Endovascular graft repair of penetrating subclavian artery injuries

Endovascular treatment of axillosubclavian arterial injuries is a safe alternative to open repair

BACKGROUND

Injuries to the axillosubclavian arteries are rare, comprising 5% of all extremity trauma. This study aims to examine contemporary outcomes of traumatic axillosubclavian injuries.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on patients admitted with innominate, subclavian, and/or axillary artery injuries to a level 1 trauma center from 2011 to 2021. Patients undergoing endovascular repair were compared to those with open repair.

RESULTS

Thirty two patients met inclusion criteria. Injuries were approached open in 22 (59%) cases and endovascular in 10 (27%). There was no difference in 30-day mortality or hospital length of stay between endovascular and open repair. Endovascular repairs had shorter operative times (1.9 vs 3.1 h, p = 0.009) and lower blood loss (72 vs 1662 mL, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular repair of axillosubclavian arterial injuries demonstrate similar outcomes to open repair. Significantly shorter operative times and lower blood loss suggest potential decreased morbidity.

Role of Interventional Radiology in the Management of Non-aortic Thoracic Trauma

Trauma remains a leading cause of death for all age groups, and nearly two-thirds of these individuals suffer thoracic trauma. Due to the various types of injuries, including vascular and nonvascular, interventional radiology plays a major role in the acute and chronic management of the thoracic trauma patient. Interventional radiologists are critical members in the multidisciplinary team focusing on treatment of the patient with thoracic injury. Through case presentations, this article will review the role of interventional radiology in the management of trauma patients suffering thoracic injuries.

Impact of Endovascular Stenting on Outcomes in Patients with Traumatic Subclavian Artery Injury

BACKGROUND

Traumatic subclavian artery injury (SAI) remains uncommon but can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Although open and endovascular repair offer excellent limb salvage rates, their role in blunt and penetrating injuries is not well defined. The goal of this study was to examine the effect of mechanism of injury and type of repair on outcomes in patients with traumatic SAI.

STUDY DESIGN

Patients undergoing procedures for traumatic SAI were identified from the Trauma Quality Improvement Program database between 2015 and 2018. Demographics, severity of injury and shock, type of subclavian repair (open vs endovascular), morbidity, and mortality were recorded. Patients with SAI were stratified by mechanism and type of repair and compared. Multivariable logistic regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of mortality.

RESULTS

Seven hundred thirty-seven patients undergoing procedures for SAI were identified. Of these, 39% were penetrating. The majority were male (80%) with a median age and Injury Severity Score (ISS) of 37 and 21, respectively. 58% of patients were managed endovascularly. For patients with blunt injury, the type of repair affected neither morbidity (25% vs 19%, p = 0.116) nor mortality (11% vs 10%, p = 0.70). For patients with penetrating injuries, endovascular repair had significantly lower morbidity (12% vs 22%, p = 0.028) and mortality (6% vs 21%, p = 0.001). MLR identified endovascular repair as the only modifiable risk factor associated with reduced mortality (odds ratio, 0.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.14 to 0.87, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

SAI results in significant morbidity and mortality regardless of mechanism. Although the type of repair did not affect mortality in patients with blunt injury, endovascular repair was identified as the only modifiable predictor of reduced mortality in patients with penetrating injuries.

Multicenter Case Series and Literature Review on Durability of Stents in the Thoracic Outlet

PURPOSE

The aim of this paper was to report our experience with arterial and venous endovascular stent placement in the thoracic outlet (TO) and review available literature.

METHODS

All patients that underwent arterial or venous stent placement in the TO between 2013 and 2020 in 5 Dutch vascular teaching-hospitals were retrospectively identified. Primary endpoint was symptomatic stent failure due to stenosis, chronic or posture dependent compression, fracture, or occlusion of the stent. Secondary endpoints were symptoms at last follow-up and re-interventions. For the literature review, we searched studies reporting on stenting in the TO.

