Septic thrombophlebitis: percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolytic therapies.

Suppurative thrombophlebitis (Lemierre's syndrome) of the internal jugular vein is a rare and sometimes fatal complication. It commonly occurs from oropharyngeal infections, peripheral lines, complications from dental procedures, gingivitis, or central venous catheterizations. Empiric antibiotics are the initial treatment of choice followed by thrombolytics or surgical thrombectomy in refractory cases. We present a case of septic thrombophlebitis of the right internal jugular vein from a peripherally inserted central venous catheter. We also review the current percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolytics therapies for such a rare disorder. Mechanical thrombectomy includes rotational thrombectomy or rheolytic therapies. Devices include the Amplatz thrombectomy device (Microvena), the Arrow-Trerotola Percutaneous thrombolytic device (Arrow), and the Cragg-Casteneda thrombolytic brush (Microtherapeutics). Rheolytic therapies include Angiojet, the Hydrolyzer, and the Oasis Thrombectomy System. Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy techniques include rotational fragmentation, aspiration or suction thrombectomy, and hydrodynamic thrombectomy. AngioJet catheters may be used for percutaneous embolectomy in conjunction with pulse spray techniques, which instill thrombolytics locally. Thrombolytics include streptokinase, urokinase, and recombinant-tissue plasminogen activator. Mechanical thrombectomy combined with thrombolytics provide optimal treatment results secondary to their complementary effects. Therefore, patients who are refractory to standard medical therapy and considered poor surgical candidates may benefit from combined percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy with thrombolytics to achieve superior results if no contraindications exist for thrombolytics.

A comparison of performance between Teflon and polyurethane safety cannulae at extremes of operating temperatures.

OBJECTIVES: In the United Kingdom, approximately eight million peripheral cannulations are performed each year. Intravenous cannulae are made from either polytetrafluoroethylene (Teflon) or polyurethane. Polyurethane has a lower incidence of thrombophlebitis, however the physical characteristics of polyurethane may make the cannulae difficult to use at higher ambient temperatures. This effect maybe of importance to those involved in cannulation in extreme environments and especially for military doctors deployed in current theatres of operations. METHODS: In a randomised single blinded study we investigated the different characteristics of Teflon and polyurethane cannulae (Vasofix Safety Cannulae, B Braun) at three different temperatures (-10 degrees C, 21 degrees C and 40 degrees C). RESULTS: There is no statistically significant difference in the ease or speed of cannulation of either polyurethane or Teflon safety cannulae in extremes of temperature. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that performance of polyurethane safety cannulae are not impaired by temperature extremes.

IJV thrombophlebitis: be wary of the occult.

A 43-year-old woman was referred to the Ear, Nose and Throat Department with a 3-day history of left-sided neck pain and swelling associated with fevers and night sweats. She also reported a cough, oral thrush and a dental extraction more than a month previously. A CT scan of the neck with contrast revealed left internal jugular vein (IJV) thrombophlebitis and the patient was initially managed for suspected Lemierre's syndrome. Subsequent investigations revealed a locally advanced metastatic colorectal adenocarcinoma as the cause of her thrombosis, which was deemed inoperable. The patient was referred to oncology and commenced on palliative chemotherapy.The incidence of thrombophlebitis in patients with cancer is high. Although the IJV is a relatively uncommon site of thrombus formation, IJV thrombophlebitis is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. As it may be the first manifestation of an occult malignancy, a neoplastic cause should always be considered.

Mondor disease: a case report and review of the literature.

Thrombophlebitis of the thoracoepigastric system of veins is a benign disease and, despite its localized involvement and presentation, the condition is known as Mondor disease (MD). A transverse incision made on the thoracoabdominal wall divides the axially arranged superficial veins at a right angle and the presence of unidirectional valves prevents retrograde blood flow, leading to stasis and thrombus formation. The incidence of MD in oncologic breast cases and aesthetic mammaplasties is reported to be 0.95% and 1.07%, respectively. Siliconeadenitis of axillary nodes, on the other hand, is uncommon and has only been reported occasionally. Extensive MD of the left axilla and inner arm is presented following excision of axillary nodes secondary to siliconeadenitis after cohesive gel silicone breast implant rupture.

[Internal jugular venous thrombophlebitis secondary to tooth extraction]. / Dis çekimi sonrasi gelisen internal juguler ven tromboflebiti.

