Management Of Vascular Injuries Research Articles

Grape-Derived Polyphenols Prevent Doxorubicin-Induced Blunted EDH-Mediated Relaxations in the Rat Mesenteric Artery: Role of ROS and Angiotensin II

This study determined whether doxorubicin, an anticancer agent, impairs endothelium-dependent relaxations mediated by nitric oxide (NO) and endothelium-derived hyperpolarization (EDH) in the mesenteric artery and, if so, the mechanism underlying the protective effect of red wine polyphenols (RWPs), a rich natural source of antioxidants. Male Wistar rats were assigned into 4 groups: control, RWPs, doxorubicin, and doxorubicin + RWPs. Vascular reactivity was assessed in organ chambers; the vascular formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) using dihydroethidine and the expression levels of small and intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channels (SKCa, IKCa) and connexin 40 (Cx40), which are involved in EDH-type relaxations, endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), angiotensin II, and AT1 receptors by immunofluorescence. The doxorubicin treatment impaired EDH-mediated relaxations, whereas those mediated by NO were minimally affected. This effect was associated with reduced expression levels of SKCa, IKCa, and Cx40, increased expression levels of eNOS, angiotensin II, and AT1 receptors, and formation of ROS in mesenteric arteries. RWPs prevented both the doxorubicin-induced blunted EDH-type relaxations and the increased vascular oxidative stress, and they improved the expression levels of target proteins. These findings suggest that polyphenol-rich natural products might be of interest in the management of doxorubicin-induced vascular injury possibly by improving the vascular angiotensin system.

Military medical revolution

Abstract : The battlefield has seen tremendous revolutions in military medical affairs (RMMAs) as a result of the last decade of continuous combat operations. The advances in deployed and en route combat casualty care are categorized as individual RMMAs shown in Table 1. As with prehospital advances, the basis for many of the RMMAs in the deployed hospital care environment as well as en route care was translated from civilian trauma practice but is realistic and relevant to the battlefield context. As the conflict evolved, the substantive data from the battlefield led to many new paradigms of treatment and evacuation. The successful implementation of many of these battlefield practices was then effectively translated back into the civilian injury care environment as has been typical of medical advances developed subsequent to previous conflicts of antiquity. The RMMAs that occurred during the last 10 years of combat casualty care are in the realm of deployed hospital care and en route care and are discussed in detail in this article.

Long-term follow-up and amputation-free survival in 497 casualties with combat-related vascular injuries and damage-control resuscitation

The effectiveness of damage-control resuscitation (DCR) has been demonstrated in recent US conflicts. Wartime casualties treated for hemorrhagic shock from vascular wounds were studied to report the 24-hour transfusion requirements, graft patency, and amputation-free survival for major vascular injuries. Joint Theater Trauma Registry data from August 2006 to April 2011 (56 months) were retrospectively reviewed. Included were casualties with a vascular injury who presented to US combat support hospitals in Iraq or Afghanistan. Amputation-free survival and graft patency were determined from record and imaging review. The study group consisted of 497 severely wounded local national and military casualties (mean [SD] Injury Severity Score [ISS], 17 [8.5]) presenting with acidosis (pH 7.29 [0.15]), tachycardia (heart rate, 110 [29.31]), and coagulopathy (international normalized ratio, 1.6 [2.33]). Given DCR and early management of vascular injury, blood pressure, heart rate, temperature, hemoglobin, and base deficit improved promptly (p < 0.05) by intensive care unit admission. Transfusion requirements included packed red blood cells (15 [13] U; range, 1-70 U), fresh frozen plasma (14 [13] U; range, 1-72 U), cryoprecipitate (13 [15] U; range, 1-49 U), and platelets (8 [6] U; range, 1-36 U). Mean operative time was 232 minutes (range, 16-763 minutes). US casualties (n = 111) had limb salvage attempted for 113 extremity vascular injuries (3 [2%] iliac, 33 [30%] femoral, 23 [20%] popliteal, 13 [12%] tibial, 33 [30%] brachial, 4 [3%] ulnar, and 4 [(3%] radial). In this subgroup, 28 (25%) were revascularized by a primary repair or end anastomosis, 80 (71%) were revascularized by saphenovenous grafts, and 15 (3%) [corrected] were revascularized by prosthetic grafts. The follow-up ranged from 29 days to 1,079 days, (mean, 347 days), during which 96 grafts (84.9%) remained patent, 16 casualties (14.2%) required a delayed amputation, and 110 (99.1%) survived. Popliteal injuries had the highest amputation rate (7 of 23, 30.4%). The amputation-free survival was 84%. In severely wounded casualties, wartime surgical strategies to save both life and limb evidently permit definitive procedures at initial surgery with excellent limb salvage results. This outcome analysis in a large cohort can help to refine surgical judgment and support contemporary DCR practices for major vascular injury. Epidemiologic study, level III; therapeutic study, level V.

