence rate. For several decades, extensive bone resection procedures have been the most effective treatment to date. This study aimed to evaluate a minimally invasive treatment protocol combining multiple weekly intralesional steroid injections with surgical removal of residual tumor tissue and chemical cauterization using Carnoy’s solution. Methods: Thirteen patients with histologically confirmed central giant cell granulomas of the jaws were treated according to the protocol, including weekly triamcinolone injections and, when necessary, fenestration of the cortical bone to access residual lesions. Patients were monitored clinically and radiologically over six years, with reconstruction of bone defects using autogenous grafts and platelet-rich fibrin. Results: The treatment effectively reduced tumor size, restored cortical bone, and allowed preservation of jaw structure. Only one recurrence was observed, and complications were minor and transient. The protocol was equally effective for both aggressive and non-aggressive lesions, regardless of patient age or comorbidities. Conclusions: These findings suggest that combining pharmacological and surgical approaches with chemical cauterization provides a safe, effective, and tissue-preserving strategy for managing central giant cell granulomas, minimizing recurrence while reducing surgical morbidity. Full article

Background: Periodontally accelerated osteogenic orthodontics (PAOO) is a surgical procedure to accelerate orthodontic tooth movement and minimize periodontal complications. This study surveyed U.S. periodontists to assess various aspects of the procedure as regards prevalence, training, and execution. Methods: The authors developed a unique questionnaire, the first national study of this type, housed on the Qualtrics^® survey platform, to analyze trends in PAOO training and use. Unique recruitment emails were sent to 3154 members of the American Academy of Periodontology. 449 U.S. periodontists/3154 surveyed (14.2%) responded to this web-based, anonymized survey. IBM statistical software (SPSS V28) was used for data analysis. Results: Among respondents, PAOO training was received during residency (32.7%) and by continuing education (CE) (50.8%), with higher CE (57.3%) by those who did not receive PAOO residency training (p < 0.001). 38.5% of periodontists perform PAOO, and those most likely to perform PAOO had both PAOO residency training and CE, with 78.5% performing 1–5 cases/year. Most (87.7%) received 1–2 PAOO referrals/year from orthodontists or general dentists. Differences in techniques and materials were the type of bone graft or membrane used, the position of corticotomies, and the timing of orthodontic movement. The primary PAOO goal was “rapid tooth movement” (41.1%) and to “increase the alveolar housing” (37.2%). The secondary (38%) and tertiary (37.2%) ranked goals were “augment dehiscence or fenestration”, with the “prevention of apical root resorption” ranked as their quaternary goal. Conclusions: The results of this survey provide data on the trends, training, and use of PAOO among U.S. periodontists. This information may aid in developing residency curriculum and performing PAOO research. Full article

Atherosclerosis (AS), the leading cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD), is the thickening and stiffening of arterial walls, mainly of coronary arteries, the aorta, and the internal carotid artery. Blood flow is restricted by the deposit of lipid-rich macrophages (foam cells), calcium, fibrin, and cellular debris into plaques on the inner lining (tunica intima) of arterial walls. Damaged endothelia become inflamed and accumulate macrophages, monocytes, granulocytes, and dendritic cells, which intensifies plaque formation and increases the risk of myocardial infarction (MI) and thrombosis. Many of the anatomical and physiological abnormalities in arterial walls can be linked to colonic bacteria that produce inflammation-inducing metabolites, e.g., succinate, fumarate, fatty acids (FAs), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipopolysaccharides (LPS), and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO). TMAO triggers platelet formation, inhibits the synthesis of bile acids (BAs), accelerates the formation of aortic lesions, and upregulates the expression of membrane glycoprotein CD36 (also known as platelet glycoprotein 4) on the surface of platelets and epithelial cells. The ability of internal mammary arteries (IMAs) to produce higher levels of apolipoprotein C-III (apo-CIII) and paraoxonase (PON), compared to coronary arteries, prevents plaque buildup. The tunica intima of IMAs is rich in heparin sulfate and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Increased production of NO relaxes VSMCs and suppresses GTP cyclohydrolase (GTPCH), which lowers blood pressure. Higher levels of prostacyclin (PG12) produced by IMAs inhibit platelet aggregation. IMAs are structurally different from coronary arteries by having a thinner, non-fenestrated, tunica intima without a prominent internal elastic lamina. These characteristics render IMAs ideal conduits in coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. This review provides information that may explain why IMAs are less affected by inflammatory reactions and more resilient to plaque formation. Full article

