Postoperative Duplex Ultrasonography Research Articles

Duplex ultrasound imaging to detect limb stenosis or kinking of endovascular device

We attempted to correlate duplex ultrasound (DU) findings with the clinical outcome of graft limb stenosis or kinking after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Between 1998 and 2010, 248 patients underwent EVAR and postoperative DU surveillance of 496 graft limbs in our accredited noninvasive vascular laboratory by one of three experienced technologists. Routine DU surveillance was performed 1 week, 6 months, and annually after EVAR. Peak systolic velocities (PSVs) were measured in the body and midportion and distal attachment site of both limbs of the graft, and adjacent PSV ratios were calculated. None of 479 graft limbs with a PSV of <300 cm/s occluded during long-term follow-up (mean, 22.3 months; range, 1-123 months). Of 17 graft limbs with a PSV >300 cm/s, seven occluded (0 of 479 vs 7 of 17, P < .01; sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 98%), five underwent prophylactic intervention (mean adjacent PSV ratio, 7.3), and five (30%) remained patent without intervention (mean PSV ratio, 3.2). This large series of DU surveillance for failing EVARs grafts suggests that graft limbs with PSVs <300 cm/s can be safely monitored. However, limbs with more elevated PSVs may benefit from prophylactic intervention or more frequent surveillance to prevent limb occlusion.

Duplex ultrasound factors predicting persistent type II endoleak and increasing AAA sac diameter after EVAR

While the significance of type II endoleaks (T2ELs) on the long-term outcome of endovascular abdominal aneurysm repair (EVAR) to repair abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) is debatable, duplex ultrasonography (DU) parameters have been suggested to be predictive of their closure or persistence. The purpose of this study was to determine which, if any, of these variables was associated with persistent T2EL or increased AAA sac diameter. Between 1998 and 2009, 278 patients underwent EVAR and post-operative DU surveillance during long-term follow-up (1-11 years) in our accredited non-invasive vascular laboratory by one of three experienced technologists. DU measured intra-sac flow velocity (IFV), spectral doppler waveform (SDW) patterns, post-EVAR sac diameter, and number of T2ELs. T2ELs developed in 14% (38/278) of patients post-EVAR. Fourteen patients had T2ELs that resolved, and sac diameter decreased or remained the same: the average IFV was 42 cm/second; SDW patterns were monophasic in five, biphasic in seven and bidirectional in two; and multiple T2ELs were not present (0%) in any patient. Twelve patients had T2ELs that persisted, but sac diameter decreased or remained the same: the average IFV was 47 cm/second; SDW patterns were monophasic in one, biphasic in five, bidirectional in five, and undetermined in one; and multiple T2ELs were found in 17% (2) of patients. Twelve patients had T2ELs that persisted and were associated with increased sac diameter: the average IFV was 43 cm/second, SDW patterns were monophasic in one, biphasic in two, and bidirectional in nine; and multiple T2ELs were identified in 75% (9) of patients. None of the 38 patients with T2ELs treated with selective surgical or endovascular intervention for enlarging sac diameters (11/12) experienced a ruptured aneurysm. Contrary to previous smaller reports of T2ELs and DU surveillance, parameters such as IFV did not correlate with increased post-EVAR sac diameter. The presence of multiple T2ELs and bidirectional SDW may be the strongest factors predictive of increased sac diameter.

Early and Late Clinical Outcomes of Endovascular Aneurysm Repair in Patients with an Angulated Neck

This study analyzed the clinical outcome in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) patients with an angulated aortic neck. Two hundred thirty-eight EVAR patients underwent postoperative duplex ultrasonography and/or computed tomographic angiography, which was repeated every 6 to 12 months. Aortic neck angle was classified into < 45 degrees (A1, n= 129), > or = 45 to < 60 degrees (A2, n = 43), and > or = 60 degrees (A3, n = 42). The perioperative complication rates for groups A1, A2, and A3 were 13%, 5%, and 29%, respectively (p = .006). Proximal type I early endoleaks occurred in 9%, 33%, and 38% in groups A1, A2, and A3, respectively (p < .0001). Intraoperative proximal aortic cuffs were needed in 7%, 28%, and 33% in groups A1, A2, and A3, respectively (p < .0001). However, the rate of late reintervention was comparable in all groups. Postoperatively, the size of abdominal aortic aneurysm decreased or remained unchanged in 97%, 95%, and 84% in A1, A2, and A3, respectively (p = .0147). The rates of freedom from late type I endoleak at 1, 2, and 3 years were 90%, 85%, and 85% for A1; 74%, 74%, and 68% for A2; and 64%, 64%, and 53% for A3 (p = .0013). EVAR can be used for patients with an angulated aortic neck but was associated with a higher rate of early and late type I endoleaks and early interventions.