Diagnosis and management of abdominal vascular injuries

Intra-abdominal vascular trauma is an injury that continues to challenge the general surgeon and leads to high morbidity and mortality even at busy urban trauma centers. The majority of patients arrive in hemorrhagic shock; therefore, rapid evaluation, resuscitation, and transfer to the operating room are necessary to treat these patients. In the operating room, the surgeon must have a well-planned surgical approach to the variety of potential injuries encountered in the retroperitoneal space. This article reviews the incidence, diagnostic strategies, treatment principles, and expected outcomes when dealing with intra-abdominal vascular injury.

Regarding the Possibility of Anterior Vascular Injury From the Posterior Approach to the Lumbar Disc Space

Anatomical study with magnetic resonance imaging data. To document the distances between the major retroperitoneal vessels and the anterior lumbar disc spaces; to determine the effect of patient positioning on these relationships; and to discuss ways to deal with vascular injury. It is well known that there are major vascular structures anterior to the lower lumbar spine. Vascular injury during posterior approaches, however, remains a problem. These anatomical relationships have not been determined in vivo, and there are no data on the effect of turning the patient prone, and onto bolsters. A random sampling of 49 women and 48 men was made. All examinations were performed in magnetic resonance scanners operating at 1.5 T. Measurements were made using electronic calipers on axial T2-weighted images. Post hoc studies were done on a smaller number of patients, to determine the effect of prone positioning. At the L4-L5 level, 66% of the common iliac arteries in women and 49% of those in men were within 5 mm of the anterior aspect of the disc space. At L5-S1, these numbers dropped to 23% for women and 19% for men. No relationship between the age of the patient and the distance from disc space to blood vessel was found. There was little change in these measurements between the supine and prone positions. The use of bolsters to decompress the abdominal contents in the prone position did not significantly alter the disc-artery distances. Venous relationships were also documented. The lower lumbar spine is confirmed to frequently be very close to the major retroperitoneal vessels. Turning the patient prone and placing the patient on bolsters does not change this relationship. This is part of the reason why vascular injuries may occur during routine lumbar spine surgery. Spine surgeons should be able to recognize and initiate treatment of such injuries.

Penetrating peripheral vascular injury management in a Sri Lankan military hospital.

