Acute Limb Ischemia Due to Popliteal Artery Aneurysm: A Continuing Surgical Challenge

2024 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/APMA/ABC/SCAI/SVM/SVN/SVS/SIR/VESS Guideline for the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2024 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/APMA/ABC/SCAI/SVM/SVN/SVS/SIR/VESS Guideline for the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, chronic symptomatic, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and acute limb ischemia).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from October 2020 to June 2022, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that was published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through May 2023 during the peer review process, were also considered by the writing committee and added to the evidence tables where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from the "2016 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Patients With Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease" have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with peripheral artery disease have been developed.

2024 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/APMA/ABC/SCAI/SVM/SVN/SVS/SIR/VESS Guideline for the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines

AIM

The "2024 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/APMA/ABC/SCAI/SVM/SVN/SVS/SIR/VESS Guideline for the Management of Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease" provides recommendations to guide clinicians in the treatment of patients with lower extremity peripheral artery disease across its multiple clinical presentation subsets (ie, asymptomatic, chronic symptomatic, chronic limb-threatening ischemia, and acute limb ischemia).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted from October 2020 to June 2022, encompassing studies, reviews, and other evidence conducted on human subjects that was published in English from PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINHL Complete, and other selected databases relevant to this guideline. Additional relevant studies, published through May 2023 during the peer review process, were also considered by the writing committee and added to the evidence tables where appropriate.

STRUCTURE

Recommendations from the "2016 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Patients With Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease" have been updated with new evidence to guide clinicians. In addition, new recommendations addressing comprehensive care for patients with peripheral artery disease have been developed.

Popliteal artery aneurysm ultrasound criteria for reporting characteristics

INTRODUCTION

Duplex ultrasound (DUS) is the modality of choice for surveillance of popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs). However, noninvasive vascular laboratories have no standard guidelines for reporting results. This study assessed reports of PAA DUS for inclusion of information pertinent to operative decision-making and timing of surveillance.

METHODS

This study was a retrospective review of a multi-institutional repository that was queried for all patients with a PAA from 2008 to 2022 and confirmed via manual chart review. DUS reports were abstracted and images were individually annotated for features of interest including dimensions, flow abnormalities, and percent thrombus burden.

RESULTS

A total of 166 PAAs in 130 patients had at least one DUS available for viewing. Postoperative surveillance of PAAs was performed at several intervals: the first at 30 months (IQR 3.7-113, n = 44), the second at 64 months (IQR 20-172, n = 31), and the third at 152 months (IQR 46-217, n = 16) after the operation. The largest diameter of operative PAAs (median 27.5 mm, IQR 21.8-38.0) was significantly greater than nonoperative PAAs (median 20.9 mm, IQR 16.7-27.3); p < 0.01. Fewer than 33 (21%) reports commented on patency of distal runoff. We calculated an average percent thrombus of 60% (IQR 19-81) in nonoperative PAAs, which is significantly smaller than 75% (IQR 58-89) in operative PAAs; p < 0.01.

CONCLUSION

In this multi-institutional retrospective study, PAAs are often not followed at intervals recommended by the Society for Vascular Surgery guidelines and do not include all measurements necessary for clinical decision-making in the multi-institutional repository studied. There should be standardization of PAA DUS protocols performed by all noninvasive vascular laboratories to ensure completeness of PAA DUS images and inclusion of characteristics pertinent to clinical decision-making in radiology reports.

Acute ischemia of the upper and lower limbs: Tailoring the treatment to the underlying etiology

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) can be a devastating clinical emergency with potentially limb- or life-threatening consequences. It is defined as a quickly developing or sudden decrease in limb perfusion producing new or worsening symptoms and signs, often threatening limb viability. ALI is commonly related to an acute arterial occlusion. Rarely, extensive venous occlusion can lead to upper and lower extremities ischemia (ie, phlegmasia). The incidence of acute peripheral arterial occlusion causing ALI is approximately 1.5 cases per 10,000 people per year. The clinical presentation depends on the etiology and whether the patient has underlying peripheral artery disease. Except for traumas, the most common etiologies are embolic or thrombotic events. Peripheral embolism, likely related to embolic heart disease, is the most common cause of acute upper extremity ischemia. However, an acute thrombotic event may occur in native arteries, at the site of a pre-existing atherosclerotic plaque, or as a failure of previous vascular interventions. The presence of an aneurysm may predispose to ALI for both embolic and thrombotic mechanisms. Immediate diagnosis, accurate assessment of limb viability, and prompt intervention, when needed, play important roles in salvaging the affected limb and preventing major amputation. Severity of symptoms is usually dependent on the amount of surrounding arterial collateralization, which may often reflect a pre-existing chronic vascular disease. For this reason, early recognition of the underlying etiology is crucial for choice of best management and definitely for treatment success. Any error in the initial evaluation may negatively affect the functional prognosis of the limb and endanger the patient's life. The aim of this article was to discuss diagnosis, etiology, pathophysiology, and treatment of patients with acute ischemia of the upper and lower limbs.