A 20-year-old female patient presented with swelling and pain in the neck, difficulty in opening her mouth, dyspnea, nausea, fever, and shivering. She was prescribed amoxicillin for one week due to a teeth infection and had lower molar tooth extraction on the same side two days before. Neck examination showed a swelling, 2 x 3 cm in size, in the carotid triangle and minimal hyperemia on the skin. A diagnosis of internal jugular venous thrombophlebitis was made and parenteral antibiotherapy was administered along with antithrombotic therapy. Complete improvement was observed after 15 days and the patient was symptomless in the eighth month.

Dyloject, a novel injectable diclofenac formulation, offers greater safety and efficacy than voltarol for postoperative dental pain.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Voltarol for injection (a diclofenac sodium formulation employing polyethylene glycol and benzyl alcohol [PG-BA] as excipients) is marketed in Europe but not in North America. A suspension, PG-BA diclofenac sodium, requires preparation for each patient and slow IV infusion to minimize venous irritation. Dyloject, a novel diclofenac formulation, employs hydroxypropyl beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD) to solubilize diclofenac in a small volume. We compared the efficacy and safety of an IV HPbetaCD diclofenac sodium bolus, a 30-minute PG-BA diclofenac sodium infusion, and placebo in post-molar extraction pain. METHODS: A total of 155 adult patients were randomized to receive HPbetaCD diclofenac sodium 75 mg, PG-BA diclofenac sodium 75 mg, or placebo. Primary endpoints were superiority of HPbetaCD diclofenac sodium to placebo and noninferiority of HPbetaCD diclofenac sodium to PG-BA diclofenac sodium with respect to total pain relief over 4 hours (TOTPAR4) on a 0 to 100-mm visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary endpoints included categorical TOTPAR4, VAS and categorical TOTPAR up to 8 hours, other measures of pain intensity and relief, patient global evaluation, and time to rescue medication. RESULTS: HPbetaCD diclofenac sodium had efficacy superior to both placebo and PG-BA diclofenac sodium. At 15 minutes, more patients given HPbetaCD diclofenac sodium than PG-BA diclofenac sodium reported 30% reduction in pain intensity (52% vs. 21%, P = .0022). Both diclofenac products had a 6-hour duration of effect and were well tolerated. Patient global evaluations of HPbetaCD diclofenac sodium were high, superior to placebo, and similar to PG-BA diclofenac sodium. The adverse event (AE) incidence was similar for HPbetaCD diclofenac sodium and PG-BA diclofenac sodium, except that in the current trial and in integrated safety results from the present and prior studies, phlebitis was more common with PG-BA diclofenac sodium. No cardiac or renal AEs or gastrointestinal bleeding were reported or observed. CONCLUSIONS: IV bolus HPbetaCD diclofenac sodium produced analgesia more quickly than, and with equal duration as, the 30-minute PG-BA diclofenac sodium infusion. Pooled data on thrombophlebitis from the present investigation and our prior studies of the novel formulation indicate this adverse effect is less frequent and less severe with HPbetaCD diclofenac sodium than with PG-BA diclofenac sodium.

[Clinical risk factors for deep vein thrombosis after total hip and knee arthroplasty].

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical risk factors for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) after total hip and knee arthroplasty in Chinese patients who received prophylactic treatment for DVT. METHODS: We evaluated 128 total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA) in 95 patients performed at our center from April 2004 to August 2004, which included 48 THAs in 43 patients and 80 TKAs in 52 patients. There were 27 men and 68 women with a mean age of 59.77 years (range, 23-78 years). All patients had been given low-molecular-weight heparin before operation and for 7-10 days post-operation to prevent DVT. Color Doppler ultrasonography was used to detect DVT of bilateral lower extremities in all patients before operation and at 7-10 days after operation. Nineteen clinical factors were examined preoperation and 7-10 days post-operation in order to analyze their influences on DVT formation after surgery. RESULTS: There were 45 patients who developed DVT after operation. The incidence of DVT in all patients was 47.4% (45/95) and the incidence of proximal DVT was 3.2%. There were more asymptomatic DVT (57.8%, 26/45) than symptomatic ones, and some patients without DVT (14%, 7/50) presented some of the DVT symptoms. Logistic regression analysis demonstrated a definite association of female, obesity (representative by BMI), cement usage and diagnosed RA with DVT with odds ratio of 10.008, 3.094, 8.887, and 0.194 respectively. Other clinical factors had no statistically significant association with DVT. CONCLUSIONS: Female, obesity, and cement usage were the risk factors for DVT after THA and TKA, and diagnosed RA was the protecting factors for DVT after THA and TKA. Other clinical factors such as age, OA, type of implant, monolateral or bilateral operation, duration of anesthesia, surgery and bandage usage for blood control, time for immobilization et al were not the risk factors for DVT.

