Role of Complete Duplex Ultrasound to Diagnose Deep Vein Thrombosis in COVID-19 Critical Patients.

An increased risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been reported in critical COVID-19 patients, despite adequate thromboprophylaxis, and most of DVT are probably asymptomatic. As a screening approach has been advocated, the best examination protocol is unknown. The objective of this study is to assess the role of a Complete Duplex Ultrasound (CDUS) examination in detecting DVT in a large population of COVID-19 patients admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) for respiratory failure. Single-center retrospective study of 145 COVID-19 patients admitted to ICU. DVT was assessed with a CDUS performed by experienced radiologist after ICU admission. DVT was confirmed in 38 patients (26%). Most DVT were distal to the knee (66%), while only 16% were proximal. At the time of the examination, 55% of the patients received full-dose anticoagulation, while 45% received thromboprophylaxis, and there were no differences in anticoagulation regimen between positive and negative patients. Patients with DVT had higher dimers compared with those with negative CDUS (P < .002). The observed frequency of DVT is high despite adequate anticoagulation. A comprehensive and experienced ultrasound examination protocol can allow to recognize a large number of distal DVT otherwise missed, albeit their clinical significance is unknown.

Modified transmanubrial approach for complicated type 1 cervical rib resection requiring subclavian artery reconstruction.

The transmanubrial musculoskeletal sparing approach (TMA) is commonly used for resecting apical lung tumours with vascular involvement. Non-neoplastic conditions which might require surgical exploration of the thoracic outlet include the 'cervical rib', a clinical condition consisting of an additional rib forming above the first rib and growing from the base of the neck just above the clavicle. Type 1 cervical rib-when a complete cervical rib articulates with the first rib or manubrium of the sternum-is the most challenging scenario where the subclavian artery can be damaged by continuous compression due to the narrow space between clavicle, first rib and supernumerary cervical rib, requiring prosthetic reconstruction of the involved tract. Here, we describe a modified TMA in which the incision in the neck is conducted posteriorly to the sternocleidomastoid muscle, thus allowing safe dissection of the superior and middle trunk of the brachial plexus.

Optional caval filter in kidney cancer patients with tumor thrombus level I and II.

BACKGROUND: Kidney diseases requiring a radical surgical approach can come up complicated by the presence of a thrombus of the renal vein or the inferior vena cava (IVC). The overwhelming majority of these cases concern the presence of a kidney tumor, especially renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Kidney tumor presenting with thrombus extension into the IVC represents a difficult operative challenge, especially for the risk of thrombus dislocation due to the manipulation of the IVC during tumor isolation, which may result in pulmonary embolism (PE). METHODS: We propose a retrospective cohort study regarding 10 patients (thrombus level I or II) operated in our center from 2010 to 2015. All of them had a renal tumor. In 8 patients TC proved tumor thrombus extended into the IVC<2 cm above the renal vein (level I), in the remaining patients the thrombus entered the IVC>2 cm above the renal vein but below the hepatic veins (level 2). All the patients underwent an IVC temporary/optional filter placement as a preoperative maneuver before radical nephrectomy. RESULTS: The efficacy of the procedure is confirmed by the absence of any inter- or postsurgical thromboembolic event in all patients; filter was removed in 3 patients, moreover, concerning the long-term information we obtained about the patients, none of them has showed complete occlusion of IVC. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the study support effectiveness of preoperative temporary IVC placement to prevent thrombosis embolism shedding and to improve surgical safety.

Early vascular complications after percutaneous cannulation for extracorporeal membrane oxygenation for cardiac assist.

BACKGROUND: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA ECMO) demonstrated an advantage in survival and neurological outcome in patients with cardiogenic shock and, in selected population, in victims of refractory cardiac arrest. The incidence of vascular complications ranges in recent series from 10 to 70% including both early and late complications. The aim of the present study was to determine the incidence of early vascular complications and the effectiveness of the prevention of limb ischemia by the insertion of a catheter for distal perfusion. METHODS: Data from our registry of 100 patients treated with VA ECMO implanted via percutaneous femoral approach for cardiogenic shock or refractory cardiac arrest were analyzed. If the leg perfusion was inadequate, an additional 7-9 Fr percutaneous catheter distal to the ECMO arterial cannula was placed into the femoral artery to prevent limb ischemia. RESULTS: Thirty-five patients had early vascular complications. Thirty patients with early ischemia were cannulated with a small reperfusion cannula to obtain antegrade perfusion of the limb. Twenty-six had an effective reperfusion. Seven patients developed a compartment syndrome of the leg requiring urgent fasciotomy that led to clinical improvement and recovery in five, while the other two patients progressed to irreversible ischemia requiring amputation of the limb. CONCLUSION: The majority of ischemic episodes were resolved with the insertion of a distal perfusion catheter. We did not observe any mortal vascular complication, nor any of the observed complications was related to increased mortality.