Resumo Contexto Há uma falta de estudos necessários para entender o perfil socioprofissional da especialidade e as demandas específicas da população de uma região específica, a fim de subsidiar a criação de políticas assistenciais e a melhoria na infraestrutura da assistência à saúde. Objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o perfil socioprofissional de cirurgiões vasculares no Pará para orientar a criação de ferramentas de melhoria profissional. Métodos Foi realizado um levantamento transversal no Pará utilizando um questionário com 30 questões que envolvia seis temas principais. Resultados Todos os cirurgiões vasculares ativos participaram deste estudo. O número total de especialistas foi de 59, dos quais 71,2% trabalhavam na grande Belém e 16,9% exclusivamente no interior do estado. A idade média dos profissionais foi de 48 ± 11,1 anos, e 86,4% dos entrevistados eram homens. Além disso, 64,4% dos cirurgiões haviam completado a residência médica, e 96,6% (n = 57) deles gostariam de ter melhorias em cirurgia venosa, acesso vascular ecoguiado e cirurgia endovascular. As áreas de maior interesse para melhorias são cursos de simulação (práticos), com 93% dos participantes interessados. Conclusões O Pará tem 59 cirurgiões vasculares, os quais trabalham principalmente na grande Belém (71,2%) em hospitais (100%) ou em clínicas privadas ou consultórios (94,9%) e realizam uma ampla gama de procedimentos, incluindo cirurgias venosas e arteriais, amputações e acessos para hemodiálise. Mais de 90% dos cirurgiões estavam satisfeitos e relataram que escolheriam a especialidade novamente; entretanto, 22% tinham uma visão pessimista do futuro da especialidade. A grande maioria dos profissionais (96,6%) considera a necessidade de qualificação ou de um programa de educação continuada.

Abstract 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.

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.

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.