The Femoral Vein as a Long-Term Aorto-Iliac Graft for Aortic Infection and Aortitis.

BACKGROUND: Reconstruction of the aorto-iliac segment with femoral vein (FV) as substitute for infected synthetic grafts or mycotic aneurysms constitutes the most sustainably convenient alternative. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term outcome of up to 16 years of follow-up, analysing the morphologic adaption of the FV with special emphasis on the distal and proximal anastomoses. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study of 22 patients with 109 computed tomography angiograms (CTAs) treated between August 2001 and January 2020 in case of aortic infection/aortitis. Morphologic changes like anastomotic dilatation/stenosis as well as changes of FV wall thickness were retrospectively analysed in pre- and postoperative CTAs. RESULTS: Elective procedure was done in 17/22 (77%) cases, and 5/22 (23%) patients required emergent surgery. The median follow-up was 91.5 months (P25;P75 = 21;117). Cross-sectional diameter of proximal (20.38 ± 3.77 vs 22.04 ± 3.97 mm, p = 0.007) and distal anastomoses (13.05 ± 4.23 vs 14.61 ± 5.19 mm, p = 0.05) increased significantly, as well as the proximal and distal anastomotic areas (3.36 ± 1.29 vs 4.32 ± 1.63 mm2, p = 0.04 and 0.99 ± 0.48 vs 1.25 ± 0.72 mm2, p = 0.023, respectively). Venous wall thickness was significantly reduced at the anastomotic site (1.74 ± 0.46 vs 1.24 ± 0.31 mm, p = 0.001). The upper thigh diameter did not differ before and after harvesting of the FV (161.6 ± 29.1 vs. 178.2 ± 23.3 mm, p = 0.326, respectively). CONCLUSION: This long-term CTA follow-up study showed that the FV wall becomes thinner at the anastomotic site, and the anastomoses dilate with time without rupture. The FV is a durable conductor after replacement of the aorto-iliac segment due to aortic infection. Further CTA studies from more centres are warranted to evaluate the risk of vein rupture.

Contemporary Use of the Femoropopliteal Vein in Vascular Reconstructions.

INTRODUCTION: Current practice patterns favor endovascular treatment, resulting in fewer open procedures. When needed, greater saphenous vein and/or prosthetic conduits are considered the first choice for open vascular bypass. However, there is a cohort of patients in which these conduits are either not available or not suitable to address the surgical requirements. One alternative is to use femoropopliteal vein (FPV), an often-overlooked conduit. We report on the contemporary use of FPV in a tertiary vascular institution. METHODS: All patients who underwent FPV harvest, as defined by CPT code 35572, between 2005 and 2019 were identified. Patient demographics (sex, age, baseline laboratory values, medical co-morbidities), indication for use of FPV, complications specific to vein harvest, operative details, post-operative course, and outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: Ninety patients had harvest of FPV for creation of 123 conduits. In this study, a conduit was defined as a segment of vein used to perfuse a distinctly separate vascular bed. We identified four cohorts in which FPV was used: aorto-iliac reconstruction in 38 patients for infected graft (19), occlusive disease (8), aortitis (5), mycotic aneurysm (5), and malignancy (1); peripheral artery revascularization in 26 patients for ilio-femoral reconstruction (15), femoropopliteal reconstruction (4), upper extremity/cerebrovascular reconstruction (6), and coronary bypass (1); mesenteric revascularization in 20 patients for acute or acute on chronic ischemia (12), chronic ischemia (7) or aneurysm (1); and dialysis access in 6 patients. There was a high incidence of pre-existing comorbid conditions in all groups, but most notably those patients who underwent aorto-iliac reconstruction. Harvest-related or conduit-related complications included compartment syndrome, graft-associated hemorrhage, surgical site infection, and lymphatic complications. Primary graft patency at 3 years was 83% ± 4% (aorto-iliac), 83% ± 6% (peripheral), 100% (mesenteric), and 23% ± 19% (dialysis access, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: While use of FPV has potential significant harvest-related, conduit-related, or systemic complications, FPV is useful for a variety of needs, almost universally available, and durable. In the current era where endovascular approach is the focus, FPV should not be forgotten as a potential conduit that can be used for a variety of vascular reconstruction indications.

Brachiocephalic Vein and Superior Vena Cava Reconstruction with a Superficial Femoral Vein Graft.

Superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) is an entity that has become more frequent due to the increasing use of indwelling central venous catheters. Surgical management is considered in patients with extensive venous thrombosis and when endovascular therapy is not feasible. The use of superficial femoral vein is an excellent technique for reconstruction of the brachiocephalic vein and superior vena cava (SVC) in cases with benign and malignant etiologies. We describe two cases of SVCS that were managed surgically at our institution with replacement of the SVC and brachiocephalic veins with a superficial femoral vein graft technique.

Outcome in Patients after Autologous Femoral Vein Reconstruction for Primary Aortic Infection and Aortic Graft Infection: A Case Series.

BACKGROUND: For surgical treatment of primary aortic infection and aortic graft infection, in situ reconstruction with autologous vein(s) has the lowest rates of re-infection and of graft thrombosis. In this study, we have assessed the outcome after autologous femoral vein reconstruction in patients with aortic (graft) infection and we provide insights into the specific technical surgical considerations of the procedure. METHODS: In this retrospective single-center study, all patients who underwent autologous femoral vein reconstruction because of primary aortic infection or aortic graft infection between January 2012 and January 2020 were included. The primary outcome parameter was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients with autologous femoral vein reconstruction for a primary aortic infection (n = 3) or aortic graft infection (n = 26) were included. An aorto-enteral fistula was detected in 13 patients (49%). Venous reconstruction of the aorta was performed with a single femoral vein in 17 patients (59%), and two femoral veins in 12 patients (41%). Thirty-day mortality was 17%. Relapse of infection occurred in two patients (7%) and no amputations were needed. One year after surgery, only three patients (10%) still needed stockings and after 2 years none of the patients used stockings. CONCLUSIONS: Central aortic reconstruction with femoral veins is a durable solution for primary aortic and aortoiliac graft infections with a low incidence of reinfections, amputations, and venous hypertension.

Long-term outcomes of transposed femoral vein arteriovenous fistula for abandoned upper extremity dialysis access.

BACKGROUND: The number and longevity of patients with end-stage renal disease requiring dialysis access have continued to increase, leading to challenging situations, including exhausted upper extremity access and severe central venous stenosis. This has led to an increase in the use of alternative access sites, including the lower extremities. The transposed femoral vein arteriovenous fistula for dialysis access is a previously described alternative, although limited data are available on its long-term patency. METHODS: Patients treated with a transposed femoral vein fistula were retrospectively reviewed. A transposed femoral vein fistula was created by harvesting the femoral vein and transposing it to the distal superficial femoral artery at the level of the adductor canal. The demographic information, perioperative characteristics, complications, and long-term outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 21 patients had undergone transposed femoral vein fistula for dialysis access after an average of 5.3 ± 2.8 failed dialysis access procedures and a duration of 6.1 ± 4.9 years from the initiation of dialysis. The average age at the procedure was 53.5 ± 12.8 years. Ten patients (47.6%) had a history of diabetes mellitus and nine (42.9%) had a history of coronary artery disease. Technical success was achieved in 100% of cases, and 16 patients (76.2%) were discharged with anticoagulation therapy. The primary patency at 1, 3, and 5 years was 93%, 74%, and 74%, respectively. The secondary patency at 1, 3, and 5 years was 100%, 89%, and 89%, respectively. Two patients had compartment syndrome requiring fasciotomy, and six patients experienced wound complications. CONCLUSIONS: Transposed femoral vein fistula for dialysis access is a viable alternative for patients with an exhausted upper extremity access, with good long-term patency.

Syngeneic Transplantation of Rat Olfactory Stem Cells in a Vein Conduit Improves Facial Movements and Reduces Synkinesis after Facial Nerve Injury.

BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic facial paralysis is a disabling condition. Current surgical management by faciofacial nerve suture provides limited recovery. To improve the outcome, the authors evaluated an add-on strategy based on a syngeneic transplantation of nasal olfactory stem cells in a rat model of facial nerve injury. The main readouts of the study were the recording of whisking function and buccal synkinesis. METHODS: Sixty rats were allocated to three groups. Animals with a 2-mm facial nerve loss were repaired with a femoral vein, filled or not with olfactory stem cells. These two groups were compared to similarly injured rats but with a faciofacial nerve suture. Olfactory stem cells were purified from rat olfactory mucosa. Three months after surgery, facial motor performance was evaluated using video-based motion analysis and electromyography. Synkinesis was assessed by electromyography, using measure of buccal involuntary movements during blink reflex, and double retrograde labeling of regenerating motoneurons. RESULTS: The authors' study reveals that olfactory stem cell transplantation induces functional recovery in comparison to nontransplanted and faciofacial nerve suture groups. They significantly increase (1) maximal amplitude of vibrissae protraction and retraction cycles and (2) angular velocity during protraction of vibrissae. They also reduce buccal synkinesis, according to the two techniques used. However, olfactory stem cell transplantation did not improve axonal regrowth of the facial nerve, 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The authors show here that the adjuvant strategy of syngeneic transplantation of olfactory stem cells improves functional recovery. These promising results open the way for a phase I clinical trial based on the autologous engraftment of olfactory stem cells in patients with a facial nerve paralysis.

Microsurgical Salvage of Acute Lower Limb Ischemia after Iatrogenic Femoral Injury during Orthopedic Surgery in a Pediatric Patient.

Acute lower limb ischemia (ALLI) in the pediatric population is rare but may lead to limb loss and life-long complications. We report the technique and outcomes of microsurgical salvage of ALLI in a preterm newborn after open reduction of congenital hip dysplasia. A 2-month-old girl was born premature at week 36 with congenital bilateral hip dysplasia. The initial management attempted was conservative and entailed placement of bilateral Von Rosen splints. The treatment was successful on the left side, but the patient had recurrent unstable hip dislocation on the right side. Subsequently, 2 attempts at close reduction under general anesthesia were done and both were unsuccessful in maintaining the right hip in the acetabulum. Therefore, an open reduction of the right hip was planned through a medial/obturator approach. During the surgical procedure, the neurovascular femoral bundle (including the superficial femoral artery [SFA], femoral vein [FV], and femoral nerve) was accidently transected with subsequent development of ALLI. Therefore, the FV was harvested distally to the injury site and a 4-cm long healthy segment was obtained. It was reversed, flushed with heparin, spatulated at both extremities, and interposed to the SFA in end-to-end fashion using two 9/0 polypropylene interrupted sutures under microscope. Reperfusion of the limb was noted immediately after releasing the vascular clamps. The final ischemia time at completion of the surgical procedure was 6 hr. Thereby, prophylactic 4-compartment fasciotomies were performed in the right leg. The patient tolerated the procedure well and the postoperative clinical course was free from adverse events. Duplex ultrasound examination at 6 weeks after the intervention confirmed sustained clinical success and showed no signs of venous thromboembolism. At the same time, X-ray examination of the right hip confirmed adequate and stable reduction of the joint in the acetabulum. ALLI due to accidental arterial injury during orthopedic surgical procedures for congenital defects in newborns is a rare but potentially devastating complication. Microsurgical salvage is a safe, feasible, and effective option to restore limb flow. Multidisciplinary expertise and meticulous technique are mandatory in order to achieve satisfactory and durable outcomes.

Long-Term Results and Risk Analysis of Redo Distal Bypass for Critical Limb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: Distal bypass is the optimal treatment for patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI). However, effectiveness of redo distal bypass (rDB) after failed initial distal bypass (iDB) remains uncertain. This study aimed to analyze long-term results of rDB for CLI. METHODS: Patients undergoing rDB for CLI from 2009 to 2018 at a single institute were retrospectively reviewed. Operative details, primary and secondary patency, survival rate, major amputation-free rate, and risk factors affecting patency were analyzed. The distal runoff was evaluated using the infrapopliteal Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) grade (0 to 4: 0 represents good runoff and 4 represents the poorest runoff). RESULTS: Of 310 iDB (251 patients), 46 rDB were performed in 44 patients: 27 men, mean age 75 ± 10 years, diabetes mellitus 77%, chronic renal failure with hemodialysis 45%. Only the autologous veins were used in distal bypasses: a great saphenous vein (GSV) in 28 (57%), a small saphenous vein in 13 (27%), an arm vein in 6 (12%), and a superficial femoral vein in 2 (4%). The GSV was used less frequently for rDB than for iDB (57% vs. 90%, P < 0.0001). The infrapopliteal GLASS grade 4 was recognized more in rDB than iDB (76% vs. 60%, P = 0.04). Primary and secondary patency of rDB was 25% and 44% at 1 year and 14% and 29% at 3 years, respectively, which were significantly lower than those of iDB (P < 0.0001). The survival rate after rDB was 68% at 1 year and 53% at 3 years. Freedom from major amputation rate in rDB was 83% at 1 year and 66% at 3 years. Multivariate analysis showed the risk factor influencing on secondary patency was patent duration of the iDB graft (P = 0.012). Secondary patency of rDB was higher in the group of late graft occlusion ≥6 months after iDB (late group) than in the group of early graft occlusion < 6 months after iDB (early group) (94% vs. 9% at 1 year and 75% vs. 5% at 3 years, P < 0.0001). However, freedom from major amputation rate at 3 years was comparable between both groups (71% in the late group vs. 61% in the early group). CONCLUSIONS: Patency of rDB was significantly lower than that of iDB partly because of less use of the GSV and poorer runoff. Because survival and graft patency after rDB was low, rDB should be a suboptimal treatment especially in patients with early graft occlusion within 6 months after iDB.