Overestimation of contralateral internal carotid artery stenosis before ipsilateral surgical endarterectomy

The aim of this study was to investigate a possible overestimation of the degree of contralateral carotid artery stenosis by duplex in patients with significant bilateral carotid stenoses who are to undergo carotid endarterectomy (CEA). A retrospective analysis was performed of all patients undergoing CEA in our center over a period of 11 years. Pre- and postoperative duplex ultrasonography measurements of peak systolic velocity (PSV) and end diastolic velocity (EDV) were compared and used to classify the degree of stenosis. Univariate analysis was performed to indicate possible predictors for contralateral stenosis overestimation. A total of 384 CEA procedures in 357 patients were performed in our hospital. Pre- and postoperative bilateral duplex measurements were available in 135 patients. Forty-four out of 135 patients (33%) were preoperatively identified as having significant stenosis (>60%) of the internal carotid artery on both sides. In these patients, postoperative duplex measurements of the contralateral carotid showed a decrease in mean (SD) PSV from 2.53 (1.11) m s(-1) to 1.97 (0.87) m s(-1) (P<0.01) and a decrease in EDV from 0.87 (0.60) m s(-1) to 0.60 (0.36) m s(-1) (P<0.01). The absolute changes in contralateral PSV and EDV after CEA were larger among patients with a higher degree of stenosis preoperatively. These changes led to reclassification of stenosis to a lesser degree in 24 (55%) patients. In 16 cases (36%), this resulted in a measured stenosis on the contralateral side of less than 60%. One-third of the patients with duplex measurements consistent with bilateral significant carotid stenosis did not have a significant contralateral stenosis by duplex after CEA. Therefore, additional postoperative duplex measurement is advisable before planning contralateral CEA.

Proposed duplex velocity criteria for carotid restenosis following carotid endarterectomy with patch closure

Duplex ultrasound velocity criteria have been used to evaluate the severity of carotid stenosis, however, these standard velocities may not be applicable to carotid restenosis after carotid endarterectomy (CEA) with patch angioplasty. The purpose of this study is to determine if patch angioplasty closure alters velocities just distal to CEA and to define the optimal velocities for detecting >or=30%, >or=50%, and >or=70% restenosis. This study includes 200 CEAs randomized into 100 with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ACUSEAL patch and 100 with Hemashield Finesse patch. All patients underwent immediate postoperative duplex ultrasounds, which were repeated at 1 month and every 6 months thereafter. Patients with a peak systolic velocity (PSV) of the internal carotid artery ([ICA], just distal to the patch) of >or=130 c/s underwent computed tomography angiogram (CTA). PSVs, end diastolic velocities (EDV), and internal carotid artery/common carotid artery (ICA/CCA) ratios were correlated to completion arteriograms/CTAs. Receiver operator characteristic curves analyses were used to determine optimal velocity criteria in detecting >or=30%, >or=50%, and >or=70% restenosis. One hundred ninety-five pairs of imagings (duplex ultrasound vs CTA/angiogram) were available for analysis. When standard velocity criteria for nonoperated arteries were applied, 37% and 10% of patients were believed to have >or=50% to <70% and >or=70% to 99% restenosis vs 11.3% and 11.3% on CTA/angiography, respectively (P < .001). The mean PSV for >or=30%, >or=50%, and >or=70% restenosis were 172, 249, and 389 c/s, respectively (P < .001). An ICA PSV of >or=155c/s was optimal for >or=30% restenosis with sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and overall accuracy (OA) of 98%, 98%, 98%, 98%, and 98%, respectively. A PSV of >or=213 c/s was optimal for >or=50% restenosis with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and OA of 99%, 100%, 100%, 98%, and 99%, respectively. An ICA PSV of 274 c/s was optimal for >or=70% restenosis with sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and OA of 99%, 91%, 99%, 91%, and 98%, respectively. ROC analysis showed that the PSVs were significantly better than EDVs and ICA/CCA ratios in detecting >or=30% and >or=50% restenosis. The mean PSVs of a normal ICA distal to CEA patching were higher than normal nonoperated ICAs, therefore, standard duplex velocities criteria should be revised after CEA with patch closure.

