Abdominal aortic aneurysm volume and relative intraluminal thrombus volume might be auxiliary predictors of rupture-an observational cross-sectional study.

Objectives: The study aimed to identify differences and compare anatomical and biomechanical features between elective and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). Methods: Data (clinical, anatomical, and biomechanical) of 98 patients with AAA, 75 (76.53%) asymptomatic (Group aAAA) and 23 (23.46%) ruptured AAA (Group rAAA), were prospectively collected and analyzed. Anatomical, morphological, and biomechanical imaging markers like peak wall stress (PWS) and rupture risk equivalent diameter (RRED), comorbid conditions, and demographics were compared between the groups. Biomechanical features were assessed by analysis of Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine images by A4clinics (Vascops), and anatomical features were assessed by 3Surgery (Trimensio). Binary and multiple logistic regression analysis were used and adjusted for confounders. Accuracy was assessed using receiving operative characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results: In a multivariable model, including gender and age as confounder variables, maximal aneurysm diameter [MAD, odds ratio (OR) = 1.063], relative intraluminal thrombus (rILT, OR = 1.039), and total aneurysm volume (TAV, OR = 1.006) continued to be significant predictors of AAA rupture with PWS (OR = 1.010) and RRED (OR = 1.031). Area under the ROC curve values and correct classification (cc) for the same parameters and the model that combines MAD, TAV, and rILT were measured: MAD (0.790, cc = 75%), PWS (0.713, cc = 73%), RRED (0.717, cc = 55%), TAV (0.756, cc = 79%), rILT (0.656, cc = 60%), and MAD + TAV + rILT (0.797, cc = 82%). Conclusion: Based on our results, in addition to MAD, other important predictors of rupture that might be used during aneurysm surveillance are TAV and rILT. Biomechanical parameters (PWS, RRED) as valuable predictors should be assessed in prospective clinical trials. Similar studies on AAA smaller than 55 mm in diameter, even difficult to organize, would be of even greater clinical value.

Posterior approach for sciatic aneurysm repair - technical note.

Aneurysm of the persistent sciatic artery is a rare cause of limb ischemia, which is a challenge for both diagnosis and treatment. After successful diagnosis adequate treatment may require skills in open and endovascular surgery. We present a patient with the aneurysm of the persistent sciatic artery treated by bypass procedure with PTFE graft using posterior approach. We named this procedure "dorsal bypass". Detailed explanation of clinical presentation, diagnosis and the surgical procedure is given in this paper.

Second look at congenital vascular malformations: current classification, diagnostic and treatment principles.

Congenital vascular malformations (CVMs) are not rare disorders, with the overall incidence of 1.5%. Due to their complex embryology and various clinical presentations, there was a long lasting confusion among vascular specialists regarding the etiology, classification, basic principles of evaluation and treatment of these anomalies. The introduction of the Hamburg classification and its adoption by experts around the world made further studies of CVMs and comparison of results among different specialists possible. Precise diagnosis of the type and extent of the malformation is paramount for the choice of adequate treatment. In most instances this can be achieved with a detailed history, careful physical examination and a combination of appropriate non-invasive studies. Invasive tests should be reserved for confirmation of diagnosis and serve as a road map for treatment planning. Modern treatment of CVMs is based on a multidisciplinary team approach involving specialists in vascular surgery, interventional radiology, pediatrics, nuclear medicine, orthopedic surgery, plastic and reconstructive surgery and physical therapy. Surgical and endovascular techniques are used in conjunction to minimize morbidity and improve treatment outcomes.

The role of duplex ultrasonography in surgical treatment of acute progressive thrombophlebitis of great saphenous vein.

AIM: The aim of this paper was to determine the role of ultrasonographic examination in acute progressive thrombophlebitis (APT) of great saphenous vein (GSV) and its impact in considering indications for urgent surgical treatment. MEHODS: In this retrospective study, out of 141 consecutive patients operated due to APT of GSV above the knee, 63 were examined by ultrasonography prior surgery. RESULTS: Out of 63 operated patients, in 38 duplex ultrasonography (DUS) revealed that proximal level of phlebitic process was more than 5 cm higher than the one found during physical examination (60.3%). In this group, the mean difference between DUS and clinical finding was 8.5±3.5 cm. In 25 patients there were no differences greater than 5 cm found between DUS and physical examination (39.7%). There was statistically highly significant difference between DUS and physical examination findings (χ2=6.5, P<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study revealed significant difference between ultrasonographic and physical findings in patients with APT of GSV. DUS presented as reliable diagnostic method in examining, course-following and making decision for operative treatment of these patients.

