Intra-pocket ultrasound-guided axillary vein puncture vs. cephalic vein cutdown for cardiac electronic device implantation: the ACCESS trial.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Intra-pocket ultrasound-guided axillary vein puncture (IPUS-AVP) for venous access in implantation of transvenous cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIED) is uncommon due to the lack of clinical evidence supporting this technique. This study investigated the efficacy and early complications of IPUS-AVP compared to the standard method using cephalic vein cutdown (CVC) for CIED implantation. METHODS: ACCESS was an investigator-led, interventional, randomized (1:1 ratio), monocentric, controlled superiority trial. A total of 200 patients undergoing CIED implantation were randomized to IPUS-AVP (n = 101) or CVC (n = 99) as a first assigned route. The primary endpoint was the success rate of insertion of all leads using the first assigned venous access technique. The secondary endpoints were time to venous access, total procedure duration, fluoroscopy time, X-ray exposure, and complications. Complications were monitored during a follow-up period of three months after procedure. RESULTS: IPUS-AVP was significantly superior to CVC for the primary endpoint with 100 (99.0%) vs. 86 (86.9%) procedural successes (P = .001). Cephalic vein cutdown followed by subclavian vein puncture was successful in a total of 95 (96.0%) patients, P = .21 vs. IPUS-AVP. All secondary endpoints were also significantly improved in the IPUS-AVP group with reduction in time to venous access [3.4 vs. 10.6 min, geometric mean ratio (GMR) 0.32 (95% confidence interval, CI, 0.28-0.36), P < .001], total procedure duration [33.8 vs. 46.9 min, GMR 0.72 (95% CI 0.67-0.78), P < .001], fluoroscopy time [2.4 vs. 3.3 min, GMR 0.74 (95% CI 0.63-0.86), P < .001], and X-ray exposure [1083 vs. 1423 mGy.cm², GMR 0.76 (95% CI 0.62-0.93), P = .009]. There was no significant difference in complication rates between groups (P = .68). CONCLUSIONS: IPUS-AVP is superior to CVC in terms of success rate, time to venous access, procedure duration, and radiation exposure. Complication rates were similar between the two groups. Intra-pocket ultrasound-guided axillary vein puncture should be a recommended venous access technique for CIED implantation.

Axillary vein puncture versus cephalic vein cutdown for cardiac implantable electronic device implantation: A meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Cephalic vein cutdown (CVC) and axillary vein puncture (AVP) are both recommended for transvenous implantation of leads for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs). Nonetheless, it is still debated which of the two techniques has a better safety and efficacy profile. METHODS: We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and Cochrane electronic databases up to September 5, 2022, for studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of AVP and CVC reporting at least one clinical outcome of interest. The primary endpoints were acute procedural success and overall complications. The effect size was estimated using a random-effect model as risk ratio (RR) and relative 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Overall, seven studies were included, which enrolled 1771 and 3067 transvenous leads (65.6% [n = 1162] males, average age 73.4 ± 14.3 years). Compared to CVC, AVP showed a significant increase in the primary endpoint (95.7 % vs. 76.1 %; RR: 1.24; 95% CI: 1.09-1.40; p = .001) (Figure 1). Total procedural time (mean difference [MD]: -8.25 min; 95% CI: -10.23 to -6.27; p < .0001; I2  = 0%) and venous access time (MD: -6.24 min; 95% CI: -7.01 to -5.47; p < .0001; I2  = 0%) were significantly shorter with AVP compared to CVC. No differences were found between AVP and CVC for incidence overall complications (RR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.28-1.10; p = .09), pneumothorax (RR: 0.72; 95% CI: 0.13-4.0; p = .71), lead failure (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.23-1.48; p = .26), pocket hematoma/bleeding (RR: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.15-2.23; p = .43), device infection (RR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.14-6.60; p = .96) and fluoroscopy time (MD: -0.24 min; 95% CI: -0.75 to 0.28; p = .36). CONCLUSION: Our meta-analysis suggests that AVP may improve procedural success and reduce total procedural time and venous access time compared to CVC.