Recurrent Varicose Veins Following Surgical Treatment: Our Experience with Five Years Follow-up

To report the 5 year outcome of varicose veins surgery and to establish the factors determining recurrence. Prospective observational study. This study reports the outcome in 1326 patients treated in a day surgery centre of an institutional referral centre. Patients were investigated clinically and by colour flow duplex scanning before operation. Treatments used included flush ligation of the sapheno-femoral junction (SFJ) and the sapheno-popliteal junction (SPJ). Incompetence of the great saphenous vein (GSV) and small saphenous vein (SSV) were managed by stripping of these veins. Perforating vein ligation and hook phlebectomy were also used. Patients were evaluated 3 weeks and 5 years following treatment by clinical examination and duplex ultrasonography. 412 patients were excluded from the study because they failed to attend for follow-up or did not wear elastic stockings post-operatively. No residual saphenous truncal reflux was found at the initial assessment 3 weeks following surgery. After 5 years, recurrence of varicose veins occurred in 332 patients out of 1326 (25 %). Recurrences arose at the sapheno-femoral junction in 109 out of 862 patients (13%), at the sapheno-popliteal junction in 39 out of 132 patients (30%), in both saphenous regions 38 out of 107 patients (36%) and in 146 out of 225 subjects (65 %) with secondary varicose veins. Varicose veins recurred despite technically correct surgery confirmed on post-operative duplex ultrasonography. The likelihood of recurrence increased in the presence of SSV reflux, perforating vein incompetence and post-thrombotic deep vein incompetence.

Foot volumetry and duplex ultrasonography after saphenous and subfascial perforating vein ligation for recurrent venous ulceration.

Forty-three patients undergoing superficial and perforating vein ligation for recurrent venous ulceration underwent preoperative and postoperative foot volumetry and postoperative duplex ultrasonography. Patients were followed for a median of 66 (range 18-144) months. Of nine patients who developed recurrent ulceration, six had femoral vein incompetence and all had popliteal vein incompetence demonstrated by duplex ultrasonography. Of the 34 patients who remained ulcer-free, five had femoral vein incompetence and a single patient had popliteal vein incompetence on duplex scanning, giving positive predictive values for recurrent ulceration of 55 per cent (femoral vein incompetence) and 90 per cent (popliteal vein incompetence). Patients with saphenofemoral incompetence on late follow-up were also more likely to suffer recurrence. Preoperative foot volumetry with tourniquet occlusion of superficial veins showed that the median expulsion fraction of patients who developed recurrent ulcer during follow-up was 0.8 (range 0.6-2.3) per cent compared with 1.5 (range 0.4-2.9) per cent for those who remained ulcer-free (P = 0.025); the median half-refilling time of patients with recurrent ulcer was 1.5 (range 0.5-5.5) s compared with 5.0 (range 0.5-23.0) s for those without recurrence (P < 0.01). Postoperative foot volumetry showed similar differences. Deep venous incompetence, particularly of the popliteal segment, as demonstrated by duplex ultrasonography and foot volumetry, is a useful predictor of recurrent ulceration after subfascial perforator and superficial venous ligation.

Celiac axis stenosis in pancreatic head resection for chronic pancreatitis.

To determine the outcome of pancreatic head resection for chronic pancreatitis in the presence of celiac axis stenosis or occlusion we analyzed the blood supply of the upper abdominal organs in 11 patients before and after surgery. Between March 1994 and April 2000 we performed 145 pancreatic head resections for chronic pancreatitis. Preoperatively 11 patients showed celiac axis stenosis at angiography. All 11 patients underwent duplex ultrasonography postoperatively and 8 had magnetic resonance angiography during follow-up. In two cases division of the median arcuate ligament was performed to reestablish hepatic artery blood flow. No further revascularization procedures of the celiac axis were necessary. Postoperative duplex ultrasonography and magnetic resonance angiography showed normal blood flow in five patients. Four patients still had an occlusion or a significant celiac axis stenosis, and two had a stenosis only during expiration. At follow-up nine patients were completely free of abdominal pain (82%), and all had gained weight postoperatively, ranging from 5 to 16 kg. Our data suggest that celiac axis stenosis infrequently causes complications in pancreatic head resection for chronic pancreatitis and therefore does not represent a contraindication for this procedure. Nevertheless the hepatopedal blood flow must be confirmed by palpation or duplex ultrasonography after pancreatic head resection in these patients.