Vascular injuries in austere military conflict settings are a challenging problem. The goal of the current study was to analyze the unique features associated with the management and early outcome of penetrating vascular injuries resulting from the conflict in Sri Lanka. All adults with extremity vascular injuries admitted to the Military Base Hospital Anuradhapura in an eight-month period were prospectively recorded in a data sheet and retrospectively analyzed. Mechanism, location, method of repair, and outcomes were analyzed. Out of a total of 5,821 combat-related casualties, there were 128 victims with vascular injuries (2.2%). The overall limb salvage rate was 83% with an all-cause mortality of 3.1%. Combined arterial and venous injuries were most common (44%), predominantly in the popliteal zone. Among the arterial injuries, 70% were repaired with a vein interposition graft and 7% were primarily repaired. The majority of the venous injuries (54%) were ligated. Twenty early major complications were recorded. A temporary intraluminal shunting technique was applied in the 14 most severely injured patients. This patient population was followed up for an average of 35days institutionally before they were referred to rehabilitation (60%) or transferred to other institutions (26%). Vascular reconstruction using vein, combined with a wound management strategy and early fasciotomy, resulted in a high limb salvage rate and remarkably low infection, delayed amputation, and mortality rates. Management of combat vascular injuries based on clinical guidance is feasible and leads to good outcome in a minimally equipped setting during local military conflicts. Surgeons in military hospitals should be trained in vascular injury repair to save the lives and functional limbs of patients.

A retrospective study on endovascular management of iatrogenic vascular injuries

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcome of endovascular management of iatrogenic vascular injuries (IVIs). We retrospectively reviewed the clinical records of 19 consecutive patients who underwent endovascular therapy of IVIs. Endograft implantation was conducted in 13 patients, intravascular embolization using coil was performed in four patients, combined treatment involving endovascular balloon intervention and percutaneous thrombin injection was done in one patient and the remaining one patient received balloon compression for hemostasis. There were no deaths after the operation. In the patients with vessel rupture (n = 9) or perforation (n = 4), cessation of bleeding and restoration of blood flow were achieved following the endovascular treatments. Four cases of pseudoaneurysm and one case of arteriovenous fistula were successfully eliminated. At a median follow-up of 23.8 months (range 4-84), one patient suffered a mild cerebral infarction secondary to covered stent placement and one patient developed a partial renal infarction secondary to coil embolization. Additionally, stent collapse was found in one patient with stenosis of the iliofemoral vein, accounting for the failure to resolve the lower limb edema. In conclusion, endovascular therapy is an effective technique in the management of different types of IVIs, but is associated with minor ischemic complications.

Management of Traumatic Vascular Injuries to the Neck: A 7-Year Experience at a Level I Trauma Center

Injury to the carotid artery results in significant mortality and morbidity. The general consensus is to repair all injuries to the common and internal carotid arteries. Ligation is usually reserved for neurologic or hemodynamic instability. We report our experience at a Level I trauma center with vascular injuries to the neck. Retrospective chart review of all patients with vascular injuries in the neck resulting from either blunt or penetrating trauma treated at a Level I trauma center between January 2000 and February 2007. Demographics and outcomes were collected from a chart review. Twenty-five patients with vascular injuries to the neck were identified. There were 13 carotid artery injuries (CAI), five internal jugular vein (IJV) injuries, and 13 external jugular vein (EJV) injuries. Of the carotid artery injuries, six (50%) underwent operative repair (4 primary repairs and 2 bypasses), five (38%) were managed nonoperatively, and one was treated using endovascular techniques. No patient had a postoperative decrease in Glasgow Coma Scale score. There were five isolated IJV injuries (3 primary repair and 2 ligations). Four of the venous injuries (all internal jugular veins) were repaired and the remaining 13 were ligated. Vascular injuries to the neck have significant mortality and morbidity. Treatment of these injuries must be individualized. All CAI in noncomatose patients should be repaired if hemodynamically stable. All IJV injuries should be repaired but may be ligated if hemodynamically unstable. All EJV injuries can be ligated without reservation regardless of neurological status.

