Ipsilateral Greater Saphenous Vein Research Articles

The Effect of Chronic and End-Stage Renal Disease on Long-Term Outcomes after Infrainguinal Bypass

Patients undergoing infrainguinal bypass for chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI) with renal dysfunction are at an increased risk for perioperative and long-term morbidity and mortality. Our goal was to examine perioperative and 3-year outcomes after lower extremity bypass for CLTI stratified by kidney function. A retrospective, single-center analysis of lower extremity bypass for CLTI was performed between 2008 and 2019. Kidney function was categorized as normal (estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥60mL/min/1.73m2), chronic kidney disease (CKD) (eGFR 15-59mL/min/1.73m2), and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) (eGFR <15mL/min/1.73m2). Kaplan-Meier and multivariable analysis were performed. There were 221 infrainguinal bypasses performed for CLTI. Patients were classified by renal function as normal (59.7%), CKD (24.4%), and ESRD (15.8%). Average age was 66years and 65% were male. Overall, 77% had tissue loss with 9%, 45%, 24%, and 22% being Wound, Ischemia, and foot Infection stages 1-4, respectively. The majority (58%) of bypass targets was infrapopliteal and 58% used ipsilateral greater saphenous vein. The 90-day mortality and readmission rates were 2.7% and 49.8%, respectively. ESRD, compared to CKD and normal renal function, respectively, had the highest 90-day mortality (11.4% vs. 1.9% vs. 0.8%, P=0.002) and 90-day readmission (69% vs. 55% vs. 43%, P=0.017). On multivariable analysis, ESRD, but not CKD, was associated with higher 90-day mortality (odds ratio (OR) 16.9, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.83-156.6, P=0.013) and 90-day readmission (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.2-7.58, P=0.019). Kaplan-Meier 3-year analysis showed no difference between groups for primary patency or major amputation; however, ESRD, compared to CKD and normal renal function, respectively, had worse primary-assisted patency (60% vs. 76% vs. 84%, P=0.03) and survival (72% vs. 96% vs. 94%, P=0.001). On multivariable analysis, ESRD and CKD were not associated with 3-year primary patency loss/death, but ESRD was associated with higher primary-assisted patency loss (hazard ratio (HR) 2.61, 95% CI 1.23-5.53, P=0.012). ESRD and CKD were not associated with 3-year major amputation/death. ESRD was associated with higher 3-year mortality (HR 4.95, 95% CI 1.52-16.2, P=0.008) while CKD was not. ESRD, but not CKD, was associated with higher perioperative and long-term mortality after lower extremity bypass for CLTI. Although ESRD was associated with lower long-term primary-assisted patency, there were no differences in loss of primary patency or major amputation.

Outcomes following ipsilateral great saphenous vein bypass for lower extremity arterial injuries

ObjectiveUse of autologous great saphenous vein (GSV) grafts for repair of extremity arterial injuries is well established. Contralateral great saphenous vein (cGSV) is traditionally used in the setting of lower extremity vascular injury given the risk of occult ipsilateral superficial and deep venous injury. We evaluated outcomes of ipsilateral GSV (iGSV) bypass in patients with lower extremity vascular trauma. MethodsPatient records at an ACS verified Level I urban trauma center between 2001 and 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who sustained lower extremity arterial injuries managed with autologous GSV bypass were included. Propensity-matched analysis compared the iGSV and cGSV groups. Primary graft patency was assessed via Kaplan-Meier analysis at 1-year and 3-years following the index operation. ResultsA total of 76 patients underwent autologous GSV bypass for lower extremity vascular injuries. 61 cases (80%) were secondary to penetrating trauma, and 15 patients (20%) underwent repair with iGSV bypass. Arteries injured in the iGSV group included popliteal (33.3%), common femoral (6.7%), superficial femoral (33.3%), and tibial (26.7%), while those in the cGSV group included common femoral (3.3%), superficial femoral (54.1%), and popliteal (42.6%). Reasons for using iGSV included trauma to the contralateral leg (26.7%), relative accessibility (33.3%), and other/unknown (40%). On unadjusted analysis, iGSV patients had a higher rate of 1-year amputation than cGSV patients (20% vs. 4.9%), but this was not statistically significant (P = 0.09). Propensity matched analysis also found no significant difference in 1-year major amputation (8.3% vs. 4.8%, P = 0.99). Regarding ambulatory status, iGSV patients had similar rates of independent ambulation (33.3% vs. 38.1%), need for assistive devices (58.3% vs. 57.1%), and use of a wheelchair (8.3% vs. 4.8%) compared cGSV patients at subsequent follow-up (P = 0.90). Kaplan-Meier analysis of bypass grafts revealed comparable primary patency rates for iGSV versus cGSV bypasses at 1-year (84% vs. 91%) and 3-years post-intervention (83% vs. 90%, P = 0.364). ConclusionIpsilateral GSV may be used as a durable conduit for bypass in cases of lower extremity arterial trauma where use of contralateral GSV is not feasible, with comparable long-term primary graft patency rates and ambulatory status.

