 |
|
Standards for measuring narrowing of carotid arteries too aggressive
June 08, 2007Standards for the use of ultrasound as a screening tool to measure narrowing of the carotid artery may be too aggressive, resulting in some needless follow-up tests and procedures according to researchers at the University of Chicago Medical Center. Narrowing of the carotid can be a precursor to a stroke.
Hisham Bassiouny, MD, director of the non-invasive vascular lab and interim section chief of vascular surgery at the University of Chicago, presented the findings of a study today at the Society for Vascular Surgery's Annual Meeting in Baltimore.
These standards, used by the majority of vascular laboratories around the country since the early 1980s, were based on the use of angiography, a medical imaging technique in which an X-ray picture is taken to visualize the inner opening of blood filled structures.
"The limitation with angiography is that you had to guess how far the outer wall of the artery was beyond the artery's channel to determine the precise degree of artery blockage," he says. "That was a guess, an estimate. Based upon that subjective estimate, formulas were developed to look at the velocity of blood flow in the artery and determine how much narrowing existed. These formulas became the standard used to this day. However, imaging technology is much better today than when these standards were developed."
The researchers studied 74 patients with narrowing of the carotid arteries. They used ultrasound to assess the narrowing and compared the results from ultrasound to those found using CT angiography. Both techniques produced similar results, with nearly identical measures of the size of the channel inside the artery.
Further study of another 337 mild, moderate, and severely narrowed arteries, using high-resolution ultrasound techniques, looked at the diameter of the outer wall of the arteries. Standards were developed according to each individualized measurement. The results using the new standards indicated that blood flow was often better than the old standards would predict.
Previously, the researchers found that a peak systolic blood velocity of 125 centimeters per second indicated the artery was narrowed by at least 50 percent. Now, they think a peak systolic blood velocity of 155 centimeters per second indicates a 50 percent narrowing.
"As a result, we've changed the standards in our vascular lab," says Bassiouny. "We hope these new standards will be adopted everywhere. Such a move would save money and spare at least some patients from unnecessary procedures and tests."
University of Chicago Medical Center
"The limitation with angiography is that you had to guess how far the outer wall of the artery was beyond the artery's channel to determine the precise degree of artery blockage," he says. "That was a guess, an estimate. Based upon that subjective estimate, formulas were developed to look at the velocity of blood flow in the artery and determine how much narrowing existed. These formulas became the standard used to this day. However, imaging technology is much better today than when these standards were developed."
The researchers studied 74 patients with narrowing of the carotid arteries. They used ultrasound to assess the narrowing and compared the results from ultrasound to those found using CT angiography. Both techniques produced similar results, with nearly identical measures of the size of the channel inside the artery.
Further study of another 337 mild, moderate, and severely narrowed arteries, using high-resolution ultrasound techniques, looked at the diameter of the outer wall of the arteries. Standards were developed according to each individualized measurement. The results using the new standards indicated that blood flow was often better than the old standards would predict.
Previously, the researchers found that a peak systolic blood velocity of 125 centimeters per second indicated the artery was narrowed by at least 50 percent. Now, they think a peak systolic blood velocity of 155 centimeters per second indicates a 50 percent narrowing.
"As a result, we've changed the standards in our vascular lab," says Bassiouny. "We hope these new standards will be adopted everywhere. Such a move would save money and spare at least some patients from unnecessary procedures and tests."
University of Chicago Medical Center
Carotid Arteries Current Events and Carotid Arteries News RSSChemical can reproduce complications for some patients
Medical science took a giant leap forward with the development of techniques that, at least temporarily, perform the function of vital organs.
Is rapid transition through menopause linked to earlier onset of heart disease?
An evaluation of 203 women as part of the multifaceted Los Angeles Atherosclerosis Study (LAAS) found that those who transitioned more quickly through menopause were at increased risk for a higher rate of progression of "preclinical atherosclerosis" - narrowing of arteries caused by the thickening of their walls.
