Management of Peripheral and Truncal Venous Injuries

Management of vascular injuries on ICU patients: KZN experience

BACKGROUND

Vascular injury management remains an extremely challenging task. The fundamental principles of management are bleeding arrest and flow restoration, to avoid death and amputation. With advances in medicine, there has been a shift from ligation to primary repair which has resulted in a fall in amputation rate from 50 % in World War II to less than 2 % in civilian injuries.

METHOD

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on ICU requiring polytrauma patients with vascular trauma admitted between January 2013 and December 2021. Additional data were collected prospectively from January 2022 to December 2022. All data was from an ethics approved Trauma Registry. The injury was either confirmed by imaging or via exploration. The pre-designed data proforma acquired the following variables: age, mechanism of injury, injured vessel, associated injury, management of the vessel, and management of the associated injury. The data were analysed using Stata version 17 (StataCorp, College Station TX). Frequencies and percentages were calculated to summarise numerical data An ethical clearance was granted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal BREC (BREC 0004353/2022) and the KZN Department of Health. All data were de-identified in the data collection sheet.

RESULTS

There were 154 arterial injuries and 39 venous injuries. The majority, 77 (50 %) of arterial injuries were managed via open strategies, and 36 (23 %) were managed via endovascular intervention. The majority, 20 (51 %) of venous injuries underwent open ligation, and 12 (31 %) were managed non-surgically. The highest number of endovascular interventions was observed in aortic injuries. For a total of 25 aortic injuries, 22 (83 %) were managed endovascular (TEVAR) and 2 (8 %) were managed non-operatively.

CONCLUSION

The choice between the endovascular and open approach depends on the injured blood vessel. The majority of venous injuries were treated with open ligation in this cohort.

Brazilian guidelines on diagnosis and management of traumatic vascular injuries

Trauma is a leading cause of death, permanent disability, and health care cost worldwide. The young and economically active are the most affected population. Exsanguination due to noncompressible torso hemorrhage is one of the most frequent causes of early death, posing a significant challenge to trauma and vascular surgeons. The possibility of limb loss due to vascular injuries must also be considered. In recent decades, the approach to vascular injuries has been significantly modified. Angiotomography has become the standard method for diagnosis, endovascular techniques are currently incorporated in treatment, and damage control, such as temporary shunts, is now the preferred approach for the patients sustaining physiological derangement. Despite the importance of this topic, few papers in the Brazilian literature have offered guidelines on vascular trauma. The Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery has developed Projetos Diretrizes (Guideline Projects), which includes this publication on vascular trauma. Since treating trauma patients is a multidisciplinary effort, the Brazilian Trauma Society (SBAIT) was invited to participate in this project. Members of both societies reviewed the literature on vascular trauma management and together wrote these guidelines on vascular injuries of neck, thorax, abdomen, and extremities.

Acute venous problems: Integrating medical, surgical, and interventional treatments

"Acute venous problems" refers to a group of disorders that affect the veins and result in sudden and severe symptoms. They can be classified based on the pathological triggering mechanisms, such as thrombosis and/or mechanical compression, and their consequences, including symptoms, signs, and complications. The management and therapeutic approach depend on the severity of the disease, the location, and the involvement of the vein segment. Although summarizing these conditions can be challenging, the objective of this narrative review was to provide an overview of the most common acute venous problems. This will include an exhaustive yet concise and practical description of each condition. The multidisciplinary approach remains one of the major advantages in dealing with these conditions, maximizing the results and the prevention of complications.

Non-operative Management of an Isolated Blunt Traumatic Retrohepatic Inferior Vena Cava Injury

Traumatic inferior vena cava (IVC) injuries are often fatal. Blunt IVC injuries are encountered less often. Conservative management, albeit an option, is not often discussed in the literature. This report explores the non-operative management of a 52-year-old female unrestrained driver who presented with a blunt retrohepatic IVC injury identified on a computed tomography (CT) scan that revealed IVC disruption with extravasation of contrast. Here, we discuss the nonoperative management of the patient and review the literature concerning IVC anatomy, traumatic injuries, and management. We conclude that a hemodynamically stable patient with an isolated blunt traumatic IVC injury can be managed non-operatively.

Role of Interventional Radiology in the Management of Venous Trauma

Traumatic injury to the large, central venous vasculature, although rare, is associated with high morbidity and mortality rates. Conventional open surgical treatment by repair or ligation can be technically challenging in anatomically difficult areas to expose. Furthermore, open surgical approach can release tension on the venous injury and result in uncontrollable bleeding. Endovascular techniques such as stenting and embolization can be used effectively for the treatment of traumatic venous injury. This article will discuss the morbidity and mortality associated with traumatic venous injuries, venous anatomy, endovascular treatment options, and management of traumatic venous injury.

