Clampless 2 Device: Experimental Study of a Lateral Aorto-Prosthetic Anastomosic Device Without Clamping or Suturing.

BACKGROUND: To offer an alternative to conventional techniques of lateral prosthetic anastomosis on arteries which require a long training, and impose an extensive open surgery, we are proposing the clampless 2 device (C2D) implanted by a simple arterial puncture and allows a lateral implantation of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) vascular graft in an artery, without arterial clamping or suture. METHODS: C2D is a "T" shaped 25-mm long and 8-mm diameter Nitinol stent with a 6-mm PTFE graft prosthesis mounted laterally on the stent, and implanted in an artery, via a 21-French sheath, and a compliant balloon inflation. In vitro testing of the C2D was first performed on a bench including a segment of a 7-mm internal diameter pig abdominal aorta. A series of 5 consecutive C2D implantation was analyzed with evaluation of the implantation time and the fluid losses at a fluid pressure of 80 and 150 mm Hg. The C2D implantation was finally controlled by angioscopy. An aorto-iliac bypass was then secondly performed on 8 living sows, with a side-to-end C2D implantation in the infrarenal abdominal aorta, followed by a conventional end-to-end prosthetic left iliac trunk anastomosis. The C2D and distal conventional anastomotic times were evaluated, as well as the total operative time and blood loss. A postoperative angiogram was systematically performed. RESULTS: The C2D was successfully implanted in all 5 in vitro tests, with an average implantation time of 2'58 (range: 2'25-3'22). The mean value of fluid losses was 84 ml (range: 67-94 ml), with no fluid leakage occurring at 80- and 150-mm Hg pressure. All anastomoses were patent after macroscopic study by angioscopy with a perfect application of the stent in the aortic wall. In 8 living sows (mean weight: 42 kg, 37-50 kg), an aorto-left iliac bypass was successfully implanted in all cases, with a total mean procedure time of 101 min (range: 90-130 min), and an average fluid loss of 77 ml (range:20-120 ml). The mean implantation time was 4'39 (range 3'29-5'52) for C2D and 16 min (range 12-17 min) to perform the conventional distal prosthetic-iliac anastomosis. Systematic arteriographic and angioscopy control showed perfect patency of the C2D implantations. CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary in vitro and acute in vivo testing of C2D implantation show good early results, allowing further long-lasting pig experiments on the way to human homologation.

Donor site morbidity after computer assisted surgical reconstruction of the mandible using deep circumflex iliac artery grafts: a cross sectional study.

BACKGROUND: Computer Assisted Design and Computer Assisted Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) have revolutionized oncologic surgery of the head and neck. A multitude of benefits of this technique has been described, but there are only few reports of donor site comorbidity following CAD/CAM surgery. METHODS: This study investigated comorbidity of the hip following deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) graft raising using CAD/CAM techniques. A cross-sectional examination was performed to determine range of motion, muscle strength and nerve disturbances. Furthermore, correlations between graft volume and skin incision length with postoperative donor site morbidity were assessed using Spearman's rank correlation, linear regression and analysis of variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: Fifteen patients with a mean graft volume of 21.2 ± 5.7 cm3 and a mean incision length of 228.0 ± 30.0 mm were included. Patients reported of noticeable physical limitations in daily life activities (12.3 ± 11.9 weeks) and athletic activities (38.4 ± 40.0 weeks in mean) following surgery. Graft volume significantly correlated with the duration of the use of walking aids (R = 0.57; p = 0.033) and impairment in daily life activities (R = 0.65; p = 0.012). The length of the scar of the donor-site showed a statistically significant association with postoperative iliohypogastric nerve deficits (F = 4.4, p = 0.037). Patients with anaesthaesia of a peripheral cutaneous nerve had a larger mean scar length (280 ± 30.0 mm) than subjects with hypaesthesia (245 ± 10.1 mm) or no complaints (216 ± 27.7 mm). CONCLUSIONS: Despite sophisticated planning options in modern CAD/CAM surgery, comorbidity of the donor site following  iliac graft harvesting is still a problem. This study is the first to investigate comorbidity after DCIA graft raising in a patient group treated exclusively with CAD/CAM techniques. The results indicate that a minimal invasive approach in terms of small graft volumes and small skin incisions could help to reduce postoperative symptomatology. Trial registration Retrospectively registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS-ID: DRKS00029066); registration date: 23/05/2022.