Damage inflicted during cardiac attacks more widespread than previously thought, MSU researchers find
Cholesterol crystals released in the bloodstream during a cardiac attack or stroke can damage artery linings much further away from the site of the attack, leaving survivors at greater risk than previously thought.
Study finds stroke-prevention surgery safe in growing 80-plus population
New research published in the October issue of Journal of the American College of Surgeons challenges the current opinion that patients in their eighties, who are often deemed "high-risk" due to their advanced age, should not undergo carotid endarterectomy - a stroke-preventing surgical procedure that clears blockages from the neck's carotid arteries.
Researchers Investigate Impact of Stress on Police Officers' Physical and Mental Health
Policing is dangerous work, and the danger lurks not on the streets alone.
3-D MRI technique helps radiologists detect high-risk carotid disease
Canadian researchers have used three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging (3-D MRI) to accurately detect bleeding within the walls of diseased carotid arteries, a condition that may lead to a stroke.
Study shows heavy snoring is an independent risk factor for carotid atherosclerosis
A study in the Sept. 1 issue of the journal Sleep shows that objectively measured heavy snoring is an independent risk factor for early carotid atherosclerosis, which may progress to be associated with stroke.
Ultrasound used to predict heart attack risk
Repeat exams using widely available and inexpensive ultrasound imaging could help identify patients at high risk for a heart attack or other adverse cardiovascular events, according to a study published in the September issue of the journal Radiology.
For high-risk patients, stroke-prevention surgical procedure does not equate with high surgical risk
New research published in the August issue of the Journal of the American College of Surgeons shows that "high-risk" patients with multiple medical conditions, including high blood pressure and coronary artery disease, can safely undergo carotid endarterectomy - a stroke-preventing surgical procedure that clears blockages from the neck's carotid arteries.
In blood vessel stents, innovative materials allow better control, delivery of gene therapy
Before gene therapy becomes practical for treating human diseases, researchers must master the details of safe and effective delivery.
More Carotid Arteries Current Events and Carotid Arteries News Articles
 |
Carotid Artery Surgery: A Problem-Based Approach by A. Ross Naylor (Author), William C. Mackey (Author), A. Ross Naylor MD FRCS (Editor), William C. Mackey MD (Editor) Leicester Royal Infirmary, UK. Provides a clinically focused review of common and controversial issues encountered daily by the vascular surgeon. Contents include practical issues including patient selection, preoperative management, operative technique and post-operative care, clinical questions and answers, and more. For surgeons, neurologists, and radiologists. |
 |
Art Poster, Internal Carotid Artery - 18.75 x 27.5 by ClassicPix.com FREE SHIPPING on this item when you purchase 2 or more Art Posters from ClassicPix.com. This high quality, durable Art Poster measures 18.75" x 27.50" and arrives ready to frame. Posters are printed on heavy-stock, semi-matte paper producing the best possible combination of color vibrancy and durability. All posters from ClassicPix.com are made on demand one-at-a-time, just for you -- not mass-produced. Please allow up to 5-6 days for custom printing of your poster. Though it may take a few extra days, our personal hands-on processing pays off in quality! What do our customers say? "The product I received was absolutely stunning. I can not speak highly enough about the quality of this piece of art. I would not hesitate to order from them again!" (Rated by edsynth2 on 10/10/2007.) "Item... |
 |
A shot in the Dark Also With: Warner Bros. (Producer) |
 |
Imaging of Carotid Artery Stenosis by Bernhard Schaller (Editor) Stroke is the third leading cause of death and carotid atherosclerosis is the leading cause of embolic stroke. In recent years, the need for a more detailed analysis of atherosclerotic plaques has been stressed. Information beyond the degree of narrowing of the vessel lumen seems to be desirable and there is considerable demand for diagnostic procedures that specifically identify rupture-prone, vulnerable plaques as the most frequent cause of sudden ischemic events. This atlas is an up-to-date reference work on imaging in carotid artery stenosis written by internationally renewed experts. The authors take the reader step by step through illustrated descriptions of state-of-the-art imaging techniques that they have helped to develop, and demonstrate that these techniques are crucial in the... |