Use of Endoscopic Vein Harvest Yields Improved Outcomes in Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Repair

There is growing literature showing that endoscopic vein harvest (EVH) is safe, with excellent patency rates and decreased wound complications when treating infrainguinal occlusive disease. Our institution has performed EVH since 2003 with a dedicated team of providers specializing in endoscopic vein harvest. The purpose of this study was to evaluate major outcomes of EVH as an adjunct to standard, open operative repair of popliteal artery aneurysms. We performed a 12-year retrospective single-institution chart review from January 2005 to December 2017, identifying all patients undergoing popliteal artery aneurysm repair with EVH. Primary outcomes were procedural technical success, operative time, wound complication, major morbidity, and freedom from amputation. A total 37 limbs (in 31 patients) received EVH popliteal artery aneurysm repair at an average age of 65.2±10years; 65% of the patients presented without symptoms or with claudication and 35% with rest pain or tissue loss. Coexisting aneurysm was present in 68% of patients: 49% had contralateral popliteal artery aneurysms and 19% had concurrent aortic aneurysms. Of 37 limbs, 33 (89%) were treated through a medial approach with aneurysm ligation, and 4 patients (11%) were treated through a posterior approach. The average vein size was 4.4±1.1mm, with 86% harvested by the ipsilateral great saphenous vein. Average operative time was 3.89±0.82hr, with a median hospitalization of 2days and a median of 1day of intravenous narcotics use. Only 2 patients (5.4%) had Szilagyi class-2 surgical site infections remedied with debridement and antibiotics. Kaplan-Meier data showed a 5-year primary patency of 82.3% and primary-assisted patency of 88.2%. Additionally, 30-day primary patency was 89.2% and primary-assisted patency of 97.3%. EVH for popliteal aneurysmal disease provides a safe and efficacious means of popliteal artery aneurysm repair with shorter hospitalization, lower wound complication rates, and excellent long-term patency compared to standard open technique.

Prognostic factors for femoropopliteal vascular injuries: surgical decisions matter.

Lower limbs are frequently involved in vascular trauma, but it is still not clear which factors lead to unfavorable clinical outcomes. To determine the clinical profile of patients with femoropopliteal injuries, the trauma mechanisms, and treatment and identify which factors led to unfavorable outcomes. A retrospective study based on the medical records of patients treated from 2017 to 2021. The following data were assessed: sex, age, distance to reach the hospital, trauma mechanism, hypovolemic shock, additional injuries, treatment of vascular injuries, whether fasciotomy was needed, inappropriate intraoperative decisions, and injury severity score. Need for surgical reintervention, amputation, and death were defined as unfavorable outcomes. Univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression analyses were conducted. The sample comprised 94 patients; 83% were men; mean age was 30.8 years; combined arterial and venous injuries prevailed (57.5%); and superficial femoral vessels were the most affected (61.7%). Penetrating mechanisms prevailed (80.9%). Arterial injuries were most frequently treated with venous graft (59.6%) and venous injuries underwent ligation (81.4%). In 15% of cases, inappropriate surgical decisions were detected; most often use of the ipsilateral great saphenous vein for arterial reconstruction. Unfavorable outcomes occurred in 44.7%: surgical reintervention was necessary in 21.3% and limb amputation in 25.5%, while 9.5% of the patients died. These injuries mainly involved young men, victims of gunshot wounds. Superficial femoral vessels were the most injured; concomitant non-vascular trauma was frequent, mainly fractures. Inappropriate surgical decisions increased the need for reinterventions by 34 times. Need for fasciotomy, presence of fracture/dislocation, blunt trauma mechanism, and popliteal artery injury increased the risk of amputation.

