Level of Evidence: Level 2. Purpose: To compare the safety and efficacy of vascular plug (VP) and vascular plug and polidocanol foam (VPPF) treatments for embolization in pelvic congestion syndrome (PCS). Materials and methods: A comparative, prospective, two-center study enrolled 50 women with PCS from January 2019 to January 2020. The patients were divided into two groups, and embolization was performed with VP (n = 25) and VPPF (n = 25) treatments. The mean age of the patients was 45.6 years ± 6.9. Three clinical parameters were assessed: abdominal pain, dyspareunia, and lower limb pain. The primary outcome (clinical success at 1 yr using a VAS), number of devices, procedure and fluoroscopy times, radiation doses, costs, and complications were compared. The participants were followed-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. Results: At the 1-year follow-up, clinical success did not significantly differ between the two groups (VP vs. VPPF) regarding the improvement of the symptoms analyzed (pelvic pain, dyspareunia, lower extremity pain, and other symptoms (p < 0.05)). The mean number of devices per case was 4 ± 1.1 for the VP group and 2 ± 0.31 for the VPPF group (p < 0.001). No major complications were recorded in either group. The VPPF group had a significantly longer fluoroscopy time (42.8 min ± 14.2 vs. 25.4 min ± 7) and longer radiation dose (VPPF air kerma 839.4 ± 513 vs. VP air kerma 658.4 mGy ± 355 (all p < 0.001)). Conclusions: Embolization for PCS resulted in pain relief in 90% of patients; the use of polidocanol did not demonstrate changes in the clinical outcome. The use of a VP alone was associated with decreased fluoroscopy time and radiation dose.

Objectives: This prospective study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of carotid angioplasty with stent (CAS) and its consequential impact on cognitive function, and to identify predisposing factors affecting cognitive response. Materials and Methods: A total of 49 patients (median age 71.52, 80.8% male) who underwent CAS between January 2020 and August 2021 were analyzed. Cognitive evaluations utilized the MoCa scale, and neuroimaging was employed to detect neurological incidents, with comprehensive documentation of risk factors and comorbidities. Results: Stent placement achieved a 93.8% success rate. Post-CAS neuroimaging disclosed multifocal ischemia in 8.16% of patients, microhemorrhages in 8.16%, and focal ischemia in 32.65%, with no clinically relevant deficits noted. A significant association (p=0.015) between severe stenosis and multifocal ischemic neurological events was observed. Cognitive improvements were evidenced in 53.8% of patients postoperatively, with kidney disease and cervical radiotherapy negatively correlated with cognitive response, while higher education level demonstrated a positive correlation. Conclusions: CAS is established as a secure and efficient procedure, influencing cognitive function. The recognized predisposing factors contribute to enhanced patient selection and treatment strategy. Delving into the connection between these aspects and subsequent cognitive performance necessitates further investigation.