Interposition Graft Research Articles

The impact of cerebrovascular steno-occlusive disease subtype on surgical and clinical outcomes after direct STA-MCA bypass surgery.

Although well-established in moyamoya disease (MMD), the role of direct superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass in non-MMD (N-MMD) cerebrovascular steno-occlusive syndromes remains controversial. Nonetheless, the recurrent stroke risk in patients with N-MMD, despite best medical management, remains exceedingly high-especially for those suffering from hypoperfusion-related ischemia. The study objective was to determine the relative safety and efficacy profiles of direct STA-MCA bypass surgery for MMD and N-MMD patients in a large contemporary cohort. The authors conducted a retrospective review of all direct STA-MCA bypass cases performed between 2014 and 2023 at a high-volume center, which yielded 139 cases. Cases were excluded if they involved double-barrel bypass, an interposition graft, or if the surgical indication was not cerebral hypoperfusion. Direct bypass graft patency was serially assessed on follow-up vessel imaging. Of the 139 included cases, 88 (63.3%) were MMD and 51 (36.7%) were N-MMD cases. The mean patient age was 49.2 years and 60.4% were female. The mean follow-up duration was 18.5 months. The perioperative stroke risk within 30 days of revascularization was 6.5% for the overall cohort, with no significant difference (p = 0.725) observed between MMD (5.7%) and N-MMD (7.8%) cases. The overall postoperative ipsilateral hemispheric and MCA distribution stroke rates at last follow-up were 11.5% and 9.4%, respectively. Despite a greater medical comorbidity burden, N-MMD cases demonstrated comparable rates of direct bypass graft occlusion (21.6% N-MMD vs 28.4% MMD, p = 0.426), MCA-distribution ischemic stroke (11.8% N-MMD vs 7.9% MMD, p = 0.549), and ipsilateral ischemic stroke (15.7% N-MMD vs 9.1% MMD, p = 0.276) to patients with MMD at last follow-up. Higher preoperative total hemispheric flow on noninvasive optimal vessel analysis (NOVA) imaging was the only variable associated with prolonged direct bypass graft patency (hazard ratio [HR] 0.39, p = 0.036). Postoperative stroke-free survival was improved by performing dural synangiosis (HR 0.31, p = 0.033) and, in multivariate analysis, was reduced with direct bypass graft occlusion (HR 4.58, p = 0.009) and a preoperative diffusion-weighted imaging-Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (DWI-ASPECTS) < 8 (HR 3.90, p = 0.024). This robust cohort of MMD and N-MMD STA-MCA bypass cases highlights the safety and efficacy of a technically sound direct bypass across all subtypes of cerebrovascular steno-occlusive disease. Careful attention to preoperative MRI parameters, including hemispheric flow rates on NOVA imaging, may improve surgical risk stratification. Further examination of the benefits of adjunctive indirect bypass or dural synangiosis, especially for patients with N-MMD, remains warranted.

Repair of multiple abdominopelvic aneurysms: is the open approachstill valid? A case report

Multiple Aneurysmal Arterial Disease (MAD) is an extremely rare arterial vascular condition and is produced by an abnormal alteration of smooth muscle cells and neutrophils, producing a multiple-aneurysmal degeneration. We present the case of a 36-year-old patient with a MAD in the cerebral territory and extremities with no surgical indication; however, with an aneurysm of the right inferior renal segmental artery, inferior mesenteric artery, left common iliac artery, and right internal iliac artery with surgical indication. An open approach with single-stage surgical repair, including graft interposition, bypass, exclusion, and vascular reimplantation, was performed. The surgical and postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged with an indication for outpatient follow-up. The open approach may be the best option for young patients with MAD, especially in the abdominopelvic region, without the need for high resources, with satisfactory results and improved patient survival.

Alloplastic Vascular Grafts for Venous Interposition in Pancreatic Surgery: Readily Available and Reliable.