The Management of Patients with Popliteal Artery Aneurysms Presenting with Acute Limb Ischemia

INTRODUCTION

Endovascular popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) repair has acceptable outcomes compared to open repair for elective therapy. Endovascular repair for urgent PAA causing acute limb ischemia (ALI) has not been well studied. This project compares outcomes of urgent endovascular and open repair of PAA with ALI.

METHODS

The Vascular Quality Initiative database for peripheral vascular interventions and infrainguinal bypass were reviewed for PAA with ALI from 2010 to 2021. Only patients entered as having symptoms of ALI in the PVI module and ALI as indication in the infrainguinal bypass module were included. In addition, patients undergoing elective treatment were excluded and the sample analyzed was restricted to patients undergoing urgent and emergent open and endovascular repair. Patient demographics and comorbidities as well as procedural details were compared between the two groups. Perioperative complications up to 30 days were compared as well as long-term outcomes including major amputation and mortality at one year.

RESULTS

Urgent PAA repair for ALI constituted 10.5% (N=571) of all PAA. Most urgent repairs were open (80.6%, n=460) with 19.4% (n=111) endovascular. The proportion of endovascular repair significantly increased from 16.7% in 2010 to 85.7% in 2021. Patients undergoing endovascular repair were older (71.2 ± 12.5 vs 68.0 ± 11.8, p=0.011) than patients undergoing open repair. They were also more likely to have coronary artery disease (32.4% vs 21.7%, p=0.006). Open PAA repair was associated with more bleeding complications (20.8% vs 2.7%, p<0.001), longer post-op length of stay (8.1 ± 9.3 days vs 4.9 ± 5.6 days, p<0.001), and less likelihood of discharge to home (64.9% vs 70.3%, p=0.051). Perioperative major amputation rate was 7.5% with no difference between the two treatment strategies up to one year. However, patients receiving endovascular repair had higher inpatient (1.1% vs 0%, p<0.001), 30-day (6.3% vs 0.4%, p<0.001), and 1-year (16.5% vs 8.4%. P=0.02) mortality. Multivariable regression analysis suggested that endovascular repair was possibly associated with increased 30-day mortality, but not 1-year mortality.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular PAA has exponentially increased from 2010 to 2021. Endovascular repair is associated with decreased complications and hospital length of stay. The increased perioperative mortality seen in this group is likely due to selection bias.

The Combination of Vacuum-Assisted Thromboaspiration and Covered Stent Graft for Acute Limb Ischemia due to Thromboembolic Complications of Popliteal Aneurysm

BACKGROUND

We present a standardized protocol of endovascular revascularization for patients with acute limb ischemia due to popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) thromboembolic complication, based on the combination of vacuum-assisted thromboaspiration to improve tibiopedal outflow and covered stent graft to exclude the PAA.

METHODS

All patients with a diagnosis of PAA complicated by thromboembolic events undergoing total endovascular rescue were prospectively enrolled in a dedicated database from November 2018 to November 2021. To assess vessel patency, the TIPI (Thromboaspiration In Peripheral Ischemia) classification was used. The primary end point was the primary technical success (at least one tibial vessel with a TIPI flow of 2 or 3). The 30-day overall mortality and amputation rates were considered as secondary end points. Patients' overall survival, limb salvage, freedom from reocclusion and reinterventions were reported as secondary late outcomes using Kaplan-Meier method.

RESULTS

Seventeen male patients were enrolled with a mean age of 75.7 ± 9 years. Rutherford grading score was IIa in 52.9% (9/17) and IIb in 47.1% (8/17). PAA mean diameter was 37.4 ± 11.2 mm. All patients had tibial arteries involvement, and in 9 cases (52.9%) there was also the occlusion of the PAA. Mechanical thrombectomy with Indigo/Penumbra thromboaspiration system was used in all patients. PAAs were excluded using one or more VIABAHN covered endografts (range 1-3 pieces). Technical success was achieved in 94.1%. Fasciotomy was performed in 1 case (5.9%). Mortality and amputation rates at 30-day follow-up were respectively 0% and 5.9%. Survival rates at 6, 12, and 24 months were respectively 94.1%, 86.3%, and 67.9%. Secondary patency was achieved in all cases (100%). Freedom from reintervention was 80.4%, 65.8%, and 54.8% at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up. Limb salvage was 88.2% at 6-, 12-, and 24-month follow-up, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Although preliminary, our experience of total endovascular rescue for complicated PAA with thromboembolic events highlighted promising rates of limb salvage at 30 days after intervention. The total endovascular approach seems able to maximize tibiopedal outflow offering an interesting strategy in limb salvage.