Total intravenous nutrition with peripherally inserted silicone elastomer central venous catheters.

Long-term indwelling central venous catheters inserted peripherally for total intravenous nutrition have been complicated by thrombophlebitis in most instances. However, experiences with silicone elastomer catheters used in this manner have not been previously reported. In this investigation a crank introducer unit has been developed that has allowed 61-cm silicone elastomer catheters to be placed in the superior vena cava with insertion in the basillic or cephalic vein. Thirty-five patients (36 catheter placements) received total intravenous nutrition exclusively via these silicone elastomer catheters. The mean time indwelling was 20.4 days (range, four to 56 days). Thirty of the 36 catheters were removed when total intravenous nutrition was discontinued. Only six catheters were removed for nonvenous and venous reactions. These results have shown the safety and efficacy of peripherally inserted silicone elastomer central venous catheters.

Urokinase therapy for Silastic catheter-induced intravascular thrombi in infants and children.

Among the serious complications encountered with long-term, indwelling Silastic central venous catheters are catheter-induced intravascular thrombi. These thrombi are usually treated by removal of the catheter to prevent thrombus propagation, embolization, or infection. We treated ten patients with urokinase infusion who had experienced 12 incidents of induced intravascular thrombi. Catheter phlebography and two-dimensional echocardiography were used for diagnosis and follow-up. Eleven of the 12 episodes were treated successfully, with complete dissolution of the thrombus. One patient with a calcific thrombus had only partial clot lysis and required catheter removal. By utilizing urokinase infusion to treat Silastic catheter-induced intravascular thrombi, nine of ten central venous catheters were preserved and the possible need for thrombectomy was averted. No serious complications were encountered. In our experience, urokinase therapy has been an effective and safe method for treating Silastic catheter-induced intravascular thrombi.

Salivary beta-thromboglobulin: a possible marker for deep vein thrombosis following elective hip surgery.

The concentration of the platelet specific protein B-thromboglobulin, (BTG) was measured in salivary samples obtained pre and postoperatively from 30 patients without evidence of renal disease and having total hip replacement arthroplasty. When postoperative deep-vein thrombosis (DVT) was detected using percutaneous ascending phlebography there was total correlation with elevated salivary BTG levels taking 0.33 micrograms/1 or greater on 2 consecutive occasions or more as indicating a deep venous thrombus. Eight of nine patients with a positive diagnosis of DVT on urokinase scanning would have been diagnosed using the same criterion. However BTG was elevated in a further 5 patients in whom labelled urokinase failed to demonstrate a DVT. These may have been localised in the calf and thus missed by, or lysed prior to, the scanning technique.

Central venous thrombosis: an early and frequent complication in cancer patients bearing long-term silastic catheter. A prospective study.

Studies on catheter-related central venous thrombosis (CRCVT) have been focused mainly on clinically evident CRCVT due to occlusive thrombi, underestimating therefore the actual thrombosis prevalence. This prospective study was aimed at evaluating prevalence, timing and evolution of thrombosis, and identifying involved veins and risk factors in cancer patients (pts) undergoing percutaneous subclavian central venous catheterization (CVC) for chemotherapy, parenteral nutrition or both. We enrolled 127 consecutive pts requiring partially or totally implanted central venous silastic catheters. The study protocol included peripheral phlebography (P) at day 8, 30 and every two months following CVC and/or when clinically indicated, along with peripheral and pullout P on catheter withdrawal. A quantitative scale was developed to evaluate thrombus grading in subclavian, innominate and cava veins. Age, sex, coagulation profile tumor histotype, metastases, therapy, catheter type, and catheter insertion side were also investigated. Only pts who underwent at least two P were evaluated, and chi 2 test was adopted for statistical analysis. Altogether, 95 pts were evaluable. CRCVT was observed in 63/95 (66%) pts. At day 8, 30 and 105 (representing the median days in which first, second and last P were performed) CRCVT was evidenced in 64%, 65% and 66% of the pts, respectively. Thrombus grading did not differ among first, second and last P. CRCVT was symptomatic in 4/63 (6%) pts. Thrombosis prevalence was higher in subclavian (97%) with respect to innominate (60%) or cava (13%) veins (p < 0.001). Thrombosis was higher in left subclavian catheters (14/16; 87.5%) than in right ones (49/79; 62%), p < 0.01. No associations were established between CRCVT and other investigated parameters. Our data show a very high actual frequency of CRCVT in cancer pts, and emphasize that first days following CVC are at the highest risk for CRCVT development. Based on our results, a study on short-term antithrombotic prophylaxis in cancer pts requiring CVC is warranted. Finally, our data indicate that left subclavian vein catheterization represents a risk factor for CRCVT.

