Results of Angioplasty With Double-Layer Mesh Stent and Protection Systems of the Extra- and Intracranial Dissection of Cephalic Arteries

Purpose: Although a majority of cervical artery dissections can be managed conservatively, patients presenting with cerebral embolization or significant stenosis require a more aggressive approach. However, complications associated with endovascular repair are quite frequent and optimal interventional technique still remains to be established. Materials and methods: The aim of this post hoc survey was to analyze results of endovascular treatments for symptomatic dissections of the internal carotid and vertebral arteries, which were performed under protection and with the use of double-layer mesh stents. During endovascular procedure catheters, stents and protection systems were tailored according to the angioarchitecture of dissection, particularly to its location, length and coexisting stenotic or aneurysmatic lesions. We evaluated retrospectively midterm and late results of endovascular treatment of 25 patients presenting with symptomatic dissection of cervical arteries, including 11 patients with dissections of intracranial segments of the internal carotid artery. Follow-ups were scheduled 1, 3 and 6 after the procedure, and then every 6 months. Control computed tomography (CT) or digital subtraction angiography (DSA) arteriographies were performed 1–6 months and 12 months after endovascular repair. Results: There were no periprocedural major adverse events. All patients completed the 12-month follow-up. There were neither fatalities nor new neurologic adverse events at the 30-day follow-up, and no such adverse events during long-term follow-up. At 12-month follow-up, in all patients, angiographies revealed patent stents, full coverage of lesions by stents and complete thrombotic closure of the pseudoaneurysms. Conclusions: A tailored endovascular management of symptomatic dissection of cervical arteries is safe and efficient, also in a long run.

Analysis of additional armor protection for lightly armored vehicles of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and foreign states

World military conflicts show that the armor protection of most light armored vehicles does not meet modern requirements. The constant development and improvement of fire weapons makes it necessary to search for new constructive solutions in this area. Increasing the level of armor protection by increasing the thickness of the armor is a hopeless path, since it will lead to an increase in the mass of the vehicle, and this, in turn, will negatively affect the power plant and chassis. One of the ways to increase the level of protection is the use of new booking schemes using modern armored materials. This article analyzes publications devoted to modern scientific research related to the development and improvement of armor protection for light armored vehicles, as well as an analysis and assessment of options for the use of modern armored materials and various structures to protect vehicle crews and increase the level of tactical and technical characteristics. It is shown that at present, in connection with traditional approaches in the design of armored vehicles, the advantage is given to armored steels, aluminum and titanium alloys. However, there is a trend towards the use of lighter ballistic materials such as ceramics and composites with polymer fibers. The basis for the creation of reliable armor protection for lightly armored vehicles has been determined – the development of new promising structures for combined protection using new armor materials and their various options. Variants of additional armor protection systems of both foreign manufacturers and domestic developments are presented. The new systems include several special materials that differ from each other in a wide range of physical and mechanical properties. The use of such protection, together with the main armor, can reduce the mass performance of the vehicle. It has been determined that the creation of new designs of armored elements using the most modern technologies will lead to a significant increase in the protective characteristics of the armor of light armored vehicles.