RESULTS

Twenty-six patients were included with 11 arterial and 15 venous stents implanted to treat angioplasty resistant stenosis in arterial or venous TO syndrome, iatrogenic or traumatic vascular injury, radiotherapy fibrosis, or arterial dissection. Median follow-up was 19 and 14 months in the arterial and venous-group, respectively. Eight (73%) patients in the arterial, and 9 (60%) in the venous-group suffered symptomatic stent failure. Seven (64%) patients in the arterial, and 9 (60%) in the venous-group required at least 1 re-intervention. When comparing all patients with stent placement after TO decompression (TOD) to patients without, there were substantially more symptomatic stent failures and re-interventions required in the patients without TOD. Six patients (54%) in the arterial-group and 11 (73%) in the venous-group were symptom-free at last follow-up. Five articles describing 51 patients with arterial and 6 articles describing 81 patients with venous stents were included in the literature review. In the arterial-group, no TOD prior to stent placement was performed, while in the venous-group all but 1 article performed TOD prior to stent placement. Results showed comparable rates of symptomatic stent failure (24% vs 30%), and patients requiring re-interventions (29% vs 21%) between groups.

CONCLUSION

Based on our multicenter series and review, stents in the TO have a considerable risk of failure, both in the venous and the arterial territory. Especially in patients without TOD: the need for re-interventions is high and half the patients eventually undergo TOD. Based on the currently available data, stenting in the TO should be applied cautiously while TOD should be considered.

Endovascular repair of traumatic axillosubclavian artery injuries

Gun violence reached a 20-year peak in 2020, with the first-line treatment of axillosubclavian vascular injuries (SAVIs) remaining unknown. Traditional open exposure is difficult and exposes patients to iatrogenic venous and brachial plexus injury. The practice of endovascular treatment has been increasing. We performed a retrospective analysis of SAVIs at a level I trauma center. Seven patients were identified. Endovascular repair was performed in five patients. Technical success was 100%. The early results suggest that endovascular treatment of trauma-related SAVIs can be performed safely and effectively. However, complications such as stent thrombosis or occlusion can occur, demonstrating the need for surveillance.

Analysis of Traumatic Axillo-Subclavian Vessel Injuries: Endovascular Management is a Viable Option to Open Surgical Reconstruction

BACKGROUND

In traumatic axillo-subclavian vessel injuries, endovascular repair has been increasingly described, despite ongoing questions regarding infection risk and long-term durability. We sought to compare the clinical and safety outcomes between endovascular and surgical treatment of traumatic axillo-subclavian vessel injuries.

METHOD

A search query of the prospectively maintained PROOVIT registry for patients older than 18 years of age with a diagnosis of axillary or subclavian vessel injury between 2014-2019 was performed at a Level 1 Trauma Center. Patient demographics, severity of injury, Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS), Injury Severity Score (ISS), procedural interventions, complications, and patency outcomes were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-three patients with traumatic axillo-subclavian vessel injuries were included. There were similar rates of penetrating and blunt injuries (48% vs. 52%, respectively). Eighteen patients (78%) underwent intervention: 11 underwent endovascular stenting or diagnostic angiography; 7 underwent open surgical repair. There was similar severity of arterial injuries between the endovascular and open surgical groups: transection (30% vs. 40%, respectively), occlusion (30% vs. 40%, respectively). The open surgical group had worse initial clinical comorbidities: higher ISS scores (17.0 vs 13.5, p = 0.034), higher median MESS scores (6 vs. 3.5, P = 0.001). The technical success for the endovascular group was 100%. The endovascular group had a lower estimated procedural blood loss (27.5 mL vs. 624 mL, P = 0.03). The endovascular arterial group trended toward a shorter length of hospital stay (5.6 days vs. 27.6 days, P = 0.09) and slightly reduced procedural time (191.0 min vs. 223.5 min, P = 0.165). Regarding imaging follow up (average of 60 days post-discharge), 7 patients (54%) underwent surveillance imaging (5 with duplex ultrasound, 2 with computed tomography angiography CTA) that demonstrated 100% patency. Regardless of ISS or MESS scores, at long term clinical follow up (average of 214 days), there were no limb losses, graft infections or vascular complications in either the endovascular or open surgical group.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular treatment is a viable option for axillo-subclavian vessel injuries. Preliminary results demonstrate that endovascular treatment, when compared to open surgical repair, can have similar rates of technical success and long-term outcomes in patency, infection and vascular complications.