Background: Advances in stent grafts and endovascular techniques have expanded the indications for thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) to include arch lesions. In situ needle fenestration (ISNF) has emerged as a promising technique for revascularizing supra-aortic branches. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of triple in situ needle fenestration during TEVAR for aortic arch pathologies in a single-center experience. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on fifteen patients who underwent in situ triple fenestration TEVAR between June 2023 and March 2024. The median age of the patients was 51,33 years (±19.69) and twelve of the patients were male. All procedures were performed under general anesthesia in a hybrid operating room. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional review board, and informed consent was received from all participants. Results: Primary technical success was achieved in all cases (15/15, 100%). The mean operation time was 197.33 min (range: 126–302). Two patients experienced a minor hematoma at the access site. Mortality was observed in one patient (6.66%) during the 30-day follow-up period. The total hospital stay averaged 7 ± 3.36 days. One patient had a transient ischemic attack, but there were no incidents of stroke or spinal cord ischemia. No procedure-related endoleak was observed during the intervention; however, eight patients required reintervention in the descending aorta. Conclusions: ISNF may be an effective and feasible method for revascularizing arch vessels, with low rates of early mortality and stroke when performed by experienced practitioners. However, larger multicenter studies with longer follow-up are needed to confirm the durability and long-term outcomes of this technique. Full article

Background: Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) is a common complication after cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) affecting between 5% and 40% of patients, which leads to hemodynamic instability, an increased risk of thromboembolism, decompensated heart failure, prolonged hospitalization, and higher treatment costs. Currently, there are no universally accepted guidelines for preventing POAF. Methods: A single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial, “The Effect of Colchicine on the Occurrence of Atrial Fibrillation after Cardiac Surgery” (CAFE), ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06798714, was conducted. The study included 140 patients with coronary artery disease randomized into two groups of 70 patients each. Group 1 (control group) received standard postoperative care. Group 2 (intervention group) received colchicine (Colchicum-Dispert at a dose of 500 mcg 4 h before coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with CPB and at a dose of 500 mcg twice daily for 10 days postoperatively) and underwent intraoperative pericardial fenestration using an original technique. Results: Perioperative colchicine administration combined with intraoperative pericardial fenestration reduced POAF incidence to 2.9% compared to the control group with POAF incidence of 12.9% (p < 0.05). This management strategy was not associated with an increased incidence of infectious complications, gastrointestinal disorders, or elevated levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, or creatinine. Conclusions: Perioperative colchicine administration combined with pericardial fenestration during CABG with CPB is associated with a reduced POAF incidence, good tolerability, and does not contribute to an increased incidence of infectious complications or impaired liver and renal function. Full article

Background/Objective: Bridging stent optimal choice in fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic repair (f/bEVAR) is under investigation. This systematic review and meta-analysis studied the outcomes of the BeGraft peripheral and peripheral PLUS as bridging stents in f/bEVAR. Methods: The methodology was pre-registered to the PROSPERO (CRD420251007695). Following the PRISMA guidelines and PICO model, the PubMed, Cochrane and Embase databases were searched for observational studies and randomized control trials, in English, from 2015 to 2025, reporting on f/bEVAR patients using the second-generation BeGraft peripheral or the BeGraft peripheral PLUS balloon expandable covered stent (BECS; Bentley InnoMed, Hechingen, Germany) for bridging. The ROBINS-I assessed the risk of bias and GRADE the quality of evidence. Target vessel technical success, occlusion/stenosis, endoleak Ic/IIIc, reintervention and instability during follow-up were primary outcomes, assessed using proportional meta-analysis. Results: Among 1266 studies, eight were included (1986 target vessels; 1791 bridged via BeGraft); all retrospective, except one. The ROBINS-I showed that seven were at serious risk of bias. According to GRADE, the quality of evidence was “very low” for primary outcomes. Target vessel technical success was 99% (95% CI 98–100%; I² = 12%). The mean follow-up was 20.2 months. Target-vessel instability was 3% (95% CI 2–5%; I² = 44%), occlusion/stenosis was 1% (95% CI 1–4%; I² = 8%) and endoleak Ic/IIIc was 1% (95% CI 0–3%; I² = 0%). The estimated target-vessel reintervention was 2% (95% CI 2–4%; I² = 12%). Celiac trunk, superior mesenteric and renal artery instability were 1% (95% CI 0–16%; I² = 0%;), 1% (95% CI 0–5%; I² = 14%) and 4% (95% CI 2–7%; I² = 40%), respectively. Conclusions: The BeGraft peripheral and peripheral PLUS BECS performed with high technical success and low instability when used for bridging in f/bEVAR. Cautious interpretation is required due to the very low quality of evidence. Full article

