Louisiana Research Day Program Book 2025

Anatomy and Epidemiology

Anatomy and Epidemiology

Marci Peck, OMS-II 1 ; Michael Peck, MD 2 ; Jenna Dittmar, PhD 1 ; Cara Hanks, OMS-II 1 ; Grace Pick, OMS-II 1 ; Kenny-Khai Vo, OMS-II 1 1 VCOM-Louisiana; 2 Vascular Institute of San Antonio, Baptist Medical Network, San Antonio, TX 51 GREAT SAPHENOUS VEIN PRESERVATION IS WORTHWHILE - A CADAVERIC STUDY

Nicholas Cabral, OMS-II; Jenna Dittmar PhD VCOM-Louisiana 52 ECOLOGICAL AND CLIMATIC INFLUENCES ON YERSINIA PESTIS PERSISTENCE IN THE UNITED STATES

Background: Atherosclerotic plaque build up known as peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a leading cause of limb loss, inability to perform activities of daily living (ADLs), depression and mortality. It develops most often due to tobacco use, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, poor diet and sedentary lifestyle. Manifestations of the atherosclerotic disease include ischemic rest pain, gangrenous tissue loss and lifestyle limiting calf claudication. The risk of developing atherosclerotic disease increases greatly with age and is a leading cause of death worldwide. Lower extremity surgical bypass (femoral to popliteal, femoral to tibial or popliteal to tibial artery) using the great saphenous vein (GSV) is a proven durable limb salvage treatment. Smaller segments of GSV are also used for coronary artery bypass grafts. The purpose of this study is to determine what percentage of the population will have at least one GSV suitable for use as an autograft in a limb salvage bypass procedure. The right and left GSV from eleven formalin-embalmed cadavers (M=5, F=6) were measured. GSV length was measured using a sewing tape and the GSV diameter was measured with digital calipers (accuracy: 0.01mm) at five standardized

landmarks with the origin being 3.0cm cephalad to the medial malleolus and the termination 3.0cm inferior to the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ). A vein segment was considered usable if it had a diameter of 2.4 mm or greater which is consistent with studies in the literature that show these veins dilate. Research supports that GSV grafts that reach a diameter of at least 3mm have greater patency. Two vessels were excluded from length analysis due to incomplete data but included in diameter assessments. The average length of vein from origin to terminus was 72.0 cm. Mean vessel diameter was 3.7mm. The average GSV diameter excluding all measurements under 2.4 mm was 3.9 mm. 77% of individuals (11 total veins) had at least one GSV that was 100% usable. 100% of individuals (20 total veins) had at least one GSV that was 75% or more usable. A vein that is 100% usable would support a femoral to distal tibial bypass whereas a vein that is 75% usable would be sufficient for most femoral to popliteal and popliteal to tibial artery bypasses. Based on the compiled data of this cadaver population, the GSV is usable for bypass for most patients. It is advisable that GSV ablation for venous disease should be reserved for only the most refractory

cases. Instead, the GSV should be preserved as the ideal conduit for potential lower extremity bypass.

Background: The plague, caused by bacteria Yersinia Pestis, gave rise to one of the most historic pandemics in mankind’s history. In Europe alone, the Second Pandemic of the bubonic plague is believed to have killed more than 25 million people. This loss of life during the first few years of this pandemic was so great that this era later became known as ‘the Black Death’. Originating in China, the plague spread by many factors including climate and epidemiological vectors, hastening its arrival to Europe in 1346, and persisted with detrimental effects for centuries to come. The Third Pandemic began around 1900, making its way to the United States with the first cases arising in port cities (such as San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New Orleans) before spreading to more rural and inland states such as New Mexico, where it became endemic. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the significance of DNA analysis on modern day plague strands, to explore the relationship between climatic factors and endemic outbreaks, and the ecological characteristics of the vector and hosts behind the plague within the United States. By

cross-referencing climatic data and outbreak heatmaps, this research highlights the importance of ecological and environmental factors in the plague’s persistence in endemic areas. The findings of this research suggest that enhanced rodent control and public awareness remain critical strategies for preventing future outbreaks.

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2025 Research Recognition Day