Aesthetic Reconstruction of a Facial Defect After Subtotal Resection of the Parotid Gland Using a Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Pure Skin Perforator Flap.

ABSTRACT: In the reconstruction of facial defects, thin and flexible coverage of the defect is desirable for cosmetic reasons. A free flap is 1 possible surgical option; however, a flap containing a fatty layer is bulky. in this study, the authors describe the reconstruction of a facial defect after subtotal parotidectomy for right parotid carcinoma using a superficial circumflex iliac artery pure skin perforator flap, with consideration given to facial contour. The superficial circumflex iliac artery pure skin perforator flap is a viable option to achieve the desired clinical and aesthetic outcome.

Management of Palatal Fistula Using Superficial Circumflex Iliac Artery Perforator Flap With Intraoral Anastomosis and Supermicrosurgery Techniques.

ABSTRACT: Postoperative palatal fistula following primary cleft palate repair, especially wide and recurrent defects, presents significant challenges to management. When the fistula is surrounded by limited and scarred regional tissues, vascularized free flaps are recommended. The authors propose a novel method to repair a wide and recurrent palatal fistula resulting in excellent aesthetics and minor donor-site complications. The superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap was transferred with the application of intraoral anastomosis and supermicrosurgery techniques for palatal fistula closure.

Application of Free Iliac Bone Flap Based on Superficial Circumflex Iliac Perforators in Mandibular Reconstruction.

ABSTRACT: We introduce the application of mandibular reconstruction with the superficial circumflex iliac artery (SCIA)-based iliac bone flap. Until now, iliac bone flaps based on the SCIA have been used in relatively small bony and plane defects, such as in the orbital floor, maxilla, distal phalanx, and calcaneus. This flap has minimal donor-site morbidity compared with the conventional deep circumflex iliac artery flap, and it can be harvested simultaneously with tumor resection in most reconstructions, including those in the head and neck. A great advantage of the SCIA-based iliac bone flap is the thin and reliable large skin paddle that can be used for intraoral and lip defects. Although there are remaining problems to overcome, such as the blood circulation to the bone, this flap may be an option in mandibular reconstruction where there are large soft tissue defects, or where there is complicated peripheral arteriosclerosis or arterial abnormality.

Can a self-expanding pediatric stent expand with an artery? Relationship of stent design to vascular biology.

OBJECTIVES: A large-diameter, intravascular, self-expanding stent system capable of continued expansion during somatic and vascular growth was modeled with finite element analysis (FEA), manufactured and tested in an animal model. BACKGROUND: Children can quickly outgrow intravascular stents. If a stent could expand after implantation in arteries this would be ideal for use in pediatric patients. METHODS: Computer-aided design and FEA were used to design and manufacture large-diameter, self-expanding nitinol stents with both high and low chronic outward force (COF). Four distinct stents with similar designs but with variable lengths and strut thicknesses were manufactured. Fourteen of these stents were implanted in the abdominal aortas or iliac arteries of four juvenile swine. RESULTS: All animals survived without complication to their designated time points of harvest (90 or 180-days), and all stents expanded to greater diameters than the adjacent non-stented artery. Luminal diameter growth was 34-49% and 20-23% for stented and non-stented segments, respectively. Histologic examination revealed variable degrees of the internal elastic lamina and/or medial disruption with a mean injury score ranging from 0.70 ± 0.56 to 1.23 ± 0.21 and low COF stents implanted in smaller arteries having a larger injury score. Inflammatory responses and stenosis formation were minimal and ranged from 0.50 ± 0.71 to 3.00 ± 0.00 and 5.52 ± 1.05% to 14.68 ± 9.12%, respectively. The stent's COF did not correlate with vessel expansion or vascular injury. CONCLUSIONS: Self-expanding stents can mirror and even exceed somatic growth. Although longer-term testing is needed, it may be possible to custom tailor self-expanding stents to expand after arterial implantation in pediatric patients.