Endovascular Management of a Subclavian Arterial Injury During Central Venous Catheter Placement for Hemodialysis

Subclavian artery injuries after central venous catheter placement constitute a rare but potentially fatal complication. The surgical repair of a subclavian artery trauma is a real challenge, associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. The role of endovascular treatment for vascular trauma, including injury to the subclavian artery, continues to evolve. In this manuscript, we report the case of an urgent endovascular repair by a covered stent graft of a subclavian artery perforation following the placement of a central venous catheter for dialysis in a 52-year-old patient, having a chronic kidney failure stage 5, with multiple comorbidities. The present case suggests that attention needs to be paid to preventing iatrogenic arterial cannulation during central vein catheterization to avoid potentially devastating complications. Endovascular treatment using a covered stent should be attempted as a first-line therapeutic option.

Traumatic penetrating arteriovenous fistulas: a collective review

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic penetrating arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) are very rare. The majority of these injuries occur secondary to penetrating trauma. Objectives of this study: review their incidence, clinical presentation, radiologic identification, management, complications and outcomes.

METHODS

A literature search was performed on MEDLINE Complete-Pubmed from 1829-2019. PRISMA guidelines were utilized. Of 305 potentially eligible articles, 201 articles were selected.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

patients age ≥ 18, articles with title and abstract in English, AVFs secondary to penetrating trauma, articles which specified vessels involved in AVFs, and those reporting complete information on patient presentation, diagnosis, imaging, surgical and/or endovascular surgical management, and outcomes of penetrating AVF's.

EXCLUSION CRITERIA

articles reporting blunt or iatrogenic AVFs, pediatric patients, fistulas used for dialysis and their complications, articles lacking complete information, cranial/spinal AVFs or cardiac AVFs, and duplicate articles. Mechanism of injury (MOI), diagnosis, involved vessels, management and outcomes of patients with AVFs secondary to penetrating trauma were recorded.

RESULTS

There were a total of 291 patients with AVFs secondary to penetrating injuries. Mechanism of injury (MOI): stab wounds (SW)-126 (43.3%), Gunshot wounds (GSW)-94 (32.3%), miscellaneous-35 (12%), mechanism unspecified-36 (12.4%). Anatomic area: neck-69 (23.7%) patients, thorax-46 (15.8%), abdomen-87 (30%), upper and lower extremities-89 (30.6%). Most commonly involved vessels-vertebral artery-38 (13%), popliteal vein-32 (11.7%). Angiography was diagnostic-265 patients (91.1%).

INTERVENTIONS

Surgical- 202 (59.6%), Endovascular-118 (34.8%). Associated: aneurysms/pseudoaneurysms-129 (44.3%).

CONCLUSION

Most AVFs occur secondary to penetrating injuries. Stab wounds account for the majority of these injuries. Most frequently injured vessels are vertebral artery and superficial femoral vein. Surgical interventions are the most common mode of management followed by endovascular surgical techniques.

Management of traumatic subclavian artery injuries in a high-volume vascular surgery center in Iran

Introduction: Subclavian artery injury is an uncommon vascular trauma with potential morbidity and mortality. Management of subclavian artery trauma requires open and endovascular techniques and timely and efficacious decision is mandatory. We retrospectively reviewed traumatic subclavian artery injuries in a high-volume vascular surgery center in Iran.

Methods: In a retrospective study, we assessed subclavian artery injuries during 6 years in ShohadaTajrish Medical Center. Background characteristics, type of incision, type of operation and outcome of patients were evaluated.

Results: A total of 14 patients had subclavian artery injury (mean age 29.9 ± 13.4 years, 92.9% male). Trauma was in left and right sides in eight (57.1%) and six patients (42.9%) respectively. Arteriorrhaphy, interposition and ligation of injured artery was done in 7 (50.0%), 3 (21.4%) and 4 (28.6%) patients respectively. Associated nerve injury was present in six patients (42.9%). Endovascular proximal control was obtained in six patients (42.9%) prior to vascular exposure. Time of patient referral did not have significant association with shock or type of operation (P > 0.05).

