Major Groin Complications Following the Use of Synthetic Grafts

Technical Pitfalls and Tips of Management for Critical Limb Ischemia by Distal Bypass Using the Autogenous Veins

It is a clear fact that many complications in surgical treatment, not just in cardiovascular surgery, are caused by things related to surgical techniques. In other words, postoperative problems are already determined by preoperative surgical management and intraoperative surgical operations. This describes strategies to avoid the surgical complications of distal bypass using the autogenous veins for each item. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2024; 33: 67-72).

Development and Validation of a 30-Day Point-Scoring Risk Calculator for Open Groin Vascular Surgery: The George Washington Groin Score

BACKGROUND

Open groin vascular surgeries are important in managing peripheral arterial diseases. Given its inherent risks and the diverse patient profiles, there is a need for risk assessment tools. This study aimed to develop a 30-d point-scoring risk calculator for patients undergoing open groin vascular surgeries.

METHODS

Patients underwent open groin vascular surgery, including aortobifemoral, axillofemoral, femorofemoral, iliofemoral, femoral-popliteal, and femoral-tibial bypass as well as thromboendarterectomy, were identified in American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database from 2005 to 2021. Patients were randomly sampled into experimental (2/3) and validation (1/3) groups. The George Washington (GW) groin score, a weighted point-scoring system, was developed for 30-d mortality from multivariable regression on preoperative risk variables by Sullivan's method. GW groin score was subjected to internal and external validation. Furthermore, the effectiveness of GW groin score was evaluated in 30-d major surgical complications.

RESULTS

A total of 129,424 patients were analyzed, with 86,715 allocated to experimental group and 42,709 to validation group. GW groin score is derived as follows: aortobifemoral bypass (2 points), axillofemoral bypass (1 point), age (>75 y, 2 points; 65-75 y, 1 point), disseminated cancer (2 points), emergent presentation (1 point), American Society of Anesthesiology score 4 or 5 (1 point), dialysis (1 point), and preoperative sepsis (1 point).GW groin score exhibited robust discrimination (c-statistic = 0.794, 95% CI = 0.786-0.803) and calibration (Brier score = 0.029). The transition from individual preoperative variables (c-statistic = 0.809, 95% CI = 0.801-0.818) to the point-scoring system was successful and external validation of the score was confirmed (c-statistic = 0.789, 95% CI = 0.777-0.801, Brier score = 0.030). Furthermore, GW groin score can effectively discriminate major surgical complications.

CONCLUSIONS

This study developed GW groin score, a concise and comprehensive 10-point risk calculator. This well-validated score demonstrates robust discriminative and predictive abilities for 30-d mortality and major surgical complications following open groin vascular surgeries. GW groin score can anticipate potential perioperative complications and guide treatment decisions.

Lymphatic flow through (LyFT) ALT flap: an original solution to reconstruct soft tissue loss with lymphatic leakage or lower limb lymphedema

INTRODUCTION

The lympho-venous shunt using the distal vein of ALT flap pedicle allowed at the same time the coverage of the inguinal defects and to perform lymphovenous shunt into a run-in vein of the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral pedicle, draining the lymph through the flap pedicle. Surgical technique, complications and final outcomes (both clinical and lymphoscintigraphic) are reported.

METHODS

Five patients (45.8 y.o.[22-70]) with groin soft tissue loss with lymphatic leakage or lower limb lymphedema, benefited of the described technique. The ALT flap was used to cover the defect and, at the same time, we could perform a lymphovenous shunt between afferent lymphatics to the thigh and the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral pedicle, distal to the perforator nourishing the flap. Clinical and lymphoscintigraphic assessment of the limbs, cease of lymphorrhea or cellulitis/lymphangitis episodes, eventual downstaging of physiologic/physical therapy were recorded. LYMphatic Quality Of Life in leg (LYMQoLLeg) and patient satisfaction were evaluated.