Final results from a postmarket registry of an iliac leg graft with a continuous, spiral nitinol stent.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes from a postmarket registry of the Zenith Spiral-Z abdominal aortic aneurysm iliac leg graft with a continuous, spiral nitinol stent that was designed for improved conformability, kink, and migration resistance. METHODS: This prospective, multicenter registry was designed to evaluate physician-reported outcomes of the Spiral-Z leg graft in up to 600 patients who underwent endovascular repair of abdominal aortic or aortoiliac aneurysms at up to 30 investigative sites in the United States and Canada. Study outcomes were focused on iliac limb occlusion, limb-related reintervention, limb-related endoleak, component separation, and device integrity. Short-term data were collected during an interval of 1 to 6 months, with longer term data collected at 12 months. RESULTS: Between March 2012 and March 2015, 599 patients (mean age 74 ± 8 years; 87% male; 26% with aortoiliac aneurysm) were treated, with Spiral-Z iliac leg grafts placed in 564 left iliac arteries and 559 right iliac arteries. The mean iliac inner diameters (both left and right) were 9 ± 3 mm; moderate/severe occlusive disease, calcification, and vessel tortuosity were present in 14%, 25%, and 36% and 15%, 25%, and 34% of the left and right iliac arteries, respectively. Iliac artery adjunctive procedures (iliac artery angioplasty and/or stent placement) were performed intraoperatively in 112 patients (19%; bilateral in 52 patients). Mortality within 30 days was 1.7% (10/599); cumulative mortality at 1 year was 6.2% (37/599). There were no aortic ruptures and only one open conversion (0.2%). Limb occlusions occurred in 11 of 599 patients (2%; 3 within 30 days and 8 after 30 days, all unilateral, none had received procedural iliac artery adjuncts at implantation); of these, 7 patients underwent reinterventions. Other limb-related reinterventions were performed on eight patients for nonocclusive kink, compression, or thrombus (six within 30 days and three after 30 days). In total, 13 patients (2%) underwent 15 limb-related reinterventions (7 for occlusions and 8 for nonocclusive causes). In one patient, a distal type I endoleak and device migration (>10 mm) involving a right iliac leg was noted at the 12-month follow-up visit. No other limb-related endoleak, migration, component separation, or stent fracture was reported during a mean follow-up of 11 ± 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: The Spiral-Z leg graft demonstrated excellent patency and required infrequent limb-related reinterventions in routine clinical care in a postmarket registry.

Monopolar Radiofrequency Energy Delivered by a Conductive Endovascular Basket or Guidewire Leads to Thermal Occlusion in a Swine Model.

PURPOSE: To assess the feasibility of inducing vascular occlusion by application of radiofrequency (RF) energy via conductive endovascular wires or baskets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrievable nitinol basket and stainless steel guidewire with a platinum tip were evaluated as conductors for endovascular application of RF energy. Tissue-mimicking thermochromic gel phantoms that change color with heating were cast with 2-, 5-, and 7-mm-diameter lumens and filled with 37 oC saline. After ablation, the phantoms were sectioned, and the thermal footprints were evaluated. Six castrated male domestic swine underwent endovascular ablation using the basket in iliac arteries and guidewires in renal arteries. Post-procedural angiography was performed, and postmortem arterial segments were resected for histopathologic analysis. RESULTS: In the phantom, the depth of thermal change in the 5- and 7-mm lumens averaged 6.3 and 6.0 mm along the basket, respectively, and in the 2- and 5-mm lumens, the depth of thermal change averaged 1.9 and 0.5 mm along the wire, respectively. In the swine, RF energy delivery led to angiographic occlusion at 12 of 13 sites. Thermal injury and occlusion were similar at the proximal, middle, and distal basket treatment zone, whereas injury and occlusion decreased from the proximal to the distal end of the 5-cm wire treatment zone. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular delivery of RF energy via a conductive basket in medium-sized arteries or a guidewire in small arteries led to acute angiographic and histologic occlusion. The potential to induce stasis might be useful in settings where rapid occlusion is desirable.