Composite Contralateral Axillobifemoral Bypass for Ipsilateral Axillobifemoral Bypass Infection.

We report an innovative technique in an 82-year-old patient with a patent but infected right axillobifemoral (AxBF) bypass performed 7 years ago owingto critical limb ischemia who underwent a semielective de novo left-sided composite AxBF bypass consisting of a central prosthetic polytetrafluoroethylene segment and distal autologous limbs to the femoral regions (femoral crossover bypass vein to the right limb using the femoral vein and jump graft to the left femoral limb using the great saphenous vein.) Although AxBF bypass is not considered the "gold standard" surgical composite revascularization procedure in the suprainguinal region, it can constitute an acceptable intervention in selected cases.

Deep venous thrombosis manifestation of common femoral vein leiomyoma.

Deep vein thrombosis is a common clinical condition, with well-known risk factors. An unusual case of venous leiomyoma manifesting as a deep vein thrombosis in the left femoral vein of a 55-year-old man was managed successfully at our institution with anticoagulation, en-bloc excision and reconstruction of the femoral vein with spiral vein graft.

Vertebral Osteomyelitis or Infected Abdominal Aortic Endograft? A Rare Case of Q Fever.

Coxiella burnetii is the etiological agent of Q fever, a zoonosis. Vascular infections are associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Osteoarticular Q fever infections are rare. We describe a case of vertebral osteomyelitis with associated infection of an abdominal aortic endograft, caused by C. burnetii. Most probably, an initial pyogenic vertebral osteomyelitis extended locally to the endograft. Treatment consisted of antibiotic therapy and surgical resection of the infected aortic endograft and in situ reconstruction with autogenous superficial femoral vein grafts.

Autogenous Femoral Vein for Secondary Repair of Subclavian Arteries: A Salvage Solution for Complex Clinical Scenarios.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular stent and prosthetic graft placement are commonplace techniques for correction of subclavian artery (SCA) lesions. However, when initial surgical repair of the SCA becomes complicated by subsequent infection or thrombosis of the repair site, stents and prosthetic grafts are no longer suitable for secondary repair due to the risk of recurrent failure and limited longevity. Autogenous tissue is more resistant to infection and has improved long-term patency, and thus may be a better option for secondary reconstruction in these complex clinical scenarios. The most commonly used autogenous conduit for SCA reconstruction is the great saphenous vein; however, the significant size mismatch makes this unsuitable in many circumstances. The autogenous femoral vein is a promising alternative conduit for SCA repair. Here we present 3 successful cases of its use as a salvage technique following iatrogenic complications of prior surgical repair. METHODS: From 2015 to 2019, 3 patients underwent harvest of the femoral vein for use in SCA repair, with 2 carotid-axillary bypasses and 1 carotid-subclavian bypass. Indications included a mycotic pseudoaneurysm secondary to an infected SCA stent, an SCA avulsion secondary to an infected carotid-subclavian bypass graft, and an occluded SCA stent in a young patient. Postoperative graft patency was monitored via clinical resolution of symptoms and maintenance of perfusion, intact pulses, and arterial duplex or computed tomography (CT) scan. RESULTS: All these patients had a good outcome following their procedures. Each had intact radial pulses immediately postoperatively and maintained normal perfusion to the upper extremity for the duration of follow-up, with bypass patency confirmed via CT scan or arterial duplex. The SCA repair also allowed for salvage of the upper extremity and symptomatic relief in all patients. None of the patients developed deep vein thrombosis in the donor extremity, and neither of the infected patients developed recurrent infection of the repair site. CONCLUSIONS: The success of these cases demonstrates that the autogenous femoral vein is an effective and safe option for SCA reconstruction. It is particularly useful for secondary salvage when prior surgical repair via standard techniques is complicated by infection or thrombosis, and when target vessel size precludes the use of the great saphenous vein. This is an excellent choice of conduit that vascular surgeons should consider for use in complex SCA repairs.