Symptomatic Profunda Femoris Artery Aneurysm With Superficial Calf Ulcerations

Profunda femoris artery aneurysms (PFAA) account for less than 0.5% of peripheral aneurysms. Most PFAA are secondary to trauma, iatrogenic injury, or infection, whereas the incidence of true atherosclerotic aneurysms is especially rare. These aneurysms are typically asymptomatic but can cause nerve compression, deep vein thrombosis, pain, swelling, and even rupture. We present a case of bilateral PFAA in conjunction with bilateral popliteal artery aneurysms in which the patient had rare unilateral symptoms involving calf ulcerations suggestive of geniculate emboli. We explore this unusual presentation and etiology as well as discuss the options for repair of complex PFAA.

Real-world data of popliteal artery aneurysm treatment. Analysis of the POPART registry

OBJECTIVE

Popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is a rare disease with a prevalence of 0.1-1%. Within the last years, endovascular repair of PAA (ER) has been performed more frequently despite the lack of high-level evidence compared to open surgery (OR). In 2014, the POPART registry was initiated to validate current treatment options in PAA repair.
 METHOD: POPART is a multinational multicenter registry for peri- and postoperative outcome of endovascular and open PAA repair. Data sets are recorded by the online survey tool "SurveyMonkey®". Regular monitoring and plausibility checks of the data sets are performed to ensure reliability. The aim of this study is to present results of the POPART registry, with data of 41 centers.
 RESULTS: From June 2014 to August 2019, a total of 794 cases were recorded in the PAA registry. OR was performed in 662 patients and ER in 106 patients; 23 Patients were treated conservatively. Four of the 106 patients with primary ER underwent conversion to OR. ER patients were significantly older (ER x˜= 71 vs. OR x˜= 67 (p<0.05). There were no other significant differences in demographics or comorbidities and aneurysm morphology between the two groups. 50.3% patients in the OR group were symptomatic; in the ER group 29.2% (p<0.05). Emergency treatment for acute ischemia, critical ischemia or rupture was necessary in 149 patients (22.5%) in the OR group vs. 11 patients (10.3%) in the ER group.
Most frequent complications after surgery were impaired wound healing (OR n=47, 7.1%; ER n=3, 2.8%, p>0.05) and major bleeding (OR n=26, 3.9%; ER n=3, 2.8%, p>0.05). In-hospital length of stay (= 10d [3-65] OR vs. x˜=7d [1-73] ER) was significantly higher in the OR group. Overall patency was 83.2% vs. 44.7% (OR/ER, p<0.005) after 12 months and 74.2% vs. 29.1% (OR/ER, p<0.005) after 24 months. There was a significantly poorer outcome for prosthetic graft compared to autologous vein in the OR group (71.4% vs. 88.1% 12-month primary patency).
 CONCLUSION: 
 In order to evaluate new treatment techniques such as endovascular repair (ER) for PAA, real world data is of essential importance. This analysis of the first results for the POPART registry shows good perioperative results for endovascular treatment of PAA in asymptomatic patients with good outflow vessels. The perioperative complication rate is low and the postoperative hospital stay is shorter than after OR. However, the patency rates after 12 and 24 months are low in the ER group compared to patients treated with open repair. More follow-up data is required for further interpretation; the completion of the data sets in the registry is ongoing.

Clinical Clues for the Current Diagnosis of Acute Lower Limb Ischemia: A Contemporary Case Series

BACKGROUND

Acute lower limb ischemia (ALI) is a limb and life-threatening condition whose treatment largely depends on the underlying cause. The clinical distinction between the main causes may have changed over the years because of changes in the epidemiology of this syndrome. The objective of this study was to determine the clinical pattern associated with the main causes of ALI in a contemporary series of cases.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed all consecutive ALI cases admitted to a tertiary hospital between 2007 and 2019. ALI secondary to other conditions than embolism or NAT were excluded. The association between clinical variables and the ALI cause was assessed with multiple logistic regressions and the discriminative power of the resulting clinical predictive scores with the area under the ROC curve.