Outcomes Following Spliced Vein Graft and Composite Graft as Conduit for Infrainguinal Bypass

Background: Peripheral arterial disease is a significant health care burden globally. Treatment options for limb salvage include open surgical bypass or endovascular revascularization. One of the vital prerequisite for successful infrainguinal bypass is the availability of good conduit. Not all patients have good quality great saphenous vein of adequate length to facilitate bypass. In these scenarios, splicing of available autologous veins and synthetic graft with vein cuff are alternate options. Aim: To compare the outcomes of infrainguinal bypass done for patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia in two groups In Group I, non spliced GSV was the conduit used. In Group II, either spliced vein graft or synthetic graft with vein cuff was used. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study done in a tertiary care centre over a period of 40 months. Ipsilateral Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) was our preferred conduit. In the absence of good calibre GSV, splicing of available autologous veins were done. Only when autologous veins were not available synthetic graft was used with distal vein cuff. Results: A total of 52 patients have undergone bypass during the study period of which 15 patients (28.8%) did not have good calibre GSV. Splicing of autologous veins were done for 10 patients (19.2 %) and synthetic graft with vein cuff was used for 5 patients (9.6%). One year graft patency in group I was 81% and in group II was 66.6%. Limbs were salvaged in 86% of patients in either groups. The mortality rate was 8.1% and 6.6% in groups I &amp; II respectively. Conclusion: When good caliber GSV is not available, splicing of available autologous veins provide comparable patency and should be preferred over synthetic graft. Synthetic graft provides acceptable limb salvage rate when used with an adjunctive procedure like vein cuff for tibial bypasses and should be used when autologous veins are not available or when the patient carries a high risk for major surgery.

Saphenous vein dilation as an alternative to prosthetic femoral-distal bypass revascularization.

A 63-year-old man with a history of bipolar and schizoaffective disorder was admitted to the psychiatry unit. His comorbidities included active smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, coronary artery disease after coronary artery bypass grafting, and peripheral arterial disease. During the admission, the patient began to complain of right foot pain at rest. Angiography revealed occlusion of a previously placed right superficial femoral artery and popliteal stents, severe common femoral and distal popliteal stenosis with only a patent posterior tibial (PT) artery runoff. Serial venoplasty was performed and revealed an inadequately sized, ipsilateral great saphenous vein, followed by a delayed femoral–PT in situ saphenous vein bypass. Angiography at 32 months demonstrated a patent femoral–PT great saphenous vein bypass.

Direction change in a distal bypass graft due to increased collateral perfusion after the free flap transfer: a case report

Distal bypass combined with a free flap is a frequent surgical option for ischemic ulcers of the lower extremities. Here, we describe a patient in whom there was a change in the direction of blood flow in a distal bypass graft. A 68-year-old male patient with an ischemic ulcer on his left heel was referred to our facility by a local dermatology clinic. Surgical revascularization was performed between the popliteal artery and the dorsalis pedis artery using an ipsilateral great saphenous vein as the graft vessel. The wound site did not heal postoperatively, so it was covered using a free latissimus dorsi muscle flap. At the same time, the thoracodorsal artery was anastomosed to the bypass graft in an end-to-side manner to serve as a nutrient vessel. Initially, blood flow into the thoracodorsal artery from the bypass graft was via the popliteal artery. However, after occlusion of the proximal anastomotic site of the bypass graft, blood flow into the thoracodorsal artery from the bypass graft was via the dorsalis pedis artery, which was the distal anastomotic site. The change in direction of blood flow might have been the result of an increase in blood flow in the collateral vessels in the ischemic lower leg, which eventually overwhelmed the blood flow in the bypass graft.

