Recurrent calcium emboli in a patient with aortic stenosis.

We report a patient with moderate aortic stenosis who had two episodes of calcium embolus to the left popliteal artery within ten months. This case suggests that calcium emboli can be recurrent and that major calcium emboli should warrant consideration of valve replacement, even in patients with mild aortic stenosis.

Presidential address: stroke--a perspective.

A vascular surgeon must recognize that strokes may be caused by embolism from or obstruction of the extracranial afferent arteries to the brain. Furthermore, embolic disease and the hypoperfusion syndrome may occur in the same patient. A transient ischemia attack (TIA) is diagnostic of localized cerebral ischemia. A bruit has little significance other than as an indication for further study. The most practical noninvasive method of studying patients for cerebrovascular disease in our laboratory has been oculopneumoplethysmography and B-mode scanning. Interobserver variations in interpretation of arteriography make measurement of the percentage of stenosis an unacceptable standard for judging the accuracy of other diagnostic techniques. Endarterectomy with local or general anesthesia with the routine use of a shunt or EEG monitoring is satisfactory and useful. In my opinion the most important elements are wide exposure, minimal preclamping handling of the carotid artery, meticulous and unhurried technique for endarterectomy, and postoperative control of blood pressure. Since 1970 I and my associates have performed 882 carotid endarterectomies. The operative mortality rate has been 1%, permanent neurologic deficit 0.96%, and transient neurologic deficit 2.1%.

Newer prosthetic material compared with autogenous saphenous vein for occlusive arterial disease of the lower extremity.

This article reports our experience with 101 polytetrafluoreoethylene and 102 umbilical vein grafts inserted into the femoropopliteal and femorocrural arteries of 98 and 97 patients, respectively, during the last 5 years. These grafted extremities are compared to 416 saphenous vein grafts placed in similar arteries of 383 patients during the past 18 years. The operations were performed by seven surgeons associated in private practice. During this period of time, all records were collated by our research associate, R. M. Preuninger, Ph.D., and the life-table analyses of the data were computed by S. Mehta of the Gore-Tex Company, using the method of Peto et al.

Phleborheography--results of a ten-year experience.

Phleborheography (PRG) is a physiologic volumetric plethysmographic technique that was developed for the diagnosis of lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. During the past 10 years, 21, 626 extremities have been studied with 709 corresponding venograms. Overall data reveal a sensitivity of 92% (247/268) and specificity of 95% (418/441). There were 21 false negative PRG results, and 12 of these were due to isolated calf vein thrombosis. There were 23 false positive results, and 11 of these were considered true errors of the technique. When isolated calf vein thrombosis was disregarded, the sensitivity increased to 95%. PRG detected 45 of 57 (79%) isolated calf vein thrombi. The modified criteria for interpretation included respiratory waves and baseline elevation as the major criteria and prominent arterial pulsation and foot emptying as the minor criteria. PRG has recently been used to monitor the duration of thrombolytic therapy. While data are limited, this appears to be a promising contribution to the quantification of individual response to lytic therapy and may indicate an objective end point for treatment. PRG is a sensitive and specific method of detecting deep vein obstruction. It is a painless, reproducible, repeatable technique that requires minimal patient cooperation. PRG is a versatile laboratory technique that can be used for a variety of applications in addition to the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.

Real-time B-mode carotid imaging in diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease.