Evaluation of a Novel Spun Polytetrafluoroethylene Stent Graft in an Ovine External Iliac Artery Model.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the patency, cellular response, and thrombogenicity of a novel vascular stent graft. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Test stent grafts, incorporating luminal spun polytetrafluoroethylene and a nonpermeable fluoropolymer layer, and control stent grafts, constructed of permeable expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, were implanted in the external iliac arteries of 14 adult sheep with a median weight of 73.4 kg ranging from 60.6-86.8 kg for 30 (n = 4), 90 (n = 4), and 180 (n = 6) days. Angiographic patency and percent diameter stenosis (%DS) were assessed at termination. Excised stent grafts were fixed and stained for histopathologic analysis, including neointimal coverage (NC) assessment. RESULTS: Test and control device migration occurred in 1 animal, resulting in test device thrombosis. Both devices were excluded from analysis. Mean %DS in test and control implants was 4.6% and 8.2% (P = .563), 2.0% and 10.9% (P = .363), and 2.1% and 10.3% (P = .009) at 30, 90, and 180 days, respectively. Median NC scores at 30, 90, and 180 days were significantly lower in middle test device sections (P < .05). Proximal and distal test and control sections exhibited similar median NC scores at all time periods (P > .05). When present, test and control devices exhibited no neointimal detachment from the graft surface. Except for the migrated test device, no thrombus was observed. Transgraft cellular migration was absent in test devices but present in control devices with tissue accumulation around the stent struts. CONCLUSIONS: Test and control devices demonstrated excellent patency in an ovine model. Compared to the control, test devices exhibited significantly lower %DS values at 180 days and significantly lower mid-device NC scores at 30, 90, and 180 days.

Long-term Results of Endovascular Treatment of TASC C and D Aortoiliac Occlusive Disease with Expanded Polytetrafluoroethylene Stent Graft.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to retrospectively analyze the early and long-term outcomes of endovascular treatment of Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus II class C and D (TASC II) aortoiliac occlusive disease with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-covered stent graft. METHODS: Between January 2006 and November 2017, 61 patients (53 males, 8 females), with symptomatic aortoiliac stenotic and/or occlusive disease, were treated with VIABAHN (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) at 2 University medical centers. The morphology of the lesions was evaluated and classified by contrast-enhanced computed tomography angiography. Demographic data, operation details, and postoperative outcomes were collected. Follow-up data were analyzed by a life-table analysis (Kaplan-Meier test). RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 64.89 ± 10.77 years (range 44-89). Thirty-seven patients (60.7%) presented with severe claudication (Rutherford 3), whereas 21 (34.4%) were in Rutherford class 4 and the remaining 3 patients (4.9%) suffered from necrotic lesions (Rutherford 5/6). Fifty-six patients were smokers (91.8%), 38 (62.3%) had hypertension, 23 (37.7%) had coronary artery disease, 30 (40.2%) had dyslipidemia, 18 (29.5%) had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, 6 (9.5%) had renal insufficiency (serum creatinine>2.0 mg/dL) and 24 (39.3%) had diabetes. Technical success was achieved in 59/61 patients (96.7%) with 16 patients (26.2%) requiring combined percutaneous brachial access to obtain iliac recanalization. Perioperative mortality was 1.6%, whereas postoperative major complications occurred in 2 patients (3.6%). The mean number of VIABAHN placed was 1.77/patient. Mean follow-up was 31.5 months (range 1-108) and primary patency at 36 months was 94.9%. Two major amputations of the lower limbs occurred during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Open surgery with the aortobifemoral bypass has been the gold standard treatment for complex aortoiliac occlusive disease although complications and mortality still remain significant issues. Our results suggest that endovascular therapy of TASC C and D iliac lesions using the VIABAHN stent graft is feasible, effective, and has good, long-term patency.