Background: Fenestrated stentgrafting has become a first-line treatment for juxtarenal aneurysms, and the incorporation of all renovisceral vessels with fenestrations has become common to increase the proximal sealing zone. This increases the complexity of the repair compared to using fewer fenestrations, and stenting of the celiac artery (CA), in particular, can be technically challenging. Objective: This study evaluates the mid-term outcomes of leaving the celiac artery unstented during quadruple fenestrated stentgrafting for complex aortic aneurysms. Additionally, it explores the clinical and anatomical factors that influence the decision to not stent the celiac artery. Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients with complex aortic aneurysms who underwent elective fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) between 2018 and 2023. Custom Cook Zenith grafts were used, and all patients underwent preoperative computed tomography angiography (CTA) as well as follow-up CTA to assess the celiac artery. This study evaluated celiac artery anatomic factors, such as proximal and distal diameter; presence of stenosis (<50% or >50%) and patency; length of any CA stenosis; CA takeoff angulation, CA tortuosity, early CA division; calcification; and presence of CA aneurysm or ectasia anatomical abnormalities. Recorded outcomes of CA instability included any stent stenosis, target vessel occlusion, reintervention, or endoleak (types 1C and 3). Results: A total of 101 patients underwent FEVAR, with 72 receiving a stent in the celiac artery and 29 not receiving it. Rates of technical success (96.5% vs. 100%), intervention times (256 min vs. 237 min), and lengths of hospital stay (5.1 vs. 4.7 days) were similar between unstented vs. stented groups. At one year, no significant difference in celiac artery instability was noted (17.2 vs. 5.5%; p = 0.06). Risk factors for CA occlusion on univariate analysis included a steep takeoff angle (≥140°), length of stenosis >6.5 mm, proximal diameter ≤6.5 mm, preoperative stenosis ≥50%, and celiac artery tortuosity. Conclusions: Anatomical features of the CA impact the ability to achieve routine CA stenting during FEVAR. Selectively not stenting the celiac artery during FEVAR might simplify the procedure without compromising patient safety and mid-term outcomes. Full article

The natural history of focal non-infected lesions of the abdominal aorta (fl-AA) remains unclear and largely depends on their aetiology. These lesions often involve a focal “tear” or partial disruption of the arterial wall. Penetrating aortic ulcers (PAUs) and intramural hematomas (IMHs) are examples of focal tears in the aortic wall that can either progress to dilatation (saccular aneurysm) or fail to fully propagate through the medial layers, potentially leading to aortic dissection. These conditions typically exhibit a morphology consistent with eccentric saccular aneurysms. The management of focal non-infected pathologies of the abdominal aorta remains a subject of debate. Unlike fusiform abdominal aortic aneurysms, the inconsistent definitions and limited information regarding the natural history of saccular aneurysms (sa-AAAs) have prevented the establishment of universally accepted practice guidelines for their management. As emphasized in the latest 2024 ESVS guidelines, the focal nature of these diseases makes them ideal candidates for endovascular repair (class of evidence IIa—level C). Moreover, the Society for Vascular Surgery just referred to aneurysm diameter as an indication for treatment suggesting using a smaller diameter compared to fusiform aneurysms. Consequently, the management of saccular aneurysms is likely heterogeneous amongst different centres and different operators. Endovascular repair using tube stent grafts offers benefits like reduced recovery times but carries risks of migration and endoleak due to graft rigidity. These complications can influence long-term success. In this context, the use of endovascular bifurcated grafts may provide a more effective solution for treating these focal aortic pathologies. It is essential to achieve optimal sealing regions through anatomical studies of aortic morphology. Additionally, understanding the anatomical characteristics of focal lesions in challenging necks or para-visceral locations is indeed crucial in device choice. Off-the-shelf devices are favoured for their time and cost efficiency, but new endovascular technologies like fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair (FEVAR) and custom-made devices enhance treatment success and patient safety. These innovations provide stent grafts in various lengths and diameters, accommodating different aortic anatomies and reducing the risk of type III endoleaks. Although complicated PAUs and focal saccular aneurysms rarely arise in the para-visceral aorta, the consequences of rupture in this segment might be extremely severe. Experience borrowed from complex abdominal and thoracoabdominal aneurysm repair demonstrates that fenestrated and branched devices can be deployed safely when anatomical criteria are respected. Elective patients derive the greatest benefit from a fenestrated graft, while urgent cases can be treated confidently with off-the-shelf multibranch systems, reserving other types of repairs for emergent or bail-out cases. While early outcomes of these interventions are promising, it is crucial to acknowledge that limited aortic coverage can still impede effective symptom relief and lead to complications such as aneurysm expansion or rupture. Therefore, further long-term studies are essential to consolidate the technical results and evaluate the durability of various graft options. Full article