To investigate patency and clinical outcomes of alloplastic and other venous interposition graft materials in pancreatic surgery. Vascular pancreatic surgery is increasingly performed for locally advanced pancreatic neoplasms. Different than other centers, we prefer to use alloplastic vascular graft materials for superior mesenteric vein and portal vein interposition in pancreatic surgery. Advantages are off-the-shelf availability at any customizable length, different diameters, and ring-enforcement but proposed concerns are their thrombogenicity and fatal complications. Patients who underwent elective pancreatic resections with mesoportal venous interposition grafts (ISGPS type 4) between 2003-2022 were identified from the institutional pancreatectomy registry. Alloplastic vascular grafts imply synthetic materials, either based on polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Surgical details, clinicopathological, and follow-up data were analyzed. The patients were followed for graft patency by cross-sectional imaging. In this study, 201 patients with venous interposition grafts were included (23% simultaneous arterial resections). Total pancreatectomy (41%) and pancreatoduodenectomy (35%) were the most frequent procedures. Vascular graft materials were alloplastic in 180 patients (83% PTFE and 17% PET) with a median diameter of 10mm and a median length of 33mm (measurement by CT scan). Patency rates among all graft materials at 7-, 30-, and 90-days were 99%, 93%, and 87%. Alloplastic grafts demonstrated superior patency over other materials (hazard ratio 2.7, P=0.009), and PTFE reached a 1-year patency of 78%. The all-cause 90-day mortality rate was 10%. No graft infection occurred. Alloplastic venous vascular grafts are safe and readily available tools in pancreatic surgery, especially for long-segmental mesoportal venous reconstructions.

How I do It: High flow EC-IC bypass for complex middle cerebral artery aneurysms using the lateral circumflex femoral artery as interposition graft.

High-flow bypasses with parent vessel occlusion are required for complex aneurysms originating from the ICA or MCA. Traditional graft options are the saphenous vein however, it has a higher rate of thrombus formation than an arterial graft. The radial artery is commonly used, however, tapers in its distal course and is contraindicated in some patients while the lateral circumflex femoral artery is an excellent graft vessel and easy to harvest. We present our technique and experience harvesting the lateral circumflex femoral artery as an alternative graft vessel for high-flow bypasses. The lateral circumflex femoral artery is easy to harvest and is a reliable graft vessel for high-flow bypasses for complex aneurysms.

Successful management of mycotic anastomotic pseudoaneurysm of interposition vein graft following a carotid endarterectomy: a case report

BackgroundAnastomotic pseudoaneurysms of interposition vein grafts are a rare entity that requires urgent management to prevent life-threatening complications, such as rupture and thromboembolism, especially when involving the carotid arteries. As these are rare complications and literature is sparse, we believe that this case report can aid the decision-making process in similar circumstances.Case presentationA 49-year-old Ukrainian male patient presented with a false aneurysm of both distal and proximal anastomosis of an interposition vein graft between the common carotid artery and the internal carotid artery, which was previously performed as a bailout procedure after the patient developed a complication of carotid surgery. The patient was successfully treated with extra-anatomical interposition of a vein graft from the subclavian artery to the remnant of extracranial internal carotid artery and en bloc excision of the previous vein graft with the false aneurysms.ConclusionMycotic anastomotic pseudoaneurysms following carotid endarterectomy represent a rare yet serious complication in vascular surgery that requires urgent treatment. While endovascular techniques could represent an alternative option, open surgical repair is still the standard of care for this pathology, offering advantages in preventing postoperative ischemic complications and ensuring optimal long-term outcomes. The open approach provides direct visualization of the pseudoaneurysm. It allows the meticulous debridement of the infected tissues and an accurate reconstruction of the arterial wall with autologous or synthetic grafts. In light of the substantial evidence supporting its superiority, open surgical repair should remain the preferred approach in addressing mycotic anastomotic pseudoaneurysms following carotid endarterectomy. Future research should continue to explore advancements in other surgical techniques and refine treatment strategies to enhance patient outcomes in this challenging clinical scenario.