RESULTS

The study group included 243 patients (mean age 77.2 years; 52.7% male), of which 140 (57.6%) were caused by an arterial embolism and 103 (42.4%) by a NAT. Among these latter, 78 (75.7%) were related to an atherosclerotic NAT and 25 (24.3%) to a complicated popliteal aneurysm. Independent risk factors associated with embolism included atrial fibrillation (OR 10.26, 95% CI 5.1 - 20.67) or female gender (OR 5.44, 95% CI 2.76 - 10.71), but not the severity of the episode or the presence of contralateral pulses. Those related to a NAT included a previous symptomatic peripheral arterial disease (OR 2.68, 95% CI 1.35 - 5.35) and seeking consultation more than 24 hours after the beginning of symptoms (OR 2.57, 95% CI 1.32 - 5), but not a higher rate of other vascular risk factors. Among patients with NAT, previous intermittent claudication (OR 8.34, 95% CI 2.42 - 28.72) and >24 hs delay of arrival of the patient (OR 4.78, 95% CI 1.48 - 15.43) were more frequent among those related to an atherosclerotic NAT, whereas higher hemoglobin levels (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.21 - 2.11) and non-significantly the history of tobacco smoking (OR 2.95, 95% CI 0.84 - 10.36) among those with a popliteal aneurysm-related NAT. The discriminative power of the two clinical models resulting from these predictive variables for differentiating embolism from NAT and atherosclerosis-related NAT from popliteal aneurysm-related NAT was excellent (0.86 and 0.85, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Certain clinical features appear to be no longer useful in the distinction between embolism and NAT, while others may help in the differential diagnosis between atherosclerotic and popliteal aneurysm-related NAT. Surgeons must be aware of possible changes in the presentation of ALI because time constraints are frequent and clinical data remain essential.

Hybrid Approach to Popliteal Artery Aneurysm with Thromboembolic Symptoms. A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND

The treatment of patients with thromboembolic symptoms due to a popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) is still controversial with poor results in terms of primary patency. The aim of our pilot study was to evaluate whether improving the outflow with an endovascular pretreatment consisting in thromboaspiration and angioplasty could positively ameliorate the primary patency of the subsequent femoropopliteal (FP) bypass in symptomatic patients with at least one below the knee (BTK) patent vessel.

METHODS

This is a single-center pilot case-control study that involves patients treated at the Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Unit of Udine, Italy, from January 2015 to November 2019. The inclusion criteria were the presence of thromboembolic symptoms due to PAA distal embolization, associated with the presence of a patent PAA >20 mm and a poor runoff (no more than one patent BTK artery). The case group was treated in a two-step approach: the first step consisted in thromboaspiration followed by BTK angioplasty, when appropriate, and the second one consisted in performing the surgical FP bypass. The control group moved on directly to the open surgical intervention.

RESULTS

The case group was composed of 11 patients, 10 males and 1 female, with a mean age of 69.3 ± 10.8 years. The mean PAA dimension was 32.6 ± 9.9 mm. Particularly, 9 patients were operated on through the medial vascular approach and 2 through the posterior one. The grafts used were 10 polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and 1 great saphenous vein (GSV) in situ. The control group was composed of 11 male patients with a mean age of 75.5 ± 8.7 years, and the mean PAA dimension was 29.8 ± 13.4 mm. All the FP bypasses were approached medially, and the materials used were 10 PTFE and 1 reversed GSV. The median follow-up was 31.5 ± 12.6 months. Primary patency in the case group was 72.7% within one year; on the contrary, it was 27.3% in the control group. The amputation rate was 0% in the case group, 27.3% in the controls. By comparing the 2 groups, we found a higher and significant risk (P = 0.0261) of early FP bypass occlusion and major limb amputation in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study shows encouraging results; the endovascular approach is a safe and repeatable procedure which, improving the runoff in thromboembolic symptomatic PAA, seems to guarantee a better FP graft primary patency.

Acute Limb Ischemia: An Update on Diagnosis and Management

This review presents an update on the diagnosis and management of acute limb ischemia (ALI), a severe condition associated with high mortality and amputation rates. A comprehensive spectrum of ALI etiology is presented, with highlights on embolism and in situ thrombosis. The steps for emergency diagnosis are described, emphasizing the role of clinical data and imaging, mainly duplex ultrasound, CT angiography and digital substraction angiography. The different therapeutic techniques are presented, ranging from pharmacological (thrombolysis) to interventional (thromboaspiration, mechanical thrombectomy, and stent implantation) techniques to established surgical revascularization (Fogarty thrombembolectomy, by-pass, endarterectomy, patch angioplasty or combinations) and minor or major amputation of necessity. Postprocedural management, reperfusion injury, compartment syndrome and long-term treatment are also updated.