A surgical method to be reminded for the treatment of symptomatic ipsilateral central venous occlusions in patients with hemodialysis access: Axillo-axillary venous bypass case report and review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: In this case report, we present two chronic hemodialysis patients with upper extremity swelling due to central venous occlusions together with their clinical presentation, surgical management and brief review of the literature. METHODS: The first patient who was a 63-year-old female patient with a history of multiple bilateral arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) was referred to our clinic. Physical examination demonstrated a functioning right brachio-cephalic AVF, with severe edema of the right arm, dilated venous collaterals, facial edema, and unilateral breast enlargement. In her history, multiple ipsilateral subclavian venous catheterizations were present for sustaining temporary hemodialysis access. The second patient was a 47-year-old male with a history of failed renal transplant, CABG surgery, multiple AV fistula procedures from both extremities, leg amputation caused by peripheral arterial disease, and decreased myocardial functions. He was receiving 3/7 hemodialysis and admitted to our clinic with right arm edema, accompanied by pain, stiffness, and skin hyperpigmentation symptoms ipsilateral to a functioning brachio-basilic AVF. He was not able to flex his arms, elbow, or wrist due to severe edema. RESULTS: Venography revealed right subclavian vein stenosis with patent contralateral central veins in the first patient. She underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) twice with subsequent re-occlusions. After failed attempts of PTA, the patient was scheduled for axillo-axillary venous bypass in order to preserve the AV access function. In second patient, venography revealed right subclavian vein occlusion caused secondary to the subclavian venous catheters. Previous attempts for percutaneously crossing the chronic subclavian lesion failed multiple times by different centers. Hence, the patient was scheduled for axillo-axillary venous bypass surgery. CONCLUSION: In case of chronic venous occlusions, endovascular procedures may be ineffective. Since preserving the vascular access function is crucial in this particular patient population, venous bypass procedures should be kept in mind as an alternative for central venous reconstruction, before deciding on ligation and relocation of the AVF.

UltraSound Axillary Vein Access (USAA): Learning curve and randomized comparison to traditional venous access for cardiac device implantation.

BACKGROUND: Many techniques exist for venous access (VA) during cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the learning curve with ultrasound (US) guided axillary vein access (USAA). METHODS: Single-center prospective randomized controlled trial of patients undergoing CIED implantation. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 fashion to USAA versus conventional VA techniques. The primary outcomes were the success rates, VA times and 30-day complication rates. RESULTS: The study included 100 patients (age 68 ± 14 years, BMI 27 ± 4 kg/m2 ). USAA was successful in 66/70 implants (94%). Initial attempts at conventional VA included 47% axillary (n = 14), 30% (n = 9) cephalic, and 23% (n = 7) subclavian. The median access time was longer for USAA than conventional access (8.3 IQR 4.2-15.3 min vs. 5.2 IQR 3.4-8.6 min, p = .009). Among the five inexperienced USAA implanters, there was a significant improvement in median access time from first to last tertile of USAA implants (17.0 IQR 7.0-21.0 min to 8.6 IQR 4.5-10.8 min, p = .038). The experienced USAA implanter had similar access times with USAA compared with conventional access (4.0 IQR 3.3-4.7 min vs. 5.2 IQR 3.4-8.6 min, p = .15). Venograms were less common with USAA than conventional access (2% vs. 33%, p < .0001). The 30-day complication rate was similar with USAA (n = 4/70, 6%) versus conventional (n = 3/30, 10%, p = .44). CONCLUSION: Although the success rate with USAA was high, there was a significant learning curve. Once experienced with the USAA technique, there is the potential for reduced complications without adding to the procedure duration.

Ultrasound guided axillary vein access: An alternative approach to venous access for cardiac device implantation.

INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound guided axillary vein access (UGAVA) is an emerging approach for cardiac implantable electronic device (CIED) implantation not widely utilized. METHODS AND RESULTS: This is a retrospective, age and sex-matched cohort study of CIED implantation from January 2017 to July 2019 comparing UGAVA before incision to venous access obtained after incision without ultrasound (conventional). The study population included 561 patients (187 with attempted UGAVA, 68 ± 13 years old, 43% women, body mass index (BMI) 30 ± 8 kg/m2 , 15% right-sided, 43% implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, 15% upgrades). UGAVA was successful in 178/187 patients (95%). In nine patients where UGAVA was abandoned, the vein was too deep for access before incision. BMI was higher in abandoned patients than successful UGAVA (38 ± 6 vs. 28 ± 6 kg/m2 , p < .0001). Median time from local anesthetic to completion of UGAVA was 7 min (interquartile range [IQR]: 4-10) and median procedure time 61 min (IQR: 50-92). UGAVA changed implant laterality in two patients (avoiding an extra incision in both) and could have prevented unnecessary incision in four conventional patients. Excluding device upgrades, there was reduced fluoroscopy time in UGAVA versus conventional (4 vs. 6 min; IQR: 2-5 vs. 4-9; p < .001). Thirty-day complications were similar in UGAVA versus conventional (n = 7 vs. 26, 4 vs. 7%; p = .13, p = .41 adjusting for upgrades), partly driven by a trend towards reduced pneumothorax (n = 0 vs. 3, 0 vs. 1%; p = .22). CONCLUSIONS: UGAVA is a safe approach for CIED implantation and helps prevent an extra incision if a barrier is identified changing laterality preincision.

Late Basilic Vein Superficialization Combined with Revision Using Distal Inflow (RUDI) Operation to Treat a Symptomatic High Flow Fistula.

BACKGROUND: Vascular access (VA)-related high flows (HF) are common with brachial artery based fistulas. Flow-reduction procedures are indicated in symptomatic patients or asymptomatic ones with flows >2 L/min. However concomitant issues increase their complexity. We describe a case of a patient suffering congestive heart failure as a result of HF brachial-basilic fistula >3 L/min. A simultaneous late basilic vein transposition and revision using distal inflow (RUDI) was performed. METHODS: A large diameter untransposed arterialized basilic vein was carefully and completely mobilized up to the proximal upper arm. After harvesting an autologous great saphenous vein (GSV) segment, a new inflow anastomosis was performed in the proximal ulnar artery. At the final stage, and after tunneling the mobilizing basilic vein in a subcutaneous semicircular configuration, an end-to-end anastomosis joining the two stumps (basilic vein outflow portion and GSV inflow arterial portion) was performed. A decision-making process in order to reach this complex option is discussed. Results Access flow and cardiac output were greatly attenuated following our approach. After a mean follow-up of 9 months no VA complications were observed, with flow still detected below 2 L/min. All cardiac symptoms and ultrasound investigations improved. CONCLUSION: Multiple VA issues including HF pose a risk for abandonment and a challenge for the vascular surgeon. An effort toward increasing the "upper extremity life span" is advised.

Conversion of Arterio-Venous Access of Hemodialysis to Arterio-Arterial Access for Treatment of Venous hypertension with Central Venous Occlusion.

This report describes conversion of arterio-venous graft or fistula to arterio-arterial vascular access as a new surgical treatment option for central venous occlusion. It starts with control of the axillary vein and the synthetic graft or superficialized vein proximally, the suture line of venous anastomosis is closed and end-to-side anastomosis of the synthetic graft or vein to the brachial artery (BA) is done, then ligation of the BA distal to the anastomosis is done. Now the blood flow is directed through synthetic graft or vein from proximal to distal BA that can be used as arterio-arterial vascular access for hemodialysis.

A Rare Case of Dysplastic Axillary Artery Aneurysm Associated with Arteriovenous Malformation.