Patient and procedural characteristics of successful endovascular procedures in the BEST-CLI Trial and their relationship to major adverse limb events

Abstract Background The Best Endovascular versus Best Surgical Therapy in Patients with Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia (CLTI) (BEST-CLI) trial randomized 1830 subjects with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) to endovascular or surgical bypass revascularization. Major adverse limb events (MALE) were higher after endovascular revascularization compared to bypass in the cohort with bypass using adequate single segment great saphenous vein. However, 15% of endovascular procedures had a major endpoint due to lack of technical success of the index procedure. Purpose To assess the factors related to a MALE in subjects in the BEST-CLI trial with an initial endovascular procedure that was technically successful. Methods All patients with a technically successful endovascular procedure (defined as a residual stenosis &amp;lt; 50% in the superficial femoral, popliteal, and/ or tibial arteries with in-line flow to the foot) were included. MALE was defined as above ankle amputation of the index limb or a major index-limb reintervention (new bypass, interposition graft revision, thrombectomy, or thrombolysis). Patient, procedure, and limb characteristics at the time of the index procedure were compared to the risk of MALE over an average 2.7 years follow-up. Characteristics were compared with the Kruskal-Wallis or Chi-square tests as appropriate. Results Of 923 patients having endovascular therapy as the index revascularization, 773 (84%) had a technically successful procedure. The cause of failure in 122 (82%) of unsuccessful procedures was the inability to cross the lesion with a wire. Significant patient factors associated with MALE included younger age (64 vs 68 years, p&amp;lt;0.0001), current smoking (44% vs 33%, p=0.004), and end-stage renal disease (17% vs 10%, p=0.013). Diabetes mellitus was not associated with MALE (74% vs 68%, p=0.08). Significant limb characteristics associated with MALE included lesions treated in the superficial femoral (SFA) or above knee popliteal artery (87% vs 81%, p=0.042), length of lesion in the SFA or above knee popliteal artery (201 cm vs 172 cm, p=0.02), use of atherectomy and bare-metal stent (10% vs 5%, p=0.01), and total procedure time (172 vs 155 min, p=0.002). Lesions treated in the below-knee popliteal artery or tibial arteries (62% vs 62%, p=0.93) or lesion length in this region (134 vs 144 cm, p=0.70) were not related to the risk of MALE. Conclusions The risk of MALE after successful endovascular revascularization for CLTI was increased with younger age, current smoking, end-stage renal disease, longer lesion length, treatment of the SFA to above knee popliteal arteries, and treatment with atherectomy with bare-metal stenting. Treatment of below knee lesions were not associated with MALE. These results indicate the importance of both modifiable and non-modifiable patient factors as well as the anatomic location of disease in determining limb outcomes in CLTI.

Static Stability of Elbow Interposition Arthroplasty Stabilized With Novel Ligament Reconstruction.

Outcomes of interposition arthroplasty for treatment of elbow arthritis are highly dependent on elbow stability. The purpose of this study was to determine whether interposition arthroplasty with a novel bidirectional ligament reconstruction technique could adequately restore the static stability of the native elbow. Static varus and valgus elbow stability was tested in 7 cadaver elbows with intact ligaments and capsule at 5 flexion angles (0°, 30°, 60°, 90°, and 120°). At each angle, the distance between fixed reference points across the elbow was measured both medially and laterally. The elbows were then destabilized and an interposition arthroplasty with ligament reconstruction was performed. Static elbow stability was reassessed by comparing postoperative deflection measurements with those of the native state. Graft slippage or loosening was visually assessed following testing. Interposition arthroplasty was performed in 7 cadaver specimens. Following ligament reconstruction, specimens reproduced the flexion angle-dependent static stability of native elbows to both varus and valgus stress. The greatest deflection changes between native elbows and elbows after interposition arthroplasty were 2.7% (P = .13) medially and 2.3% (P = .42) laterally, which were not significant. There was no loosening or slippage of either the interposition graft or the ligament reconstruction grafts. Cadaveric elbow specimens underwent interposition arthroplasty with a novel technique for bidirectional ligament reconstruction. Static stability was maintained at varying degrees of elbow flexion, comparable to that of the native elbow. Interposition and ligament reconstruction grafts maintained secure fixation following static biomechanical testing.

Surgery for facial palsy in the hands of otorhinolaryngologists: a population-based study.