We studied 1,044 patients by using real-time B-mode ultrasonic carotid imaging (BioSound), oculoplethysmography and carotid phonoangiography (OPG/CPA), and periorbital Doppler ultrasonography. One hundred and fifty of these patients underwent bilateral carotid arteriography; they form the basis of this study. The x-ray films were compared to the scans and other noninvasive studies. The quality of the B-mode scans were graded according to the severity of disease (the degree of diameter reduction of the arterial lumen by stenosis): grade I (0% to 39% stenosis), grade II (40% to 69% stenosis), and grade III (70% stenosis and greater). The overall results showed that the specificity of the scan was 86%, sensitivity for grade II disease was 75%, and sensitivity for grade III disease was 44%. Only 6 of 16 (38%) totally occluded vessels were identified correctly. The data reveal a direct correlation of scan quality with accuracy. Good-quality scans had 90% accuracy, whereas the accuracy of poor-quality scans was 48%. Four of 12 scan/arteriogram "mismatch" patients underwent carotid endarterectomy. In each instance the surgeon thought that the scan more accurately represented the disease process. When the scan was combined with OPG/CPA and the results agreed, there was a 91% accuracy rate. However, when the scan and OPG/CPA disagreed, the scan was more reliable in the grade I and II categories, whereas the OPG/CPA was much more reliable in grade III disease. The accuracy of this technique can be improved with the addition of a high-quality Doppler system. If technologic improvements can be made so that technically good scans can be obtained in all patients, then this may become the most reliable noninvasive cerebrovascular testing method.

Analysis of 1084 consecutive lower extremities involved with acute venous thrombosis diagnosed by duplex scanning.

A retrospective analysis of 8658 consecutive lower extremity venous duplex scans performed between the years 1982 to 1988 revealed 953 patients with involvement of 1084 extremities with acute deep or superficial thrombi. Records of patients with acute thrombi were then evaluated for the incidence, location, and patterns of distribution. There were 485 women (50.9%) and 468 men (49.1%), with a mean age of 62.9 +/- 16.7 years and 58.8 +/- 15.2 years, respectively. There were 371 right-sided thrombi (180 women and 191 men), 451 left-sided thrombi (235 women and 216 men), and 131 (70 women and 61 men) patients with thrombi in both lower extremities. Women were found to be uniformly older, and the left leg was found to be involved more frequently (p less than 0.05). The overall distribution of the 3169 veins involved with acute thrombi in decreasing order were: popliteal, 16.1%; superficial femoral, 15.0%; posterior tibial, 13.4%; common femoral, 13.2%; greater saphenous, 9.9%; soleal, 9.1%; peroneal, 7.2%; deep femoral, 6.6%; lesser saphenous, 5.7%; anterior tibial, 2.0%; varicosities, 1.6%; and perforating, 0.3%. A different rank order was found in analysis of single thrombus patterns as follows: greater saphenous, 27.5%; soleal, 20.1%; lesser saphenous, 13.4%; varicosities, 8.8%; popliteal, 8.1%; posterior tibial, 9.1%; common femoral, 3.5%; superficial femoral, 4.9%; peroneal, 2.8%; deep femoral, 1.0%; anterior tibial, 0.3%; and perforating, 0.3%. In patients with multiple and bilateral thrombi there was a large number of unique patterns of thrombosis. Locations, patterns, and frequency of acute venous thrombi vary with age, sex, and leg involved. Patterns and statistical analyses of pertinent observations were performed.

Superficial thrombophlebitis diagnosed by duplex scanning.

Since July 1982, this noninvasive vascular laboratory has performed 12,856 lower extermity venous duplex examinations. All cases of acute venous thrombosis have been categorized and entered into a computer data base. One thousand four hundred twelve examinations were positive for acute venous thrombosis. This report analyzes the laboratory's entire experience with superficial thrombophlebitis (SVT). One hundred eighty-six patients were diagnosed by duplex scanning to have SVT. Women outnumbered men 99 to 87. They were slightly older (average age 58.4 +/- 16.2 years) compared with the men (53.8 +/- 14.2 years). Men were more likely to have a complicated course of SVT (40% vs 22%; p less than 0.01). Complications included either radiographically documented pulmonary embolism or deep venous involvement. Fifty-seven (31%) patients had at least one complication of SVT. A series of predisposing factors was analyzed and six factors were associated with an increased risk of complications. They are bilateral SVT (p less than 0.01), age greater than 60 years (p less than 0.01), male sex (p less than 0.01), history of deep venous thrombosis (p less than 0.01), bed rest (p less than 0.02), and presence of infection (p less than 0.02). Location of thrombus within the greater saphenous vein (35%) was most likely to be associated with complications. Isolated varicosities (8%) were least likely to be associated with complications. Duplex scanning identifies a significant number of complications of patients with SVT and should be obtained in cases of saphenous vein involvement or in the presence of associated risk factors.