RESULTS

Average flap size was 88.8cm² (range 84-126). The mean number of multi-lymphovenous anastomosis (MLVA) performed was 1.8 (range 1-3) per patient with 1-3 lymphatics shunted into each vein. Only one hemato-seroma requiring surgical revision. Mean improvement of perometer values was 48.2% (range 27.7-67.7) with an average follow-up of 13.6 months (range 12-17). Lymphoscintigraphy showed disappearing of the lymphatic leak and lymphedema with a high satisfaction of LYMQoL score.

DISCUSSION

The combination of pedicle flap with lympho-venous bypass as lymphatic derivation concept, improving the chronic morbidity scenarios of lymphatic complications.

Pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator flap combined with lymphovenous anastomosis between the recipient site lymphatic vessels and flap superficial veins for reconstruction of groin/thigh tissue defect and creation of lymph flow-through to reduce lymphatic complications: A report of preliminary results

BACKGROUND

Large locoregional defects affecting lymphatic-rich regions may be subject to serious lymphatic complications, such as lymphedema and recurrent lymphocele. In the last few years, a demeaning volume reconstruction combined with lymph flow restoration showed to effectively reduce their incidences. The purpose of this report is to present the preliminary results of the use of pedicled SCIP flap with LVA between the recipient site lymphatic vessels and flap superficial vein for reconstruction of soft tissue defect and creation of lymph flow-through to reduce lymphatic complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 2018 and 2020, 4 patients (2 males and 2 females), with a mean age of 56.5 years (ranging 42-76 years), presented a soft tissue defect with lymphatic drainage damage which was reconstructed by resorting to pedicled SCIP flap. Causes of the defect were tumoral surgical excision in 3 cases and severe trauma in 1 case. The defects were located in the medial thigh in 2 cases and groin area in 2 cases, with sizes ranging from 5 × 19 cm to 8 × 22 cm. The SCIP flap was raised by paying attention to preserve some suitable veins at the distal edge of the skin paddle. The flap was then turned 180 degrees and inset in order to match the direction of the recipient's lymphatic vessels. One or more LVAs were performed between the recipient site damaged lymphatics and a superficial flap's vein.

RESULTS

The sizes of flaps ranged from 5 × 19 cm to 8 × 22 cm. The mean number of LVAs was 2.2 (ranging from 1 to 3). A minor post-operative complication was encountered (small infected seroma) in 1 case, which was conservatively managed. No secondary procedures were required. In all cases complete range of motion (ROM) of the hip joint and wound coverage at both donor and recipient site were achieved. The mean follow-up was 8 months (ranging 7-10 months). No signs of lymphedema and lymphocele were reported over this time.

CONCLUSIONS

The pedicled SCIP flap with LVA between the recipient site lymphatic vessels and flap superficial vein may provide a solution for inguinal and upper thigh defects reconstructions that requires a lymphatic drainage restoration. Its superficial veins may be exploited to perform LVAs at recipient site, thus reducing the lymphatic complications in these delicate regions.

The use of vertical postero-medial thigh flap as lymphatic flow-through flap for upper thigh defect reconstruction and lymphatic sequelae prevention in sarcoma surgery: A case report

Among the various histologic subpopulations of soft tissue sarcomas, undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is one of the most common subtypes in the adult population. Radical surgery remains the primary treatment for UPS, associated with postsurgical radiotherapy or chemotherapy. We herein report the case of a 65-year-old man presenting a recurrent UPS in his right upper thigh region. The patient received radical resection of the tumor and the remaining defect measured ~22 cm × 18 cm. A soft tissue functional reconstruction with lymphatic-flow-through pedicled postero-medial thigh flap (PMT) was planned. A 24 cm × 16 cm flap was harvested in vertical fashion (vPMT), carefully preserving a superficial vein for the following lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) at recipient site. The flap was then rotated and transferred to the defect area through a tunnel under the adductor longus muscle, and LVA was then performed between flap's additional venous pedicle and a nearby leaking lymphatic vessel. The postoperative course was uneventful and at 12 months follow-up no complications were encountered. No signs of lymphedema were reported. When dealing with the groin and upper thigh area, which is notably rich in lymphatic tissue, the possibility of prophylactically re-route lymphatic fluid into the venous system by means of microsurgical anastomosis, lays in the thrilling possibility to prevent secondary lymphedema, instead of curing it. With the described technique, we achieved optimal functional and esthetic outcomes setting at zero both donor and recipient sites morbidity.