Acute Limb Ischemia

Acute limb ischemia (ALI) is a rapid decrease in lower limb blood flow due to acute occlusion of peripheral artery or bypass graft, and in ALI not only limbs but also life prognosis will be poor unless quick and appropriate treatment is given. The etiology is broadly divided into embolism and thrombosis with various comorbidities. The symptoms of ALI are abrupt with pain, numbness, and coldness of lower limb, and paresthesia, contracture, and irreversible purpura will appear with the exacerbation of ischemia. Severity and treatment strategy should be determined based on physical findings and image findings. Considering life prognosis, limb amputation should be done without hesitation when the limb was diagnosed as irreversible. ALI can be treated by means of open surgical revascularization, endovascular, or hybrid approach with rapid systemic administration of heparin. In any cases, evaluating the lesions by intraoperative angiography and appropriate additional treatment are important. ALI is a serious disease requiring urgent treatment, and it is essential to promptly perform the best initial treatment that can be performed at each facility. (This is a translation of Jpn J Vasc Surg 2018; 27: 109–114.)

Emergency color Doppler sonography of the extremity artery: A pictorial essay

Arterial color duplex sonography (CDUS) of the extremities is routinely analyzed in the field of emergency radiology. A retrospective review of 500 consecutive arterial CDUS extremity studies was performed in our emergency department. Abnormal CDUS examinations were classified into two groups according to their primary etiology: 1) traumatic arterial injuries (accidents or post-operative complications) and 2) acute arterial ischemia (thrombosis or embolism outside of the setting of acute trauma). This article reviews common CDUS imaging findings in a busy emergency radiology division including traumatic pseudoaneurysm, secondary pseudoaneurysm, arteriovenous fistula, acute ischemic arterial disease and chronic peripheral arterial disease. This essay highlights the crucial role of CDUS in the diagnosis of vascular abnormalities in the emergency setting. CDUS provides several advantages over other imaging modalities including high accuracy, rapid results, portability, lack of radiation, and low cost.

Popliteal Artery Aneurysm Repair in the Endovascular Era: Fourteen-Years Single Center Experience

To compare outcomes of popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) repair by endovascular treatment, great saphenous vein (GSV) bypass, and prosthetic bypass.Single center retrospective analysis of patients presenting PAA from 2000 to 2013. Patients were divided into endovascular treatment (group A); GSV bypass (group B); and prosthetic graft bypass (group C). Outcomes were technical success, perioperative mortality, and morbidity. Survival, primary and secondary patency, and freedom from reintervention rate were estimated. Differences in ankle-brachial index (ABI), in-hospital length of stay (InH-Los), red blood cell (RBC) transfusion, and limb loss were reported. Mean follow-up was 49 (median: 35; 1-145; SD 42) months.Sixty-seven patients were included; 25 in group A, 28 in group B, and 14 in group C. PAA was symptomatic in 23 (34%) cases. Technical success was 100%. No perioperative death occurred. Three (4.5%) perioperative complications were reported with no significant difference between groups (P = 0.866). Five-years estimated survival was 78%. Estimated 5-years primary patency for groups A, B, and C was 71%, 81%, and 69%, respectively (P = 0.19). Estimated 5-years secondary patency for groups A, B, and C was 88%, 85%, and 84% (P = 0.85). Estimated 5-years freedom from reintervention for groups A, B, and C was 62%, 84%, and 70%, respectively (P = 0.16). A significant difference between preoperative ABI versus postoperative ABI was observed (P = 0.001). InH-LoS was significantly shorter in group A (P < 0.001). RBC transfusions were required significantly less in group A when compared to group C (P = 0.045). Overall limb salvage was achieved in all but 1 patient.PAA repair has good early and long-term outcomes with different treatment options. Endovascular treatment was not inferior to surgical repair with a reduced InH-LoS and RBC transfusion. It can be successfully employed even in nonelective setting. A randomized controlled trial with long-term follow-up and appropriate patient inclusion criteria is necessary to compare these 3 treatment options.