Noninvasive flow techniques in the diagnosis of cerebrovascular disease.

The accuracy of oculoplethysmography (OPG) and carotid phonoangiography (CPA) singly and in combination, the Doppler velocity detector, and photoplethysmography (PPG) was checked by measurement of the degree of stenosis as shown on arteriograms in 308 internal carotid arteries. In a second study using arteriographic measurement in 210 internal carotid arteries, the comparative accuracy of the fluid-filled (Kartchner) and the air-filled (Zira) OPG, each with and without CPA, was assessed. In the first study the specificity in arteries with less than 40% diameter reduction varied from 88% for the PPG to 97% for the Doppler examination. The sensitivity in arteries with more than 40% diameter reduction varied from 17% for the Doppler examination to 80% for the combination of OPG plus CPA. For arteries with a reduction in diameter greater than 70%, the sensitivity varied from 67% for the CPA to 87% for the OPG plus CPA. The sensitivity of the OPG plus CPA for total occlusions was 93%. For bilateral carotid artery stenosis over 40%, the sensitivity varied from 50% for the CPA to 82% for the combined OPG plus CPA. In the second study, for arteries with less than 40% stenosis the specificity varied from 86% for the Zira computed readout to 93% for the OPG(K). In the second study, when retrospectively analyzed, the sensitivity for arteries with more than 40% stenosis varied from 74% for the Zira computed readout to 88% for the combined OPG(K) plus CPA. For arteries with greater than 70% diameter reduction the sensitivity varied from 79% for the Zira readout to 100% for OPG plus CPA. For bilateral carotid artery disease with greater than 40% diameter reduction, the sensitivity ranged from 50% for OPG(Z) to 77% for OPG(Z) plus CPA.

Use of umbilical vein graft as an arterial substitute.

Seventy reconstructions, 14 to the popliteal artery above the knee, 40 to the popliteal artery below the knee, and 16 to the tibioperoneal arteries were performed with the Dardik umbilical vein graft tanned in glutaraldehyde. Indications for use included absence of or inadequate saphenous veins, or for expediency during emergency or complex procedures. The cumulative patency rate (calculated by the life table method) for the total group was 77% at 18 months. The failures are further analyzed according to the type of procedure, the grade of disease, and the distal runoff vessel. Early failures were attributed primarily to poor runoff and not to intrinsic properties of the graft. Our overall experience with the umbilical vein graft has been good. Further long-term follow-up is necessary.

Revascularization of the femoropopliteal arteries using saphenous vein, polytetrafluoroethylene, and umbilical vein grafts. Five- and six-year results.

Saphenous vein (SV), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), and umbilical vein (UV) grafts placed in the femoropopliteal or tibial areas for occlusive arterial disease were compared for the years between 1975 and 1982. In proximal v distal popliteal replacement, the early failure rate differed only in PTFE grafts to relieve ischemia, with below-knee failure being worse. In all femoropopliteal grafts for claudication, the SV were better than the UV grafts. When done for ischemia, the SV were better than the UV grafts. When done for ischemia, the SV were better than the PTFE grafts. By life-table analysis, SV grafts done for claudication or for ischemia were superior to PTFE grafts. The UV grafts also were better than PTFE grafts. Arteriography showed marked aneurysmal dilatation in a UV graft in the common femoral to popliteal to anterior tibial area at 50 months. In a second patient, mild aneurysmal dilatation was seen. The UV graft is acceptable when SV is not available. The PTFE graft across the knee gives poor results but above the knee is comparable with UV grafts.

The diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis. Fallibility of clinical symptoms and signs.

One hundred twenty-four patients, with 133 involved extremities having the clinical diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity, were studied by phleborheography and phlebography. Seventy-two limbs were proved to have deep venous thrombosis and 61 to have no evidence of thrombi in the deep veins. Classic symptoms of muscle pain and muscle tenderness, swelling, and the presence of a positive Homans sign obtained by dorsiflexion of the foot were found to occur with approximately equal frequency in those limbs with and without deep venous thrombosis.

Phleborheography of the upper extremity.

Phleborheography is a well-established technique for the noninvasive diagnosis of deep venous thrombosis of the lower extremity. For ten years we have used phleborheography in the diagnosis of axillary and subclavian venous thrombosis. We developed modifications in technique and interpretation that are necessary for accurate application of phleborheography to the upper extremity. When compared with venography, the sensitivity and specificity of this technique approached 90%. Therefore, phleborheography appears to be a useful screening examination for deep venous thrombosis of the upper extremity.

Efficacy of low-dose streptokinase in acute arterial occlusion and graft thrombosis.

In a review of 35 patients undergoing local thrombolysis using selective infusion of low-dose streptokinase, the overall success rate was 43%. Streptokinase appears to be most effective in occlusion of native arteries, in high-flow segments, and in autogenous saphenous vein grafts. Local streptokinase was least effective in occluded prosthetic grafts in the femoropopliteal segment (19% success). Distal embolization and progression of thrombosis of the distal arterial tree may occur while the patient is undergoing local thrombolysis and may result in limb loss. Hence, local thrombolysis is not recommended when surgical treatment is an alternative. Despite the low dose, systemic fibrinolytic effects and hemorrhagic complications were common occurrences; hence, routine hematologic monitoring is mandatory in patients undergoing lytic therapy with local infusion of streptokinase.

Ischemic colitis following repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.

Seven patients--six of whom died--underwent surgical repair of a ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm and developed postoperative ischemic colitis. All patients were male, with a mean age of 62 years. Resection of the necrotic colon with a colostomy was necessary within the first postoperative week for the six patients who did not survive and on the 40th postoperative day for the patient who lived. The colon is vulnerable to ischemic necrosis after an aortic rupture because of tissue hypoperfusion and impaired mesenteric artery circulation due to preexistent occlusive disease. In high-risk patients, fiberoptic colonoscopy and examination of stool for occult blood, with immediate abdominal exploration, if necessary, are important in the early postoperative period. Symptoms may develop insidiously when tissue damage is limited to the mucosal layer, but delay in resecting the ischemic segment allows for the extension of necrosis, with perforation.

Obliterative arterial disease of the upper extremity.

During the past 20 years, 163 patients had 194 operations for obliterative arterial disease of the upper extremity. Of these, 68 had neurological symptoms primarily that were associated with arterial obstruction of the first portion of the subclavian artery. The remaining 95 patients had ischemic symptoms of the upper extremity, namely, intermittent claudication of the arm or ischemic necrosis of the fingers. There were 95 procedures performed on 90 patients with diminished or absent brachial blood pressures. There were 89 cervical sympathectomies performed on patients whose brachial pressures were equal to the contralateral arm. When sympathectomy was done, results were excellent in patients who had a rise in skin temperature confirmed preoperatively by reflex vasodilation studies. An aggressive approach with early diagnostic arteriography and appropriate surgical therapy is indicated in patients with ischemia to the upper extremity.

Carotid cavernous fistula following Fogarty catheter thrombectomy.

A patient had carotid cavernous fistula following Fogarty catheter thrombectomy. The patient was successfully treated by percutaneous detachable balloon closure of the fistula. Intraoperative angiography may be helpful in detecting unsuspected injuries of the intracranial carotid artery following thrombectomy.