The super thin external pudendal artery (STEPA) free flap for oropharyngeal reconstruction - A case report.

The radial forearm flap is one of the most used micro-anastomotic flaps in cervicofacial reconstruction in a carcinological context. This flap is an ideal in terms of reliability and fineness; it has, however, some disadvantages in terms of the functional and aesthetic complications of its donor site. In alternative to a radial forearm free flap, we report the use of the free super thin external pudendal artery flap (STEPA flap) for an oropharyngeal reconstruction. The aim was to decrease the donor site morbidity. A 71-years-old man with a T2N0M0 oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma has undergone surgical treatment. A left STEPA free flap was performed to reconstruct a defect about 8 × 6 cm2 . This flap was designed as a half-scrotal free flap sized 9 × 7 cm2 and was inset after tunneling of the pedicle at the floor of the mouth. A surgical revision was needed on the 15th day postoperative for disunion. There was no skin flap failure. After 12 month of follow-up, no complication was observed at the donor site and no erectile dysfunction was recorded. Its characteristics in terms of fineness, flexibility, ease of conformation, and pedicle length are similar to those of the radial forearm flap with less aesthetic and functional sequelae of the donor site. The STEPA flap may be a promising free flap in oropharyngeal or oral cavity reconstruction.

Mirror Image Based Three-Dimensional Virtual Surgical Planning and Three-Dimensional Printing Guide System for the Reconstruction of Wide Maxilla Defect Using the Deep Circumflex Iliac Artery Free Flap.

A patient was diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the maxillary sinus and consequently underwent a unilateral total maxillectomy and reconstruction using an anterolateral thigh (ALT) free flap. Soft tissue transplantation without a bone graft at the large maxillary defect site caused a midfacial collapse, which worsened, especially after radiotherapy. The 3-dimensional positioning of the composite flap for wide maxillary reconstruction is aesthetically important. To achieve ideal symmetry and aesthetics, a mirror image was created using the normal contralateral side. Through computer simulation, the function and symmetry of the virtually reconstructed maxilla was evaluated, and the surgical guide was made using a 3D printing system. Based on the prepared surgical guide, a deep circumflex iliac artery (DCIA) free flap was harvested, and its implementation in the reconstruction ultimately led to satisfactory results. Utilization of mirror image based virtual surgical planning and a 3D printing guide is a significantly effective method for maxilla reconstruction with DCIA flaps.

Hybrid repair of abdominal aortic aneurysm in a patient with poliomyelitis-related deformities.

A 63-year-old man presented with an asymptomatic infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm. He had scoliosis and atrophic right leg change as sequelae of poliomyelitis. The patient was not a candidate for endovascular aneurysm repair because of anatomic unsuitability. An open surgical repair was performed by the retroperitoneal approach because of severe scoliosis and left lateral aneurysm deviation. To minimize contralateral exposure, the Viabahn stent graft (W. L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) was inserted in the right external iliac artery and anastomosed with the right expanded polytetrafluoroethylene graft limb. I report the successful hybrid repair of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm using the modified Viabahn open revascularization technique.