Conclusion: Although traumatic subclavian artery injuries are rare, its vascular exposures and reconstructions are of potential clinical concern. Endovascular interventions can facilitate proximal control. In addition, endovascular repair by covered stent is an alternative to open surgery.

Endovascular treatment of traumatic subclavian arteriovenous fistula: case report

A 47-year-old male police officer presented at an outpatients consulting room complaining of exertional dyspnea and swelling and pain in the right arm. He had suffered a perforating gunshot wound of the right infraclavicular region 7 months previously. A chest tomography showed considerable dilatation of the subclavian and cervical veins and veins of the right upper limb, with no clear point of arteriovenous communication. His symptoms exacerbated and he was admitted to hospital before the date scheduled for treatment. He underwent endovascular treatment with an 8x100 mm Fluency covered stent that was placed in the right subclavian artery using the through-and-through technique. Control angiography showed that the fistulous defect had been completely sealed. There was significant relief of the symptoms on the first day after the operation. Traumatic lesions of the subclavian artery are rare, but can be associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Penetrating trauma is the main cause and arteriovenous fistulas should be ruled out when evaluating penetrating injuries in vascular territories.

Contemporary management of subclavian and axillary artery injuries-A Western Trauma Association multicenter review

BACKGROUND

Subclavian and axillary artery injuries are uncommon. In addition to many open vascular repairs, endovascular techniques are used for definitive repair or vascular control of these anatomically challenging injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the relative roles of endovascular and open techniques in the management of subclavian and axillary artery injuries comparing hospital outcomes, and long-term limb viability.

METHODS

A multicenter, retrospective review of patients with subclavian or axillary artery injuries from January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2014, was completed at 11 participating Western Trauma Association institutions. Statistical analysis included χ, t-tests, and Cochran-Armitage trend tests. A p value less than 0.05 was significant.

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty-three patients were included; mean age was 36 years, 84% were men. An increase in computed tomography angiography and decrease in conventional angiography was observed over time (p = 0.018). There were 120 subclavian and 119 axillary artery injuries. Procedure type was associated with injury grade (p < 0.001). Open operations were performed in 135 (61%) patients, including 93% of greater than 50% circumference lacerations and 83% of vessel transections. Endovascular repairs were performed in 38 (17%) patients; most frequently for pseudoaneurysms. Fourteen (6%) patients underwent a hybrid procedure. Use of endovascular versus open procedures did not increase over the duration of the study (p = 0.248). In-hospital mortality rate was 10%. Graft or stent thrombosis occurred in 7% and graft or stent infection occurred in 3% of patients. Mean follow-up was 1.6 ± 2.4 years (n = 150). Limb salvage was achieved in 216 (97%) patients.

CONCLUSION

The management of subclavian and axillary artery injuries still requires a wide variety of open exposures and procedures, especially for the control of active hemorrhage from more than 50% vessel lacerations and transections. Endovascular repairs were used most often for pseudoaneurysms. Low early complication rates and limb salvage rates of 97% were observed after open and endovascular repairs.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic/epidemiologic, level IV.

Endovascular solutions for the management of penetrating trauma: an update on REBOA and axillo-subclavian injuries

PURPOSE

Endovascular procedures continue to gain acceptance as management options for penetrating traumatic injuries. Currently, several areas of potential endovascular application are being investigated. However, the bulk of the literature on this topic is still limited to case series or small retrospective studies. Therefore, we performed a review of the published experience involving the application of endovascular therapy to trauma patients who have sustained penetrating injuries with focus on outcomes of resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) and endovascular repair of axillo-subclavian injuries.

METHODS

Published case reports, retrospective and prospective studies of REBOA and axillo-subclavian injuries were systematically reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 7 studies on REBOA and 10 studies on endovascular repair of axillo-subclavian injuries were included. Overall, REBOA was used as an adjunct for hemorrhage control and resuscitation in patients at risk of cardiopulmonary arrest, preventing further cardiovascular collapse successfully. For axillo-subclavian injuries, endovascular stent placement had efficacy comparable to the traditional open repair.