Dacron or ePTFE graft for above-knee femoropopliteal bypass reconstruction. A bi-centre randomised study.

BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to compare polyester (Dacron) and expanded polytetrafluorethilene (ePTFE) grafts for above-knee femoropopliteal bypass. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Eighty five patients with disabling claudications or limb threatening ischemia suitable for above-knee femoropopliteal reconstruction were randomized into two groups. In the first group the surgery was performed using 8 mm Dacron graft, whereas the patients in the second group were operated using ePTFE grafts. RESULTS: The primary patency rates for Dacron and ePTFE were 100 %, and 88.37 % (p < 0.05), while secondary patency rates were 83.3 % and 75 % (p > 0.05) respectively. The early limb salvage rates for Dacron and ePTFE were 100 % and 97.7 % (p > 0.05). Early (30-day) complications (bleeding 2.38 % and 2.32 %; wound infection 11.9 % and 11.63 %) occurred in both groups with similar frequency (p > 0.05). The patients were followed up over a period of 6 to 12 months (mean 8.3 +/- 3.6 months). The overall mortality rate in the follow-up period was 2.38 % (one patient) for Dacron and 6.98 % (three patients) for ePTFE group (p > 0.05). Late graft infection was noted in three patients (7.1 %) in Dacron, and two patients (4.65 %) in ePTFE group (p > 0.05). Primary patency rates were not significantly influenced by obesity, diabetes, hypertension, hyperlipidemia, cigarette smoking, (p > 0.05). However, poor run-off (only one crural artery patent on preoperative angiography) significantly decreased patency of both grafts and favored the use of ePTFE graft (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms that both materials are suitable for above-knee femoropopliteal reconstructions. Above-knee femoropopliteal bypass does not have a good long-term prognosis in the presence of poor run-off.

Upper extremity arterial injuries: factors influencing treatment outcome.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to identify factors influencing surgical treatment outcome following upper extremity arterial injuries. METHODS: This 15-year study (January 1992 to December 2006) included 167 patients with 189 civilian, iatrogenic or military upper extremity arterial injuries requiring surgical intervention. Patient data were prospectively entered into a vascular trauma database and retrospectively analysed. RESULTS: The most frequently damaged vessel was the brachial artery (55% of injuries), followed by the axillary (21.7%), antebrachial (21.2%) and subclavian (2.1%) arteries. Three primary amputations (1.8%) were performed because of extensive soft-tissue destruction and signs of irreversible ischaemia on admission. Seven secondary amputations (4.2%) were due to graft failure, infection, anastomotic disruption or the extent of soft-tissue and nerve damage. Fasciotomy was required in 9.6% of cases. Operative mortality was 2.4% (four deaths). Early graft failure, compartment syndrome, associated skeletal and brachial plexus damage and a military mechanism of injury were found to be significant risk factors for limb loss (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Although careful physical examination should diagnose the majority of upper extremity arterial injuries, angiography is helpful in detailing their site and extent. Prompt reconstruction is essential for optimal results. Nerve trauma is the primary cause of long-term functional disability.

Aneurysm of the inferior vena cava: case report and review of the literature.

Aneurysms of the inferior vena cava (IVC) are extremely rare. To the best of our knowledge, only 29 cases of IVC aneurysms are published in literature. We present a new case of surgically treated symptomatic saccular aneurysm of the infrarenal IVC and review previously published cases. Following resection of the aneurysm and the thrombosed infrarenal IVC, the patient fully recovered. Thrombosed IVC aneurysm may mimic a retroperitoneal tumour. In some cases, CT and MRI findings may be equivocal. Surgical treatment is indicated in all symptomatic and low-risk asymptomatic cases.

Ex vivo repair of renal artery aneurysm associated with repairing of abdominal aortic aneurysm. Case report.

A case of right renal artery distal aneurysm associated with juxtarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm in a 75-year-old male, who presented with abdominal and back pain and chronic renal failure, is reported. The abdominal aortic aneurysm was repaired with a bifurcated Dacron graft. The right kidney was simultaneously explanted, ex vivo reconstruction of the renal artery with PTFE graft was performed, followed by autotransplantation of the kidney into the right iliac fossa. In the postoperative course the renal function returned to normal.