Effective vascular access (VA) is an essential condition for providing hemodialysis, affecting patients’ health outcomes. We aim to explore how health literacy (HL) as a non-clinical factor is associated with the decision-making process regarding VA type selection. Using data from 20 dialysis centers across Slovakia (n = 542, mean age = 63.6, males = 60.7%), the association of HL with type of VA (arteriovenous fistula (AVF) vs. central venous catheter (CVC)) was analyzed using a logistic regression model adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics and comorbidity. Sociodemographic data and data on nine domains of HL were collected by questionnaire. Data on VA and comorbidity were obtained from a medical records. Patients with a greater ability to engage with healthcare providers (odds ratio (OR): 1.34; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.00–1.78), those with a better ability to navigate the healthcare system (OR: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.08–1.85), those more able to find good health information (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.15–2.03), and those who understand it well enough to know what to do (OR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.12–2.06) are more likely to have AVF. Patients’ HL is associated with the type of VA; therefore, it should be considered in the decision-making process regarding the selection of the type of VA, thereby informing strategies for improving patients’ HL and doctor–patient communication.

The aneurysms of the radial arteries are extremely rare. Aneurysm of the radial artery is defined as a focal dilation of all components of the vascular wall to a diameter greater than 1.5 times its lumen. In our case report, we present the diagnosis, management, and angiosurgical treatment of a patient with an extremely rare case of aneurysm on the distal radial artery in the fossa Tabatiére. Angiosurgical treatment, which is always recommended due to the risk of rupture, embolization, and ischemia of the distal parts of the hand, has a low morbidity.

Introduction: A stroke is a condition in which brain cells are damaged or die after blood flow to the brain is interrupted or reduced, which can cause permanent disability or death. More than three-quarters of all strokes are caused by ischemia, and almost a quarter by hemorrhage. It is the second most common cause of death after ischemic heart disease (IHD). The number of affected people is expected to increase to 4.6 million in 2035 due to the ageing of the European population. Methods: Between 2019 and 2024, 377 patients were treated at the Stroke Center (East Slovak Institute of Heart and Vascular Diseases (VÚSCH)). Of the patients, 62.84% had ischemic stroke due to atherosclerotic arterial disease, 20.42% due to cardiogenic embolization, 15.38% due to combined genesis, and 1.3% due to unusual causes (dissection). The mean age of the patients was 68 (±5) years. The baseline information was improvement/worsening/stability of neurological status according to the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) assessment. Results: The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score on admission, as examined by a neurologist, was 11 (3-20), and on discharge, it had an average of 7 (2-19). Of the patients, 89% (336) showed improvement of neurological status in terms of NIHSS score, 2% (10) deteriorated, and 7.7% (31) had no change. Conclusion: Early detection and rapid transport, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with stroke in multidisciplinary cooperation (neurologist, radiologist, interventional specialist, and vascular surgeon) are key to improving results. The positive results of stroke centers point to a well-established path in the care of patients with stroke.

Background: Surgical wound dehiscence (SWD) is defined as a complete or partial separation of the surgical incision site after surgery and represents a serious complication in soft tissue surgery. Case presentation: We present a clinical case of wound dehiscence in a 7-month-old dachshund. The primary cause was an attack by another dog, leading to the development of a deep bite wound in the back area perforating the anus and numerous minor injuries in the same area. After initial treatment and apparently good general health, numerous necrotic foci were observed during wound cleaning on the 3rd day after treatment. The wound was subsequently revised and an experimentally developed biomaterial based on chitosan in combination with manuka honey was applied. The use of this combination resulted in an accelerated healing process and almost complete closure of the wound already on the 12th day after application. Conclusions: This case demonstrates and simultaneously points to the promising possibilities of using chitosan-based biomaterials and honey as natural products for the successful treatment of wounds and management of postoperative complications.