Modified Warden Operation With the Use of Femoral Vein Homograft for Repair of a Variant of Right-Sided Partial Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection.

Surgical repair of right-sided partial anomalous pulmonary venous return (PAPVR) involves baffling the pulmonary vein across a naturally occurring or surgically created atrial septal defect without causing pulmonary venous or superior vena cava obstruction. A nine-year-old male presented to us with an unusual anatomical variant of right-sided partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection. The pulmonary veins draining the right upper and middle lobes connected to the azygous vein that drained in the usual fashion into the superior vena cava. The Warden operation was modified, with the use of femoral vein homograft, to avoid pulmonary venous obstruction.

Direct Retrograde Bypass is Preferable to Antegrade Bypass for Open Mesenteric Revascularization.

BACKGROUND: Mesenteric bypass grafts can be constructed either antegrade or retrograde. There is debate regarding which is the optimal approach. We have modified the technique for retrograde mesenteric revascularization using a direct open retrograde revascularization (DORR) technique. This report is a retrospective single-institution study that describes the DORR technique and compares it with antegrade mesenteric bypass. METHODS: The medical records of patients undergoing open mesenteric bypass between January 2001 and December 2017 for mesenteric ischemia were reviewed. Patients who underwent mesenteric thromboembolectomy, retrograde stenting, or bypass for aneurysmal disease were excluded. Patient demographics, operative details, and follow-up data were recorded. Antegrade bypasses were constructed using a polyester, collagen-coated, knitted, (Maquet, Getinge Group)- bifurcated graft. The supraceliac aorta was exposed, and the Dacron graft limbs were tunneled to the celiac and/or superior mesenteric artery (SMA). The DORR was constructed by anastomosing a vein graft to an iliac artery. The vein was tunneled through the base of the small bowel mesentery to create a direct course to the SMA. When revascularization to both the SMA and celiac vessels was indicated, the vein was anastomosed to the SMA in a side-to-side fashion with the distal vein tunneled through the mesocolon and anastomosed in a end-to-side fashion to the hepatic artery. Statistical analysis was done using Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, Fisher's exact test, and log-rank test with a P ≤ 0.05 considered significant. RESULTS: Forty-one patients underwent open mesenteric bypass: 16 antegrade and 25 retrograde. Patient age, gender, and body mass index were similar. Indication for operation was acute ischemia in a greater portion of patients undergoing retrograde bypass (P = 0.025). For antegrade bypasses, Dacron was used in 15 and saphenous vein in 1. The DORR bypass originated from an iliac artery (21), limb of an aortofemoral graft (2), or infrarenal aorta (2). All DORR were constructed using veins (19 femoral veins and 6 greater saphenous veins). In DORR configurations, the bypass was created to only the SMA in 23 cases (92%). By comparison, in antegrade bypasses, the bypass was constructed to both the SMA and celiac arteries in all but 1 case (P < 0.00001). Median operative time was significantly shorter for DORR compared with antegrade bypass (282 vs. 375 min; P < 0.05). Blood loss, need for second-look laparotomy, morbidity, mortality, length of stay, and discharge disposition were similar between groups. There was a shift in favor of the DORR technique in the second half of the study (4 of 15 [27%] DORR from 2001 to 2009 vs. 21 of 26 [81%] DORR from 2010 to 2017). In survivors, 57% of the antegrade cohort and 74% of the DORR cohort had documented follow-up (average, 47.5 ± 59.9 and 28.8 ± 31.3 months, respectively). No difference was noted in survival between groups. All grafts in both cohorts were patented at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Direct tunneling of the graft under the mesentery with the DORR technique avoids concern for kinking and has shorter operative time despite the need for vein harvest. No differences were noted in long-term survival between patient groups. The use of a venous conduit makes DORR adaptable for both chronic and acute mesenteric ischemia. These factors have resulted in the DORR technique to be our preferred method for open mesenteric revascularization.