Structural design and mechanical performance of composite vascular grafts

This study reviews the state of the art in structural design and the corresponding mechanical behaviours of composite vascular grafts. We critically analyse surface and matrix designs composed of layered, embedded, and hybrid structures along the radial and longitudinal directions; materials and manufacturing techniques, such as tissue engineering and the use of textiles or their combinations; and the corresponding mechanical behaviours of composite vascular grafts in terms of their physical–mechanical properties, especially their stress–strain relationships and elastic recovery. The role of computational studies is discussed with respect to optimizing the geometrics designs and the corresponding mechanical behaviours to satisfy specialized applications, such as those for the aorta and its subparts. Natural and synthetic endothelial materials yield improvements in the mechanical and biological compliance of composite graft surfaces with host arteries. Moreover, the diameter, wall thickness, stiffness, compliance, tensile strength, elasticity, and burst strength of the graft matrix are determined depending on the application and the patient. For composite vascular grafts, hybrid architectures are recommended featuring multiple layers, dimensions, and materials to achieve the desired optimal flexibility and function for complying with user-specific requirements. Rapidly emerging artificial intelligence and big data techniques for diagnostics and the three-dimensional (3D) manufacturing of vascular grafts will likely yield highly compliant, subject-specific, long-lasting, and economical vascular grafts in the near-future.

Graphic abstract

Contemporary results with the biosynthetic glutaraldehyde denatured ovine collagen graft (Omniflow II) in lower extremity arterial revascularization in a septic context

OBJECTIVE

Prosthetic peripheral vascular graft infections are poorly evaluated, despite a grim prognosis with high mortality and major amputation rates. The vascular substitute of choice remains controversial when autologous veins are unavailable. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the mid-term results of a new alternative biosynthetic collagen graft (Omniflow II®) in an infected field in patients with unavailable or unsuitable autologous saphenous vein.

METHODS

This retrospective, observational, multicentric study included all consecutive patients in whom an Omniflow II® graft was used for infra-inguinal revascularization in the context of sepsis from January 2015 to January 2020. The primary endpoint was freedom from major amputation; secondary endpoints were 30-day mortality, perioperative morbidity, and estimated survival, patency, and freedom from reinfection estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients (27 men, median age 69 years (IQR:60;76) were included. Fever was present in 58.6% of cases, a septic rupture in 17.9%, and a pseudo-aneurysm in 25.0%. The 30-day mortality rate was 3.4% (septic shock). The median follow-up reached 49 months. At 1 and 3 years, the estimated freedom from major amputation was 88.4% and 83.9%, survival was 96%, primary patency was 74.6% and 65.8%, secondary patency was 82.1% and 77.7% and reinfection free-survival was 85.6%. There were 7 occlusions (1 iliofemoral, 1 below-knee, and 5 above-knee bypasses), 3 explantations for persistent sepsis, 4 reinfections (all within the first 6 months which led to 1 death and 3 major amputations), and a total of 4 major amputations. The risk of major amputation increased with bypass reinfection (p=.004), occlusion (p=.005), and polymicrobial infection (p=.05).

CONCLUSION

In a septic context, the Omniflow II® bioprosthetic graft represents an acceptable vascular substitute in the absence of an autologous vein. It provides acceptable freedom from major amputation and reinfection considering the seriousness of this pathology. This usage remains outside the instructions for use, it is, therefore, essential to pursue longer-term studies in larger cohorts.

A Cost-Utility Analysis of the Use of Closed-Incision Negative Pressure System in Vascular Surgery Groin Incisions

OBJECTIVE

Closed-incision negative pressure therapy (CINPT) with the Prevena system has been used and clinically evaluated in high-risk groin incisions to reduce the risk of postoperative complications. We performed a cost-effectiveness analysis evaluating CINPT in femoral-popliteal bypass with prosthetic graft.