Treatment of popliteal artery aneurysms by means of cryopreserved homograft

BACKGROUND

Autologous saphenous vein is considered the gold standard conduit in the femoral-popliteal revascularization for popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs). In several cases, it may be absent or unsuitable for length or diameter and so it may be considered unfit for a conduit. In such patients, a synthetic graft or the endovascular correction can be useful, but results are controversial. In this retrospective case series, we have analyzed the safety and efficacy of the cryopreserved homograft (CHg) as a conduit in the PAA revascularization.

METHODS

In the period between January 2005 and December 2013, 54 PAAs have been treated with an arterial CHg. Indications to surgery were asymptomatic aneurysm with >25-mm diameter in 30 cases (55.6%), ischemic symptoms in 20 (37%), and compressive symptoms in 4 (7.4%). An urgent treatment was performed in 8 cases (14.8%) for severe ischemic symptoms. All cases have been operated by the same vascular team: a posterior surgical approach was preferred whenever possible (33 cases, 61.1%). All patients received a clinical and radiologic follow-up, and all data were collected in a specific database. A >10-mm diameter increase of the conduit was considered significant for an aneurysmatic degeneration.

RESULTS

The primary outcomes were complications and reoperation rate, limb salvage, and primary and secondary patency. Secondary outcome was the incidence of aneurysmatic degeneration of the CHg. Mean diameter of the homografts was 6.3 mm (range, 4-8 mm). In the 30-day postoperative period, 7 PAAs (13%) developed a complication: 3 wound infections, 3 graft thrombosis, and 1 anastomotic bleeding. Six cases needed a reoperation: 2 surgical revascularizations, 2 wound debridement, and 1 anastomotic hemostasis; 1 major amputation was necessary for graft failure after the revascularization. Mean follow-up was 34.8 months (range, 1-96). Five cases (9.3%) developed a graft complication with 4 reoperations necessary (7.4%): 2 grafts required a percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for a perigraft stenosis and 2 underwent a femorodistal bypass in CHg for severe ischemic symptoms after CHg occlusion. Another one CHg occlusion was treated conservatively because it was clinically asymptomatic. Primary patency was 96.3%, 93.9%, and 88.3% at 12, 36, and 60 months, respectively; secondary patency was 98.1% at 12, 36, and 60 months. Freedom from amputation resulted in 98.1%. No aneurysmatic degeneration was observed. Univariate and multivariate analysis showed urgent surgery to be independent risk factors for complications, reoperations, and CHg occlusion (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In this retrospective study, the use of CHg showed to be safe and effective in the surgery of PAAs, either in the short or in the long-term follow-up. Urgent surgery can be considered predictive of graft failure. In our experience, CHg can be considered a good alternative conduit to the autologous saphenous vein.

Long-term results of open repair of popliteal artery aneurysm

INTRODUCTION

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAA) are rare. Different surgical techniques for open surgical repair are possible. This study presents a single centre experience using open surgical repair with a medial approach (MA) and outlines differences between symptomatic (SLS) and asymptomatic (ALS) legs.

METHODS

Data collection was performed retrospectively. The investigation period was from 1 January 1996 to 1 January 2013. Patients presented in the Outpatient Department and received a questionnaire concerning their quality of life. Data are presented as mean ± standard deviation. Mann-Whitney test and Cochran-Armitage test for trend was used for data analysis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate limb salvage rates. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

We analyzed 16 ALS and 26 SLS with an average age of 63.5 ± 10 years. Preoperative ankle-brachial index (ABI) was 1.0 ± 0.2 for ALS (on control examination: 1.12 ± 0.24) and 0.08 ± 0.18 for SLS (on control examination 0.94 ± 0.14) (p < 0.05). Limb salvage rate was 100% for ALS and 86.7% for SLS (overall 93.3%). Primary patency rate for SLS was 85%, for ALS rate of 100%, respectively (overall 92.5%). ALS reached an average of 13.1 ± 2.7 points (SLS 11.4 ± 2.8) on a numeric point scale.

CONCLUSION

Open surgery is therapy and prevention of acute ischaemia all in one, especially for asymptomatic patients and delivers good long-term results. Endovascular therapies offer an alternative but long-term results are pending. Open surgery should still be considered as a gold standard therapy.

Duplex Ultrasound Findings of Popliteal Artery Aneurysms With Acute Limb Ischemia

Popliteal artery aneurysms are rare, but they have the potential to be limb threatening as a result of thrombosis and distal embolization. Duplex sonography may be used to effectively detect popliteal artery aneurysms and determine patency of the runoff arteries. Findings may include dilatation of the popliteal artery during gray-scale imaging with intraluminal heterogeneous echoes indicating the presence of mural thrombus. Abnormal or absent Doppler signals in the more distal arteries with intraluminal heterogeneous echoes may indicate the presence of thrombus, likely from embolization. This case presents the duplex sonography findings of bilateral popliteal artery aneurysms in conjunction with lower extremity acute arterial thrombosis and an abdominal aortic aneurysm.