Modern facial surgery can improve eye closure and address facial functional and emotional expression disabilities in case of severe acute facial paralysis with low probability of recovery and in cases of chronic flaccid facial paralysis. Reports on outcome typically originate from specialized tertiary care centers, whereas population-based data from routine care beyond specialized centers is sparse. Therefore, patients' characteristics, surgical techniques, postoperative complications, and patients' satisfaction with the final outcome were analyzed for all inpatients with facial paralysis undergoing facial surgery in Thuringia, a federal state in Germany, between 2006 and 2022. 260 patients (female 41.5%; median age 65 years) were included. On average, the surgery rate was higher for men than for women (0.83 ± 0.39 versus 0.58 ± 0.24 per 100,000 population per year). For first surgery, static procedures were dominating (67.3%), followed by dynamic reconstruction (13.8%), and combined static and dynamic reconstructions (13.5%). The most frequent type of surgery was upper lid weight loading (38.5%), hypoglossal-facial jump nerve suture (17.3%), and facial-facial interpositional graft suture (16.9%). Bleeding/hematoma formation needing revision surgery was the most frequent complication (6.2%). Overall, 70.4% of the patients were satisfied with the final result. The satisfaction was higher if the target was to improve eye closure (65.2%) or to improve upper face function (65.3%) than to improve the lower face function (53.3%). If facial nerve reconstruction surgery and/or upper lid weight placement was performed, the satisfaction was significantly higher. If revision surgery was needed to improve the result, the satisfaction was significantly lower.

Large Right Subclavian Artery Aneurysm Presenting in a Young Patient.

Subclavian artery aneurysms are extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% all of peripheral aneurysms. They are often due to atherosclerosis or thoracic outlet syndrome and present at an average age of 47years. Here, we present an incidental finding of an 18mm rapidly increasing aneurysm involving the first and second part of the right subclavian artery in a woman in her 20s. To our knowledge, this is the youngest patient presenting with a right subclavian artery aneurysm who underwent surgical resection of the aneurysm with repair using interposition graft and successful re-implantation of the vertebral artery with antegrade flow. This report highlights the multidisciplinary care between vascular, interventional radiology and cardiothoracic teams at our tertiary hospital due to the complex nature of the aneurysm.

Commentary: Left Cranio-orbital Approach for Trapping of Fusiform Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm With Common Carotid Artery to FM2 Bypass With Saphenous Vein Interposition Graft and Coiling of Fusiform Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: A 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Commentary: Left Cranio-orbital Approach for Trapping of Fusiform Internal Carotid Artery Aneurysm With Common Carotid Artery to FM2 Bypass With Saphenous Vein Interposition Graft and Coiling of Fusiform Anterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: A 2-Dimensional Operative Video.

Ancient cervical vagal schwannoma and an interposition great auricular to vagus nerve graft

Introduction: Schwannomas of the cervical vagus nerve are exceedingly rare and have a myriad of clinical presentations depending on the tumor size and its proximity to neurovascular structures. We report a rare case of a cervical vagal schwannoma that was successfully treated with en bloc resection and reconstruction with a great auricular to vagus nerve graft. Case Report: A 42-year-old male presented with an asymptomatic, right lateral neck mass. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a lesion 2.4 cm × 1.4 cm × 4.0 cm in size, located between the carotid arteries and internal jugular vein displacing the internal carotid artery anteromedially. En bloc resection of the lesion and reconstruction of the vagus nerve with a great auricular interposition graft was performed. Conclusion: Vagal schwannomas are rare, benign neurogenic tumors. Complete surgical excision is the mainstay of treatment. When a safe surgical plane cannot be identified between the neurogenic tumor and the main nerve trunk, en bloc resection with reconstruction should be considered.

Simultaneous Coronoid Bone Grafting in Ballistic Facial Trauma Patients Undergoing Coronoidectomy.

Ballistic facial trauma can cause complex fractures and overlying soft tissue damage, with a zone of injury that extends beyond the bullet tract. Early skeletal fixation is indicated, and previous large case series describe the use of debrided bone fragments as 'spare part' grafts. This series presents the indications and techniques for simultaneous coronoid bone grafting in 2 patients who sustained a gunshot wound to the right midface and required coronoidectomy. The coronoid process was used as (1) an interposition graft in the lateral buttress of the right maxilla for stability, and (2) an onlay graft on the right inferior orbital rim for contour. Both patients did not have graft infection, extrusion, or malposition at the 1-month clinic follow-up. The coronoid process of the mandible is a viable, safe spare-part option, despite the possible location of the coronoid process within the zone of injury in the reconstruction of complex ballistic facial trauma.