METHODS

A literature review looking at prospective randomized trials determined the probabilities and outcomes for femoral-popliteal bypass with and without CINPT. Reported utility scores were used to estimate the quality adjusted life years (QALYs) associated with a successful procedure and postoperative complications. Medicare current procedure terminology and diagnosis-related group codes were used to assess the costs for a successful surgery and associated complications. A decision analysis tree was constructed with rollback analysis to highlight the more cost-effective strategy. An incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) analysis was performed with a willingness to pay at $50,000. Deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the robustness of the results, and to accommodate for the uncertainty in the literature.

RESULTS

Femoral-popliteal bypass with CINPT is less costly ($40,138 vs $41,774) and more effective (6.14 vs 6.13) compared to without CINPT. This resulted in a negative ICER of -234,764.03, which favored CINPT, indicating a dominant strategy. In one-way sensitivity analysis, surgery without CINPT was more cost-effective if the probability of successful surgery falls below 84.9% or if the cost of CINPT exceeds $3139. Monte Carlo analysis showed a confidence of 99.07% that CINPT is more cost-effective.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite the added device cost of CINPT, it is cost-effective in vascular surgical operations using groin incisions.

Soft Tissue Defect Reconstruction and Lymphatic Complications Prevention: The Lymphatic Flow-Through (LyFT) Concept

Background and Objectives: When a lymphatic-rich area is severely damaged, either after trauma or a surgical procedure, both soft tissue defect reconstruction and lymphatic drainage restoration are necessary. In this setting, we aim to show the potential of the lymphatic flow-through flap (LyFT) concept, which might be an attractive new solution to reduce postoperative lymphatic complications. Materials and Methods: Between 2018 and 2021, 12 patients presenting a soft tissue defect involving damage to the lymphatic drainage pathway received a lymphatic flow-through flap for volume and lymphatic drainage restoration. Different flaps were employed: 3 pedicled superficial circumflex iliac artery perforator (SCIP) flaps, 2 free SCIP flaps, 3 pedicled deep inferior epigastric perforator (DIEP) flaps, 2 pedicled vertical posteromedial thigh (vPMT) flaps, and 2 pedicled anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps. A range of 1 to 3 lymphovenous anastomosis (LVA) with flap’s veins was performed (mean 1.9). For a better dead space obliteration, an additional vastus lateralis muscle flap was performed in one case. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was used in all cases to identify the lymphatic pathway, make the preoperative markings, and check the patency of the anastomoses. Results: In all cases, the reconstructive results were satisfactory from both the functional and aesthetic points of view. No secondary surgeries were required, and only one minor complication was encountered: an infected seroma that was managed conservatively. The mean follow-up was 9.9 months (range 6–14 months). Conclusions: Lymphatic flow-through flaps seem to effectively reduce the risk of lymphatic complications after the reconstruction of soft tissue defects with a compromised lymph pathway. This is a versatile solution that might be used in different body regions resorting to different flap types.

Vascular Graft Infections: An Overview of Novel Treatments Using Nanoparticles and Nanofibers

Vascular disease in elderly patients is a growing health concern, with an estimated prevalence of 15–20% in patients above 70 years old. Current treatment for vascular diseases requires the use of a vascular graft (VG) to revascularize lower or upper extremities, create dialysis access, treat aortic aneurysms, and repair dissection. However, postoperative infection is a major complication associated with the use of these VG, often necessitating several operations to achieve complete or partial graft excision, vascular coverage, and extra-anatomical revascularization. There is also a high risk of morbidity, mortality, and limb loss. Therefore, it is important to develop a method to prevent or reduce the incidence of these infections. Numerous studies have investigated the efficacy of antibiotic- and antiseptic-impregnated grafts. In comparison to these traditional methods of creating antimicrobial grafts, nanotechnology enables researchers to design more efficient VG. Nanofibers and nanoparticles have a greater surface area compared to bulk materials, allowing for more efficient encapsulation of antibiotics and better control over their temporo-spatial release. The disruptive potential of nanofibers and nanoparticles is exceptional, and they could pave the way for a new generation of prosthetic VG. This review aims to discuss how nanotechnology is shaping the future of cardiovascular-related infection management.