Comparison of Intraoperative and Postoperative Duplex Ultrasound for Carotid Endarterectomy

Intraoperative (IO) duplex ultrasound (DU) is used to identify correctable technical defects at the time of carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Postoperative (p.o.) DU is used to evaluate recurrent or residual stenosis. We compared IO and p.o. DU to determine the value and significance of these studies in the management of patients undergoing CEA. We performed completion IO DU following CEA and p.o. DU a mean of 8 weeks after surgery in 78 patients. IO studies were performed by the operating surgeon and p.o. studies were performed in an accredited vascular laboratory. Peak systolic velocity (PSV) was measured in the internal carotid (ICA), external carotid, and common carotid (CCA) arteries. The criteria used for an abnormal study were an ICA PSV > 150 cm/sec and a ratio of ICA to CCA PSVs(ICA/CCA) > 3.0. Completion angiograms were also performed on all patients intraoperatively. Technical defects identified on DU or angiogram were corrected whenever possible. From our results, we concluded that in many patients, early p.o. DU will demonstrate an elevated ICA PSV compared to the IO PSV. If the ICA/CCA remains normal, this increase is unlikely to represent a clinically relevant recurrent or residual stenosis. A postoperative ICA/CCA ratio > 3.0 may be a more reliable indicator of significant stenosis and a lesion that is likely to progress or occlude than PSVs alone.

Posterior Transverse Plication Technique for Treatment of Redundant Internal Carotid Artery during Endarterectomy

Purpose: Posterior transverse plication (PTP) has gained popularity as a technique to correct redundancy of the internal carotid artery during endarterectomy. The safety of this technique in large series of patients has not been extensively studied. We investigated 876 primary carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) performed at our institution over the last six years to determine the safety of this technique. Methods: Indication for surgery was carotid stenosis ≥ 70% in 341 (39%) symptomatic and 535 (61%) asymptomatic cases. Preoperative imaging consisted of duplex ultrasound alone or combined with magnetic resonance angiography. Patients were divided into four groups related to surgical technique: CEA + PTP + 8 mm patch (group la), CEA + PTP + 10 mm patch (group lb), CEA + patch (group II) and CEA + primary closure (group III). There were 43, 39, 581 and 213 patients in groups la, lb, II and III, respectively. No statistical differences in age, sex or risk factors for atherosclerotic disease were noted among the groups. Postoperative duplex ultrasonography was used at 2 weeks and every 6 months thereafter to evaluate the adequacy of the repair and presence of complications such as pseudoaneurysm formation and extrinsic compression by the excluded carotid segment. Results: The 30-day mortality was 1.2%, 0.6% and 0.3% for groups I, II and III, respectively. Stroke rates for the same period were 0%, 0.6% and 0.8% for groups I. II and III, respectively. Duplex ultrasonography demonstrated significant stenosis (≥ 50%) in two (5%) patients in group la at 12 months. No restenosis was observed in group lb. For groups II and III the rates of restenosis were 1.5% and 0.8%. One patient in group II developed a pseudoaneurysm after 7 months. Conclusion: Posterior transverse plication safely corrects redundancy of the internal carotid artery during endarterectomy without causing early significant restenosis. Continued follow-up in a larger group of patients to determine long-term efficacy and correlation between patch size and restenosis rate is warranted.