Pediatric vascular reconstruction after trauma and malignancy; a single centere case series

BackgroundPediatric vascular reconstructions (PVRs) are rare and technically difficult operations. The combination of a technically difficult condition, with little established protocol and potentially devastating outcomes makes PVRs an important issue. Patients and methodsRetrospective analysis of a prospectively collected data, in a single tertiary academic centere.From January 2010 to January 2020, all children who had arterial reconstructions for trauma and malignancy are included. ResultsThe vascular injury patients were 34 and the tumor group were 8 (total = 42). Twenty patients repaired by end to end anastomosis, 12 patients repaired by using ipsilateral great saphenous vein graft used, 4 patients repaired by lateral arteriorrhaphy, 3 patients only fasciotomy, one patient ligation of the artery and one patient nephrectomy and lateral repair of IVC, one patient only application of papaverine. Early postoperative period showed that 34 patients had positive distal pulses and 8 had negative distal pulses. Long-term follow-up showed that 35 patients (83.3%) had no significant complications, normal growth and no discrepancy in length ConclusionsEarly and in-time PVR could save life and leads normal limb growth and preventing permanent handicap. Vascular reconstruction malignancy may enhance long-term survival.

Endovenous microfoam ablation of below knee superficial truncal veins is safe and effective in patients with prior saphenous treatment across a wide range of CEAP classes

ObjectivePatients requiring thermal or chemical ablation of below knee (BK) truncal veins often have their proximal saphenous veins treated initially and comprise a study population with multilevel, refractory chronic venous insufficiency. The study objective was to assess the outcomes after microfoam ablation of BK truncal and tributary veins in patients with a history of proximal great saphenous vein (GSV) ablation or stripping. MethodsA retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All the patients who had undergone endovenous chemical ablation with commercially manufactured polidocanol microfoam for symptomatic BK truncal vein reflux after a previous saphenous ablation or stripping were identified. The patients had undergone duplex ultrasound scanning 48 to 72 hours after the procedure; those who had not adhered to the recommended follow-up protocol were excluded. The demographic data, CEAP (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic) classification, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), procedure details, adverse thrombotic events, and follow-up data were abstracted. ResultsBetween April 2018 and April 2021, 201 limbs were treated for symptomatic superficial truncal vein reflux with microfoam ablation. Of the 201 limbs, 68 in 49 patients met the inclusion criteria for the present study. The veins treated included the BK GSV (n = 45) and small saphenous vein (n = 23). The median follow-up was 97 days (range, 33-457 days) for the entire cohort. Most patients (63%) had a preoperative CEAP classification of C4 to C6. The median preoperative VCSS was 12.5. All the limbs that had undergone microfoam ablation in this cohort had a previously treated proximal ipsilateral GSV, with either thermal ablation or stripping. The median postoperative VCSS after BK treatment decreased to 10 (P < .001). The closure rate at the last follow-up was 96%. The overall symptomatic relief was 78% at the last follow-up. The absolute ulcer healing rate during the study period was 64% (16 of 25 ulcers had healed). One patient had developed thrombus extension into the popliteal vein, which resolved with anticoagulation therapy. One asymptomatic patient had developed nonocclusive thrombus in a gastrocnemius vein after small saphenous vein ablation. Because she was asymptomatic, anticoagulation therapy was not prescribed. Postoperative pain, phlebitis, and swelling were reported in 12%, 12%, and 2% of patients, respectively, and all had resolved at the last follow-up visit. Three limbs treated with chronic oral anticoagulant agents had had recanalized truncal veins during the study period after initial closure. No pulmonary emboli or neurologic adverse events were reported. No symptoms of saphenous or sural nerve injury had occurred. ConclusionsEndovenous chemical ablation with commercially manufactured polidocanol microfoam of BK truncal veins is a safe and effective treatment for patients with severe, refractory chronic venous insufficiency and prior saphenous interventions. This technique results in excellent overall closure rates and symptomatic relief with low adverse venous thrombotic events, across a wide range of CEAP classes.