Contemporary management and outcomes of complex vascular surgical groin wound infections

OBJECTIVE

Vascular surgical groin wound infection (VS-GWI) has multiple causes and frequently is manifested as a limb- or life-threatening problem, resulting in significant morbidity and mortality. For patients undergoing operative extirpation, in situ repair, extra-anatomic bypass, or ligation can be used; however, limited data exist describing comparative results of the different operative choices or conduit subtypes. Therefore, we sought to describe our experience with management of VS-GWI and to detail outcomes of the different strategies.

METHODS

Patients (2003-2017) undergoing surgical treatment of VS-GWI (Szilagyi grade III) secondary to primary infectious arteritis or infected pseudoaneurysm after percutaneous intervention as well as previous prosthetic graft placement were reviewed. The primary end point was major adverse limb events (MALEs; major amputation, graft occlusion, or unplanned reintervention). Secondary end points included 30-day mortality, wound healing, amputation-free survival (AFS), and all-cause mortality. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used to determine relative risk of end points; Kaplan-Meier methodology was employed to estimate freedom from outcomes.

RESULTS

There were 149 patients (age, 65 ± 11 years; body mass index, 27 ± 6 kg/m²; 70% male; 32% diabetes) identified, of whom 120 (81%) had unilateral and 29 (19%) had bilateral VS-GWI. Indications included infected prosthetic bypass (88% [n = 131]; infrainguinal, 107; suprainguinal, 24) and primary infectious femoral artery complications (12% [n = 18]). A majority underwent single-stage operations (87% [n = 129]). In situ reconstruction occurred in 87% (n = 129); 9% (n = 13) underwent ligation, and 6% (n = 7) received extra-anatomic revascularization. Autogenous conduit was used most commonly (68% [n = 101/149]; 88% single stage), of which 81% (n = 80) were femoral vein. The remaining patients received cadaveric (15% [n = 23]; 87% single stage) or prosthetic (8% [n=12]; 67% single stage) grafts. Adjunctive myocutaneous flap was used in 37% (n = 54). Length of stay was 19 ± 15 days and 30-day mortality was 7% (n = 10), with no difference between conduit repair types. All femoral wounds healed (mean follow-up, 17 ± 11 months); however, 33% (n = 49) underwent reoperation (unplanned graft reintervention, 33%; graft occlusion, 16%; wound débridement, 15%; major amputation, 11%). Reinfection occurred in 17% (n = 27), with no difference between groups. MALE rate was 22% (n = 33; most were arterial reinterventions, 19%), with no difference in single-stage vs multistage, in situ vs extra-anatomic, or autogenous vs nonautogenous conduit strategies Predictors of MALE included younger age (hazard ratio [HR], 1.6 per decade; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-2.5; P = .02) and lower body mass index (<25 kg/m²; HR, 1.6 per BMI category; 95% CI, 1.1-2.5; P = .02). Overall, 1- and 3-year freedom from MALE, AFS, and survival were as follows: MALE, 74% ± 5% and 63% ± 6%; AFS, 68% ± 4% and 58% ± 5%; survival, 78% ± 3% and 70% ± 4%. Autogenous conduit use was associated with better survival (HR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.8; 1-year: 83% ± 4% vs nonautogenous, 78% ± 4%; 3-year: 68% ± 8% vs 53% ± 9%; log-rank, P = .006).

CONCLUSIONS

An individualized approach to operative strategy and conduit choice leads to comparable outcomes in this challenging group of patients. VS-GWI can be safely managed with in situ, autogenous reconstruction in a majority of patients with acceptable mortality, excellent wound healing rates, and improved overall survival. However, a significant proportion of patients experience reinfection and MALEs, the preponderance of which are arterial reintervention, mandating need for close follow-up and graft surveillance.

Use of Closed-Incision Negative-Pressure Therapy: Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery

Vascular groin wound and median sternotomy infections are challenging complications that may lead to serious sequela. Traditional gauze dressings have poor bacteria barrier properties, and so there has been a recent enthusiasm for the use of closed-incision negative-pressure therapy as an effective closed environment, which controls exudate and helps hold the incision edges together. Studies suggest that it may reduce surgical site infection in cardiothoracic and vascular surgery.

