A Qualitative Exploration of the Use of Contraband Cell Phones in Secured Facilities

Offenders accepting contraband cell phones in secured facilities violate state corrections law, and the possession of these cell phones is a form of risk taking behavior. When offenders continue this risky behavior, it affects their decision making in other domains where they are challenging authorities; and may impact the length of their incarceration. This qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived experience of ex-offenders who had contraband cell phones in secured correctional facilities in order to better understand their reasons for taking risks with contraband cell phones. The theoretical foundation for this study was Trimpop\u27s risk-homeostasis and risk-motivation theories that suggest an individual\u27s behaviors adapt to negotiate between perceived risk and desired risk in order to achieve satisfaction. The research question explored beliefs and perceptions of ex-offenders who chose to accept the risk of using contraband cell phones during their time in secured facilities. Data were collected anonymously through recorded telephone interviews with 8 male adult ex-offenders and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicated participants felt empowered by possession of cell phones in prison, and it was an acceptable risk to stay connected to family out of concern for loved ones. The study contributes to social change by providing those justice system administrators, and prison managers responsible for prison cell phone policies with more detailed information about the motivations and perspectives of offenders in respect to using contraband cell phones while imprisoned in secured facilities

Limb Salvage and Survival in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia: The Need for a Fast-Track Team-Based Approach

Chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) represents the end-stage form of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and is associated with a very poor prognosis and high risk of limb loss and mortality. It can be considered very similar to a terminal cancer disease, reflecting a large impact on quality of life and healthcare costs. The aim of this study is to offer an overview of the relationship between CLTI, limb salvage, and mortality, with a focus on the need of a fast-track team-based management that is a driver to achieve better survival results. This review can be useful to improve management of this growing impact disease, and to promote the standardisation of care and communication between specialist and non-specialist healthcare professionals

A Tailored Approach to Overcoming Challenges of a Bovine Aortic Arch During Left Internal Carotid Artery Stenting

Purpose: To investigate the efficacy and safety of a tailored approach to fit access and engagement techniques to the individual arch anatomy in patients with bovine-type aortic arch (BTAA) to overcome the perceived increased risk of technical failure and cerebral embolization during left internal carotid artery (LICA) stenting. Methods: Thirty-five high surgical risk patients (23 men; mean age 68.6 years, range 62-90) with BTAA and LICA stenosis underwent carotid artery stenting (CAS). Left common carotid artery (LCCA) engagement was achieved by means of different techniques according to the configuration of the BTAA, arch type (I, II, or III), and angle between the innominate artery and the LCCA. The clinical, anatomical, and procedural data were retrieved from a prospectively maintained database and analyzed retrospectively to identify technical modifications required during the procedure compared with planning. Results: The technical success rate was 100%. Transfemoral access was used in 21 (60%) cases. In this group, the soft engagement technique with hockey stick (HS) guiding catheter and buddy wire in the external carotid artery (ECA) was used in 13 (62%) cases, a simple telescopic technique with 6-F armed introducer or 7-F 40 degrees guiding catheter in 5 (24%) cases, and a sequential technique with a MOMA proximal protection system in the remaining 3 (14%) cases. Among the 14 (40%) right brachial access cases, the telescopic technique with 6-F armed introducer was used in 13 cases. The remaining case was the only one in which the planned technique was changed (from the telescopic to sequential technique with ECA wire exchange). There were no intraprocedural or 30-day neurological events. Conclusion: An appropriate tailored interventional strategy, planned by means of preprocedural recognition of bovine arch anatomy, is associated with satisfactory safety and good success. J Endovasc Ther. 2012;19:329-33