The Upper-Arm Basilic-Cephalic Loop: A Valueable Alternative for Below-Knee Arterial Reconstruction.

Despite advances of endovascular interventions, bypass surgery remains the gold standard for treatment of long and complex arterial occlusions in the lower limb. Autologous vein is regarded superior to other options. As the graft of first choice, the great saphenous vein (GSV) is often not available due to previous bypass, stripping or poor quality. Other options like arm veins (AV) are important alternatives. As forearm portions of AVs are often unusable, a graft created from the upper arm basilic and cephalic veins provides a valuable alternative. We analyzed consecutive patients treated at an academic tertiary referral center between 01/1998 and 07/2018 using arm veins as the main peripheral bypass graft. Study endpoints were primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage and survival. In the observed time period 2702 bypass procedures were performed at our institution for below-knee arterial reconstructions. Vein grafts used included the ipsilateral GSV (iGSV; n = 1937/71.7%), contralateral GSV (cGSV; 192/7.1%), small saphenous vein (SSV; 133/4.9%), prosthetic conduits (61/2.3%) and different configurations of AV (379/14%). In the majority of patients receiving AV grafts a complete continuous cephalic or basilic vein (CAV) was used (n = 292/77%). If it was not possible to use major parts of these 2 veins, either spliced arm vein grafts (SAV) (42/11%) or an upper arm basilic-cephalic loop graft (45/12%) were used. Median follow-up was 27 (interquartile range: 8-50) months. After 3 years secondary patency (CAV: 85%; SAV: 62%; loop: 66%; p = 0.125) and limb salvage rates (CAV: 79%, SAV: 68%; loop: 79%; p = 0.346) were similar between the 3 bypass options. The encouraging results of alternative AV configurations highlight their value in case the basilic or cephalic veins are not useable in continuity. Especially for infragenual redo-bypass procedures, these techniques should be considered to offer patients durable revascularization options.

Alternative Venous Conduits for Below Knee Bypass in the Absence of Ipsilateral Great Saphenous Vein

Vein is regarded superior to artificial graft in peripheral arterial bypass surgery. However, this option is often limited owing to previous use or removal of the ipsilateral greater saphenous vein (iGSV). In this case, the contralateral great saphenous vein (cGSV), the small saphenous vein (SSV), or arm veins (AV) are possible alternatives. Experience with all three grafts for below knee vein bypass is reported.

Alternative Venous Conduits for Below Knee Bypass in the Absence of Ipsilateral Great Saphenous Vein

Vein is regarded superior to artificial graft in peripheral arterial bypass surgery. However, this option is often limited owing to previous use or removal of the ipsilateral greater saphenous vein (iGSV). In this case, the contralateral great saphenous vein (cGSV), the small saphenous vein (SSV), or arm veins (AV) are possible alternatives. Experience with all three grafts for below knee vein bypass is reported. Consecutive patients treated at an academic tertiary referral centre between January 1998 and July 2018 using the cGSV, SSV, or AV as the main peripheral bypass graft were analysed. Study end points were primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage, and survival. Over the observed time period, 2642 bypass operations for treatment of peripheral artery disease with below knee target arteries were performed at the authors' institution: 1937 procedures using the iGSV; 644 bypass procedures using the cGSV (n=186; 28.9%), SSV (n=101; 15.7%), or AV (n=357; 55.4%); and 61 procedures using a prosthetic graft. The median follow up period was 2.3 years (range 9 days-18.5 years). Thirty day mortality was 1.9% for the whole group and similar between the three groups. After five years, primary and secondary patency rates were comparable between the three groups. Secondary patency was 75% (95% confidence interval [CI] 66-83) in the cGSV and SSV groups, and 65% (95% CI 57-73) in the AV group (p=.47). Limb salvage and survival after five years were, respectively, 73% (95% CI 65-81) and 89% (95% CI 82-95) in the cGSV group, 79% (95% CI 69-89) and 87% (95% CI 79-95) in the SSV group, and 74% (95% CI 68-80) and 83% (77-89) in the AV group (p=.46). All three types of alternative autologous vein graft are equal regarding outcome parameters. Vascular surgeons should consider all autologous options if their preferred choice is not available.