One of the most urgent vascular circumstances: Acute limb ischemia

Acute limb ischemia is a sudden decrease in limb perfusion that threatens limb viability and requires urgent evaluation and management. Most of the causes of acute limb ischemia are thrombosis of a limb artery or bypass graft, embolism from the heart or a disease artery, dissection, and trauma. Assessment determines whether the limb is viable or irreversibly damaged. Prompt diagnosis and revascularization by means of catheter-based thrombolysis or thrombectomy and by surgery reduce the risk of limb loss and mortality. Amputation is performed in patients with irreversible damage. Despite urgent revascularization, amputation rate is 10%–15% in patients during hospitalization, mostly above the knee, and mortality within 1 year is 10%–15% due to the coexisting conditions.

[Popliteal artery aneurysm: surgical and endovascular therapy]

Aneurysms of the popliteal artery are the most common form of peripheral aneurysm with an incidence of 70-80 %. An enlargement of the popliteal artery of more than 50% of the original diameter is defined as a popliteal artery aneurysm and is found mainly in male patients older than 65 years of age. The incidence is 1%, in 50% of cases is bilateral and in up to 50% in association with other large vessel aneurysms (e.g. abdominal aorta). Differential diagnoses are Baker's cyst, cystic adventitial disease, entrapment syndrome and epitheloid hemangioma. One third of all diagnosed popliteal artery aneurysms are asymptomatic incidental findings, whereas two thirds are conspicuous due to symptoms (acute or chronic ischemia, local compression, rupture). The indications for invasive treatment are given for patients with patent aneurysms at a diameter of more than 2 cm or if a thrombus is present within the aneurysm. Symptomatic popliteal artery aneurysms are always an indication for therapy. Treatment strategies are surgical techniques and endovascular interventions, which both have a similar outcome and graft patency in midterm results.

Results of elective and emergency endovascular repairs of popliteal artery aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Endovascular repair has emerged as a treatment option for popliteal artery aneurysms. Our goal was to analyze outcomes of elective and emergency endovascular popliteal artery aneurysm repair (EVPAR).

METHODS

This was a retrospective review of clinical data of patients treated with EVPAR at our institution between 2004 and 2010. Stent-related complications, patency, outcome limb salvage, and survival were evaluated and analyzed.

RESULTS

EVPAR was performed in 31 limbs of 25 patients (mean age, 81 years; range, 65-89 years). Repair was elective in 19 limbs (61%) and emergent in 12 (39%). One aneurysm ruptured and 11 presented with acute thrombosis. All 11 underwent thrombolysis before EVPAR. Patients were implanted with a mean of 2.1 Viabahn stent grafts (range, 1-4). Ten procedures (32%) were performed percutaneously and 21 by femoral cutdown. Technical success was 97%. Overall 30-day mortality was 6.4%, with 0% in the elective group, and 16.7% in the emergent group (P = .14). Early complications included graft thrombosis in two limbs (6.4%) and hematoma in four (13%), all after percutaneous repair. Myocardial infarction and thrombolysis-associated intracranial hemorrhage occurred in one patient each (3.2%). The 30-day primary and secondary patencies were 93.6% and 96.7%, respectively, and were 100% in the elective group and 83.3% and 91.6%, respectively, for the emergent group. Mean follow-up was 21.3 months (range, 1-75 months). Primary patency at 1 year was 86% (95% for elective, 69% for emergent; P = .56), secondary patency at the same time was 91% (elective, 100%; emergent, 91%). One-year limb salvage was 97%. Two-year survival was 91% for the elective group and 73% for the emergent group (P = .15). Five stent occlusions were encountered after 30 days, four in the elective group. Four underwent successful reintervention, two had bypass, and two had thrombolysis, followed by angioplasty. The fifth patient was asymptomatic and nonambulatory and remains under observation. Stent graft infolding occurred in one limb (3.2%), with no clinical sequelae. No stent migration or separation was observed. One stent fracture was noted in an asymptomatic patient. Three (10%) type II endoleaks were detected but none had aneurysm expansion. One (3.2%) type I endoleak was treated percutaneously with placement of an additional stent graft. Overall, major adverse events, including death, graft occlusion with or without reoperation, or reoperation for endoleak or stent infolding occurred after 11 procedures (35.5%). On univariate analysis, no factors predicted stent failure, including runoff, antiplatelet therapy, emergency repair, number of stents implanted, heparin bonding of the stent, or degree of stent oversizing.

