Search

Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome (PAES) is a rare clinical entity without a standardized algorithm for diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a unique diagnostic and management algorithm for patients with PAES managed at a quaternary referral center.We retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with PAES at a single institution between 2013 and 2021. Demographics, physical exam findings, noninvasive imaging results, and angiographic images were assessed to validate a diagnostic and management algorithm (Figure 1). Surgical findings, operative technique, post-operative complications, and symptomatic improvement were assessed to validate this clinical algorithm.There were 35 extremities in 23 patients treated for PAES (Table I). The mean age was 28, and 82.6% of patients were female. Physical exam revealed a decrement in pedal pulse with provocative maneuvers in 90% of treated limbs. Noninvasive studies to include treadmill exercise testing revealed a mean Ankle-brachial indices (ABI) drop of 0.28 and positional duplex demonstrated that the mean peak systolic velocity (PSV) in the popliteal artery was 78 cm/sec at rest which increased to 175 cm/sec with provocation. Diagnostic arteriography was performed in all patients and revealed awell-developed geniculate and sural collaterals in 100% of the treated limbs and complete effacement of the popliteal artery with active provocative maneuvers in all treated limbs (Figure 2). Surgical exposure was performed via a posterior approach and intraoperative completion duplex was performed in all cases. Type III PAES was discovered in 89% of cases. Arterial reconstruction was required in 2 patients who presented with an occluded popliteal artery. All but one patient was discharged on post-operative day one. Wound complications occurred in 4 limbs (3 patients) and included seroma and hypertrophic scarring. All patients experienced symptomatic relief with a median follow-up of 4 months.We reported 100% technical and clinical success in patients with PAES diagnosed and managed using our clinical algorithm. Cross-sectional imaging is not necessary for the diagnosis. Dynamic angiography confirms the diagnosis and intraoperative duplex is essential for successful clinical outcome by confirming complete release of the popliteal artery.

Background Current algorithms for the management of blunt lower extremity trauma recommend additional imaging in patients presenting with soft signs of vascular injury and an ankle–brachial index (ABI) less than 0.9. The aim of this study is to analyze lower extremity computed tomography angiographies (CTAs) to determine the incidence and characteristics of patients sustaining vascular injury from blunt lower extremity trauma. We hypothesized that a lower ABI threshold can avoid unnecessary imaging without missing clinically significant vascular injury. Methods A single-center, retrospective review of all consecutive patients who presented to a level 1 trauma center with blunt lower extremity trauma and underwent a CTA from January 2015 to December 2017 was conducted. Baseline demographics, clinical features, and outcomes were recorded. Patients without documented ABIs were excluded. A receiver operating characteristic curve was used to define the ABI threshold. Results One hundred twenty-five patients (133 injured limbs) met inclusion criteria. The mean age was 44 years (range 9–96), and 74% of the patients were male. A vascular abnormality was identified on CTA in 65 limbs (48.9%), of which only 8 (12%) required intervention. The ABIs in these 8 injured limbs were between 0 and 0.6. An ABI threshold of 0.6 maximized the balance between sensitivity (100%) and specificity (87%) and missed no injuries requiring revascularization. Conclusions The ABI remains useful in evaluating blunt lower extremity trauma. A lower ABI threshold in patients presenting with soft signs of vascular injury after blunt trauma may avoid unnecessary imaging without missing vascular injuries requiring intervention. Further prospective studies are needed to validate the safety and effectiveness of a lower ABI threshold.