Endovascular Repair of an Iliac Artery Pseudoaneurysm Using a Surgeon-Reconstructed Prosthetic Graft and a Bare Metal Stent.

Iliac artery aneurysms are usually asymptomatic. Herein, we report a novel strategy for the repair of a pseudoaneurysm involving the external iliac artery using a conventional artificial graft and bare metal stent. A 76-year-old male patient presented with severe resting pain and right foot discoloration. Computed tomography angiography revealed a right distal external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm, with severe calcified occlusion at the right common and superficial femoral arteries. After exposing the right femoral artery, long-segment endarterectomy and patch angioplasty with the ipsilateral greater saphenous vein were performed. Before the completion of patch angioplasty, a surgeon-modified 8-mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft was inserted for complete pseudoaneurysm repair. If a commercial covered stent is not available, minimally invasive endovascular repair can be safely performed using a surgeon-modified ePTFE graft and bare metal stent.

Femoropopliteal bypass for chronic lower limb ischemia: A prospective cohort study and single center cases series

BackgroundPeripheral occlusive arterial disease (POAD) is a steadily increasing global epidemic. Femoropopliteal bypass (FPB) is the traditional therapeutic option whenever endovascular treatments failed or not indicated. We present our experience in lower limb revascularization. Patients and methodsProspective observational cohort single center study included 158 patients with intermittent claudication (IC) or critical limb ischemia (CLI). The patients were placed in 7 Rutherford categories & their angiographic findings were graded according to Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC II) criteria. The ipsilateral great saphenous vein was used for revascularization. Resultsmale patients were 113 (71.5%); female were 45 (28.5%). Age ranged from 39 to 77 years, with a mean of 60.7 ± 7.8 years. About 79.1% of patients were in the 6th & 7th decades. Only 26 patients (16.5%) had severe IC & 83.5% had CLI. Almost all patients with Rutherford category 3–6 had an ankle brachial index (ABI) less than 0.70. Most Femoropopliteal lesions (n = 115, 72.8%)near half infrapopliteal lesions (n = 74, 46.8%) were of TASC II B & C types. Majority of patients received a vein graft. Distally, 100 grafts (66.7%) were sutured below the knees whereas the remainder were either behind (n = 31) or above the knees (n = 8). The follow up ranged from 1 month to 11 years. One & 5 year patency rates of vein grafts were 88.7% & 70.2% respectively. ConclusionsFPB using saphenous graft yield a very good graft patency, low rates of amputation, morbidity and mortality. Long-term patency is excellent.

Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Repair With Minimally Invasive Endoscopic Vein Harvest Yields Outstanding Wound Healing Outcomes With Fast-Tracked Hospitalization