Value of percutaneous embolotherapy for the management of traumatic vascular limb injury

Arterial injuries to the extremities may result in severe hemorrhagic complications. Open surgical repair has been the standard of care for these patients, but endovascular management may be a valuable, less invasive alternative. To evaluate the safety, efficacy and long-term durability of embolotherapy for the management of hemorrhagic, traumatic vascular injuries in upper and lower limbs. Patients with traumatic or iatrogenic hemorrhagic vascular injuries to the extremities and managed with endovascular embolotherapy in the authors' institution between 1998 and 2010 were included in this retrospective study. Embolization was performed with different embolic materials; technical and long-term clinical outcome was assessed by review of the medical records or by telephone interviews of the referring physicians. Embolization was performed in 31 patients. In six patients the vascular lesion was traumatic, in the remaining 25 patients the lesion was of iatrogenic origin. Angiographic vascular lesions identified were: contrast extravasation (n = 19, 61%), pseudoaneurysm (n = 8, 26%), and pseudoaneurysm with arteriovenous fistula (n = 3, 10%). Primary and secondary clinical success was obtained in 84% and 97% of cases, respectively. Procedure-related complications occurred in five patients (16%). Most of them were mild. One patient expired 34 days after the procedure due to amputation-stump infection, septicaemia, and multiple organ failure. Long-term outcome showed no recurrent bleeding or other embolization-related complications. Embolotherapy for the management of hemorrhagic, traumatic vascular injuries in upper and lower limbs is relatively safe, very effective without recurrence or other embolization-related symptoms.

Endovascular management of iatrogenic vascular injuries: a retrospective study of 21 cases

To evaluate the early outcome of endovascular management of iatrogenic vascular injury (IVI). From July 2002 to July 2010, 21 cases of IVI undergoing endovascular therapy were studied retrospectively. There were aorta injury (n = 2), peripheral artery injury (n = 11), visceral artery injury (n = 5), arteriovenous injury (n = 1) and venous injury (n = 2). And the procedures included endograft implantation (n = 15), intravascular embolization with coil (n = 4), combination of endovascular balloon intervention and percutaneous thrombin injection (n = 1) and balloon compression for hemostasis (n = 1). Technical success was achieved in all patients. And clinical success, defined as arrested hemorrhage and hemodynamic stabilization, was obtained in 20 (95.2%) patients. There was one case of intra-operative mortality. After the procedure, there were cerebral infarction (n = 2) and partial renal infarction (n = 1). Among them, 19 patients received a median follow-up period of 23.9 months (range: 4 - 84 months). Only 1 patient with iliofemoral vein stent implantation developed stent collapse and thrombosis at Week 3. There were no other complications. Endovascular therapy is an effective procedure in the management of different types of IVI. Despite its encouraging early results, the long-term outcomes require further follow-ups and observations.

Endovascular repair of a traumatic arteriovenous fistula involving the iliac bifurcation using an iliac branch device

Endovascular techniques have shown to be useful in the management of vascular injuries because they transform a complex and potentially dangerous procedure into a safe one. We present the case of a 39-year-old man with congestive heart failure and abdominal bruit 11 years after an abdominal gunshot wound. Imaging studies revealed an arteriovenous fistula involving the left iliac artery bifurcation, and an iliac branch device was used to treat it. Symptoms resolved, and follow-up imaging showed patency of the graft and closure of the arteriovenous communication. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a nonaneurysmal disease treated with this device.

Evolving role of endovascular techniques for traumatic vascular injury

Endovascular management of blunt aortic injury has dramatically reduced the morbidity and mortality associated with this specific injury. There remains a paucity of evidence quantifying the beneficial effects associated with endovascular (ENDO) techniques for other vascular injury types and little information regarding the impact ENDO techniques have had on the management of traumatic vascular injuries over time. We performed a retrospective analysis of data from the National Trauma Data Bank over 2002 to 2006 and 2008 time periods (NTDB 7.2 and RDS 2008). Injured patients undergoing any arterial vascular repair procedure using ENDO or standard open techniques were determined using ICD-9-CM procedure codes. Abbreviated Injury codes were used to select patients who suffered subclavian, carotid, or thoracic aortic injury. Logistic regression was used to determine whether EARLY ENDO procedures (first 24 hours after injury) were independently associated with a lower risk of mortality. The percentage of ENDO procedures significantly increased over time irrespective of mechanism of injury. When aortic (thoracic), subclavian, and carotid arterial injuries were analyzed, a significant decrease in mortality over time was found. The percentage of ENDO procedures for all arterial injury subtypes significantly increased in the RECENT (2008) period. Seventy-five percentage of ENDO procedures occurred early (initial 24 hours) with 20% of those patients being hypotensive upon arrival (systolic blood pressure <90 mm Hg). For patients who had vascular procedures in the RECENT period, regression analysis revealed that early ENDO procedures were independently associated with a 35% reduction in mortality risk (odds ratio, 0.65; 95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.8) after controlling for major confounders including mechanism of injury and presence of hypotension on arrival. ENDO procedures for arterial injury have increased over time while mortality for arterial injury subtypes has significantly decreased. Early ENDO procedures are common and are independently associated with a lower risk of mortality. These results suggest outcomes after vascular injury may benefit from ENDO expertise and that ENDO techniques should be incorporated into the early treatment algorithm of trauma patients with vascular injury, particularly those that require difficult operative exposure.