Improved patency after axillofemoral bypass for aortoiliac occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVE: Axillofemoral bypasses (AxFBs) have been used since 1962 to treat aortoiliac disease. In the past, reported patency rates (37%-76%) for these extra-anatomic grafts have been inferior to those for anatomic aortic grafting. Reported low survival rates after AxFB (40%-50%) have confirmed that these procedures have been used primarily in patients at high risk for complications from aortofemoral bypass. However, modern medical and anesthesia management, preoperative scanning, donor artery preparation, postoperative graft surveillance, and graft technology may improve outcomes after AxFB, possibly supporting expansion of its use. We therefore report our last 15-year experience with AxFB. METHODS: Ring-reinforced, 8-mm expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were used in all cases. The cross-femoral limb of axillobifemoral bypass (AxBFB) grafts was preconstructed. Heparin was administered intraoperatively, with protamine reversal. Loss of primary patency was defined as graft thrombosis of part or all of the inserted graft. Five-year primary patency rates were calculated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: Between February 1991 and June 2016, a total of 161 grafts were inserted (85 AxBFBs and 76 axillounifemoral bypasses [AxUFBs]) in 91 male and 70 female patients (median age, 72.6 years; mean age, 73 years; range, 41-94 years). Indications for treatment were rest pain (49.6%), ischemic lesions (26%), claudication (22.3%), failed prior revascularization (9.3%), infection (3.7%), and dissecting aneurysm (1.2%). Reasons for performing AxFB rather than aortofemoral bypass were hostile aorta (44.1%), high risk (19.2%), prior failed reconstruction (12.4%), advanced age (8.7%), infection (4.3%), hostile abdomen (4.3%), aortic dissection (0.6%), and morbid obesity (0.6%). During follow up, 63 patients died, 17 within the first year; but only 3 patients died within 30 days of surgery (performed to treat an acute aortic occlusion). The 5-year survival rate was 55%. Five-year patency rates were 83.7% for all procedures, 81.8% for AxBFB, and 85.5% for AxUFB; the difference between AxBFB and AxUFB was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that AxBFB and AxUFB performed with the use of modern protocols and technology may render them an acceptable valid primary intervention in patients in whom endovascular treatment has failed or is unlikely to offer long-term success. The simplicity of performing these grafts and their low mortality and morbidity lend their application to surgeons with limited open aortic experience. Because AxUFB and AxBFB have similar patency rates, AxBFB should be reserved for bilateral indications.

Unexpected Complication of a Nitinol-Constrained Balloon Angioplasty (Chocolate) in Rutherford Class 3 Patient Presenting Challenging Aorto-Iliac Anatomy.

We report an unusual complication of Chocolate nitinol-constraining structure after right superficial femoral artery (SFA) angioplasty. The procedure was performed by vascular surgeons in an operating theater equipped by a portable fluoroscopy unit. Under local anesthesia, by a contralateral approach, a 7F introducer sheath was advanced through the proximal portion of the right common iliac artery. Owing to the severe aorto-iliac vessels calcification, it was not possible to place the introducer sheath into a more distal vessel, as planned. After external iliac artery (EIA) stenting (7 × 80 mm Eluvia), SFA obstruction was intraluminal crossed, and a 6 × 120 mm nitinol-constrained balloon (Chocolate; Medtronic) was advanced in place and inflated. Once the balloon came out, the nitinol-constraining structure was not attached to the balloon surface. Under fluoroscopy, the crashed nitinol mesh was identified at distal edge of previously positioned EIA stent. To prevent mesh migration, it was fixed by covering with a 7 × 40 mm stent. The procedure was then successfully completed, as planned. One-month, postoperative computed tomography angiography showed complete expansion of the stents and no significant residual stenosis (>30%) in EIA, and SFA. Chocolate's mesh was still evident between the stent and the iliac artery wall, in absence of further complications. A 3 months follow-up, patient was still completely asymptomatic for claudication.

The Debatable Choice of Iliac Inflow Source for Redo Femoropopliteal and Infrapopliteal Bypass.