Posterior transverse plication technique for treatment of redundant internal carotid artery during endarterectomy

Purpose: Posterior transverse plication (PTP) has gained popularity as a technique to correct redundancy of the internal carotid artery during endarterectomy. The safety of this technique in large series of patients has not been extensively studied. We investigated 876 primary carotid endarterectomies (CEAs) performed at our institution over the last six years to determine the safety of this technique. Methods: Indication for surgery was carotid stenosis ≥70% in 341 (39%) symptomatic and 535 (61%) asymptomatic cases. Preoperative imaging consisted of duplex ultrasound alone or combined with magnetic resonance angiography. Patients were divided into four groups related to surgical technique: CEA+PTP+8 mm patch (group Ia), CEA+PTP+10 mm patch (group Ib), CEA+patch (group II) and CEA+primary closure (group III). There were 43, 39, 581 and 213 patients in groups Ia, Ib, II and III, respectively. No statistical differences in age, sex or risk factors for atherosclerotic disease were noted among the groups. Postoperative duplex ultrasonography was used at 2 weeks and every 6 months thereafter to evaluate the adequacy of the repair and presence of complications such as pseudoaneurysm formation and extrinsic compression by the excluded carotid segment. Results: The 30-day mortality was 1.2%, 0.6% and 0.3% for groups I, II and III, respectively. Stroke rates for the same period were 0%, 0.6% and 0.8% for groups I, II and III, respectively. Duplex ultrasonography demonstrated significant stenosis (≥50%) in two (5%) patients in group Ia at 12 months. No restenosis was observed in group Ib. For groups II and III the rates of restenosis were 1.5% and 0.8%. One patient in group II developed a pseudoaneurysm after 7 months. Conclusion: Posterior transverse plication safely corrects redundancy of the internal carotid artery during endarterectomy without causing early significant restenosis. Continued follow-up in a larger group of patients to determine long-term efficacy and correlation between patch size and restenosis rate is warranted.

Reanalysis of Factors Predicting Recurrent Stenosis in a Prospective Randomized Trial of Carotid Endarterectomy Comparing Primary Closure and Patch Closure

Several factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of recurrent carotid stenosis after carotid endarterectomy. This study examines the factors that predict recurrent stenosis in a prospective randomized trial of carotid endarterectomy comparing primary closure and patch closure. Patients undergoing 399 carotid endarterectomies were randomized into primary closures (n=135), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) patch closures (n=134), and vein patch closures (n=130). Postoperative duplex ultrasounds were done at 1, 6, and 12 months, and then yearly. The mean follow-up was 41 months. Univariate analyses of potential risk factors were examined for possible association with ≥50% recurrent stenosis, and factors most associated with recurrent stenosis were examined by multivariate analyses using multiple linear regression. Primary closure had a higher incidence of recurrent stenosis (37%) than vein patch closure (13%) and PTFE patch closure (3%, p&lt;0.001). Women with primary closure had a higher incidence of recurrent stenosis than men (49% versus 26%, p=0.008). With use of multiple linear regression models, the occurrence of ≥50% stenosis and increasing degrees of stenosis were associated most strongly with primary closure (p&lt;0.001) and female gender (p=0.007). Carotid artery diameter, patch closure, age, coronary artery disease, or atherosclerosis risk factors (smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and diabetes mellitus) were not significantly associated with recurrent stenosis. Female gender and primary closure after carotid endarterectomy were the two factors most strongly associated with recurrence.

Carotid Duplex with Contralateral Disease: The Influence of Vertebral Artery Blood Flow

The hemodynamic effect of severe contralateral internal carotid (ICA) disease may result in overestimation of ipsilateral stenosis by duplex ultrasound (DU). This study examines the role of the vertebral artery system (VAS) on duplex results in patients with severe carotid disease. A retrospective study of 110 patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA) between January 1, 1995 and January 31, 1998 was performed. All patients had a preoperative and postoperative DU within 6.5 months of each other and a preoperative magnetic resonance angiogram or conventional angiogram. Duplex categories of stenosis were mild (0-49%), moderate (50-79%), and severe (80-99%). Pre- and postoperative values for ICA peak systolic velocity (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV), and ICA-to-common carotid artery (CCA) ratio were recorded. Paired t-tests were used to assess significant changes within groups and independent t-tests were used to compare changes between groups. Sixty-seven patients had a normal VAS and 43 patients had an abnormal VAS. Patients with an abnormal VAS had significantly greater decreases in EDV after contralateral CEA. In the abnormal VAS group, there was a higher incidence (23.2% vs. 16.4%) of ipsilateral overestimation of stenosis by duplex and a greater incidence (20.9% vs. 10.4%) of postoperative decrease in stenosis following contralateral CEA than in the normal VAS group. Patients who underwent CEA for severe stenosis versus moderate stenosis had significant postoperative decreases in ipsilateral PSV, EDV, and ICA/CCA ratio. Severe contralateral stenosis patients with an abnormal VAS had a significant decrease in EDV compared to patients with a normal VAS. Vertebral artery blood flow contributes significantly to the "hemodynamic effect" of carotid disease identified by duplex.