A comparison of the morbidity associated with occlusive and non-occlusive dressings applied to peripheral intravenous devices.

In a non-randomized controlled study of the effects of an occlusive polymer dressing on the morbidity associated with intravenous (iv) cannulation, it was found that the polymer dressing adversely affected the rate of cannula tip colonization, but that this could not be generally related to an increased risk of thrombophlebitis. A strong association was found between Staphylococcus aureus colonization and thrombophlebitis. It is proposed that the materials, method of manufacture and the use to which the cannula is put are more important in the genesis of the minor complications of iv cannulation than the type of dressing.

Clinical experience with a microvascular anastomotic device in head and neck reconstruction.

BACKGROUND: Despite numerous refinements in microsurgical technique and instrumentation, the microvascular anastomosis remains one of the most technically sensitive aspects of free-tissue transfer reconstructions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Concurrent with the development of microsurgical techniques, various anastomotic coupling systems have been introduced in an effort to facilitate the performance and reliability of microvascular anastomoses. The microvascular anastomotic coupling device (MACD) studied here is a high-density, polyethylene ring-stainless steel pin system that has been found to be highly effective in laboratory animal studies. Despite its availability for human clinical use over the last 5 years, reported clinical series remain rare. Our clinical experience with this MACD in 29 head and neck free-tissue transfers is reported herein. RESULTS: Thirty-five of 37 (95%) attempted anastomoses were completed with 100% flap survival with a variety of donor flaps, recipient vessels, and clinical contexts. Two anastomoses were converted to conventional suture technique intraoperatively, and one late postoperative venous thrombosis occurred after fistulization and vessel exposure. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the MACD studied here is best suited for the end-to-end anastomosis of soft, pliable, minimally discrepant vessels. Previous radiation therapy does not appear to be a contraindication to its use. Interpositional vein grafts may also be well suited to anastomosis with the device. When carefully and selectively employed by experienced microvascular surgeons, this MACD can be a safe, fast, and reliable adjunct in head and neck free-tissue transfer reconstructions, greatly facilitating the efficiency and ease of application of these techniques.

Low incidence of deep-vein thrombosis after cementless total hip replacement.

The incidence of deep-vein thrombosis was studied in 146 consecutive Korean patients who had a cementless total hip replacement with a porous-coated anatomic prosthesis. All of the patients had discontinued taking aspirin, aspirin-containing compounds, or other antiplatelet medications fourteen days before admission to the hospital for the operation. Deep-vein thrombosis was diagnosed by roentgenographic venography, and pulmonary embolism, by perfusion lung-scanning. There was an unusually low incidence (10 per cent) of deep-vein thrombosis in this series. In contrast to other reports, we did not identify a relationship between deep-vein thrombosis and so-called risk factors such as advanced age, number of venous valves (more than five) in the lower extremity, abnormal coagulation-assay data, certain diseases, or preoperative limitation of mobility. In addition, hypertension, blood group, surgical approach, and choice of cemented or cementless total hip replacement did not seem to affect the incidence of deep-vein thrombosis. There was a low incidence of deep-vein thrombosis in patients in whom obesity, prolonged immobilization postoperatively, varicose veins, and hyperlipemia were not factors.

Deep-vein thrombosis and continuous passive motion after total knee arthroplasty.

Seventy-five of 150 consecutive patients who underwent total knee arthroplasty had routine physiotherapy and seventy-five had continuous passive motion of the lower limb that had been operated on as well as routine physiotherapy. A pulmonary embolus did not develop in any patient, but about 40 per cent had thrombosis in the veins of the calf, whether passive motion had been administered or not. Radiographically, the deep-vein thrombosis was seen to extend into or proximal to the popliteal vessel in 5 per cent of the patients in each group. Sex, age, obesity, or a history of hypertension or diabetes did not influence the incidence of venous thrombosis, but there was a higher incidence in patients in whom cement was used for fixation of the total knee components, irrespective of the use of continuous passive motion of the limb.

Treatment of major defects of bone with bulk allografts and stemmed components during total knee arthroplasty.