There is growing literature showing that minimally invasive vein harvest (MIVH) is safe, with good patency rates and decreased wound complications, in treating infrainguinal occlusive disease. Our institution has performed MIVH since 2003 with a dedicated team of providers specializing in endoscopic vein harvest. The purpose of this study was to specifically evaluate major outcomes of MIVH as an adjunct to the standard, open operative repair of popliteal artery aneurysms. We performed a 10-year, retrospective, single-institutional chart review from January 2005 to December 2014, identifying all patients undergoing popliteal artery aneurysm repair with MIVH. Primary outcomes were procedural technical success, operative time, wound complication, major morbidity, and freedom from amputation. A total of 27 patients received MIVH popliteal artery aneurysm repair at an average age of 66 ± 10 years; 44% of the patients presented without symptoms or with claudication and 56% with rest pain or tissue loss. The average size of the popliteal aneurysm was 3.6 ± 2.3 cm at the time of repair. Contralateral popliteal artery aneurysms existed in 30% of the patients, 40% had concurrent aortic or iliac artery aneurysms, and 30% had no other known aneurysms. Of 27 limbs, 25 (93%) were treated through a medial approach with aneurysm ligation, and 2 patients (7%) were treated through a posterior approach. The average vein size was 4.5 ± 0.9 mm, with 89% harvested by the ipsilateral great saphenous vein. Average operative time was 237 ± 53 minutes, with a median hospitalization of 3 days and an average of 1.4 days of intravenous narcotics use. At time of first follow-up, 89% of patients were back to baseline mobility. Only two patients (7%) had Szilagyi class 2 surgical site infections remedied with débridement and antibiotics. At last follow-up, 96% of patients had freedom from amputation in this long-term series. MIVH for popliteal aneurysmal disease provides a safe and relatively expeditious means of popliteal artery aneurysm repair with short hospitalization, low wound complication rates, and excellent freedom from amputation.

Invited commentary

Invited commentary

Femoral artery transposition is a safe and durable option for the treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms

ObjectiveA suitable ipsilateral great saphenous vein (GSV) autograft is widely considered the best material for arterial reconstruction of a popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA). There are, however, cases in which such a GSV is absent, diseased, or of too small diameter for this use. Alternatives to GSV are synthetic conduits, but with a reduced long-term patency, in particular for infragenicular bypass; other venous autografts of marginal use; and stent grafts still in the first stages of their evaluation. However, a sufficiently long segment of the ipsilateral superficial femoral artery (SFA) is often preserved in patients with a PAA. Such a segment may be used as an autograft for popliteal reconstruction. Moreover, the morphometric characteristics of the SFA often optimally match those of the distal native popliteal bifurcation. SFA autografts (SFAAs) have therefore become our choice when the ipsilateral GSV is not suitable. We herein present the long-term results of SFAA for the treatment of PAA in the absence of a suitable GSV. MethodsWithin this single-center study, all cases during the last 26 years were retrospectively reviewed. Demographics, risk factors, comorbidities, morphometrics of the PAA, and preoperative and follow-up data were intentionally sought. ResultsFrom 1997 to 2017, there were 67 PAAs treated with an SFAA. The mean age of the patients was 67.67 ± 12 years, and 98% were male. Symptoms included intermittent claudication in 25% (17), critical limb ischemia in 7% (5), and acute ischemia in 10% (7) of the patients; 51% (34) of the patients were asymptomatic. The mean aneurysm diameter of the treated PAA was 29 ± 11 mm (12-61 mm). The mean operative time was 254.8 ± 65.6 minutes (140-480 minutes), with a mean cross-clamp time of 64.5 ± 39 minutes (19-240 minutes). The median length of stay was 9 ± 6.4 days (5-42 days). There were no early amputations or deaths in the series. During a mean follow-up of 47.91 ± 48.23 months, there were 2 anastomotic stenoses, 11 thromboses, 1 infection, and 1 aneurysmal degeneration of the graft; 6 patients died of unrelated causes. The 1-, 3-, 5-, and 10-year primary and secondary patency rates were 93% and 96%, 85% and 90%, 78% and 87%, and 56% and 87%, respectively. ConclusionsThese data suggest that SFAA use to treat PAA is a safe and durable option. A prospective and comparative work is necessary to confirm these results and to determine the interest of this technique as a first-line strategy.

Very distal vein bypass in patients with thromboangiitis obliterans.