Background The impact of the Coronavirus Disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic on healthcare workers has been substantial. However, the impact on vascular surgery trainees have not yet been determined. The goals of our study were to gauge the impact of COVID-19 on vascular surgery trainees’ personal and professional life and to assess stressors, coping, and support structures involved in these trainees response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Material and methods This was an anonymous online survey administered in April 12-24, 2020 during the surge phase of the global COVID-19 pandemic. It is a subset analysis of the cross-sectional Society for Vascular Surgery Wellness Committee Pandemic Practice, Anxiety, Coping and Support Survey. The cohort surveyed was Vascular surgery (VS) trainees, integrated residents and fellows, in the United States of America. Assessment of the personal impact of the pandemic on vascular surgery trainees and the coping strategies used by them were based on the validated Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item (GAD-7) scale and the validated 28-time Brief Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced (Brief-COPE) inventory. Results A total of 145 vascular surgery trainees responded to the survey, with a 23% response rate (145/638). Significant changes were made to the clinical responsibilities of VS trainees, with 111 (91%) reporting cancellation of elective procedures, 101 (82%) with call schedule changes, 34 (24%) with duties other than related to vascular surgery, and 29 (24%) participation in outpatient care delivery. Over one third (52/144) reported they had performed a procedure on a patient with confirmed COVID-19, 37 (25.7%) reported they were unaware of the COVID-19 status at the time. The majority continued to work after exposure (29/34, 78%). Major stressors included concerns about professional development, infection risk to family/friends, and impact of care delay on patients. Median score for GAD-7was 4 (IQR 1-8) which corresponds to no or low self-reported anxiety levels. VS trainees employed mostly active coping and rarely avoidant coping mechanisms, and the majority were aware and utilized social media and online support systems. No significant difference was observed between integrated residents and fellows, or by gender. Conclusions The pandemic has had significant impact on VS trainees. Trainees reported significant changes to clinical responsibilities, exposure to COVID-19 and pandemic-related stressors but demonstrated healthy coping mechanisms with low self-reported anxiety levels. The VS community should maintain awareness of the impact of the pandemic on the professional and personal development of surgeons in training.We recommend adaptive evolution in training to accommodate a the changing learning environment for trainees.

Background Blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) are the second most common cause of death due to blunt-force trauma in the United States. Patients with minimal injuries do not typically require surgical repair, whereas patients with severe injuries are treated emergently. Moderate aortic injuries are repaired in a semielective fashion, but the optimal management of patients with moderate BTAI with associated intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) is unknown. We sought to analyze the management and outcomes of patients presenting with concomitant moderate BTAI and ICH. Methods Consecutive patients who received a thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) at our institution for treatment of moderate BTAI between January 2014 and December 2017 were retrospectively reviewed as part of an institutional review board–approved protocol. Patients were classified by our BTAI classification into “minimal”, “moderate”, or “severe”. ICH was identified on computed tomography scan and its severity determined by the neurosurgical team. Outcome measures included surgical timing and surgical outcomes. Results Fifty-two patients had a moderate BTAI and underwent TEVAR, 20 (38 %) of whom presented with ICH. Median time from admission to surgery was 58.5 hr for patients with ICH and 26.5 hr for non-ICH patients. Intraoperative heparin was administered in all patients without ICH and in 19 of 20 (95%) patients with ICH after the ICH met criteria for stability. Protamine reversal was utilized in 80% of patients with ICH and 75% of non-ICH patients. No patient developed ischemic stroke or spinal cord ischemia. Worsening ICH was seen in only one patient, who also received heparin infusion for pulmonary embolus 24 hr before TEVAR. There were no aortic-related mortalities in either group. Thirty-day all-cause mortality was 5% for patients with ICH and 3% for non-ICH patients. Conclusions Patients with moderate BTAI and stable ICH are not at increased risk of TEVAR-related complications. Administration of intraoperative heparin during TEVAR appears to be safe and does not worsen ICH.

Objectives Multidisciplinary limb preservation services (LPS) have improved the care of patients with limb-threatening vascular disease. However, the impact of an LPS on major amputations for non-vascular etiologies is unknown. We sought to characterize the trends in major amputations performed at a level I trauma center following the institution of an LPS. Methods A retrospective review of all patients undergoing amputation at a level I trauma center from January 2009 to December 2018 was performed. Patients were divided into two cohorts: those undergoing amputation pre-LPS (2009-2013) and post-LPS (2014-2018). Major amputations were defined as any amputation at or proximal to the below-knee level. Indications for amputation included chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI), acute limb ischemia (ALI), trauma, infection, and revision amputations. Results During the study period, 609 major amputations were performed, 490 pre-LPS and 119 post-LPS, representing a 76% reduction. Reductions were seen for every indication, including trauma (95%), ALI (90%), chronic infection (83%), revision (79%), CLTI (68%), and acute infection (62%). Conclusions Although previous work has validated the role of an LPS in advanced vascular disease, its value extends beyond vascular disease alone. The drastic reductions seen in the number of amputations performed for a variety of indications, including trauma and diabetic foot infections, further validates the use of a multidisciplinary LPS.