CONCLUSION

REBOA is a safe and effective alternative to open thoracotomy in critically ill trauma patients at risk of death due to torso hemorrhage. Endovascular repair outcomes are comparable to open repair after axillo-subclavian injuries. Long-term results of endovascular repair remain to be defined in this patient population.

Penetrating neck injury: a review

Penetrating injury to the neck has inspired considerable controversy with regard to its management, owing to the large number of important, susceptible structures contained in this area. Mandatory exploration of all wounds has generally given way to selective operative management. Clinical assessment has, once again, become the prime diagnostic tool. This review describes the evolution of management and the value of various diagnostic modalities. It concludes with a summary of appropriate operative techniques.

Vascular trauma

Last century saw a marked increase in vascular injuries and their treatment has been improved from the experience gained in the major conflicts in the latter half of the last century. This trend of increasing numbers of vascular injuries has been perpetuated by a rise in civilian violence.

This article reviews the mechanisms, diagnosis and treatment of vascular injury and outlines some of the advances in endovascular techniques for treating vascular trauma.

Endovascular Management of Isolated Axillary Artery Aneurysm

The purpose of this paper is to report a case of axillary artery aneurysm, successfully treated by percutaneous transfemoral self-expandable polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) covered Wallgraft™ stent. A 20-year-old man presented with sudden-onset, severe aching pain of left upper limb that occurred while doing isometric exercise. He had feeble left brachial and radial pulses. Angiography revealed a 21 x 14 mm left axillary artery aneurysm with a 15 mm neck. There was an organized clot in the midpart of the left brachial artery. The aneurysm was successfully closed with a self-expandable 10 x 30 mm Wallgraft™ endoprosthesis PTFE graft stent, via the right femoral route. A check angiogram at 6 weeks of follow-up showed a patent stent with no endovascular leak. At 1 year of follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic with normal upper limbs pulsations. Axillary artery aneurysm may be treated with a stent graft, which is an effective, rapid, and definite treatment and is an acceptable alternative to standard open surgical repair.

Subclavian Artery Pseudoaneurysm Formation 3 Months after a Game of Rugby Union

Pseudoaneurysms of the subclavian artery remain a rare complication after fracture of the clavicle. We report a case of delayed diagnosis of a subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm after a closed fracture of the clavicle in a 15-year-old patient, 3 months after the original injury while playing rugby union. Despite several attendances to the Emergency Department with vague symptoms, the final diagnosis was confirmed by duplex ultrasound and Computed Tomography of the thorax. Surgical repair was indicated due to acute limb ischaemia from distal embolisation from a large pseudoaneurysm, with the patient making a full recovery. This case highlights the need for clinical vigilance when assessing patients, particularly on repeated occasions when their recovery appears to be impaired. A thorough history and clinical examination can raise suspicion of even rare occurrences and aid prompt management.

[Endovascular treatment of post-traumatic arteriovenous fistulae]

AIM

To summarize the experience of endovascular treatment of traumatic arteriovenous fistulae.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Endovascular interventions for arteriovenous fistulae of different locations were applied in 16 patients aged 19 to 83 years (mean 50.4±14.3) in A.V. Vishnevskiy Institute of Surgery from 2003 to 2014. Among causes there were stab wounds, gunshot wounds, blunt trauma, iatrogenic. Different endovascular methods including stenting with self-opening and balloon-expanding stent-grafts, embolic coils and occluders implantation were used.

RESULTS

Pain syndrome, disorders of support function and trophic changes were observed in patients with arteriovenous fistulae more localized more distal than lower one third of the thigh. More proximally located arteriovenous fistulae regardless of their diameter resulted severe heart failure and portal hypertension. Angiographic and clinical success was achieved in 100% of cases. Manifestations of heart failure and portal hypertension disappeared in all patients after endovascular interventions. Also support function restored, pain and trophic disorders were cured.