CONCLUSIONS

These results support elective EVPAR in anatomically suitable patients with increased risk for open repair; however, major adverse events after EVPAR, mainly after emergency repairs, are frequent. A prospective randomized multicenter study to justify EVPAR in the emergent setting is warranted.

Quality improvement guidelines for percutaneous catheter-directed intra-arterial thrombolysis and mechanical thrombectomy for acute lower-limb ischemia

Percutaneous catheter-directed intra-arterial thrombolysis is a safe and effective method of treating acute and subacute lower limb ischemia, as long as accurate patient selection and procedural monitoring are ensured. Although larger, controlled trials are needed to establish the role of PTDs in ALI, mechanical thrombectomy could currently be applied combined with lytic infusion in selected cases where rapid recanalization is required or as a stand-alone therapy when the administration of thrombolytic agents is contraindicated.

Acute limb ischemia

Acute limb ischemia is a medical emergency with management options ranging from urgent revascularization to limb amputation. The best patient outcome requires tailoring the treatment to the individual patient. This article describes a step-by-step approach for diagnosis and management of patients presenting with acute limb ischemia.

Acute limb ischemia following closed reduction of a hip arthroplasty dislocation

Hip dislocation is a well-described complication of total hip arthroplasty (THA) and dislocation rates are substantially higher following revision hip arthroplasty. Vascular complications following closed reduction of hip dislocations are exceedingly rare, but a high index of suspicion is essential for patients with underlying vascular abnormalities. Popliteal artery aneurysms are the most common peripheral arterial aneurysms with a prevalence of 1% and they should be suspected in patients with prominent popliteal pulses. This article presents a case of an 84-year-old man with a revision total THA who sustained a posterior hip dislocation. The hip was reduced under conscious sedation using the Bigelow technique. The leg was distally neurovascularly intact based on the clinical exam immediately before and after the reduction. Over the next few hours, the foot became progressively ischemic and an urgent computed tomography angiogram revealed bilateral popliteal artery aneurysms with acute thrombosis of the aneurysm on the affected limb. The patient underwent emergent femoral popliteal bypass using a Dacron supported interpositional graft. The majority of the foot was salvaged but the toes eventually became necrotic. Direct compression of the aneurysm during reduction of the hip dislocation in conjunction with transiently decreased blood pressure from conscious sedation likely resulted in a low flow state within the artery leading to thrombosis of the aneurysm. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of such an event. This case emphasizes the need for a high index of suspicion for vascular injuries following manipulation of limbs with underlying arterial aneurysms. Reduction maneuvers for hip dislocations should be modified to minimize compression of the popliteal fossa in limbs with vascular abnormalities. Serial postreduction neurovascular exams are essential for identification and prompt management of vascular complications.

Unilateral Acute Lower Extremity Ischemia with Popliteal Artery Aneurysm as a Result of Vascular Type III Entrapment in an Elderly Patient

Popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES) is a rare cause of acute limb ischemia in adult patients but commonly demonstrates as claudication in young patients. The most significant, although rare, complication associated with PAES is aneurysm formation. We present the case of an elderly patient with a unilateral popliteal artery aneurysm owing to symptomatic anatomic entrapment. This report presents the oldest patient ever reported with this syndrome and highlights the advantage of multimodal treatment. As multidetector computed tomography highly contributed to the rapid diagnostic confirmation and choice of treatment in the popliteal fossa, limb salvage was achieved in this patient.

Endovascular therapy for a ruptured popliteal aneurysm

INTRODUCTION

We here present a case of a ruptured giant popliteal artery aneurysm (PAA) successfully treated with endovascular surgery.

CASE REPORT

A 88-year-old male presented with left limb massive swelling and pain. His general status was critical with acute respiratory insufficiency. CT scan showed massive haematoma in the thigh and a PAA of 9.1 cm in diameter. Urgent endovascular repair was successfully performed under local anaesthesia. Nevertheless, patient died, on second postoperatory day, because of respiratory failure.

DISCUSSION

Up to 50% of PAA present with acute limb ischaemia is due to thrombosis or distal embolization. Rupture is an uncommon complication affecting less than 3% of PAA. Diameter greater than 2 cm or mural thrombosis are indications for elective intervention. Open surgical repair is the first treatment option. In selected patients, endovascular repair can be performed. Midterm results of this technique, recently reported, are comparable to open repair.