Vascular Reconstruction of a Brachial Artery Aneurysm Proximally to an Arteriovenous Malformation.

Brachial artery aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) are limb-threatening vascular anomalies. This patient presented with a bilobed brachial artery aneurysm in the antecubital fossa proximally to an AVM arising from the dorsal interosseous and ulnar arteries that had been treated with endovascular embolization, leaving the hand solely supplied by the radial artery. The aneurysm continued to increase in size and imaging revealed concomitant thrombus. A femoral vein interposition graft was used to repair the aneurysm, and postoperatively, the patient retained full left arm function.

Cryopreserved Venous Allografts in Supra-inguinal Reconstructions: A Single Centre Experience.

OBJECTIVE: This study introduces a novel technique for supra-inguinal arterial reconstructions with cryopreserved femoral vein and caval allografts with a low re-infection rate and an acceptable graft re-intervention rate on early mid term analysis. METHODS: Patients treated from February 2012 to March 2018 with cryopreserved venous allograft reconstructions owing to infection in the supra-inguinal area were reviewed retrospectively. The primary end points were re-infection and the treatment related mortality rate. Secondary end points were 30 and 90 day and overall mortality and graft re-intervention rate. RESULTS: Of the 23 patients treated with cryopreserved venous allografts for infection in aorto-iliac area, 21 (91%) patients underwent reconstruction with cryopreserved femoral veins and two (9%) with vena cava. Indications for treatment were aortic graft infections (n = 12 [52%]), mycotic aneurysms (n = 5 [22%]), femorofemoral prosthetic infections (n = 3 [13%]), anastomotic pseudo-aneurysms (n = 2 [9%]), and aortic thrombosis with intestinal spillage (n = 1 [4%]). In hospital and 90 day mortality were 9% (n = 2); overall treatment related mortality during the median follow up of 15 months was 13% (n = 3). During the follow up, two allografts were re-operated on owing to anastomotic dilatation and one because of re-infection, resulting in a re-intervention rate of 13% (n = 3). None of the grafts was lost and there were no amputations. At the end of follow up 17 patients (74%) were alive. Kaplan-Meier estimation for survival was 76% (95% confidence interval [CI] 57%-95%) at one year and 70% (95% CI 49%-91%) at two years. CONCLUSION: Cryopreserved venous allografts appear to be an infection resistant and reasonably safe reconstruction material in the aorto-iliac axis based upon the early mid term analysis from a single centre experience. Further research is needed to compare their performance with other biological reconstruction material.

Aortic reconstruction in infected aortic pathology by femoral vein "neo-aorta".

The use of autologous femoral veins for in situ reconstruction of the aortoiliac segment is an effective technique to treat native aorta or prosthetic graft infections. The indications, technical details, and outcomes of this procedure are detailed. Graft infection involving the aortic segment, while rare, remains one of the most challenging vascular surgery conditions to treat. The original technique of "neo-aortoiliac surgery" with in situ autologous vein grafts has evolved over the past 25 years and remains a worthwhile alternative for the treatment of aortic graft infections, with lower mortality rates compared with other extra-anatomic or in situ surgical options. Acceptance of this surgical option is due to low graft re-infection rates, rare graft disruption, and low long-term aneurysmal degeneration. Excision of the femoral veins is associated with acceptable rates of lower limb edema. The use of an autologous femoral vein graft can be considered the standard of care in selected patients for the management of aortic graft infections. Optimal management of patients with aortic graft infections requires consideration of all potential therapeutic options because no single modality can be used, and individualizing treatment according to the clinical condition will yield the best patient outcomes.

Comparing Venous Reconstructions and Antimicrobial Graft Reconstructions in Mycotic Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms and Aortic Graft Infections.