CONCLUSION

Arteriovenous fistulae regardless of their size, location and time of existence must be dissociated. Prolonged arteriovenous shunting leads to severe heart failure. Current technologies and tools used in endovascular interventions provide reliable dissociation of arteriovenous fistulae even in case of difficult anatomical features.

Associated venous injury significantly complicates presentation, management, and outcomes of axillosubclavian arterial trauma

Axillosubclavian vessel injury (ASVI) is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Most studies are single-center experiences of small numbers of patients with penetrating injury. We assessed 21st-century presentation and management of ASVI and focused on outcomes of combined arterial/venous injury. We reviewed the National Trauma Data Bank for patients with isolated arterial ASVI (group 1) and combined arterial/venous ASVI (group 2). Demographics, injury severity parameters, interventions, complications, and outcomes were compared. We identified 581 patients with ASVI (mean age 35.1; 88.1% male), with 466 isolated arterial injuries and 115 combined arterial/venous injuries. Group 2 had lower presenting systolic blood pressure and Glasgow Coma Scale, and had higher rates of operative repair (55.7 vs. 43.1%, p = 0.016) and higher mortality (33.9 vs. 13.9%, p < 0.001). There were no differences in amputation (5.2 vs. 2.4%, p = 0.121), compartment syndrome (2.6 vs. 1.9%, p = 0.713), and deep vein thrombosis (0.9 vs. 0.2%, p = 0.357). When separated by mechanism of injury, combined injuries from blunt trauma did increase amputation rates (27.8 vs. 4.2%, p = 0.002). Multivariate analysis revealed that combined arterial/venous injury significantly increased risk of death (odds ratio [OR], 2.99; confidence interval [CI], 1.73 to 5.17; p = 0.0001). Penetrating injury had higher odds of death than blunt injury (OR, 1.96; CI, 1.03 to 3.73; p = 0.041). ASVI is rare but extremely lethal. Concomitant venous and arterial injury is not associated with worse limb-related outcomes, except in blunt injuries and resultant amputations, but is associated with a threefold increase in mortality rates compared with isolated arterial injury.

Penetrating neck injury to the superior thoracic artery managed by video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery

Penetrating trauma to the axillary artery and its branches is uncommon and associated with high morbidity and mortality. Open exploration is mandated in hemodynamically unstable patients, but surgical exposure can be difficult due to the concentration of vital structures and complex anatomy in this region. Computed tomographic angiography is a potential diagnostic modality in hemodynamically stable patients. In these patients, endovascular therapies may provide a feasible means of controlling hemorrhage while minimizing surgical complications. A high incidence of concomitant intrathoracic injury has resulted in an expanding role for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. In this paper, we present a case of penetrating injury to the superior thoracic artery that was not amenable to endovascular therapy and was ultimately managed with thoracoscopic surgery.

Endovascular management of axillo-subclavian arterial injury: a review of published experience

BACKGROUND

The role of endovascular treatment for vascular trauma, including injury to the subclavian and axillary arteries, continues to evolve. Despite growing experience with the utilization of these techniques in the setting of artherosclerotic and aneurysmal disease, published reports in traumatic subclavian and axillary arterial injuries remain confined to sporadic case reports and case series.

METHODS

We conducted a review of the medical literature from 1990 to 2012 using Pubmed and OVID Medline databases to search for all reports documenting the use of endovascular stenting for the treatment of subclavian or axillary artery injuries. Thirty-two published reports were identified. Individual manuscripts were analysed to abstract data regarding mechanism, location and type of injury, endovascular technique and endograft type utilized, follow-up, and radiographic and clinical outcomes.

RESULTS

The use of endovascular stenting for the treatment of subclavian (150) or axillary (10) artery injuries was adequately described for only 160 patients from 1996 to the present. Endovascular treatment was employed after penetrating injury (56.3%; 29 GSW; 61 SW), blunt trauma (21.3%), iatrogenic catheter-related injury (21.8%) and surgical injury (0.6%). Injuries treated included pseudoaneurysm (77), AV fistula (27), occlusion (16), transection (8), perforation (22), dissection (6), or other injuries otherwise not fully described (4). Initial endovascular stent placement was successful in 96.9% of patients. Radiographic and clinical follow-up periods ranging from hospital discharge to 70 months revealed a follow-up patency of 84.4%. No mortalities related to endovascular intervention were reported. New neurologic deficits after the use of endovascular modalities were reported in only one patient.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment of traumatic subclavian and axillary artery injuries continues to evolve. Early results are promising, but experience with this modality and data on late follow-up remain limited. Additional multicenter prospective study and capture of data for these patients is warranted to further define the role of this treatment modality in the setting of trauma.