Ankle-brachial index (ABI) is a reliable method to evaluate extremity perfusion but can be prohibitive to obtain secondary to patient discomfort or extremity trauma. This study investigates smart phone-based forward looking infrared imaging to assess peripheral perfusion using thermal ABI (tABI).ABIs were measured by a certified vascular laboratory. Thermographs of each extremity (hands/feet) were obtained, and maximum surface temperature was recorded. tABI was calculated by dividing the lower extremity (LE) temperature by the upper extremity (UE). ABI and tABI were compared using Pearson's correlation and Bland-Altman plot.Twenty-three patients (45 limbs) had ABI's and thermographs recorded on the same day. Median ABI was 0.89 (range 0.33-1.46, IQR 0.4). Median LE temperature was 83.0°F (range 60.7-96.9°F, IQR 14.1). Median UE temperature was 91.2°F (range 81.9-94.6°F, IQR 3.4). Median tABI was 0.93 (range 0.33-1.4, IQR 0.2). Positive correlation was seen between ABI and tABI with Pearson analysis (r = 0.83, P 0.0001) and Bland-Altman plot (bias -0.01, LOA -0.13 to -0.12).Thermal imaging correlates with ABI in the evaluation of extremity perfusion. Smart phone-based FLIR can be used to determine peripheral perfusion in clinical settings where ABI is difficult to obtain.

Women have been shown to experience inferior outcomes following intact and ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) treatment in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and open surgical repair (OSR) groups. The goal of our study was to compare gender-specific presentation, management, and early outcomes after AAA repair using a statewide registry.We utilized the Washington State's Vascular Interventional Surgical Care and Outcomes Assessment Program registry data collected in 19 hospitals from July 2010 to September 2013. Demographics, presentation, procedural data, and outcomes in elective and emergent AAA repair groups were analyzed.We identified 1,231 patients (19.6% women) who underwent intact (86.4%) or ruptured AAA (13.6%) repairs. Nine thousand seventy-two (79.0%) patients had EVAR and 259 (21.0%) had OSR. Men and women were of equivalent age and had similar comorbidities, except that women had less coronary artery disease (P 0.01) and were more likely to suffer from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P = 0.05). Women had smaller aneurysm diameters (5.8 ± 1.1 vs. 6.2 ± 1.8 cm, P 0.01) at the time of presentation and men had slightly higher incidence of rupture at larger aneurysm size. Men were more likely to undergo EVAR, with significant differences in elective (82.1% vs. 74.1%, P = 0.01), but not ruptured repair. Women had significantly higher mortality rates following elective EVAR (3.1% vs. 0.6%, P = 0.01), but not after ruptured or elective open repair. Following elective EVAR, women were less likely to be discharged to home after longer hospital stays (3 vs. 2 days, P 0.01).Despite presentation at a similar age, with a smaller aneurysm diameter, and similar medical comorbidities, women experience substantially worse hospital outcomes primarily driven by elective endovascular procedures. Utilization of endovascular techniques in women still remains lower compared with men. Improvement of elective outcomes in women will likely depend on technical advancements in repair techniques and management strategies that may differ between genders.