BACKGROUND: Redo area region operation is associated with a significant morbidity such as neurovascular injury, infection, and lymphorrhea. The traditional management of occluded femoropopliteal grafts often includes redissection of a scarred groin to obtain adequate inflow via the common femoral artery. These procedures are more technically demanding and require more expertise and judgment than the primary operation. We describe a case of using the ipsilateral iliac branch prosthesis of aortobifemoral bypass as inflow for iliac-peroneal bypass, avoiding the previous groin incisions, to minimize the local complications related to a redo groin dissection and to decrease the operative time required to obtain an adequate inflow source. CASE REPORT: An 86-year-old man was referred to our hospital with severe pain in the right lower extremity one day before the present admission. He underwent aortobifemoral bypass for Leriché syndrome, in our department, 10 years before the present admission. Eight and 9 years later, a femoral popliteal suprageniculate bypass and jump to deep femoral artery bypass (when femoropopliteal bypass was occluded) were performed with 6-mm polytetrafluoroethylene grafts, both in some other institution. The patient's right foot was colder than the left, and he had some difficulty with movement. Absence of signal Doppler continous wave at right tibial vessels was recorded (category IIA of Rutherford classification for acute limb ischemia). Computed tomography (CT) confirmed the following duplex ultrasound (US) findings: occlusion of the femoral graft and popliteal artery below the knee and preocclusive stenosis of deep femoral artery with patency of aortobifemoral bypass and peroneal artery. Taking into consideration the multiple groin scars and the occlusion of superficial femoral and popliteal arteries and preocclusive lesion of deep femoral artery, we decided to perform a sequential composite and extra anatomical bypass from the right iliac prosthesis to the peroneal artery, with graft tunnellization through the lateral groin subfascial layer. The proximal component of the graft was made with a 6-mm Dacron prosthesis routed through a suprasartorial tunnel from iliac prosthesis to the proximal great saphenous vein. Proximal anastomosis was performed in a conventional side-to-end fashion. A tunnel was created between the abdominal flank incision and the median prosthesis-vein anastomosis of the bypass under inguinal ligament laterally with respect to femoral vessels, in lateral to median route, avoiding groin scars. The vein segment was orientated in a nonreversed format, with a LeMaitre Valvulotome to secure antegrade flow. The intermediate anastomosis was performed in an end-to-end way, whereas the distal anastomosis was carried out between the vein and peroneal artery in a conventional end-to-side fashion. Immediate intraoperative and postoperative assessments of graft patency were carried out with angiography and hand-held Doppler examination, respectively. Duplex US scan was used for graft surveillance at regular intervals up to 12 months after surgery. The patient recovered at 12 months postoperatively, and the CT imaging demonstrated the good patency of the entire graft. CONCLUSION: We believe that the external iliac artery (or prosthesis such as in our case) inflow should be considered selectively rather than preferentially, mostly in the subset of patients selected for reoperative distal bypass.

[Effectiveness of biological prosthesis for femoro-femoral bypass in high risk patients]. / Éffektivnost' biologicheskogo proteza pri bedrenno-bedrennom shuntirovanii u lits s vysokim operatsionnym riskom.

AIM: To compare synthetic and biological prostheses for femoral bypass surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 40 patients with critical ischemia of lower extremities due to atherosclerotic lesion of aorto-iliac segment and severe comorbidities. They were divided into 2 groups by 20 patients. C-shaped femoro-femoral bypass with synthetic polytetrafluoroethylene and lavsan prostheses was performed in the first group and S-shaped bypass procedure with biological prosthesis from the internal thoracic arteries of the bull - in the second group. RESULTS: Biological prosthesis is associated with reduced early postoperative morbidity by 10%, late graft thrombosis incidence by 20% and increased physical and psychological health by 7.1%. CONCLUSION: S-shaped femoro-femoral bypass with a biological prosthesis from the internal thoracic arteries of the bull is pathogenetically substantiated and effective.

Antimicrobial-bonded graft patency in the setting of a polymicrobial infection in swine (Sus scrofa).