Late ruptures of abdominal aortic aneurysms post-endovascular aneurysm repair present a significant risk, occurring in about 0.9% of cases. The typical timeframe leading to rupture is roughly 37 months, with the primary factors often linked to endoleaks, especially types I and III, which sustain pressure within the aneurysm sac. The approaches to managing late ruptures consist of endovascular approaches, open surgical interventions, and conservative care, each customised to the patient’s specific characteristics. When feasible endovascular repair is favoured, additional stent grafts are deployed to seal endoleaks and offer lower perioperative mortality rates compared to those for open surgery. Open repair is considered when endovascular solutions fail or are not feasible. Conservative management with active monitoring and supportive treatment can be considered for haemodynamically stable non-surgical patients. Endovascular repair methods like fenestrated/branched EVAR (F/BEVAR) and parallel grafting (PGEVAR) are effective for complicated anatomies and show high technical success with reduced morbidity compared to that with open repairs. Chimney techniques and physician-modified endografts may help regain and broaden the sealing zone. Limb extensions with or without embolisation, interposition endografting, and whole-body relining are helpful options for type IB and type 3–5 endoleaks. Open surgical repair carries a higher perioperative mortality but may be essential in preventing death due to rupture following failed EVAR. The choice depends on the patient’s clinical stability and fitness for surgery in the absence of a viable endovascular alternative. This article discusses the available options for treating late rupture after EVAR, emphasising the importance of individualised treatment plans and the need for rigorous postoperative surveillance to prevent such complications. Full article

Background/Objectives: We sought to demonstrate the versatility and economy of physician-modified endograft (PMEG) fenestrated endovascular aortic repair (FEVAR) based on the Treo (Terumo Aortic) platform for patients referred for custom-made device (CMD) FEVAR due to a complex abdominal aortic aneurysm (CAAA). Endovascular planning was performed utilizing a standardized design incorporating all visceral arteries with a low supra-celiac landing zone. The pure cost of the aortic components was compared between the PMEG and CMD designs. Methods: A total of 39 consecutive patients treated with CMD FEVAR due to a CAAA between September 2018 and December 2023 were recruited at a tertiary vascular center for a retrospective evaluation. Endovascular planning was performed on readily available computed tomography angiography (CTA) datasets using 3Mensio Vascular (Pie Medical Imaging) software. The actual cost of the major components was compared between the implanted CMD platform produced by Cook and the planned Treo-based PMEG repair. Results: A total of 155 fenestrations were planned on 3 triple-, 34 quadruple-, and two quintuple-fenestrated devices. The 90 mm distance between the proximal edge and the flow divider of the 120 mm long main body of the Treo graft allowed for the placement of all necessary fenestrations of the target arteries without the need to reduce the 3 cm supra-celiac landing zone while also preserving a safety distance of >1 cm to the flow divider. The costs of the components were EUR 33896 for CMD and EUR 8878 for a PMEG. Conclusions: This retrospective study suggests that a quadruple-fenestrated PMEG based on the Treo bifurcation is a highly versatile alternative with a significant price advantage over custom-made devices for the treatment of complex abdominal aortic aneurysms. Full article

Background/Objectives: Integra Dermal Regeneration Template (IDRT) has emerged as a viable reconstructive option in exposed avascular structures, such as exposed bone devoid of periosteum. This systematic review aimed at examining success rates by comparing different wound types and their characteristics, as well as the surgical methods involved. Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify studies using IDRT in the reconstruction of defects with exposed bone devoid of periosteum. Primary outcomes of interest were IDRT and skin graft success rates, followed by patient and wound characteristics, and different surgical methods used. The results were accompanied by an illustrative case report of IDRT-based hand reconstruction after a deep burn injury. Results: The review included 40 studies, with a total of 202 individual defects. The primary indication for IDRT-based reconstruction was post-oncologic defects in the elderly population. Although surgeons mostly used burring/fenestration as a bone preparation method prior to IDRT placement, decorticated bones showed faster grafting time (23.8 vs. 27.9 days). The average success rate of IDRT was 87.54% (±25.9), with an excellent IDRT take rate (100%) observed in more than 50% of cases. In the majority of cases (95.5%), the skin graft acceptance rate was deemed to be higher than 95%, with an average graft take of 98.8%. Conclusions: The results of this review support the use of IDRT in managing complex defects involving exposed bone, offering fast coverage with good functional restoration, without any donor site morbidity. Additionally, bone preparation methods also play an important role in IDRT-based reconstruction by shortening the grafting time. Full article