BACKGROUND: Axillary artery aneurysms are rare conditions, and their causes are various. They can determine severe complications, so the treatment is extremely important. METHODS: We report the case of a young man affected by a saccular axillary artery aneurysm associated with intramuscular arteriovenous malformation, without symptoms except for the presence of a pulsatile mass. Duplex scan and computed tomography scan have been essential for a correct diagnosis and planning of the treatment. At first, the patient was submitted to coil embolization of an efferent vessel, and then he was treated surgically through ligation and detachment of the aneurysm and replacement of part of the axillary artery with a Dacron graft (Vascutek, Inchinnan, Renfrewshire, Scotland, UK). RESULTS: Follow-up at 1 and 6 months revealed normal patency of the axillary arterty and the prosthetic graft with complete exclusion and thrombosis of the aneurysm sac.No sensitive nor motor deficit were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysms of the axillary artery associated with intramuscular arteriovenous malformations are very rare, but have to be suspected. The treatment is challenging and can be surgical, endovascular, or hybrid, based on the patient's conditions and aneurysm's anatomical features.

Axillary vein access for permanent pacemaker and implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation: Fluoroscopy compared to ultrasound.

BACKGROUND: Axillary vein access (AVA) using fluoroscopic landmarks is an effective and safe approach for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) implantation. However, it may result in a higher radiation exposure. Ultrasound-guided axillary access (USAA) is an effective alternative technique to conventional subclavian access for CIEDs implantation. Studies comparing USAA and AVA using fluoroscopic landmarks are lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the safety, efficacy, and radiation exposure data of the USAA approach with the AVA using fluoroscopic landmarks. METHODS: The study population included 95 consecutive patients (61% male, median age 78 years [71-85 years]) referred for CIEDs implantation using AVA with fluoroscopic landmark (n = 46) or USAA (n = 49). Baseline characteristics and radiation exposure data (Air-Kerma [mGy], DAP [Gy-cm2 ], fluoroscopy time [seconds], and X-rays emission time [seconds]) were compared according to the technique used for the AVA. RESULTS: Axillary vein was successfully accessed in 45 of 49 (92%) patients using ultrasound and in 42 of 46 (91%) patients using fluoroscopic landmarks (P = 1.00). Air-Kerma, DAP, fluoroscopy time, and X-rays emission time were shorter for USAA group compared with AVA using fluoroscopic landmarks (11 mGy [8-20] vs 37 mGy [24-81], P < .00001; 3 Gy-cm2 [2-5] vs 10 Gy-cm2 [6-16], P < .00001; 97 seconds [62-163] vs 271 seconds [185-365], P < .00001; and 7 seconds [4-10] vs 21 seconds [13-39], P < .00001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in median implant procedure time (P = .55). We did not encounter any acute or long-term complications in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided axillary vein cannulation for CIEDs implantation is a feasible and safe alternative approach and offers a significant reduction in fluoroscopy times without increasing procedural time.

Ultrasound-guided venipuncture for implantation of cardiac implantable electronic devices: A single-center, retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: The venous access for the insertion of permanent leads of cardiac implantable electronic devices is often achieved by venous cutdown of the cephalic vein, or by "blind" puncture of the subclavian vein using anatomical landmarks, or by fluoroscopy-assisted methods. METHODS: We have retrospectively analyzed our clinical experience to verify the feasibility, the safety, and efficacy of the adoption of ultrasound-guided puncture/cannulation of the axillary vein for this purpose. RESULTS: Nine hundred eighty-seven leads were placed during 548 consecutive procedures, accessing the axillary vein in the infraclavicular area using real-time ultrasound guidance. Venipuncture was successful in 99.8% of cases. The access time was 11 seconds (range 4-580). We recorded three cases of pneumothorax (0.5%), but no hemothorax and no hemo-mediastinum. The incidence of local hematoma was 2.1% (12 cases). No injury to the brachial plexus or to the phrenic nerve was recorded. In a follow-up of 33 months (range 16-39), we observed no cases of "subclavian crush syndrome" (damage of the leads at the level of the thoracic inlet), and the rate of pocket infection/infective endocarditis was 0.7%. CONCLUSION: In our experience, ultrasound-guided puncture/cannulation of the axillary vein for implantation of permanent leads is feasible, effective, and safe. It might be considered as a first option for this procedure.

The All but Forgotten Mascagni-Sappey Pathway: Learning from Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Upper extremity lymphedema occurs in 25 to 40% of patients after axillary lymph node dissection (ALND). Immediate lymphatic reconstruction (ILR) or the lymphatic micro- surgical preventative healing approach has demonstrated a significant decrease in postoperative rates of lymphedema (LE) from 4 to 12%. Our objective was to map the Mascagni -Sappey pathway, the lateral upper arm draining lymphatics, in patients undergoing ILR to better characterize the drainage pattern of this lymphosome to the axilla. METHODS: A retrospective review of our institutional lymphatic database was conducted and consecutive breast cancer patients undergoing ILR were identified from November 2017 through June 2018. Patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and intraoperative records were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: Twenty-nine consecutive breast cancer patients who underwent ILR after ALND were identified. Patients had a mean age of 54.6years and body mass index (BMI) of 26.6 kg/m2. Fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was injected at the medial upper arm and isosulfan blue was injected at the cephalic vein, or lateral upper arm, prior to ALND. After ALND, an average 2.5 divided lymphatics were identified, and a mean 1.2 lymphatics were bypassed. In all patients, divided FITC lymphatics were identified. However, in only three patients (10%), divided blue lymphatics were identified after ALND. CONCLUSION: In this study, variable drainage of the lateral upper arm to the axillary bed was noted. This study is the first to provide a description of intraoperative findings, demonstrating variable drainage patterns of upper extremity lymphatics to the axilla. Moreover, we noted that the lateral- and medial-upper arm lymphosomes have mutually exclusive pathways draining to the axilla. Further study of lymphatic anatomy variability may elucidate the pathophysiology of lymphedema development and influence approaches to immediate lymphatic reconstruction.

Outcomes of a Polytetrafluoroethylene Hybrid Vascular Graft with Preloaded Nitinol Stent at the Venous Outflow for Dialysis Vascular Access.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate outcomes and patency of arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) created using Gore hybrid vascular grafts in hemodialysis patients with limited venous outflow or challenging anatomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed in two academic centers of all patients between July 2013 and December 2016 who underwent surgical AVG creation using a Gore hybrid vascular graft in a brachial artery to axillary configuration. Patient characteristics and comorbidities as well as graft patency, function, and subsequent need for percutaneous interventions were recorded. RESULTS: Forty-six patients including 30 females (65.2%) and 16 males (34.8%) with a mean age of 63 ± 13 years were identified. The most common indications for a hybrid vascular graft were limited surgical accessibility and/or revision of existing AVG due to severe stenotic lesions at the venous outflow in 33 patients (72%). One-year primary unassisted and assisted patency rates were 44 ± 8% and 54 ± 8%, respectively, compared with 1-year secondary patency rate of 66 ± 8%. The rate of percutaneous interventions to maintain graft function and patency was approximately one intervention per graft per year. CONCLUSIONS: Access created with the hybrid vascular graft in a brachial-axillary (brachial artery to axillary vein) configuration is an acceptable option for patients with limited venous outflow reserve and challenging anatomy. Twelve-month primary and secondary patency rates and need for percutaneous interventions were comparable to traditional AVGs.

Intravascular Ultrasound in Venous Thoracic Outlet Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Venous thoracic outlet syndrome (vTOS) is a rare disease with no defined guidelines regarding treatment. Patients with first rib resection with anterior scalenectomy (FRRS) often have residual subclavian vein stenosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) in the treatment of vTOS patients who have been surgically decompressed with FRRS. METHODS: Patients treated with venography after FRRS for vTOS during 2015-2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were included if they received a venogram with IVUS after FRRS. The axillosubclavian vein at the site of the thoracic outlet was imaged using single-plane venography and IVUS. A greater than 50% diameter stenosis on venography or 50% cross-sectional area reduction on IVUS was considered significant and treated with balloon venoplasty. RESULTS: During the 2-year period, 14 patients underwent 24 upper extremity venograms performed after surgical decompression for vTOS, 18 of which included IVUS. Of the 18 cases with IVUS, 5 (27.8%) stenoses >50% were detected by IVUS, which were not apparent on venography, leading to intervention. IVUS detected a greater degree of stenosis than venography. Seven patients required repeat venograms. Overall, IVUS detected significant venous stenosis in 94.4% of patients compared with 66.7% of patients with venography after FRRS for vTOS. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that IVUS detected greater levels of stenosis than venography, leading to more interventions. Just as IVUS being ideal for identifying occult iliac venous lesions, it may have a similar role in identifying venous lesions not evident on single-plane venography for postsurgical decompression in vTOS patients. Further studies may show this technique to increase the number of stenoses identified and improve long-term symptom relief.

Muscle-splitting approach to thoracoacromial vein for superdrainage in deep inferior epigastric artery perforator flap breast reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Thoracoacromial vein (TAv) is seldomly considered as a secondary outflow recipient option when venous congestion of deep inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEP) flap is encountered. The purpose of this study was to present a computed tomography (CT)-based anatomy and a method of approaching TAv in performing superdrainage using superficial inferior epigastric vein (SIEV) in DIEP flap breast reconstruction. METHODS: For CT-based anatomical study, 42 thoracoacromial vessels (TAV) of 21 patients who underwent DIEP flap breast reconstruction were analyzed. From November 2016 to May 2018, pectoralis major (PM) muscle splitting approach to TAv in the first intercostal space was applied to 7 patients who required superdrainage via SIEV. RESULTS: TAVs at mid-first intercostal space (ICS) were located 83.5 ± 9.8 mm lateral to the sternal border (H), 41.5 ± 12.9 mm below the clavicle (V), and 11.7 ± 3.2 mm deep to the outer surface of PM muscle (D). Mean oblique distances from TAV to internal mammary vessels in the 2nd and 3rd ICS were 75.7 ± 9.7 mm and 98.2 ± 10.9 mm, respectively. Seven DIEP flaps presenting intraoperative venous congestion were successfully salvaged intraoperatively with superdrainge procedure. TAvs were harvested without cutting the PM muscle in any patient. Their mean size at anastomosis was 1.61 ± 3.2 mm (range, 0.9-2.5 mm). All flaps survived without perfusion-related complications including fat necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Harvest of TAv by muscle-splitting approach is an alternative option when additional venous anastomosis using SIEV is mandated for managing venous congestion of DIEP flap.

Surgical Treatment of Cephalic Arch Problems in Arteriovenous Fistulas: A Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Cephalic arch problems, mainly stenosis, are a common cause of arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) failure, and the most effective treatment is yet to be clearly defined. Restenosis usually occurs soon, and multiple interventions become necessary to maintain patency and functionality. The authors present the experience of their center with cephalic vein transposition in a group of patients with different problems involving the cephalic arch. METHODS: After consultation of the medical records, an observational retrospective analysis was performed to evaluate the outcomes of surgical treatment in cephalic arch problems of AVFs treated at the author's center between January 2013 and December 2015. The considered outcomes were endovascular intervention rate, thrombosis rate, and primary and secondary patencies. RESULTS: Seven patients were treated by venovenostomy with transposition of the cephalic arch and anastomosis to the axillary vein. The average patient age was 72 years (59-81), and most patients were female (71%) and diabetic (71%). All accesses were brachiocephalic AVFs with a mean duration of 4 years (1-7). The underlying problems were intrinsic cephalic arch stenosis (n = 5), entrapment of the cephalic vein (n = 1), and clinically significant vein tortuosity at the cephalic arch (n = 1). These last 2 problems conducted to a surgical approach as first-line therapy instead of endovascular intervention, the initial treatment in the other 5 cases (all with high-pressure balloons, with cutting balloon in one case). Previous thrombotic episodes were reported in 57% of the patients. The mean access flow before surgical intervention was 425 mL/min (350-1,500). No complications related with the surgical procedure were reported. One patient underwent surgical thrombectomy after AVF thrombosis, followed by transposition of the vein. In another case, a simultaneous flow reduction was performed. Most of the patients on dialysis (5/6) used the AVF after surgery. After a mean follow-up period of 9 months (1-22), surgical treatment was associated with a reduction in endovascular intervention rate (1.9 interventions per patient-year presurgery versus 0.4 postsurgery; P < 0.05) and thrombosis rate (0.93 thrombotic episodes per patient-year presurgery versus 0.17 postsurgery; P < 0.05). The problems leading to endovascular reintervention were as follows: new venous anastomosis stenosis (57%), axillary vein stenosis (29%), and swing-point stenosis (14%). Primary and secondary patencies at 6 months were 57% and 71%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In this group of patients with cephalic arch problems and multiple previous procedures, surgical treatment was associated with a reduction in endovascular intervention and thrombosis rate but did not avoid reintervention. Facing the complexity and multiplicity of the cephalic arch complications, treatment should be individually decided.