Latissimus dorsi muscle blood flow during synchronized contraction: implications for cardiomyoplasty.

BACKGROUND: Damage in latissimus dorsi muscle flaps has been reported after clinical and experimental cardiomyoplasty, and an ischemic origin has been suggested. METHOD: In situ, preconditioned latissimus dorsi muscles in 5 sheep were stimulated in either 1:1 (muscle: heart) or 1:2 synchrony with the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle, using a burst duration of either 21% or 35% of the cycle. Thoracodorsal artery blood flow and thoracodorsal venous lactate concentrations were measured before and immediately after a 3-minute period of stimulation. RESULTS: The exercise-induced augmentation of thoracodorsal artery blood flow was significantly (p < 0.05) less with a 1:2 regimen than a 1:1 regimen, for both a 21% (88%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 55.6% to 127.3% versus 138.9%; CI, 97.6% to 188.8%) and 35% burst duration (123.2%; CI, 84.7% to 169.9% versus 167.0; CI, 120.8% to 222.6%). After cessation of stimulation, reactive hyperaemia was observed in 3 of 5 animals with 1:1 21% burst stimulation, and in 5 of 5 animals with a 35% burst duration, but was not seen after 1:2 regimens. A significant (p < 0.01) increase in thoracodorsal venous lactate levels was present after 1:1 35% burst stimulation (34.9%; CI, 9.9% to 65.6%), but lactate levels tended to fall when a 1:2 ratio was used (15.9%; CI, -3.2% to 31.5%; p < 0.1). CONCLUSIONS: One-to-one stimulation regimens may be detrimental to latissimus dorsi blood flow, and an adaptive, rather than fixed, burst duration may be preferable. These findings have important implications for the cardiomyoplasty procedure.

Noninvasive diagnosis of internal carotid artery occlusion.

In summary, internal carotid artery occlusion can be reliably diagnosed by noninvasive techniques, particularly when complementary studies such as B-mode imaging, oculopneumoplethysmography and Doppler frequency spectral analysis are used in combination. Our data suggest that it may also be possible to distinguish acute thrombosis from chronic occlusion by real-time ultrasonography, although further evaluation is necessary. Additional clinically important information about the ipsilateral external carotid artery and the contralateral internal carotid artery is also obtained with this combination of noninvasive studies. Finally, although internal carotid artery occlusion remains a therapeutic challenge to the clinician, its noninvasive diagnosis may be of great help in planning early therapy and in determining arteriographic needs.

Extending the vascular examination by noninvasive means.

The Doppler and phleborheographic technics are highly accurate and convenient methods of diagnosing acute deep venous thrombosis, which cannot be detected reliably by clinical examination. Extent of occlusive disease can be more quantitatively estimated by the Doppler method in the peripheral arteries of the limbs and by oculoplethysmography and phonoangiography in the carotid arteries. Noninvasive methods permit screening of patients suspected of arterial or venous disease and provide physicians with an objective means of assessing therapeutic results.

Does the asymptomatic limb harbor deep venous thrombosis?

Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is a great masquerader that cannot be reliably predicted by a patient's symptoms, history, or risk factors. Bilateral lower extremity duplex ultrasonography scans were made of 2,511 patients and analyzed to identify, if possible, a population in which a unilateral study would be appropriate. A total of 1,086 (43%) patients were found to have deep venous thrombosis--742 (30%) unilateral and 344 (14%) bilateral. Of the patients with DVT for whom side-of-symptom information was recorded, 64% had symptoms referable to the involved extremity and 36% had symptoms referable to the contralateral extremity. Of the 362 patients who had asymptomatic lower extremities, 128 (35%) had DVT. Moreover, clots were found in asymptomatic limbs in an additional 263 patients whose contralateral limb was symptomatic. Logistic regression analysis did not reveal combinations of symptoms and risk factors that could predict DVT. If DVT is suspected, the patient should undergo bilateral lower extremity duplex scanning.