Wound complications after common femoral vein endophlebectomy: Influence on outcome

Introduction Venous recanalization of obstructed femoral and iliac veins is associated with good results regarding the feasibility and patency rate. If the common femoral vein with its inflow vessels is involved, open surgical desobliteration or endophlebectomy has been described as a crucial part of the intervention. However, when performing the hybrid procedure, a number of specific complications have been described. We present our results after venous recanalization including an endophlebectomy, focussing on wound complications and its impact on outcome. Material and methods A retrospective analysis of prospective recorded data of all patients who underwent a hybrid procedure for chronic obstruction of iliofemoral veins between 2010 and 2015 was performed. The patients were treated by recanalization of the affected veins combined with endophlebectomy of the common femoral vein and arteriovenous fistula implantation. Data assessment focussed on complications and patency rates. Results This study includes 96 patients, thereof 58 females with a mean age of 44.1 years. The mean procedure time was 344 ± 140 min (range 124-663). Median follow-up time was 12.5 months (2-33 months). Primary patency was 62.5% and secondary patency was 90%. Re-intervention due to early occlusion within the first 30 post-intervention days was necessary in 37.5% of all cases. Besides bleeding complications, wound complications, mainly classified as Szilagyi I, occurred in 33% of all patients. A multivariate analysis showed a significant impact of wound complications on primary as well as secondary patency rate ( p = 0.032, respectively 0.015). Conclusion Recanalization of obstructed iliac veins and/or the inferior vena cava combined with endophlebectomy of the common femoral vein and arteriovenous fistula implantation is a safe and feasible treatment option in the post-thrombotic syndrome. As wound complications are a common and associated with a significant impact on patency rate, further attempts to improve the procedure are crucial.

Oxidized (non)-regenerated cellulose affects fundamental cellular processes of wound healing

In this study we investigated how hemostats such as oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC, TABOTAMP) and oxidized non-regenerated cellulose (ONRC, RESORBA CELL) influence local cellular behavior and contraction of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Human stromal fibroblasts were inoculated in vitro with ORC and ONRC. Cell proliferation was assayed over time, and migration was evaluated by Live Cell imaging microscopy. Fibroblasts grown in collagen-gels were treated with ORC or ONRC, and ECM contraction was measured utilizing a contraction assay. An absolute pH decline was observed with both ORC and ONRC after 1 hour. Mean daily cell proliferation, migration and matrix contraction were more strongly inhibited by ONRC when compared with ORC (p < 0.05). When control media was pH-lowered to match the lower pH values typically seen with ORC and ONRC, significant differences in cell proliferation and migration were still observed between ONRC and ORC (p < 0.05). However, in these pH conditions, inhibition of matrix contraction was only significant for ONRC (p < 0.05). We find that ORC and ONRC inhibit fibroblast proliferation, migration and matrix contraction, and stronger inhibition of these essential cellular processes of wound healing were observed for ONRC when compared with ORC. These results will require further validation in future in vivo experiments to clarify the clinical implications for hemostat use in post-surgical wound healing.

Sartorius Muscle Flaps for Vascular Groin Wound Complications

Sartorius myoplasty (SM) has been used as an adjunct for soft tissue coverage in vascular groin wound complications. However, the reliability of SM as a primary muscle flap has been questioned. The purpose of this study is to determine the reliability of SM performed by vascular surgeons in the management of vascular groin wound complications. A retrospective review was performed on all patients who underwent SM from 1997 to 2012. The three indications for SM were prophylactic, infection, and noninfectious wound complication. Failure of SM was defined as operative reintervention for bleeding, persistent wound drainage, or infection. A total of 99 patients underwent 103 SM procedures. The patients were 43 per cent male and 57 per cent female; the mean age was 69 years. The indication for SM was infectious in 62 cases (60%), prophylactic in 21 cases (20%), and noninfectious in the remaining 20 cases. Failure of SM occurred in 11 cases (11%). Of these, salvage bypass and/or salvage muscle flap was required in eight cases (73%). When salvage bypass was required, extra-anatomic obturator bypass was performed in 80 per cent of cases. Salvage wound coverage included rectus abdominus flap (60%), rotational flap (20%), and skin grafting (20%). Seventy-three per cent of failures came from the infectious wound group. The most common reason for SM failure was hemorrhage (45%). In 82 per cent of the cases, the sartorius muscle was still viable at reoperation and was used for continued muscle coverage. SM performed by the vascular surgeon provides reliable soft tissue coverage for vascular groin wound complications and should be used as the primary muscle flap in the majority of patients. In cases of SM failure, the vascular surgeon should consider other more extensive muscle flap options.