Engineered autologous nasal cartilage for repair of nasal septal perforations - a case series.

This phase I clinical trial assessed the use of autologous nasal chondrocyte tissue-engineered cartilage (N-TEC) for functional repair of nasal septal perforations (NSP). The most widely used technique to treat NSP, namely interposition grafting with a polydioxanone (PDS) plate combined with a deep temporal fascia (DTF) graft, is still suboptimal towards patient satisfaction and revision rates. Patients (n=5, all female, age range: 23-54 years) had a 0.5-2.0cm diameter NSP. N-TEC was manufactured by expansion and 3D culture of autologous nasal septum chondrocytes into Chondro-Gide® collagen membranes. N-TEC was then shaped intraoperatively and enveloped in the harvested DTF before suturing it into the NSP. Safety (primary outcome) was assessed by the number of serious adverse reactions (SAR) until 12 months. Secondary outcomes included feasibility, assessed by surgical graft manipulation, and efficacy, assessed using subjective scoring (Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation, NOSE, and Visual Analogue Scale, VAS, scores) and objective breathing function tests. Structural closure of NSP after 12 months was defined using endoscopy and computed tomography (CT) scans. NSP treatment by N-TEC implantation was safe and feasible, as no SAR and no challenge in graft manipulation was recorded for any of the patients. One year postoperative, subjective scoring improved in all patients, unless already optimal (average improvement of 23 and 28.6 points out of 100 respectively for NOSE and VAS scores). Objective respiratory function overall confirmed - with the exception of one case - the observations above (average improvement of 172 ml/s). NSP were closed and the mucosae completely healed in three patients. Autologous N-TEC is a valid treatment for NSP and warrants further clinical tests.

Effectiveness of autologous interposition saphenous graft in the creation of proximal arteriovenous fistula: Our initial experience

Abstract: For the individuals with end-stage renal disease, maintenance hemodialysis is a common treatment. When we compare to dialysis catheters or prosthetic grafts, arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is associated with a greater maturation period but a smaller incidence of infections, central venous stenosis, hospitalizations, and mortality. Fistulas mature by a dynamic process which is known as venous arterialization, where the breakdown of elastin and release of nitric oxide promote the functional and structural remodeling of the venous wall, permitting the expansion of venous outflow. Veins made them exposed to the arterial environment at the time of venous grafts and AVFs creation. Successful adaptation of the vein to the arterial flow is the most demanding part for long-term success, identified by venous dilation followed by wall thickening. Arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) and grafts (AV graft) are the commonest form of vascular access used for maintenance of hemodialysis. In general AVF is superior than AV graft in terms of its durability, patency, complication rate and overall survival of patients. But when the calibre of the vein is not satisfactory or length is not adequate to make tension free anastomosis, interposition graft is used. Most commonly used bridging material is polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) polymer. In this case, we used an interposition graft of the saphenous vein for making dialysis access on a 38 year old male patient having renal insufficiency and evaluated its efficacy in maintaining flow.

Bridging the Gap: Advances and Challenges in Heart Regeneration from In Vitro to In Vivo Applications.

Cardiovascular diseases, particularly ischemic heart disease, area leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Myocardial infarction (MI) results in extensive cardiomyocyte loss, inflammation, extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation, fibrosis, and ultimately, adverse ventricular remodeling associated with impaired heart function. While heart transplantation is the only definitive treatment for end-stage heart failure, donor organ scarcity necessitates the development of alternative therapies. In such cases, methods to promote endogenous tissue regeneration by stimulating growth factor secretion and vascular formation alone are insufficient. Techniques for the creation and transplantation of viable tissues are therefore highly sought after. Approaches to cardiac regeneration range from stem cell injections to epicardial patches and interposition grafts. While numerous preclinical trials have demonstrated the positive effects of tissue transplantation on vasculogenesis and functional recovery, long-term graft survival in large animal models is rare. Adequate vascularization is essential for the survival of transplanted tissues, yet pre-formed microvasculature often fails to achieve sufficient engraftment. Recent studies report success in enhancing cell survival rates in vitro via tissue perfusion. However, the transition of these techniques to in vivo models remains challenging, especially in large animals. This review aims to highlight the evolution of cardiac patch and stem cell therapies for the treatment of cardiovascular disease, identify discrepancies between in vitro and in vivo studies, and discuss critical factors for establishing effective myocardial tissue regeneration in vivo.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Conditioned Media-Loaded Microparticles Enhance Acute Patency in Silk-Based Vascular Grafts.