Traumatic subclavian arterial rupture: a case report and review of literature

Subclavian artery injuries represent an uncommon complication of blunt chest trauma, this structure being protected by subclavius muscle, the clavicle, the first rib, and the deep cervical fascia as well as the costo-coracoid ligament, a clavi-coraco-axillary fascia portion. Subclavian artery injury appears early after trauma, and arterial rupture may cause life-treatening haemorrages, pseudo-aneurysm formation and compression of brachial plexus. These clinical eveniences must be carefully worked out by accurate physical examination of the upper limb: skin color, temperature, sensation as well as radial pulse and hand motility represent the key points of physical examination in this setting. The presence of large hematomas and pulsatile palpable mass in supraclavicular region should raise the suspicion of serious vascular injury. Since the first reports of endovascular treatment for traumatic vascular injuries in the 90’s, an increasing number of vascular lesions have been treated this way. We report a case of traumatic subclavian arterial rupture after blunt chest trauma due to a 4 meters fall, treated by endovascular stent grafting, providing a complete review of the past twenty years’ literature.

Endovascular treatment of axillosubclavian arterial transection in patients with blunt traumatic injury

Axillosubclavian arterial transection due to blunt traumatic injury poses a treatment challenge in the multiply injured patient. Endovascular repair can be technically successful if the injury is focal. We describe an endovascular technique utilizing combined brachial and femoral access to create a through-and-through brachial-femoral wire and repair the arterial injury with a covered stent.

Endovascular grafts for treatment of traumatic injury to the aortic arch and great vessels

BACKGROUND

Treatment of traumatic vascular injury using endovascular techniques has evolved as endovascular capabilities have advanced over the past several decades. Several endovascular techniques have been employed to address the challenges of traumatic arterial injury, including coil embolization and the use of stents, which may be either bare metal or covered with graft material. Compared with traditional surgical repair, endovascular stent grafting for the repair of traumatic arterial injury offers the advantage of decreased morbidity because a remote access site may be used, avoiding surgical dissection and lengthy operating times.

METHODS

A Medline (1995-2007) search was performed to find all studies discussing the use of endovascular means to treat supradiaphragmatic arterial trauma.

RESULTS

In this review of 195 studies published between January 1995 and December 2007, the overall technical success rate of endovascular treatment of supradiaphragmatic arterial injury was 96.7%, and the complication rate was 6.4%.

CONCLUSION

The results of this review suggest a potential morbidity and mortality benefit over traditional open repair; however, long-term data are lacking. Long-term follow-up for stent durability is of particular concern in the trauma population, which tends to comprise younger patients with minimal atherosclerotic disease. The success of endovascular techniques is also limited by the availability of skilled interventionalists, properly outfitted angiography suites, and suitable stent graft devices. Despite these challenges, the potential advantages of endovascular stenting make it a welcome addition to the armamentarium of the vascular interventionalist who treats arterial traumatic injuries.

Embolisation of a bleeding iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula after paracentesis

A 48-year-old Caucasian male developed an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula involving a branch of the circumflex iliac artery and an abdominal wall vein after undergoing paracentesis 3 months prior to his presentation. He presented to our emergency room with a large abdominal wall haematoma. The fistula that caused the haematoma was embolised with no further complication.

Imaging appearances and endovascular management of uncommon pseudoaneurysms

Pseudoaneurysms are uncommon and their aetiology is varied. They occur in numerous anatomical locations and present with a multitude of clinical presentations sometimes life-threatening. This review describes the causes, sites, and presentations of uncommon pseudoaneurysms, as well as illustrating their diagnostic appearances and endovascular management.