 |
Carotid Artery Stenting Current Practice And Techniques by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Carotid Artery Stenting Current Practice and Techniques : Carotid Artery Stenting Current Practice and Techniques Pub Date: June 2004 Product Type: Print Author/s: Nadim Al-Mubarak MD; Gary S Roubin MD, PhD; Sriram S Iyer MD; Jiri J Vitek MD, PhD Written by internationally recognized experts in interventional cardiology, this comprehensive clinical reference on carotid artery stenting provides illustrated, step-by-step descriptions of techniques and details on indications, contraindications, patient selection, complications, technology, and clinical trials. The first section reviews clinical results and experience, including the CAVATAS trial findings on stroke prevention. The second section describes stenting techniques and includes information from major trials on... |
 |
Carotid Artery Stenting: The Basics (Contemporary Cardiology) by Jacqueline Saw (Editor) Over the past three decades, carotid artery stenting has evolved to become a promising and viable alternative to carotid endarterectomy, especially for patients deemed to have high surgical risks. In Carotid Artery Stenting: The Basics, Jacqueline Saw and a panel of international experts on carotid artery stenting discuss in depth the details of all contemporary aspects of carotid stenting, while reviewing supporting studies, guidelines, technical perspectives, and peri-procedural management. This textbook serves as a learning resource on the multifaceted management of patients with carotid artery stenosis, with the key focus on extracranial carotid artery stenting. Additional sections detail the specifics of setting up and maintaining a laboratory and discuss the preparation of the... |
 |
Internal Carotid Artery 12x18 Giclee on canvas - Prints - 11892-xCG12 by Buyenlarge Series: Medical - Anatomy Artist: Unknown Period: Source country: USA Source Year: 1887 12 inch by 18 inch Giclee print on Canvas. All files are stored digitally and are ready for reproduction. The quality is closely monitored to ensure professional results. This item is custom made per order. |
|
Carotid Artery Stenting: Current Practice and Techniques by Nadim Al-Mubarak (Editor), Gary S Roubin (Editor), Sriram S Iyer (Editor), Jiri J Vitek (Editor) Written by internationally recognized experts in interventional cardiology, this comprehensive clinical reference on carotid artery stenting provides illustrated, step-by-step descriptions of techniques and details on indications, contraindications, patient selection, complications, technology, and clinical trials. The first section reviews clinical results and experience, including the CAVATAS trial findings on stroke prevention. The second section describes stenting techniques and includes information from major trials on design and application of devices. The third section presents guidelines and current regulations on establishing a carotid stenting program. The book concludes with a preview of future directions. | |
|
|
Internal Carotid Artery 20x30 poster - Prints - 11892-xP2030 by Buyenlarge Series: Medical - Anatomy Artist: Unknown Period: Source country: USA Source Year: 1887 20inch by 30 inch poster print on standard paper. All files are stored digitally and are ready for reproduction. The quality is closely monitored to ensure professional results. This item takes 5-9 business-days to ship This item is custom made per order. |
 |
Practical Carotid Artery Stenting by Sumaira Macdonald (Editor), Gerry Stansby (Editor) In the management of vascular disease, there has been an inexorable drive towards less invasive endovascular treatments. This has substantially altered the attitudes of patients, clinicians and health care providers. Endovascular treatment of carotid stenosis for stroke is no exception. Several trials are running concurrently; these are comparing carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with the less invasive alternative, carotid stenting (CAS). There is already evidence that CAS may be preferable in certain patient populations i.e. those deemed to be at high surgical risk. Furthermore both procedures have comparable benefits in terms of survival free of ipsilateral stroke between three to five years post-procedure. State-of-the-art CAS (with regards use of all available... |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |