Microsurgical lymphatic vascular grafting and secondary liposuction: Results of combination treatment in secondary lymphedema.

Surgical treatment of lymphedema with liposuction typically requires subsequent compression therapy. Here we describe an approach where secondary arm lymphedemas are initially treated by autologous lymphatic grafting to bypass the axilla and restore lymphatic flow. In the presence of excess adipose tissue, liposuction is then performed in a second procedure. To assess outcomes, the authors evaluated 28 consecutive adult patients who had undergone secondary liposuction following lymphatic grafting. Arm volumes were measured prior to lymphatic grafting and after the secondary liposuction. The necessity for additional treatment by compression garment and manual lymphatic drainage was assessed prior to lymphatic grafting and after the secondary liposuction following the direct postoperative regimen. The mean arm volumes were reduced significantly (p<0.001) from a mean of 3417± 171 (SEM) cm3 prior to lymphatic grafting to 3020±125 cm3 after reconstruction of the lymphatic vascular system and finally to 2516±104 cm3 after the secondary liposuction (SLS). All 28 adult patients underwent continuous compression and manual lymph-drainage (MLD) prior to the reconstructive surgery. All 28 patients were evaluated regarding necessity of any additional therapy more than 6 months after SLS with a median follow up period of 37 months (range, 7-160 months). 18 of 28 patients did not require any supportive therapy beyond 6 months after SLS to maintain the results. Three patients continued to utilize manual lymphatic drainage, 4 used a combination of MLD and compression therapy and 3 used elastic compression therapy (one patient only while at work). These results indicate that microsurgical restoration of lymphatic outflow followed by SLS eliminates the need for additional treatment in more than two thirds of patients.

Diagnosis of hypothenar hammer syndrome in a patient with acute ulnar artery occlusion.

A 56-year-old truck driver with a history of tobacco use presented with acute onset digital ischaemia in the ulnar distribution of his dominant hand, associated with severe pain. Occupational exposures included extensive manual labour and prolonged vibratory stimuli. Workup with Doppler and angiography confirmed the diagnosis of hypothenar hammer syndrome (HHS). After the failure of medical management, he underwent ulnar artery thrombectomy with reconstruction and arterial bypass grafting. His pain improved significantly postsurgically, and he was able to return to a normal routine. This case illustrates the classic presentation, examination, imaging findings and management options of HHS. HHS should be considered in patients with digital ischaemia and associated occupational exposures. Diagnosing the condition appropriately allows for optimal management, aiming at minimising symptoms and maximising quality of life.

Our modified technique of combined antegrade-vein graft cardioplegia infusion versus conventional antegrade method in coronary artery bypass grafting. A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: To determine the efficacy of antegrade cardioplegia supplemented with venous graft perfusion in patients scheduled for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). METHODS: 223 consecutive patients scheduled for isolated CABG were randomized to receive either continuous crystalloid cardioplegia via vein grafts on completion of each distal anastomosis plus intermittent blood cardioplegia through aortic root (group 1, n = 110) or antegrade blood cardioplegia alone (group 2, n = 113). Two groups were similar in terms of preoperative patients' and procedural characteristics. The primary end-points were low output syndrome (LOS) variables. RESULTS: The inotrope and intra-aortic balloon pump demand during weaning were significantly higher in the control group (31.8% vs. 20%, p = 0.043 and 7.9% vs. 1.8%, p = 0.034 respectively). Postoperative level of potassium and arterial base excess (BE), stood in the normal range in both groups, despite significant inter-group differences. Peak serum level of myocardial injury biomarkers (CK, CK-MB, and cTnI) at 12 h following operation, though markedly greater in the group 2, did not reach the cut-off point of myocardial necrosis. Postoperative arrhythmia was more commonly encountered in the control group (p = 0.045). The duration of ventilation and hospital stay were considerably longer in the group 2. In a subgroup with LVEF<30%, the length of ICU stay was more prolonged in the control group, as well (p = 0.0145). The significant differences among groups regarding LOS parameters were more remarkable in the two high-risk subgroups (LVEF<30%, left main coronary stenosis). CONCLUSIONS: Given the better postoperative cardiac performance, we recommend this method to all CABG candidates, particularly in higher-risk patients.

The use of local anesthesia to perform lower limb revascularization in the fragile patient with critical limb ischemia.

Patients with critical limb ischemia are usually compromised, frequently making administration of general or regional anesthesia problematic. We treated 3 fragile patients presenting contraindications to undertake traditional anesthetic techniques for lower limb revascularization, in whom local anesthesia with conscious sedation was used to complete the operation. An axillo-bifemoral, a unilateral axillo-femoral and a femoro-femoral bypass were performed. Procedure was uneventful in all three cases despite the coexistence of specific surgical challenges (distal anastomosis at the profunda in two cases, redo surgery and scarred groin in the third). Surgical revascularization under local anesthesia may be considered in selected high risk patients.

Vascular Graft Impregnation with Antibiotics: The Influence of High Concentrations of Rifampin, Vancomycin, Daptomycin, and Bacteriophage Endolysin HY-133 on Viability of Vascular Cells.

BACKGROUND Rifampin-soaked synthetic prosthetic grafts have been widely used for prevention or treatment of vascular graft infections (VGIs). This in vitro study investigated the effect of the antibiotics daptomycin and vancomycin and the new recombinant bacteriophage endolysin HY-133 on vascular cells, as potential alternatives compared to rifampin. MATERIAL AND METHODS Primary human ECs, vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC), and fibroblasts were cultivated in 96-well plates and incubated with rifampin, daptomycin, vancomycin, and endolysin HY-133 for 24 h. Subsequently, after washing, cell viability was determined by measuring mitochondrial ATP concentration. Antibiotics were used in their corresponding minimum and maximum serum concentrations, in decimal multiples and in maximum soaking concentration. The experiments were performed in triplicate. RESULTS The 10-fold max serum concentrations of rifampin, daptomycin, and vancomycin did not influence viability of EC and vSMC (100 µg/ml, p>0.170). Higher concentrations of rifampin (>1 mg/ml) significantly (p<0.001) reduced cell viability of all cell types. For the other antibiotics, high concentrations (close to maximum soaking concentration) were most cytotoxic for EC and vSMC and fibroblasts (p<0.001). Endolysin did not display any cytotoxicity towards vascular cells. CONCLUSIONS Results of this in vitro study show the high cytotoxicity of rifampin against vascular cells, and may re-initiate the discussion about the benefit of prophylactic pre-soaking in high concentrations of rifampin. Further studies are necessary to determine the influence of rifampin on the restoration of vessel functionality versus its prophylactic effect against VGIs. Future use of recombinant phage endolysins for alternative prophylactic strategies needs further investigations.

Traumatic Anterior Knee Dislocation with Popliteal Artery Injury: The Importance of a Prompt Diagnosis and Treatment to Obtain Lower Limb Salvage.

We report a case of traumatic anterior dislocation of the left knee in association with disruption of the soft tissues including knee ligaments, popliteal artery, and common peroneal nerve, resulting in lower limb acute ischemia. All components of this complex trauma were recognized and treated promptly. First, he was submitted to closed reduction of the dislocated knee under general anesthesia; right after he underwent superficial femoro-tibioperoneal trunk bypass using a reversed saphenous contralateral vein recurring to a posterior approach through a popliteal S-shaped incision; rehabilitation program was initiated early; a second and final reconstructive orthopedic operation was carried out in a different center. The present case is important in 2 aspects. First, it reports a very rare occurrence of simultaneous anterior dislocation of the knee associated with vascular insult and common peroneal nerve injury, which was rarely reported in the current literature; second, it highlights that with timely intervention and a team approach, excellent results could be achieved.

[The results of combined surgical treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans and critical lower limb ischemia using prolonged epidural analgesia and autohemotherapy with ozone]. / Rezul'taty kombinirovannogo khirurgicheskogo lecheniya bol'nykh obliteriruyushchim trombangiitom i kriticheskoi ishemiei nizhnikh konechnostei.

AIM: to evaluate the results of combined treatment of thromboangiitis obliterans with severe lower limb ischemia using prolonged epidural anaesthesia and autohemotherapy with ozone. MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was analyzed treatment of 125 patients with thromboangiitis obliterans and severe lower limb ischemia. Patients were divided into 2 groups. Control group consisted of 60 patients who underwent conventional perioperative therapy with anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, dextrans, metabolic drugs, glucocorticoids, angioprotectors, narcotic and non-narcotic analgesics. Study group included 65 patients in whom prolonged epidural anaesthesia and autohemotherapy with ozone was applied additionally. RESULTS: In early postoperative period (up to 30 days) the incidence of secondary lower leg amputation was 10% and 1.5% in both groups respectively (p<0.05). Primary healing after limited foot amputation was achieved in 63.6% and 83.3% in control and stugy groups respectively (p<0.05). Ulcerative defect recovery was observed in 62.2% and 76.2% in both groups respectively (p<0.01). Satisfactory result of treatment was obtained in 61.7% and 80.0% of patients. CONCLUSION: Restoration of magistral and collateral blood flow combined with prolonged epidural anaesthesia and autohemotherapy with ozone improves surgical outcomes and rehabilitation of patients with thromboangiitis obliterans and severe lower limb ischemia.

Medical Adjuvant Treatment to Improve the Patency of Arteriovenous Fistulae and Grafts: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Many patients using haemodialysis for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) require arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) or grafts. Patency can be variable, and this systematic review aimed to determine the effects of adjuvant drug treatment on the patency of AVFs and grafts. METHODS: The Cochrane Peripheral Vascular Diseases Group searched the Specialised Register and CENTRAL for all randomised controlled trials (RCTs) investigating the effect of active drug versus placebo on patency. The primary outcome was fistula or graft patency rate. The odds ratio (OR) was used as the measure of effect for each outcome. If several trials assessed the same adjuvant therapy then a meta-analysis was conducted using a Mantel-Haenszel model. RESULTS: Fifteen trials were deemed suitable for inclusion, investigating nine drug treatments in 2,230 participants. Overall, the quality of evidence was low. Three trials compared ticlopidine (a platelet aggregation inhibitor) versus placebo and favoured active treatment (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.82; p = .009). Three RCTs assessed aspirin versus placebo and did not show a statistical benefit (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.07-2.25; p = .30). Two trials compared clopidogrel with placebo. The overall result did not favour treatment (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.13 to 1.19; p = .10). Three trials evaluated human type-I pancreatic elastase but did not provide evidence of improved patency (OR 0.75, 95% CI 0.42-1.32; p = .31). Finally, two RCTs assessed fish oil and did not favour treatment (OR 0.24, 95% CI 0.03-1.95; p = .18). Single trials comparing dipyridamole alone, dipyridamole plus aspirin, and sulfinpyrazone against placebo favoured active treatment but a meta-analysis could not be undertaken. Finally, a single trial of warfarin versus placebo found warfarin resulted in increased complications and worse patency rates. CONCLUSION: This systematic review has not demonstrated a beneficial effect for any adjuvant treatment to increase the patency of AVF or grafts in the short term, except ticlopidine which has been taken off the market.

Perioperative glutamine supplementation restores disturbed renal arginine synthesis after open aortic surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

Postoperative renal failure is a common complication after open repair of an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The amino acid arginine is formed in the kidneys from its precursor citrulline, and citrulline is formed from glutamine in the intestines. Arginine enhances the function of the immune and cardiovascular systems, which is important for recovery after surgery. We hypothesized that renal arginine production is diminished after ischemia-reperfusion injury caused by clamping of the aorta during open abdominal aortic surgery and that parenteral glutamine supplementation might compensate for this impaired arginine synthesis. This open-label clinical trial randomized patients who underwent clamping of the aorta during open abdominal aortic surgery to receive a perioperative supplement of intravenous alanyl-glutamine (0.5 g·kg(-1)·day(-1); group A, n = 5) or no supplement (group B, n = 5). One day after surgery, stable isotopes and tracer methods were used to analyze the metabolism and conversion of glutamine, citrulline, and arginine. Whole body plasma flux of glutamine, citrulline, and arginine was significantly higher in group A than in group B (glutamine: 391 ± 34 vs. 258 ± 19 µmol·kg(-1)·h(-1), citrulline: 5.7 ± 0.4 vs. 2.8 ± 0.4 µmol·kg(-1)·h(-1), and arginine: 50 ± 4 vs. 26 ± 2 µmol·kg(-1)·h(-1), P < 0.01), as was the synthesis of citrulline from glutamine (4.8 ± 0.7 vs. 1.6 ± 0.3 µmol·kg(-1)·h(-1)), citrulline from arginine (2.3 ± 0.3 vs. 0.96 ± 0.1 µmol·kg(-1)·h(-1)), and arginine from glutamine (7.7 ± 0.4 vs. 2.8 ± 0.2 µmol·kg(-1)·h(-1)), respectively (P < 0.001 for all). In conclusion, the production of citrulline and arginine is severely reduced after clamping during aortic surgery. This study shows that an intravenous supplement of glutamine increases the production of citrulline and arginine and compensates for the inhibitory effect of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Old and New Techniques as a Safe Hybrid Approach for Carotid Tandem Lesions.

BACKGROUND: Carotid revascularization is performed to prevent stroke. Carotid tandem lesions represent a challenge for treatment, and a hybrid approach may result effective. CASE REPORT: A high-risk 65-year-old woman presented with a "tandem lesion" of left common and internal carotid artery. She was deemed unfit for "simple" standard carotid endarterectomy (CEA). A "single-step" safe hybrid procedure was scheduled for the patient. A "Cormier" carotid vein graft bypass with a retrograde stenting was performed under local anesthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The "safe hybrid procedure" for tandem lesions of the common and internal carotid artery is effective and suitable in high-risk patients in a high-volume centers.