Background Traumatic vascular injury leading to acute limb ischemia (ALI) is an uncommon problem with a potential for high morbidity. We describe a contemporary series of patients with traumatic ALI managed primarily by vascular surgeons at a tertiary referral center and review factors associated with limb salvage and functional limb outcomes. Methods We conducted a single institution, retrospective review of all patients requiring revascularization for upper extremity (UE) and lower extremity (LE) ALI secondary to trauma from 2013 to 2016. Demographic data, transfer timing, injury severity score (ISS), Rutherford classification (RC), preoperative imaging, level of occlusion, procedural information, fasciotomy characteristics, and discharge disposition were reviewed. Outcome measures included limb salvage and functional limb outcomes. Results We identified 68 patients with traumatic ALI requiring revascularization. The majority of patients had moderate ISS scores, were RC 2a or 2b on presentation (65%), were transferred from another institution (53%), and underwent preoperative imaging (62%) with expeditious time to operation (median 4.5 hr). The most common location of vascular injury for UE was axillary-brachial (88%) and for LE was femoral-popliteal (69%). Open vascular procedures dominated the treatment strategy, and the median number of operations was 3. Fasciotomy was performed in 25% of UE and 58% of LE injuries. Shunts were utilized in only 2 patients. Overall LS was 94% for UE and 78% for LE. The median length of stay (LOS) was 11 days, with 25% of patients discharged to a skilled nursing facility. Follow-up was obtained for 59% of patients. For UE injuries, 57% of patients had no or minimal functional deficits, while 33% had major functional deficits and 10% underwent amputation. For LE injuries, 68% of patients had no or minimal functional deficits, while 6% had major functional deficits, and 26% had undergone amputation. Rutherford class and the number of operations performed were independent predictors of amputation and functional limb at follow-up in our logistic regression model (P Conclusions Revascularization for traumatic ALI yields high limb salvage rates in patients with RC 1 and 2 ischemia and patients with UE injuries. However, limb salvage does not necessarily equate to good functional outcomes. This signifies the complex nature of injuries in this patient population, especially when multiple operations are required.

Functional popliteal entrapment syndrome (FPES) was first described by Rignault and colleagues in 1985 (Int. Angiol. 1985;4:341-343). This syndrome results from compression of the popliteal artery by a hypertrophied medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle with no other identifiable anatomical abnormality. The incidence, significance, natural history, and appropriate treatment of this syndrome remain controversial. We present three cases of FPES where intraoperative positional duplex scans guided gastrocnemius muscle resection and confirmed appropriate resection. Additionally, B-mode duplex obtained during one of the cases demonstrated intimal changes consistent with repetitive vessel trauma. All patients had resolution of their claudication and normal physiological testing postoperatively.

Previous experience with totally percutaneous aortic aneurysm repair has identified morbid obesity and larger sheath sizes (or =20F) as complicating factors for percutaneous access closure. We sought to evaluate the impact of ultrasound-guided femoral access on rates of technical success, conversion to open femoral repair, and access-related complications. A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was performed. All consecutive patients undergoing totally percutaneous closure of large-bore-sheath (12F) access sites with a suture-mediated closure device were included. The cohort was stratified into two groups by access technique, standard percutaneous femoral access, and ultrasound-guided femoral access. Patient variables were evaluated, and outcome measures included technical success, requirement for conversion to open repair, and access-related complications. Recorded conversions only included those related to access closure technique. During the study period, 88 consecutive patients underwent percutaneous closure of 152 large-bore access sites after endovascular aneurysm repair. There was no difference in the proportion of morbidly obese patients (body mass index35 kg/m(2)) between the two cohorts. Access-related complications were significantly reduced in the group undergoing ultrasound-guided access. Despite the lower complication profile with ultrasound guidance, 24 sites (41%) had sheath sizesor =20F compared to only 21 sites (24%) in the standard access group (p0.05). Evaluating conversions and technical success of percutaneous closure, a significant benefit was identified for sheath sizesor =20F (p0.05). Upon comparing the two cohorts, operative time continued to decrease from 154 (+/-64) to 101 (+/-56) min after the addition of ultrasound guidance for access (p0.05). The addition of ultrasound-guided femoral access to totally percutaneous aortic aneurysm repair continues to increase the technical success rate for vessel closure and has a clinically profound impact on access-related complications. This technical adjunct appears to have the largest impact on patients requiring larger sheath sizes.

Ischemic colitis (IC) is a well-described complication of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms (rAAAs). The purpose of this study was to compare the incidence of IC in patients with rAAA undergoing open repair (OR) versus endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) at a single institution. In addition, we analyzed the incidence of IC before and after the implementation of a formal rupture AAA protocol (rEVAR protocol).A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on all patients presenting with rAAA to our institution between January 2002 and October 2013 was performed. Variables were analyzed for association with IC. Comparisons were made using Pearson's chi-squared test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables, Student's t-test for continuous variables, and logistic regression for multivariate analysis. Significance was set at P 0.05.Three hundred three patients with rAAA presented over the 10-year study period. One hundred ninety-one patients underwent OR and 89 patients underwent endovascular repair. Twenty-three patients died either in the emergency department, en route to the operating room, or after choosing comfort care. Predictive factors of IC included estimated blood loss, corresponding need for resuscitation, and duration of procedure. Of patients who underwent OR, the rate of IC was 21% (40/191). This was significantly higher than patients who underwent EVAR, 7% (6/89), P 0.05. The type of intervention did not influence 30-day mortality in patients with IC. However, only 17% (1/6) of patients who had IC following EVAR required colectomy versus 48% (19/40) of patients with IC following OR (P = 0.21). Implementation of our formal rEVAR protocol decreased the incidence of IC significantly from 37.1% (36/97) to 6.4% (10/157), P 0.001.The incidence of IC has decreased significantly in the endovascular era but continues to portend a poor prognosis. Implementation of a formal, multidisciplinary rEVAR protocol in our institution decreased the incidence of IC.