Multi-slice CT (MSCT) angiography for assessment of traumatic lesions of lower limbs peripheral arteries

AIM

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of multi-slice computed tomography (MSCT) angiography for the assessment of traumatic lesions involving the arteries of the lower limbs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-seven patients with suspected arterial post-traumatic lesions of lower limbs underwent MSCT angiography (4 x 2.5-mm collimation, 3-mm slice width). The standards of reference were: digital subtraction angiography (DSA; patients with inconclusive/doubtful or positive MSCT angiography indicating a need for intravascular treatment), surgical findings (patients with positive MSCT angiography indicating a need for surgery), or clinical/investigational follow-up (patients with negative MSCT angiography and no need for further diagnostic procedures or surgery).

RESULTS

All CT exams were technically adequate. Sensitivity, specificity, and overall diagnostic accuracy of MSCT angiography were 96.3, 90, and 93.6%, respectively, relative to the reference of standard findings. In 44 out of 47 patients, MSCT angiography allowed a correct continuation of the diagnostic work-up.

CONCLUSION

MSCT angiography is a reliable fast tool for diagnosing traumatic vascular lesions, providing results comparable to DSA.

An artificial vascular graft is a useful interpositional material for drainage of the right anterior section in living donor liver transplantation

Congestion in the anterior section in a right liver (RL) without a middle hepatic vein (MHV) may lead to graft dysfunction. To solve this problem, an RL draining MHV branches with autologous or cryopreserved vessels can be introduced. However, these vessels are often unavailable, and their preparation is time-consuming. An expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) graft may be used for anterior section drainage. Between February and November 2005, 26 recipients underwent RL liver transplantation draining MHV branches with an ePTFE graft (group P). Twenty-six ePTFE grafts (6 or 7 mm in internal diameter) drained 35 MHV branches on the back table to the graft right hepatic vein or to the recipient's inferior vena cava. The patency of the ePTFE graft was checked with computed tomography scans of the liver. The outcome of group P was compared with those of an RL group with MHV (group M, n=17) and an RL group without reconstruction of MHV or its tributaries (group R, n=85). The 1-month and 4-month patency rates (PRs) of the ePTFE grafts were 80.8% (21/26) and 38.5% (10/26). All showing early obstruction of the ePTFE graft had congestion in the anterior section, but all showing late obstruction were asymptomatic. The 1-month PRs of group P were comparable to, but the 4-month PRs were lower than, those of group M (both 94.1%; P<0.05). However, 1-year patient and graft survival rates of group P (both 100%) were comparable to those of group M (94.1% and 100%) and better than those of group R (83.5% and 88.2%; P<0.05). In conclusion, the early PR of group P was good, and late obstruction of the ePTFE graft had no impact on congestion in the anterior section or patient survival. Therefore, an ePTFE graft may be a useful interposition material for anterior section drainage in RL transplantation without serious complications.

Endovascular Covered Stent Repair of an Iatrogenic Subclavian Artery–to–Pulmonary Artery Fistula and Pseudoaneurysm

An iatrogenic fistula and consequent pseudoaneurysm developed between the right subclavian artery and right pulmonary artery as a result of misplacement of a hemodialysis access catheter. The patient, who was considered to be at high risk for surgical repair, successfully underwent endovascular treatment that involved insertion of two nitinol stents covered with expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (stent-grafts), one into the right subclavian artery and the other into a right upper lobe pulmonary artery. Multi-detector row computed tomographic angiography played an integral role in the evaluation of the patient's vascular injury and treatment planning.

Percutaneous closure after inadvertent subclavian artery cannulation

Accidental insertion of an arterial sheath is an uncommon but potentially serious complication of jugular venous catheterization. When the subclavian artery is inadvertently cannulated, sheath removal can be complicated by significant hemorrhage due to its incompressible location. We report a case of inadvertent insertion of an 8 French sheath into the subclavian artery, which was successfully removed and the puncture site sealed with a collagen-based vascular closure device (Angio-Seal STS Plus). This averted an otherwise emergent open surgical procedure to remove the sheath and repair the subclavian artery in a high-risk patient.