Functional Results of Cervical Rib Resection for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome: Impact on Professional Activity.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to report long-term functional results following cervical rib (CR) resection for thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). METHODS: This monocentric study included all cases of resection of CR for TOS performed between January 2004 and December 2016. Data were retrospectively collected from the hospital electronic database including preoperative symptoms and the evaluation of occupational well-being, intraoperative data, and early clinical evaluation and occupational well-being during the postoperative period. Patients were categorized as neurogenic TOS (NTOS), arterial TOS (ATOS), arterial and neurogenic TOS (ANTOS), venous TOS (VTOS), or asymptomatic according to preoperative evaluation. We evaluated the improvement in work life between the preoperative and the postoperative period. Further assessment was a negative Roos or elevated arm stress test (EAST) during the postoperative period. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients with a median age of 38.5 years (30-46) were included. Thirty-six procedures were performed: 33% to treat ATOS (12/36), 39% for NTOS (14/36), 19% for ANTOS (7/36), 3% for VTOS (1/36), and 6% (2/36) for asymptomatic lesions. There were 9 cases of subclavian artery aneurysms leading to additional arterial repair. Due to distal embolization, a cervical sympathectomy was associated in 5 procedures. First rib resection was associated in 4 procedures (11%) and C7 transverse process resection was performed in 15 procedures (42%). The technical success rate was 100% and intraoperative complications were observed in 4 patients (11%) with favorable postoperative outcomes. During the early postoperative period, 3 Claude Bernard-Horner's syndrome and 1 asymptomatic subclavian dissection were detected. Late complications included 2 bypass thromboses (6%) at 6 weeks and 16 months. Postoperative EAST improved in 16 limbs (44%). Prior to the procedure, only 27% (9/33) patients had normal work lives. After the procedure, 64% (21/33) of patients were able to return to their normal work activity. CONCLUSIONS: CR resection for TOS seems to be a safe procedure leading to good short- and long-term clinical results with a favorable impact on recovering a normal work life in these young patients.

Femoral Bifurcation Endarterectomy with Transection-Eversion of the Superficial Femoral Artery: Technique and Results.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the results of femoral bifurcation endarterectomy using the eversion technique with transection of the superficial femoral artery (femoral bifurcation endarterectomy with eversion [FBEE]). METHODS: We included all patients who underwent a femoral revascularization using the eversion technique, with or without antegrade or retrograde revascularization, from January 2006 to December 2015. Data were retrospectively collected. Primary and primary assisted patency (PAP) of the femoral bifurcation were analyzed. Secondary outcomes were 30-day postoperative complications. RESULTS: A total of 129 patients (143 limbs) underwent consecutive FBEE (86.8% men, with a mean age of 69.7 years). Patients presented with claudication (93, 65%) and critical ischemia (46, 32.2%). Primary patency was 96.3%, 94.6%, and 93% at 1, 2, and 5 years, respectively. PAP was 99% at 3 time points. Reintervention was necessary in 8 patients during follow-up. The 30-day mortality was 0.7% (1 patient), and the access complication rate was 18.8% (n = 27), of which only 2.8% (n = 4) were major complications. CONCLUSIONS: This retrospective study confirmed the efficiency and the reproducibility of this technique for the treatment of femoral bifurcation lesions. This technique allowed treating extensive atherosclerotic lesions of the deep femoral artery and may be associated with antegrade and retrograde revascularizations.