Peripheral vascular injuries due to blunt trauma (road traffic accident): Management and outcome

BackgroundThe present study was undertaken to analyze the pattern, presentation and management of peripheral vascular injuries due to road traffic accidents (RTA). MethodsA prospective study of patients of peripheral vascular injuries due to road traffic accidents (RTA) between Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2011. A total of 192 patients presented with peripheral vascular injuries due to RTA during this period. All patients with vascular injury due to other causes were excluded from study. ResultsMost of the patients were managed by reverse saphenous vein graft followed by end to end anastomosis. Most of the patients had associated long bone fractures. Delayed presentation and associated long bone fractures had bad effect on outcome. Wound infection and thrombosis of the graft were the most important complication. Amputation rate was 4.68%. ConclusionVascular injury due to RTA requires prompt recognition and referral to a vascular center. Immediate revascularization has excellent results and less morbidity. Proper clinical examination and hand held Doppler examination are enough to reach the diagnosis.

Arterial damage accompanying supracondylar fractures of the humerus.

Background:Arterial damage is sometimes associated with supracondylar fractures of the humerus. Diagnosis and careful management of the fracture and arterial repair is crucial.Objectives:The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and outcome of supracondylar fractures of the humerus with signs and symptoms of limb ischemia, before and after arterial decompression or arterial reconstruction.Materials and Methods:From September 2004 to July 2010, 225 consecutive patients with supracondylar fracture of the humerus were prospectively recruited.Results:From among 75 cases with Gartland type III fractures, 22 were found to have vascular injury.. Of the 22 cases with vascular injury, 7 patients underwent arterial reconstruction. The other 15 received arterial decompression. All patients had a satisfactory outcome.Conclusions:A high level of suspicion and careful clinical evaluation leading to an early diagnosis and management of vascular injury accompanying supracondylar fracture is very important to prevent unnecessary sequelae ranging from limb claudication, and compartment syndrome to more severe complications like Volkmann’s contracture and even limb loss.

Reperfusion strategies in the management of extremity vascular injury with ischaemia

Extremity injury with ischaemia is the most common pattern of vascular trauma and is a challenge for surgeons who must make decisions about the timing and mechanism of limb reperfusion. In modern military conflicts, effective use of limb tourniquets and rapid transport of the injured have increased the number of casualties who reach a medical service with potentially survivable vascular trauma. This report provides a review of extremity ischaemia and reperfusion following vascular trauma. A review was undertaken of extremity vascular injury with ischaemia, including a focus on adjuncts aimed at reducing reperfusion injury and improving neuromuscular recovery and limb salvage. Findings from basic and clinical research support the need to restore perfusion to an ischaemic limb as soon as possible in order to achieve optimal neuromuscular recovery. Large-animal studies demonstrate that haemorrhagic shock worsens the impact of ischaemia on the neuromuscular structures of the limb and reduces the ischaemic threshold to as little as 1 h. Surgical adjuncts such as vascular shunts, fasciotomy, regional limb cooling and ischaemic conditioning may reduce the severity of ischaemic injury. Medical therapies have also been described including hypertonic saline, statins and ethyl pyruvate, which reduce the inflammatory response following limb reperfusion. Contemporary translational research refutes a casual approach to extremity vascular injury with ischaemia, instead emphasizing expedited reperfusion. Surgical and medical adjuncts exist to expedite reperfusion and mitigate reperfusion injury. Additional research and development of these adjuncts is necessary to improve quality or functional limb salvage after vascular trauma.