Coronary artery disease leads to over 360,000 deaths annually in the United States, and off-the-shelf bypass graft options are currently limited and/or have high failure rates. Tissue-engineered vascular grafts (TEVGs) present an attractive option, though the promising mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based implants face uncertain regulatory pathways. In this study, "artificial MSCs" (ArtMSCs) were fabricated by encapsulating MSC-conditioned media (CM) in poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) microparticles. ArtMSCs and control microparticles (Blank-MPs) were incubated over 7 days to assess the release of total protein and the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A); releasates were also assessed for cytotoxicity and promotion of smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation. Each MP type was loaded in previously published "lyogel" silk scaffolds and implanted as interposition grafts in Lewis rats for 1 or 8 weeks. Explanted grafts were assessed for patency and cell content. ArtMSCs had a burst release of protein and VEGF-A. CM increased proliferation in SMCs, but not after encapsulation. TEVG explants after 1 week had significantly higher patency rates with ArtMSCs compared to Blank-MPs, but similar to unseeded lyogel grafts. ArtMSC explants had lower numbers of infiltrating macrophages compared to Blank-MP explants, suggesting a modulation of inflammatory response by the ArtMSCs. TEVG explants after 8 weeks showed no significant difference in patency among the three groups. The ArtMSC explants showed higher numbers of SMCs and endothelial cells within the neotissue layer of the graft compared to Blank-MP explants. In sum, while the ArtMSCs had positive effects acutely, efficacy was lost in the longer term; therefore, further optimization is needed.

Long-Term Patency Rates of Portal Vein/Superior Mesenteric Vein Reconstruction after Pancreatic Resection for Pancreatic Tumors: Single-Center Experience.

To achieve an R0 resection margin in patients with locally advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, high-volume pancreatic centers standardly incorporate portal vein or superior mesenteric vein resection. However, there is currently no consensus on the optimal reconstructive approach. Postoperative venous thrombosis or stenosis can significantly increase patient morbidity or mortality. The objective of this study was to report the long-term patency rate of portal/superior mesenteric vein reconstruction, as well as to identify potential predictors of postoperative venous thrombosis/stenosis. A single-center retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on patients undergoing pancreatic resection due to pancreatic tumor. The patency of the vascular reconstruction was assessed by routine surveillance using computed tomographic imaging at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months after surgery. A total of 297 pancreatic resections were performed with 53 patients undergoing concomitant venous resection. Among these, 26.4% (N = 14) had primary closure, 22.7% (N = 12) underwent an end-to-end anastomosis, and 50.9% (N = 27) received an interposition graft reconstruction. At the 1-year follow up, 90.2% (N = 37) of patients with venous reconstruction had a fully patent vein. The analysis did not reveal any statistically significant perioperative or postoperative factors associated with an increased risk of reconstruction thrombosis. While our study confirms a high long-term patency rate of 90.2% at 1 year, it underscores the necessity for a randomized controlled trial to determine the optimal method of venous reconstruction in pancreatic surgery.

Artery Grafting for Arterial Anastomoses in Head and Neck Free Tissue Transfer Reconstruction.

