Introduction Nerves are complex in formation, surrounded by Schwann cells as the conductive myelin sheath with a supportive structure of extracellular matrix and vasculature. Smaller nerves are simpler, without such supportive structure, relying on diffusion through the interstitial space to…
Acknowledgment This text is supported by a Veterans Affairs Merit Grant. Comprehension of renal anatomy and physiology is necessary to understand the complex changes in renal function that can occur during treatment of vascular disorders. This chapter provides a brief…
Introduction Perioperative respiratory complications are significant contributors to morbidity and mortality, occurring in a large percentage of surgical patients. Prevention and effective management of respiratory complications are vital to provide quality patient care, improve outcomes, and minimize healthcare costs. Common…
Introduction The maxim that “it is not the kind of disease the patient has rather the kind of patient that has the disease” is apropos since symptomatic vascular disease frequently occurs in the kind of patient that also has multiple…
Introduction Embolic and thrombotic events in the arterial and venous systems lead to end-organ malperfusion and dysfunction. In the past, open surgical procedures were used to restore vessel patency and organ function; however, with the advent of thrombolytic agents and…
Introduction Platelets are the smallest blood cells in the human body, normally numbering 150–350 × 109/L, and play a central role in the normal homeostatic process of hemostasis and thrombosis. As first described in the 18th century, platelets are involved…
Introduction Arterial and venous thromboses are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Arterial thrombosis is the most common cause of acute myocardial infarction (MI), ischemic stroke, and limb gangrene, whereas deep vein thrombosis can lead to pulmonary embolism, which can…
Introduction As first described by Virchow in 1856, the triad of hypercoagulability, vascular stasis and vascular trauma still remains the critical factors associated with vascular thrombosis. Hypercoagulability causes abnormal thrombosis, which may occur in the venous or arterial circulation, as…
Introduction Understanding the complex biology of coagulopathy and hemorrhage is critical to the perioperative management of surgical patients. “Coagulopathy” is a term employed loosely in the literature and in the clinical setting. Coagulation is a physiologic defense mechanism aimed at…
Introduction Vascular endothelial cells, blood, and extravascular tissue maintain blood flow fluidity or produce an integrated response to attenuate blood leakage by localized clotting at the site of vascular injury. The processes of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis are the primary…