Inferior Vena Cava Ligation and Pancreaticoduodenectomy in a Patient With Penetrating Abdominal Trauma

INTRODUCTION

Injury to the inferior vena cava (IVC) is often fatal. Pancreaticoduodenectomy for trauma is also rare. This case describes a patient who underwent both procedures.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 30-year-old male presented status post gunshot to the abdomen. He was taken to the operating room and found to have 6 cm defect in the IVC, which was ligated. Despite resuscitation, the patient required emergent return to the OR where bleeding from the pancreaticoduodenal artery was noted in addition to injuries in the stomach, duodenum, and pancreas. He subsequently underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy. He was discharged after a month-long hospital stay.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates that IVC ligation is a form of damage of control surgery. Pancreaticoduodenectomy is rarely performed during the index operation for trauma patients. Patient with injuries to the pancreaticoduodenal complex can be life-threatening if not rapidly controlled. This patient is a rare example of someone who survived two morbid trauma surgery interventions.

Exsanguination From Superficial Lower Extremity Trauma

ABSTRACT

Deaths related to exsanguination are not rare; however, most are related to large-caliber blood vessel or organ disruption. This article reports 2 deaths from external hemorrhage arising from superficial lower extremity trauma in persons with peripheral vascular disease and anticoagulant therapy. The first involved a 78-year-old woman who was found unconscious in her home by a relative, with a plastic bag tied around her left foot and evidence of profuse hemorrhage arising from a left great toenail partial avulsion injury. The second involved a 48-year-old male resident of an adult group home who was involved in a physical altercation with a group home employee, who reportedly kicked the decedent in the right shin, resulting in extensive hemorrhage and death. The cases highlight the fact that lethal exsanguination can occur from superficial trauma. Persons with peripheral vascular disease and those taking anticoagulants may be at particular risk for such deaths.

Stent Graft Placement in the Top-Down Direction for Treating Traumatic Intra-Abdominal Suprahepatic Inferior Vena Cava Rupture: A Case Report

PURPOSE

The treatment of suprahepatic inferior vena cava (IVC) ruptures results in high mortality rates due to difficulty in performing the surgical procedure. Here, we present a case of successful endovascular management of a life-threatening suprahepatic IVC rupture with top-down placement of a stent graft.

CASE REPORT

A 33-year-old woman was involved in a traffic accident and presented to our emergency department due to unstable hemodynamics after blunt abdominal wall trauma. Computed tomography (CT) revealed massive extravasation of contrast agent from the suprahepatic IVC, which suggested traumatic suprahepatic IVC rupture. To seal the IVC, to salvage major hepatic veins, and to prevent migration of the stent graft into the right side of the heart after placement, an aortic cuff with a proximal hook was introduced in a top-down direction via the right internal jugular vein. After closure of the injured IVC, the patient's hemodynamics improved, and additional laparotomy was performed. After 3 months of trauma care, the patient recovered and was discharged. Follow-up CT after 58 months showed a patent stent graft within the IVC.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular management with top-down placement of a stent graft is a viable option for emergent damage control in patients with life-threatening hemorrhage from IVC rupture.

High Mortality and Venous Thromboembolism Risk Following Major Penetrating Abdominal Venous Injuries

BACKGROUND

Penetrating injuries to the inferior vena cava and/or iliac veins are a source of hemorrhage but may also predispose patients to venous thromboembolism (VTE). We sought to determine the relationship between iliocaval injury, VTE and mortality.

METHODS

The National Trauma Data Bank was queried for penetrating abdominal trauma from 2015-2017. Univariate analyses compared baseline characteristics and outcomes based on presence of iliocaval injury. Multivariable analyses determined the effect of iliocaval injury on VTE and mortality.

RESULTS

Of 9,974 patients with penetrating abdominal trauma, 329 had iliocaval injury (3.3%). Iliocaval injury patients were more likely to have a firearm mechanism (83% vs. 43%, P < 0.001), concurrent head (P = 0.036), spinal cord (P < 0.001), and pelvic injuries (P < 0.001), and higher total injury severity score (median 20 vs. 8.0, P < 0.001). They were more likely to undergo 24-hr hemorrhage control surgery (69% vs. 17%, P < 0.001), but less likely to receive VTE chemoprophylaxis during admission (64% vs. 68%, P = 0.04). Of patients undergoing iliocaval surgery, 64% underwent repair, 26% ligation, and 10% unknown. Iliocaval injury patients had higher rates of VTE (12% vs. 2%), 24-hr mortality (23% vs. 2.0%) and in-hospital mortality (33% vs. 3.4%) (P < 0.001 for all). VTE rates were similar following repair (14%) and ligation (17%). Iliocaval injury patients also had higher rates of cardiac complications (10.3% vs. 1.4%), acute kidney injury (8.2% vs. 1.3%), extremity compartment syndrome (4.0 vs. 0.2%), and unplanned return to OR (7.9% vs. 2.5%) (P < 0.001 for all). In multivariable analyses, iliocaval injury was independently associated with risk of VTE (OR 2.12; 95% CI, 1.29-3.48; P = 0.003), and in-hospital mortality (OR = 9.61; 95% CI, 4.96-18.64; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Iliocaval injuries occur in <5% of penetrating abdominal trauma but are associated with more severe injury patterns and high mortality rates. Regardless of repair type, survivors should be considered high risk for developing VTE.