Vessel grafting is an important technique in head and neck free tissue transfer (FTT) reconstruction when a tension-free anastomosis is not otherwise feasible. To our knowledge, there are limited data regarding interposition artery grafts for arterial anastomoses in head and neck reconstruction. Here, we present a multi-institutional cohort of arterial interposition grafts for FTT reconstruction for head and neck defects. A retrospective review was conducted at four tertiary care institutions for patients who underwent FTT reconstruction for head and neck defects which utilized an interposition artery graft for the arterial anastomosis. Charts were reviewed for type and length of artery grafts harvested, surgical indication, indication for artery graft, types of flaps harvested, and various preoperative characteristics (including history of radiation or previous FTT reconstruction surgery). Postoperative complications within postoperative day 30 were measured and reported. Nine patients met inclusion criteria. The lateral circumflex femoral artery (either transverse or descending branches) (n = 3) and facial artery (n = 3) were the most commonly harvested arteries. The scalp (n = 5) was the most common primary defect site. Seven grafts were harvested initially and in a planned fashion, while two were harvested as salvage techniques (either for flap salvage or vein graft failure). In planned grafts, arteries were the preferred interposition grafting method due to either size match preferences (n = 4) or similarities in wall thickness (n = 3) between graft and recipient artery. There were no reported cases of unplanned readmission, postoperative hematoma, fistula formation, wound infection, or donor site morbidities. Two patients required unplanned return to the operating room for flap compromise, both of which ultimately resulted in flap failure secondary to clot formation at both arterial and venous anastomoses. When arterial pedicle length is insufficient, interposition artery grafting is both a feasible and viable technique to achieve tension-free arterial anastomoses for select cases of highly complex head and neck free tissue reconstruction.

Vascularized Interpositional Connective Tissue Graft: An Alternative in Esthetically Demanding Regions. A Case Report and Literature Review

Objective: This case report aims to showcase the utilization of a vascularized interpositional pedicle connective tissue graft and a Maryland bridge as an alternative treatment to bone graft and implant placement. Clinical considerations: The case report illustrated the success of a well-thought-out alternative treatment plan to implant placement, achieving esthetically pleasing and functional results. Conclusion: The vascularized interpositional pedicle connective tissue graft can serve as a less invasive alternative that achieves an esthetically pleasing outcome.

Radiologic evaluation of the healing of the greater tubercle after humeral hemiarthroplasty with Aequalis-fracture-implants for proximal humeral fracture: a retrospective cohort study in 45 shoulders

IntroductionDevelopment and use of specific anatomic prosthesis for shoulder’s fracture aimed to reach the best rate of consolidation of the greater tubercle, which means a cuff restitution to improve functional results. The lack of bone healing of the tubercles suggested the use of a fenestrated humeral implant with interposition of a bone graft in the metaphyseal part of the prosthesis. This characteristic of specific implant, have few reports in the literature, leading us to the current retrospective study aiming: 1) to evaluate the healing rate of the greater tubercle after implantation of fracture dedicated anatomic implant, which includes a fenestration in the prosthetic metaphysis for the addition of a cortico cancellous graft, 2) to asses on patients with proximal humerus fractures, the bone healing of the greater tubercle close to the intraprosthetic bone graft. HypothesisThe specific “implant-fracture” can achieve a high rate of bone healing of the humeral greater tubercle Patients and methodsBetween January 2001 and December 2020, fifty-one patients were operated on by implantation of fracture dedicated implant for proximal humerus fracture. Six were excluded (2 operated for revision, 2 operated after 3 weeks, 1 died, 1 without follow-up). In total 45 patients were included in radiological analysis, clinical analysis had been performed on 23/45 patients at the longest follow up, the other 22/45 were only analyzed on radiographies. Mean-aged 66 years (range, 47 years -88 years), 25/45 (56%) of women, with 3-4-parts fractures according to Neer’s classification. The techniques of tubercle fixation were isolated cerclages of combined horizontal cerclages and vertical sutures. Position and healing of the greater tubercle was controlled through antero-posterior and lateral X-Rays views at the longest follow-up (mean 50 months, range 3 to 193 months). Peroperative techniques of fixation, clinical and functional outcomes were noted and correlated to the radiologic position of the greater tubercle and the graft evolution. Factors associated with healing and anatomic position had been investigated. ResultsThe rate of greater tubercle healing was 32/45 (73%). Factors significantly associated with greater tuberosity consolidation were higher age (p = 0.04) and the addition of a vertical osteosuture to the horizontal suture of the greater tubercle (p = 0.01). The rate of anatomic position of the greater tubercle was 15/45 (33%) of cases. When the fixation of the tuberosity was made with vertical suture, good position of the tuberosity was observed in 68% (17/24) at the longest follow-up. DiscussionOur results were in accordance with the literature, but the current study underlined there were two types of factors influencing tubercle healing in the literature: the technique of fixation of the tubercle and the patient’s age. Level of evidencelevel IV cohort study without control group.