It has been postulated that lower extremity fasciotomy may disrupt the calf musculovenous pump and predisposes to development of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). However, studies based on trauma patients who undergo emergent fasciotomy are confounded by the possibility of concomitant vascular and soft tissue injury and use historical controls. This is a prospective study that evaluates venous hemodynamics in young patients undergoing elective fasciotomy for chronic exertional compartment syndrome (CECS), eliminating the problems associated with retrospective study of trauma patients. CECS was diagnosed by history and, when indicated, measurement of compartment pressures. Prior to elective two- or four-compartment fasciotomy, each patient underwent lower extremity air plethysmography (APG) and colorflow duplex ultrasonography. These studies were repeated a minimum of 6 weeks postoperatively. Fifteen patients who had fasciotomies for CECS were studied; two of these patients had bilateral fasciotomies for a total of 17 limbs. There were 13 male and two female patients (average age 31.2 years). APG and colorflow duplex were performed an average of 12 weeks after fasciotomy. Outflow fraction, venous volume, and ejection volume showed no significant changes postoperatively. However, the venous filling index (VFI) increased (0.9 +/- 0.1 vs. 1.1 +/- 0.1 mL/sec; p0.05, paired t-test), the ejection fraction tended to decrease (59 +/- 4% vs. 52 +/- 2%; p0.08, paired t-test), and the residual volume fraction (RVF) increased (26 +/- 3% vs. 36 +/- 5%; p0.05, paired t-test). There were no patients with evidence of deep venous reflux. Two extremities with preoperative greater saphenous vein (GSV) reflux did not worsen, and three extremities developed new GSV reflux following fasciotomy, although VFI remained normal in each extremity. Elective fasciotomy for CECS does not lead to significant venous reflux but likely does diminish calf muscle pump function and increases RVF moderately in young adult patients. With longer follow-up this diminished calf muscle pump function may increase the risk of CVI.

Endovascular aneurysm repair is increasingly used to treat patients harboring abdominal aortic aneurysms with severe comorbidities that make them unfavorable candidates for open repair. Graft-related complications in these patients also require unique solutions. We report the novel technique of “endoanchor capture” for successful repositioning of a migrated stent graft.

Background Mycotic thoracic aortic aneurysms are a life-threatening diagnosis and carry a high risk of morbidity and mortality in the perioperative setting. Traditional open repair consists of debridement, drainage, and either in situ or extra-anatomic bypass. Acute rupture portends a dismal prognosis; however, emergent endovascular repair of ruptured mycotic aneurysms has been described in the literature and we present a case of successful endovascular treatment of a ruptured mycotic descending thoracic aortic aneurysm. Case Report We report the case of a 42-year-old male with hypertension and active intravenous drug use who presented with 3 weeks of chest pain, dyspnea, and hemoptysis, and on computed tomography scan was found to have a contained 4.1-cm ruptured mycotic thoracic aortic aneurysm. Blood cultures were positive for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . Emergent repair was recommended because of likelihood of further rupture and death. Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) was performed using a rifampin-soaked stent graft without complication. At 2-year follow-up, the patient was asymptomatic and imaging demonstrated the stent graft in excellent position, without endoleak, and complete resolution of the aneurysm sac. Conclusions TEVAR can be safely employed to treat a ruptured mycotic thoracic aneurysm when open repair is not possible because of patient's comorbidity or complex rupture, as these patients face imminent death. Long-term follow-up is necessary for detection of endoleak, recurrence, or propagation of the aneurysm, and persistent bacterial infections.