The limited incision harvest of the rectus femoris flap for complex groin wound management

BACKGROUND

Muscle flaps can be effective in the protocol of complex groin wound management, yet donor-site morbidity remains a continued concern. The purpose of this study was to present a minimally invasive approach to the harvest of the rectus femoris flap (RFF) for groin wound vascularized tissue coverage.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A retrospective study examined all patients undergoing RFF coverage and reconstruction of a complex groin wound between July 1, 2010, and December 31, 2011. During the study period, the senior author (S.K.K.) performed all RFF harvests through a minimally invasive approach, whereas all other surgeons performed the RFF harvest through a standard approach. Patients who underwent a minimally invasive RFF approach were compared with those who underwent the standard incision.

RESULTS

Forty-three patients underwent RFF coverage procedures, 11 of which were carried out using the minimally invasive technique. The patients in the minimally invasive cohort were older (P = 0.03) but had similar rates of medical comorbidities. Minimally invasive RFF harvests were more commonly performed in the planned, salvage setting (P = 0.03). No difference was found in the vascular surgery procedure type (P = 0.13), presence of exposed prosthetic graft material (0.2), or rate of culture-positive wound (P = 0.67). Importantly, no differences in operative time (184.4 [45.5] minutes vs 169.3 [31.7] minutes, P = 0.45) or postoperative complications were observed, with no graft losses or major limb-related morbidity in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

The RFF continues to be a workhorse flap for complex groin wounds, most often in the salvage setting. This study demonstrates that a minimally invasive approach can be used for flap harvest with equivalent results to that of the standard longitudinal incision.

Lymphatic complications after vascular interventions

Introduction

Lymphorrhea due to classical and mini-invasive surgical interventions on femoral and popliteal arteries is a serious hindrance to patient treatment. Depending on the experience of a particular center, the incidence and frequency of this type of complication may constitute a serious clinical problem. While the level of lymphorrhea intensity and its duration result in certain foreseeable consequences, their treatment can be a time-consuming and multistep procedure.

Aim

To compare different types of vascular interventions with lymphorrhea occurrence.

Material and methods

The authors conducted a retrospective analysis of lymphatic complications based on the material collected between 2005 and 2012 at the Department of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery of the Military Institute of Medicine in Warsaw and in the Department of Interventional Cardiology and Angiology of the Institute of Cardiology in Anin, Warsaw, in 2009–2012.

Results

Maintaining due thoroughness when dissecting tissues and treating the cutting line in this area with ligatures and tissue puncture are the most reliable methods of minimizing the risk of lymphatic leakage after surgical procedures performed in a classical way. The lymphatic complication under analysis is far less likely to occur when procedures are performed as planned and an endovascular technique is used – statistical significance p < 0.05. Minimally invasive and fully percutaneous procedures performed via needle puncture, including the use of the fascial closure technique to close the femoral artery, eliminate the likelihood of the occurrence of this vascular complication – statistical significance was found with p value less than 0.05.

Conclusions

We concluded that in every case by minimizing the vascular approach we protected the patient against lymphatic complications.

Secondary modification into aortouniiliac configuration to salvage failed endovascular aneurysm repair is safe and effective but not associated with higher intervention rates during long-term follow-up

BACKGROUND

Reports of secondary modifications into aortouniiliac configuration to salvage-failed endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) are limited. We evaluated long-term results after these procedures and compared them with those after primary aortouniiliac endografting (AUE).