BACKGROUND: Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Dacron are commonly used as arterial conduits in vascular trauma or infection when vein interposition graft may not be available. This study used a previously validated large animal model of polymicrobial infection to assess the patency and infectious resistance of a novel, antibiotic-impregnated graft material compared with PTFE and Dacron. METHODS: Forty-eight animals were placed into five groups for a 21-day survival period. A 6-mm PTFE, Dacron, or antimicrobial-bonded graft was used to replace the iliac artery and then inoculated with 1 × 107 colonies/mL of genetically labeled Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Native vessels with and without contamination served as control groups. The primary end points were graft patency (determined by duplex ultrasound and necropsy) and graft infection (culture with molecular analysis). Secondary end points included physiologic measurements, blood cultures, laboratory data, and histopathology. RESULTS: At 21 days, 50% of PTFE, 62.5% of Dacron, and 100% of the antimicrobial-bonded grafts remained patent (P = .04). PTFE and Dacron had an equivalent number of overall infections, 87.5% and 75%, respectively (P = 1.0). There was no significant difference of infectious organisms between standard materials. The infection rate of the antimicrobial-bonded graft (25%) was significantly less than that of both PTFE and Dacron (P < .01), and all of these infections were secondary to P. aeruginosa. Clinical data did not vary significantly between groups. There were no mortalities in the protocol secondary to graft blowout or sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: The antimicrobial-bonded graft material outperformed standard PTFE and Dacron in the setting of polymicrobial infection with regard to graft patency and infection. The novel prosthetic material appears to be resistant to infection with S. aureus and to limit the growth of P. aeruginosa. Additional studies are recommended to explore the role of this antibiotic-bonded graft for use in the setting of vascular infection or trauma.

Composite sequential bypass using profunda vein hitchhike.

Patients with long-segment occlusions of the iliac and femoral arteries often undergo sequential bypass procedures. There exists a subgroup of patients who have no suitable vessels in the groin. We report our experience with a new technique of using the profunda vein as a hitchhike point in our series of seven patients (eight limbs) with critical ischemia and occlusion at the iliac or aortic level with reformation of infrageniculate arteries and no reformation in the groin. The proximal graft was anastomosed to the profunda vein, which was ligated proximal to the anastomosis. The saphenous vein graft was taken from the distal end of the polytetrafluoroethylene graft and anastomosed to the appropriate tibial arteries. The procedure was technically successful in all the patients. The median follow-up was 8 months (range, 0-30). The profunda vein as a hitchhike point gives an excellent outcome in the short and medium term in this uncommon group of patients.

In Vitro and Pilot In Vivo Evaluation of a Bioactive Coating for Stent Grafts Based on Chondroitin Sulfate and Epidermal Growth Factor.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential of a bioactive coating based on chondroitin sulfate (CS) and tethered epidermal growth factor (EGF) for improvement of healing around stent grafts (SGs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The impact of the bioactive coating on cell survival was tested in vitro on human vascular cells using polyethylene terephthalate films (PET) as a substrate. After being transferred onto a more "realistic" material (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene [ePTFE]), the durability and mechanical behavior of the coating and cell survival were studied. Preliminary in vivo testing was performed in a canine iliac aneurysm model reproducing type I endoleaks (three animals with one control and one bioactive SG for each). RESULTS: CS and EGF coatings significantly increased survival of human smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts compared with bare PET or ePTFE (P < .05). The coating also displayed good durability over 30 days according to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and cell survival tests. The coating did not affect mechanical properties of ePTFE and was successfully transferred onto commercial SGs for in vivo testing. No difference was observed on computed tomography and macroscopic examinations in endoleak persistence at 3 months, but the bioactive coating deposited on the abluminal surface of the SG (exposed to the vessel wall) increased the percentage of healed tissue in the aneurysm. No adverse effect, such as neointima formation or thrombosis, was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The bioactive coating promoted in vitro cell survival, displayed good durability, and was successfully transferred onto a commercial SG. Preliminary in vivo results suggest improved healing around bioactive SGs.