Local application of gentamicin-containing collagen implant in the prophylaxis and treatment of surgical site infection following vascular surgery.

BACKGROUND: The development of surgical site infection (SSI) following vascular surgery is an important issue for healthcare providers as it has serious implications for both patient morbidity and mortality. METHODS: Five publications were identified using the PubMed online database and search terms 'gentamicin-containing collagen implant' plus 'surgical site infection', 'wound infection' and 'vascular surgery'. RESULTS: The reviewed publications demonstrated that prophylactic use of GCCI in conjunction with standard treatment reduces the SSI rate in patients operated on for femeropopliteal bypass grafting. The prophylactic use of GCCI may also have a role to play in patients at high-risk of infection (e.g. in those with co-morbidities such as obesity) and in high-risk procedures (e.g. surgical revision to correct anastomotic aneurysm or dehiscence). GCCI in conjunction with systemic antibiotics may also be effective in the treatment of wound infections of the groin following vascular reconstruction. CONCLUSION: This review demonstrates that GCCI have a role to play in preventing and treating SSI following vascular reconstruction when used in conjunction with standard treatment approaches. Additional randomised, controlled studies are required to further establish the efficacy and cost-effectiveness of GCCI in vascular surgery.

The UK EndoVascular Aneurysm Repair (EVAR) trials: randomised trials of EVAR versus standard therapy.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) against standard alternative management in patients with large abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). DESIGN: Two national, multicentre randomised trials - EVAR trials 1 and 2. SETTING: Patients were recruited from 38 out of 41 eligible UK hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Men and women aged at least 60 years, with an AAA measuring at least 5.5 cm on a computerised tomography scan that was regarded as anatomically suitable for EVAR, were assessed for fitness for open repair. Patients considered fit were randomised to EVAR or open repair in EVAR trial 1 and patients considered unfit were randomised to EVAR or no intervention in EVAR trial 2. INTERVENTIONS: EVAR, open repair or no intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was mortality (operative, all-cause and AAA related). Patients were flagged at the UK Office for National Statistics with centrally coded death certificates assessed by an Endpoints Committee. Power calculations based upon mortality indicated that 900 and 280 patients were required for EVAR trials 1 and 2, respectively. Secondary outcomes were graft-related complications and reinterventions, adverse events, renal function, health-related quality of life and costs. Cost-effectiveness analyses were performed for both trials. RESULTS: Recruitment occurred between 1 September 1999 and 31 August 2004, with targets exceeded in both trials: 1252 randomised into EVAR trial 1 (626 to EVAR) and 404 randomised into EVAR trial 2 (197 to EVAR). Follow-up closed in December 2009 with very little loss to follow-up (1%). In EVAR trial 1, 30-day operative mortalities were 1.8% and 4.3% in the EVAR and open-repair groups, respectively: adjusted odds ratio 0.39 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.18 to 0.87], p = 0.02. During a total of 6904 person-years of follow-up, 524 deaths occurred (76 AAA related). Overall, there was no significant difference between the groups in terms of all-cause mortality: adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.03 (95% CI 0.86 to 1.23), p = 0.72. The EVAR group did demonstrate an early advantage in terms of AAA-related mortality, which was sustained for the first few years, but lost by the end of the study, primarily due to fatal endograft ruptures: adjusted HR 0.92 (95% CI 0.57 to 1.49), p = 0.73. The EVAR procedure was more expensive than open repair (mean difference £1177) and not found to be cost-effective, but the model was sensitive to alternative assumptions. In EVAR trial 2, during a total of 1413 person-years of follow-up, a total of 305 deaths occurred (78 AAA related). The 30-day operative mortality was 7.3% in the EVAR group. However, this group later demonstrated a significant advantage in terms of AAA-related mortality, but this became apparent only after 4 years: overall adjusted HR 0.53 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.89), p = 0.02. Sadly, this advantage did not result in any benefit in terms of all-cause mortality: adjusted HR 0.99 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.27), p = 0.97. Overall, EVAR was more expensive than no intervention (mean difference £10,222) and not found to be cost-effective. CONCLUSIONS: EVAR offers a clear operative mortality benefit over open repair in patients fit for both procedures, but this early benefit is not translated into a long-term survival advantage. Among patients unfit for open repair, EVAR is associated with a significant long-term reduction in AAA-related mortality but this does not appear to influence all-cause mortality. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN 55703451. FUNDING: This project was funded by the NIHR Health Technology Assessment programme and will be published in full in Health Technology Assessment; Vol. 16, No. 9. See the HTA programme website for further project information.