Role of Brachial Artery Ligation in Management of Prosthetic Arteriovenous Graft Infections.

BACKGROUND: Arteriovenous graft (AVG) infections can present as major life-threatening hemorrhage or sepsis in a chronic kidney disease patient. Frequently, all these patients present in critical condition which need prompt and expeditious management. Various procedures are described for management of infected grafts and its bleeding complications. However, these procedures are associated with postop-operative bleeding and persistent infection. The aim was to study brachial artery ligation (BAL) near the elbow joint in the management of an infected AVG. METHODS: It was a retrospective study where data collection was done for 51 patients who underwent BAL in infected AVGs from January 2007 to December 2016. RESULTS: During the study period, AVG infections were treated in 62 patients. Fifty-one BALs were done in 62 limbs treated. All were arm grafts (brachial artery to axillary vein) using expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts. In 49 patients, BAL was done as a primary procedure. In 2 patients, BAL was done after they presented with uncontrolled infection after initial subtotal excision with oversewing of graft stump at arterial anastomosis. There were 36 men and 15 women, with a mean age of 49 years (range, 23-82). The primary etiologies for renal failure were hypertension (56.2%), diabetes (34.3%), and others (9.5%). Follow-up was 100% at 1 month and 82.3% (42 patients) at 3 months, and none showed any signs of ischemia or sepsis. All had biphasic signals in radial and ulnar arteries with normal peripheral capillary oxygen saturation readings in fingers. None of the patients underwent additional interventions. CONCLUSIONS: BAL in AVG infections is a safe alternative considering the critical general condition of chronic kidney disease patient. It reduces the operative time significantly and avoids complex revascularization and anastomotic dehiscence without any ischemic or bleeding complications. BAL near the elbow joint in patients with good back-bleeding can be used as a primary approach in an infected AVG. However, close monitoring of patient in postoperative period is essential.

The efficacy of lymphaticovenular anastomosis in breast cancer-related lymphedema.

INTRODUCTION: Lymphedema can be a debilitating condition, causing a great decrease in a person's quality of life (QoL). Treatment with lymphaticovenular anastomosis (LVA), in which an anastomosis is created between the lymphatic and venous system, may attenuate lymphedema symptoms and reduce swelling. In this study, we share the results using LVA to treat breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) at our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients were eligible for inclusion if they suffered from unilateral BCRL, if functional lymphatics were available, if compression therapy was used for at least 6 months, and if the follow-up was 12 months at minimum. Lymph vessel functionality was assessed preoperatively using indocyanine green (ICG). During surgery, 1-3 anastomoses were created and shunt patency was confirmed using ICG. Arm volumes were measured before surgery and at 6- and 12-month follow-up. QoL was measured before surgery and at 6-month follow-up. Arm volume differences between the healthy arm and affected arm were compared between the time points. RESULTS: Twenty-nine consecutive female patients with unilateral BCRL were included. The preoperative mean difference in arm volumes was 701 ± 435 ml (36.9%). This was reduced to 496 ± 302 ml (24.7%) at 6-month follow-up (p = 0.00). At 12-month follow-up, the mean difference in arm volume was 467 ± 303 ml (23.5%) (p = 0.02). The overall perceived QoL was increased from 5.8 ± 1.1 to 7.4 ± 0.7 (p = 0.00). The functionality score decreased from 2.2 to 1.8 (p = 0.00), the appearance score decreased from 2.6 to 1.9 (p = 0.00), the symptoms score decreased from 2.8 to 1.8 (p = 0.00), and the mood score decreased from 2.7 to 1.5 (p = 0.00). Fifteen patients (53.6%) were able to discontinue the use of compression garment. CONCLUSION: Treatment with LVAs is effective in reducing arm volume difference in patients suffering from BCRL. Although no complete reduction of the edema was achieved at 12-month follow-up, the procedure significantly increased the patients' QoL.