METHODS

A retrospective review of all EVAR performed from March 1995 until July 2011 was conducted. Patients were included when primary AUE (group I) or modification into aortouniiliac configuration (group II) was done.

RESULTS

Data analysis obtained 27 group I and 23 group II patients. Salvage of failed EVAR could be achieved in 96% of group II patients, and mortality was zero. Frequency of adverse events and amount of interventions to maintain aneurysm exclusion were not increased after secondary AUE. Kaplan-Meier estimates for long-term survival between groups were comparable (P = .36).

CONCLUSIONS

Secondary AUE allows correction of graft-related endoleaks potentially leading to late aneurysm rupture. Complications and adverse events throughout long-term follow-up were not necessarily increased when compared with primary AUE.

Predicting the need for muscle flap salvage after open groin vascular procedures: a clinical assessment tool

Groin wound complications after open vascular surgery procedures are common, morbid, and costly. The purpose of this study was to generate a simple, validated, clinically usable risk assessment tool for predicting groin wound morbidity after infra-inguinal vascular surgery. A retrospective review of consecutive patients undergoing groin cutdowns for femoral access between 2005-2011 was performed. Patients necessitating salvage flaps were compared to those who did not, and a stepwise logistic regression was performed and validated using a bootstrap technique. Utilising this analysis, a simplified risk score was developed to predict the risk of developing a wound which would necessitate salvage. A total of 925 patients were included in the study. The salvage flap rate was 11.2% (n = 104). Predictors determined by logistic regression included prior groin surgery (OR = 4.0, p < 0.001), prosthetic graft (OR = 2.7, p < 0.001), coronary artery disease (OR = 1.8, p = 0.019), peripheral arterial disease (OR = 5.0, p < 0.001), and obesity (OR = 1.7, p = 0.039). Based upon the respective logistic coefficients, a simplified scoring system was developed to enable the preoperative risk stratification regarding the likelihood of a significant complication which would require a salvage muscle flap. The c-statistic for the regression demonstrated excellent discrimination at 0.89. This study presents a simple, internally validated risk assessment tool that accurately predicts wound morbidity requiring flap salvage in open groin vascular surgery patients. The preoperatively high-risk patient can be identified and selectively targeted as a candidate for a prophylactic muscle flap.

Usefulness of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography scan in the assessment of periprosthetic collections: report of 2 cases with opposite management

Vascular prosthetic infection is a rare but serious complication of vascular surgery that requires rapid diagnosis and treatment. It is associated with high rates of amputation and death. The diagnosis is difficult when faced with a chronic nonspecific clinical presentation. We report 2 cases showing the diagnostic usefulness of positron emission tomography (PET). In 1 case, PET excluded with certainty the septic character of a periprosthetic collection fistulized with the skin by showing a periprosthetic fixation insufficient to diagnose an infection. In the other case, it confirmed the prosthetic infection in association with an evocative clinical picture by revealing a pathologic periprosthetic hyperfixation. PET scan therefore drew aside the diagnosis of prosthetic infection faced with a mild clinical and paraclinical presentation in the first case, and made it possible to pose it with certainty in the second case. This examination made it possible to save valuable time in 1 case and to elucidate the periprosthetic collection in the other case. Therefore, the rule of surgical explantation of any prosthesis with flow or periprosthetic collection is no more univocal.

Crossover ilio-iliac bypass and removal of femoro-femoral graft as first treatment for the infection of crossover bypass in aorto-uni-iliac endovascular aneurysm repair

The crossover femoro-femoral bypass, classically used for the treatment of unilateral iliac arterial obstruction, has recently become an integral part of aorto-uni-iliac endovascular aneurysm repair. We therefore, reconsider the therapeutic problems related to thrombosis and in particular to infection of the femoro-femoral prosthesis, when many attempts have been made to preserve the bypass and treat the infection. Showing a case treated and well eight months later, we put forward the old technique of crossover ilio-iliac bypass, followed by the removal of the infected femoro-femoral graft. In our opinion, this technique circumvents the need for autologous tissue and allows for the use of prosthetics in a new, sterile, uncontaminated field. As this approach for these cases has so far not been reported in the literature, further cases and long-term follow-up are needed.