Background: Immediate implant placement in fresh extraction sockets has become an accepted treatment in dentistry as a predictable procedure to restore failing teeth. One prerequisite for this immediate procedure in the anterior maxillary region is an intact facial wall. Unfortunately, the presence of fenestrations and dehiscences is very common. These defects occur due to the pathology responsible for the extraction of the teeth. Traditionally, hard and soft tissue grafting is necessary to repair these large bony defects before implant placement. However, there are many defects with facial wall deficiencies. Methods: This report reflects procedures used to provide successful functional outcomes using grafting techniques in conjunction with immediate implant placement in defective sockets. This clinical research study followed a qualitative methodology, and the results are based on observational outcomes of four patient surgical implant procedures. Each patient received the same protocol in an attempt to reach similar results. Results: Proper diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical skills are key factors in achieving predictable results. With each of these four patients, the clinical soft tissue outcomes revealed that the midfacial gingival margin had minimal or no recession at two years with minimal pocket depths less than 3 mm. Conclusions: Although the procedure presented in this article has yet to be clinically validated, it is an available technique that can be used in the hands of an experienced practitioner and can provide excellent results for the patient. Full article

Endovascular stent graft repair was developed to minimize the invasiveness of open surgery for thoracic and abdominal aortic diseases. This approach involves covering the diseased segment with a stented artificial graft. However, in thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic arch diseases, special consideration is needed to preserve the aortic arch vessels. Standard stent grafts often require additional procedures, such as bypass surgery, to reconstruct the arch vessels. The semi-custom-made Najuta fenestrated stent graft was developed to address this issue. It is a three-dimensional patient-specific stent graft with fenestrations that allow for the preservation of the arch vessels. This study discusses the unique features of the Najuta stent graft and the techniques for its deployment, and it provides an analysis of treatment outcomes based on the current literature. Full article

Background: Stent-graft implantation is a widely recognized method for endovascular treatment of aortic aneurysms. In cases where the aneurysm involves the thoracic and abdominal aorta, repair including fenestrated and branched stent grafts provides a viable alternative. This approach, initially reserved for patients unsuitable for open surgery, has become preferred for anatomically appropriate thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. The Zenith t-Branch system has been extensively studied, demonstrating high technical success rates and acceptable mortality and morbidity. However, complications such as endoleaks, kinking, and stent-graft branch rupture remain significant challenges. Methods: We present the case of an 82-year-old male with a thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm treated with endovascular aneurysm repair using the Zenith t-Branch. Four years post-implantation, he developed a spontaneous rupture of the stent-graft branch, leading to dangerous leakage and aneurysm sac enlargement. An urgent surgical intervention was performed, implanting additional Be-Graft into the damaged branch, restoring stent-graft continuity and revascularizing the superior mesenteric artery. Results: The procedure was completed successfully. We conducted a review of the latest literature on endovascular treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms with particular emphasis on the possibility of repairing postoperative complications, especially endoleaks. Conclusions: While modern technologies have significantly improved outcomes, serious complications persist. Studies emphasize the importance of regular imaging follow-up for early complication detection and management. Continuous advancements in stent-graft technology aim to reduce complications further and improve outcomes. This case underscores the necessity of experienced operators in managing complex and rare complications and highlights the promising future of endovascular techniques in treating thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms. Full article

Background and Clinical Significance: Currently, maxillary sinus floor elevation is one of the most common procedures used in implantology practice. Despite its predictability, the technique is not without complications, such as graft material dispersion in the sinus cavity, wound dehiscence, hematoma, fenestrations, oroantral fistulas, epistaxis, acute sinusitis, and Schneider membrane perforations. The treatment of the latter can be complex, and depending on its extent, surgery deferral may be necessary, leading to increased patient morbidity. Case Presentation: A patient with apical surgery underwent sinus floor elevation with a significant Schneider membrane perforation using a new approach involving titanium mesh, resorbable membrane, and xenograft. This allowed the continuation of surgery, reducing the number of interventions and patient morbidity. Conclusions: Despite limitations due to a small sample size, this case report demonstrates that addressing large Schneider membrane perforations and placing implants is effective and predictable using the technology and approach of mesh formwork with titanium. Full article