Venovenous Bypass Is Associated With a Lower Incidence of Acute Kidney Injury After Liver Transplantation in Patients With Compromised Pretransplant Renal Function.

BACKGROUND: Although the hemodynamic benefits of venovenous bypass (VVB) during liver transplantation (LT) are well appreciated, the impact of VVB on posttransplant renal function is uncertain. The aim of this study was to determine if VVB was associated with a lower incidence of posttransplant acute kidney injury (AKI). METHODS: Medical records of adult (≥18 years) patients who underwent primary LT between 2004 and 2014 at a tertiary hospital were reviewed. Patients who required pretransplant renal replacement therapy and intraoperative piggyback technique were excluded. Patients were divided into 2 groups, VVB and non-VVB. AKI, determined by the Acute Kidney Injury Network criteria, was compared between the 2 groups. Propensity match was used to control selection bias that occurred before VVB and multivariable logistic regression was used to control confounding factors during and after VVB. RESULTS: Of 1037 adult patients who met the study inclusion criteria, 247 (23.8%) received VVB. A total of 442 patients (221 patients in each group) were matched. Aftermatch patients were further divided according to a predicted probability AKI model using preoperative creatinine (Cr), VVB, and intraoperative variables into 2 subgroups: normal and compromised pretransplant renal functions. In patients with compromised pretransplant renal function (Cr ≥1.2 mg/dL), the incidence of AKI was significantly lower in the VVB group compared with the non-VVB group (37.2% vs 50.8%; P = .033). VVB was an independent risk factor negatively associated with AKI (odds ratio, 0.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.1-0.4; P = .001). Renal replacement in 30 days and 1-year recipient mortality were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The incidence of posttransplant AKI was not significantly different between the 2 groups in patients with normal pretransplant renal function (Cr <1.2 mg/dL). CONCLUSIONS: In this large retrospective study, we demonstrated that utilization of intraoperative VVB was associated with a significantly lower incidence of posttransplant AKI in patients with compromised pretransplant renal function. Further studies to assess the role of intraoperative VVB in posttransplant AKI are warranted.

A Case of Acute Ischemic Monomelic Neuropathy and Review of the Literature.

Ischemia monomelic neuropathy is rare and underrecognized complication of hemodialysis access (HA), characterized by diffuse multiple mononeuropathies in the absence of significant clinical ischemia. It is important to diagnose this syndrome early because ligation of the HA is the most accepted treatment to prevent or at least halt irreversible neural dysfunction and therefore, chronic pain and disability. Literature describing this fistulae-related pathology is rare, and we attempt to increase its awareness.

Primary Axillary Venous Aneurysm Associated with Local Neurological Complications.

Primary axillary venous aneurysms (VAs) are rare, and there are only a handful of cases reported previously. The patient can be either asymptomatic or symptomatic and can present with local axillary swelling, dilated venules in overlying skin associated with local discomfort, peripheral neuropathy, or pulmonary embolisms. A 30-year-old man presented with a 4-month history of an uncomfortable lump in his left armpit that was associated with paresthesia radiating down to his left forearm and hand. He had no history of arm swelling and had a normal motor neurological examination. The clinical examination revealed a nontender palpable mass within the left axilla. Venous duplex imaging confirmed the diagnosis of axillary vein aneurysm measuring 6.1 cm. He underwent elective aneurysmorrhaphy repair of the axillary/basilic VA with satisfactory outcome. We present a rare case of a symptomatic primary axillary VA that was managed surgically with complete resolution of symptoms.