Surgical revascularization for chronic critical limb ischaemia in patients with thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) still remains controversial. Generally, besides cessation of smoking, conservative treatment supported by intravenous administration of vasoactive agents is regarded as the treatment of choice, in combination with local wound therapy or minor amputation. In four male patients (42-47 years) surgical revascularization was chosen as therapy for established gangrene or non-healing ulceration after unsuccessful conservative treatment and cessation of smoking. Angiography was able to identify a suitable distal arterial segment for the bypass which was revascularized by means of an autologous vein graft. Grafts were followed with repetitive duplex ultrasound. Revision of the bypass graft was initiated if indicated by pathological duplex findings. In all cases a bypass could be constructed with either the ipsilateral greater saphenous vein or arm veins. A distal origin configuration was possible in three cases with popliteo-pedal or cruro-pedal bypasses. In the fourth case the distal superficial femoral artery was used for inflow. Two early graft thromboses underwent successful revision. During follow-up, duplex ultrasound identified graft stenoses in three bypasses which were successfully treated with endovascular techniques. All grafts are patent with complete resolution of ischaemic symptoms after 46, 42, 32, and 29 months. The patients remained non-smokers and returned to a professional life. Surgical therapy with distal vein bypass for persistent ischaemic symptoms after definitive cessation of smoking seems feasible in selected cases with TAO and a suitable distal artery. Close follow-ups of the patients with duplex ultrasound are necessary to identify developing vein graft stenoses. Angioplasty seems to be an important part of the long-term therapeutic concept.

Spliced Arm Vein Grafts Are a Durable Conduit for Lower Extremity Bypass

Many patients with peripheral vascular disease (PAD) requiring revascularization do not have adequate ipsilateral great saphenous vein (GSV) for constructing a bypass because of intrinsic vein disease or prior harvesting for limb or coronary bypass. Prosthetic conduits have poor long-term patency, especially for distal bypass. With advancing endovascular sophistication, tibial angioplasty may be a good revascularization option, but we hypothesize that using spliced arm vein for distal lower extremity bypass is still a well-tolerated and more durable solution. A retrospective chart review was conducted of all PAD patients undergoing lower extremity bypass or tibial angioplasty for lifestyle-limiting claudication or critical limb ischemia at a single institution over a 7-year period. Statistical analysis was conducted by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards model. Statistical significance was set at P=0.05. From 2005 to 2012, there were 120 patients who underwent infrageniculate revascularization with conduit other than GSV. Over half of the patients (66 patients, 71.2% male, mean age 62 years) underwent bypass operations using arm vein conduit, and 88% of those bypasses were to tibial vessels. Patency was 100% at 1 year and 85% at 2 years. There was no impact on patency or amputation rate based on the source of vein or the number of splices. Forty-three patients underwent tibial angioplasty and patency was 70% at 1 year and 50% at 2 years. When GSV is not available, spliced arm vein grafts provide durable lower extremity revascularization with favorable patency and limb preservation rates. Spliced arm vein grafts should be considered over prosthetic grafts and angioplasty alone in patients with distal occlusive disease.

Single-stage reconstruction of complex lateral thoracoabdominal defect using free tissue transfer and an arteriovenous loop

Thoracoabdominal defects usually result from trauma, tumour resection, infection or they may be congenital. Reconstruction of these defects is absolutely necessary, for function preservation, especially in cases of full-thickness and complex defects. Use of flaps or combination of flaps and alloplastic materials is usually the key to a successful reconstruction. Several different methods for the reconstruction of thoracoabdominal defects have been described with very good to excellent results. We present the case of a 69-year-old patient who presented to our unit with a rapidly growing mass on the right lateral thoracoabdominal wall. After full-thickness tumour resection, the defect was reconstructed by using a free anterolateral thigh flap along with the central part of the vastus lateralis muscle and a larger surrounding part of the fascia lata. The ipsilateral greater saphenous vein was dissected to mid-calf, reversed and anastomosed to the femoral artery in an end to side fashion thus creating an arteriovenous loop which was later divided in the middle, for anastomoses with flap’s vessels. Flap survived in its entity without any complication from the donor or the recipient site. The patient had an uneventful recovery and left the hospital 7 days later. No abdominal wall herniation was noted on 3 months of follow-up. Single-stage reconstruction of complex lateral thoracoabdominal defect by using free anterolateral thigh together with a part of the fascia lata and an arteriovenous loop might be a reliable solution in cases where proper vessels are not available for anastomosis or other options are not feasible.