Venous thromboembolic disease after hybrid hip arthroplasty with negative duplex screening.

Postoperative duplex ultrasonography screening after total hip arthroplasty has been shown to identify patients who may require treatment or additional monitoring for venous thromboembolic disease. The potential for manifestation of venous thromboembolic disease subsequent to screening remains a concern. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of symptomatic venous thromboembolic disease after total hip arthroplasty and after inhospital prophylaxis, inhospital screening with negative results for proximal deep venous thrombosis, and no posthospitalization venous thromboembolic disease prophylaxis. One hundred fifty patients undergoing primary hybrid total hip arthroplasty and using pneumatic compression stockings and aspirin as prophylaxis against venous thromboembolic disease were screened for deep venous thrombosis with duplex ultrasonography on the fourth day after surgery. Duplex ultrasonography screening revealed 17 (11.3%) patients with asymptomatic proximal deep venous thrombosis. In response to duplex ultrasonography screening, these patients with proximal deep venous thrombosis received therapeutic anticoagulation. Of 133 patients with a duplex screen with negative results for proximal deep venous thrombosis, 131 (98.5%) continued to have no symptoms of venous thromboembolic disease and two (1.5%) began to have symptoms for venous thromboembolic disease (one with proximal deep venous thrombosis, one with nonfatal pulmonary embolism) during 12 months of clinical followup after total hip arthroplasty. The overall prevalence of venous thromboembolic disease requiring anticoagulation was 19 of 150 (12.6%) patients. The remaining 131 (87.4%) were not exposed to the risks of postoperative anticoagulation and did not have subsequent symptomatic venous thromboembolic disease.

Selective revascularization of hepatic artery thromboses after liver transplantation improves patient and graft survival.

Hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) can be a devastating complication of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT), but early diagnosis may allow successful revascularization and graft salvage. We reviewed data on 1,026 liver transplants at our institution. For patients in whom HAT was diagnosed within 30 days after OLT, we recorded indications for ultrasonography and liver function tests at diagnosis, management of HAT, and graft and patient survival. Thirty-two patients (3.1%) developed HAT at 6.8+/-6.6 days (range, 1-29 days) after OLT. Twelve patients (37.5%) were asymptomatic at diagnosis. In 11 of these 12, HAT was diagnosed on routine duplex at 2.0+/-1.55 days after OLT; in the 12th patient, HAT was noted during re-exploration for unrelated bleeding on postoperative day 3. Eleven of 12 patients (91.6%) were revascularized; one patient (8.4%) received no treatment with no sequelae. Of the 11 who were revascularized, 9 (81.8%) had graft salvage and 2 (18.2%) received a second transplant, with one death. Twenty patients (62.5%) were symptomatic. In these 20, HAT was diagnosed at 9.85+/-6.93 days after OLT. Symptoms were: elevated liver function test results (serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase: 722+/-1792 U/ml, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase: 678+/-963 U/ml, and bilirubin: 10.2+/-6.2 mg/dl) in 13 patients (65%); bile leak in 4 patients (20%), and sepsis in 3 (15%). Five of the 20 patients (25%) were revascularized; of these 5, 2 (40%) had graft salvage, 2 (40%) received a second transplant with 1 death, and 1 (20%) died of a liver abscess. Twelve symptomatic patients (60%) had immediate re-OLT; 10/12 are alive, 1 died of sepsis, and 1 died late of unrelated causes. Three symptomatic patients had no treatment; two died of biliary sepsis and one survived. Overall graft salvage was 83.3% in asymptomatic patients and 15% in patients with symptoms (P<0.001). Graft salvage in asymptomatic patients undergoing revascularization was 81.8%, versus 40% in symptomatic patients (P=NS). One-year patient survival was 91.7% in asymptomatic patients and 65% in symptomatic patients (with one late death excluded) (P=NS). Routine postoperative duplex ultrasonography should be performed early after liver transplantation. We believe that emergent revascularization of hepatic artery thrombosis in asymptomatic patients and retransplantation in symptomatic patients lead to improved graft salvage and patient survival with a relatively low incidence of late biliary complications.