BACKGROUND: The perioperative mortality and morbidity rates of surgical repair of mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms and aortic graft infections are high, and the appropriate treatment is debated. This retrospective study compared venous and antimicrobial prosthetic aortic graft reconstructions. METHODS: All patients of the Northwest Clinics and St. Antonius Hospital who were treated for mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms or aortic graft infections between January 1, 2008, and January 1, 2018, were analyzed. Exclusion criterion was treatment other than venous or antimicrobial reconstructions. Primary end points were 30-day complications and mortality rates and 3-year overall survival. Secondary end points were reintervention-free survival, persistent infection and reinfection rates, and hospital length of stay. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients met the inclusion criteria, of whom 32 underwent venous reconstructions and 19 antimicrobial prosthetic aortic graft reconstructions. Baseline characteristics did not differ significantly between these groups, except for duration of surgical repair, which was longer in the venous group. The 30-day and 1-year mortality rates, reinfection rates, complication rates, and hospital length of stay did not significantly differ between the groups. The 3-year overall survival was 77% for venous reconstruction compared with 66% for antimicrobial reconstruction (P = 0.781). The 30-day reintervention rate was 19% for the venous group compared with 42% for the prosthetic group (P = 0.071). Reintervention-free survival at 3 years was 46% for the venous group compared with 52% for the prosthetic group (P = 0.615). CONCLUSIONS: Venous reconstruction tends to have better 3-year overall survival and lower 30-day reintervention rates compared with antimicrobial prosthetic graft reconstruction in patients with mycotic abdominal aortic aneurysms or abdominal aortic graft infections. In the acute setting, antimicrobial prosthetic graft reconstruction is a valuable solution due to the shorter operation time and similar 30-day mortality and complication rates.

Experience of a single institution with femoral vein homograft as right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit in stage 1 Norwood operation.

OBJECTIVE: Femoral vein homograft can be used be used as valved right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit in the Norwood operation. We describe the results of this approach, including pulmonary artery growth and ventricular function. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 24 consecutive neonates with hypoplastic left heart syndrome or complex single ventricle undergoing this approach between June 2012 and December 2017 was performed. Conduit valve competency and ventricular function were estimated using transthoracic echocardiogram, and pulmonary artery growth was measured using Nakata's index. Changes in ventricular function pre-Glenn and at latest follow-up were assessed by ordinal logistic regression with a general linear model to account for the correlation within the same patient over time. RESULTS: Median age at surgery was 4 days, and mean weight was 3 kg. There was no interstage mortality. A total of 21 patients have undergone Glenn operation, and 9 patients have completed the Fontan operation. None of the conduits developed thrombosis. Sixty-three percent of conduits remained competent in the first month, and 33% remained competent after 3 months of operation. Catheter interventions on conduits were necessary in 14 patients. Median Nakata index at pre-Glenn catheterization was 228 mm2/m2 (interquartile range, 107-341 mm2/m2). Right ventricular function was preserved in 83% of patients at a median follow-up of 34 (interquartile range, 10-46) months. CONCLUSIONS: Femoral vein homograft as a right ventricle to pulmonary artery conduit in the Norwood operation is safe and associated with good pulmonary artery growth and preserved ventricular function as assessed by subjective echocardiography. Catheter intervention of the conduit may be necessary.

[A Case of Locally Advanced, Pancreatic Mixed Acinar-Endocrine Carcinoma(MAEC) Resected using Superficial Femoral Vein Grafts for Portal Reconstruction].

A 46-year-old woman with epigastric pain was found to have a tumor of the pancreatic head. Computed tomography(CT) revealed a plethoric and poorly-marginated, 7 cm tumor in the pancreatic head. The superior mesenteric vein(SMV)was infiltrated from the duodenal inferior margin and a 6 cm occlusion extended to the merger with the splenic vein. Diagnostic criteria identified locally advanced pancreatic cancer(UR-P)with a limitation in portal reconstruction. Endoscopic ultrasoundguided fine needle aspiration(EUS-FNA)diagnosed mixed acinar-endocrine carcinoma(MAEC). Due to rarity, a chemotherapy protocol has not been established. Thus, the first option for treatment was resection. CT showed that the required graft was 7 cm in length, with SMV 0.5 cm in diameter at the intestinal side and 1.4 cm in diameter at the hepatic side; accordingly, the superficial femoral vein (SFV)was selected for use. Compared to the external iliac vein, the graft is slightly thinner and about 10 cm can be harvested. This graft is useful for cases that require reconstruction of the distal SMV.