We reviewed the results an average of fifty months (range, twenty-four to 120 months) after the use of thirty-five allografts in thirty patients during primary or revision total knee replacement. Twenty-nine femoral-head allografts, five distal femoral allografts, and one proximal tibial allograft were used in conjunction with a long-stemmed implant to reconstruct large osseous defects. The patients were evaluated clinically, radiographically, and subjectively (with use of a questionnaire). Twenty-six (87 per cent) of the thirty patients had a good or excellent clinical result, and no revisions were necessary. As none of the patients had collapse of the graft, subsidence of the implant, or revision, we believe that the outcome of treatment with a femoral-head allograft, particularly in association with a component inserted with cement, is excellent. Four non-porous-coated components were placed without cement on structural allografts. Radiographically, three of those components subsided, but none of the three needed revision and two were associated with a good clinical result. Our current practice is to cement components in all arthroplasties involving grafting. Our findings suggest that the use of a stemmed component reduces the stress on the allograft, host bone, and fixation interface. In addition, such a component contributes to the longevity of a total knee replacement associated with a bone graft. Additional studies with long-term follow-up are necessary to confirm this outcome.

Prevention of venous thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty. Antithrombin III and low-dose heparin compared with dextran 40.

The anticoagulant action of heparin is mediated through antithrombin III, and the postoperative decrease in the plasma concentration of antithrombin III may contribute to the relative ineffectiveness of prophylaxis with low-dose heparin in preventing venous thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty. We conducted a prospective, randomized trial to compare the effectiveness of a regimen of antithrombin III, given intravenously once daily, and low-dose heparin with a regimen of dextran 40, given intravenously, in preventing venographically documented venous thrombosis after total hip arthroplasty. The results demonstrated an incidence of venous thrombosis of 4.9 per cent in patients who received antithrombin III and heparin; this was significantly lower than the incidence (28.6 per cent) in patients who received dextran 40 (p less than 0.005). Venous thrombosis occurred only in patients who had total hip arthroplasty with a cemented prosthesis (fourteen of fifty-seven patients, or 24.6 per cent); none of the twenty-six patients in whom a non-cemented prosthesis was used had venous thrombosis (p less than 0.01). Of the patients in whom a cemented prosthesis had been inserted, the incidence of venous thrombosis was lower in those who were treated with antithrombin III and heparin (7.4 per cent) than in those who were treated with dextran 40 (40 per cent) (p less than 0.005). Postoperative levels of antithrombin III were maintained at more than 90 per cent of the baseline level in patients who received it; this was significantly higher than in patients who received dextran 40.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Percutaneous, tunneled silicone elastomer central venous catheters for total parenteral nutrition: low sepsis and thrombosis rate. A prospective study of 315 catheters.

Silastic catheters were inserted by the percutaneous route, and tunneled subcutaneously, in 315 patients who needed venous access for total parenteral nutrition. The catheters were managed with a daily program that included heat sterilization of the metal hub with an electrical soldering iron. This study aimed to evaluate prospectively the incidence of catheter-related sepsis and thrombosis. There was one case of pneumothorax. All catheters were x-rayed post-insertion: eight catheters were malpositioned initially. The median catheter duration was 18 days with a range of 2-138 days. The total duration was 240 catheter-months. Twenty-seven catheters were removed due to mechanical problems. Nine were removed because of suspected sepsis; six patients had negative blood and catheter cultures, while three grew pathogens. The sepsis rate was thus 0.95%. There were no clinical signs of thrombosis. Pull-out venography was performed in 93 patients. Fibrin sleeves were seen in the majority of cases. Two patients had wall-adherent, non-occlusive thrombus masses (2%); they both had proximal catheter positions. We conclude that there is a low risk of catheter-related sepsis and thrombosis with this technique.

An in vivo method for testing hemocompatibility of materials used in prosthetic heart valves.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS OF THE STUDY: An in vivo method for testing hemocompatibility of materials used in mechanical heart valves was developed. METHODS: Discs of test materials were glued to specially designed plastic (Delrin) buttons and implanted into the superior and inferior venae cavae of sheep through a right thoracotomy. The button and disc had such configuration that the blood flow was minimally disturbed. Up to four different materials could be tested simultaneously in each animal: two in superior vena cava and two in inferior vena cava. The materials and their respective implantation sites were changed between different animals according to the Latin square principle. Ten animals were used. Three materials currently used in mechanical heart valve prostheses-titanium, cobalt-chromium alloy (Haynes 25) and pyrolytic carbon (Pyrolite)--together with a surface modified (methylated) titanium were evaluated. No heparin was given during the experiment. After two hours of testing the discs were explanted and evaluated for hemocompatibility. The thrombus area on each disc was measured with photography and planimetry. Platelet and leukocyte adhesion on the surfaces were quantitatively assessed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results showed that there were significant differences in thrombus formation (p = 0.001) and leukocyte adhesion (p = 0.002) between the materials tested. There was no difference between implantation sites but significant differences between individual animals (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results indicate that the method can be used to evaluate early hemocompatibility of biomaterials.