Evaluation and Management of Peripheral Vascular Injury. Part 1. Western Trauma Association/Critical Decisions in Trauma

This is a position article from members of the Western Trauma Association (WTA). Because there are no prospective randomized trials on the evaluation and management of peripheral vascular trauma, the algorithm (Fig. 1) is based on the expert opinion of WTA members and published observational studies. It may not be applicable at all hospitals caring for injured patients. The algorithm contains letters that correspond to lettered text that is intentionally concise. This Part I algorithm emphasizes evaluation, diagnosis, and need for operation versus a therapeutic procedure performed in interventional radiology, while a Part II algorithm (2011) will focus on operative techniques. Peripheral vascular injures defined as axillobrachial and branches in the upper extremity and femoropopliteal and branches in the lower extremity account for 40% to 75% of all vascular injuries treated in civilian trauma centers.1–4 With the exception of the axillary artery, the long tracks of named arteries and veins in the extremities make them particularly susceptible to either penetrating or blunt trauma. This fact coupled with the smaller diameter of many of these vessels (as compared with those in the thorax or abdomen) and the ability of the patient and others to control external hemorrhage with compression contribute to a low incidence of death in the field.

Management of Arterial and Venous Injuries in the Dislocated Knee

Although uncommonly encountered, knee dislocation is frequently associated with major vascular injury. Serious injuries resulting in ischemia demand prompt recognition and efficient management to prevent devastating long-term sequelae. In this review, we detail mechanisms of knee dislocation and associated popliteal vascular injuries. Diagnostic modalities used to evaluate the extent of vascular injury are individually discussed. Appropriate initial management of vascular injuries is crucial and an algorithm for diagnosis and management will be reviewed. We elaborate on the salient points of vascular reconstruction in the context of the dislocated knee: surgical approach, conduct of the procedure, and adjunctive maneuvers are described.

PVSS13. Characterization and Management of Cervical Vascular Injuries Resulting from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs)

PVSS13. Characterization and Management of Cervical Vascular Injuries Resulting from Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPGs)

Update on Wartime Vascular Injury

Data from the Joint Theater Trauma Registry has led to changes in combat casualty care for Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom compared with previous wars. Currently, all recognized vascular injuries are repaired before leaving Iraq or Afghanistan. Extremity injuries are prevalent, accounting for the majority of reconstructive vascular surgery performed. Abdominal and chest injuries are less frequent in US forces than in local population, most likely because of the use of body armor. Increased use of tourniquets, modern advances in damage control resuscitation, and use of temporary vascular shunts are factors of increased survival. Use of autogenous or prosthetic grafts, vascular shunting, diagnostic imaging, and negative pressure wound therapy should continue to be encouraged. All of these advances contributed to an increase in amputation-free survival rates. The management of combat-related vascular injuries has progressed to the point of achieving reasonable outcomes for our country's military casualties.

Torso Vascular Trauma at an Urban Level-I Trauma Center

Injuries to the great vessels of the torso are commonly seen and managed in busy urban trauma centers. This same injury complex is rarely seen in military conflicts, likely because of the high kinetic energy of weapons causing the wounds seen in this setting. Although most of the great advancements in trauma surgery over the past century have generally resulted from our wartime experience, civilian centers have contributed greatly to the understanding and management of torso vascular injuries. This article reviews the presentation and management of injuries to the great vessels of the torso from major penetrating and blunt trauma.