Venous ligation versus venous repair: does the procedure impact venous thromboembolism risk?

Background

Traumatic lower extremity venous injuries are most commonly managed with either a vein ligation or repair procedure. Venous injuries are associated with an increased risk of developing venous thromboembolisms (VTE), but little is understood with regard to how specific surgical treatments may impact the risk of developing either a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a pulmonary embolism (PE). In this study of lower extremity venous injuries, we hypothesized that venous ligation would be associated with an increased risk of DVT but a lower risk of PE when compared with venous repair.

Methods

Patients were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (2008 to 2014) with at least one iliac, femoral, popliteal, or tibial venous injury and who received either a vein ligation or repair. The patients were then compared based on the type of procedure and the location of the injury to assess the risk of DVT and PE between the groups.

Results

A total of 1214 patients were identified. There was no difference between patients who received a vein ligation versus a repair with respect to age, injury severity score, or initial systolic blood pressure. There was no difference in the odds of developing either a DVT or PE between patients who were treated with vein ligation versus repair. There was also no difference in VTE rates when stratified by the location of the injury.

Conclusions

In individuals with lower extremity venous injuries, there is no difference in the rate of DVT or PE complications when comparing venous repair and ligation procedures. The role of anticoagulation remains to be elucidated following operative treatment.

Level of evidence

Therapeutic/Care Management, Level IV.

American Association for the Surgery of Trauma-World Society of Emergency Surgery guidelines on diagnosis and management of peripheral vascular injuries

The peripheral arteries and veins of the extremities are among the most commonly injured vessels in both civilian and military vascular trauma. Blunt causes are more frequent than penetrating except during military conflicts and in certain geographic areas. Physical examination and simple bedside investigations of pulse pressures are key in early identification of these injuries. In stable patients with equivocal physical examinations, computed tomography angiograms have become the mainstay of screening and diagnosis. Immediate open surgical repair remains the first-line therapy in most patients. However, advances in endovascular therapies and more widespread availability of this technology have resulted in an increase in the range of injuries and frequency of utilization of minimally invasive treatments for vascular injuries in stable patients. Prevention of and early detection and treatment of compartment syndrome remain essential in the recovery of patients with significant peripheral vascular injuries. The decision to perform amputation in patients with mangled extremities remains difficult with few clear indicators. The American Association for the Surgery of Trauma in conjunction with the World Society of Emergency Surgery seeks to summarize the literature to date and provide guidelines on the presentation, diagnosis, and treatment of peripheral vascular injuries. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Review study, level IV.

Retrohepatic IVC injury: A new treatment approach with arterial stent graft

Traumatic injuries to the inferior vena cava (IVC) are rare and among the most dreadful injuries encountered in evaluation of both penetrating and blunt traumatic settings. Clinical outcome of IVC injury is multifactorial with injuries being classically managed surgically. In this report, we present a case of 52 years old male patient with successfully treated blunt retrohepatic IVC injury utilizing arterial stent graft and anticoagulation regime without short-term complications. Evidence based standardized approach for endovascular management of IVC injury is not yet available. We hope that our report can contribute to worldwide procedure and postprocedural anticoagulation standardization.

Intra-abdominal Inferior Vena Cava Injuries: Operative Strategies and Outcomes

Visceral vascular injuries are relatively uncommon even in busy urban trauma centers. The inferior vena cava (IVC) is the most frequently injured visceral vein and can be a complex operative challenge. Despite advances in early volume resuscitation, improved transport times, prompt operative intervention, and hemorrhage control, mortality rates have remained largely unchanged. This article conducts an in-depth review of the literature surrounding IVC injuries and a detailed discussion of operative strategies and management as survivability is ultimately dependent on the grade of injury, location, and the presence of hemorrhagic shock.

Iatrogenic Arteriovenous Fistula and Retroperitoneal Hemorrhage After Tapping of Lumbar Pedicle Screws: A Case Report

CASE

A 76-year-old woman underwent L4-L5 posterior lumbar interbody fusion with pedicle screws for lumbar spondylolisthesis. Intraoperative iatrogenic injuries to the right fourth lumbar artery and inferior vena cava occurred, resulting in arteriovenous fistula with extensive retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Endovascular treatment and intraperitoneal drainage were effective in managing retroperitoneal hemorrhage. She showed no sign of organ failure or deep venous thrombosis during her 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

We recommend embolization both proximally and distally in the case of lumbar artery injury. Intra-abdominal hypertension secondary to a massive retroperitoneal hematoma should also be considered to prevent abdominal compartment syndrome.