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We present a case of a postmortem finding of bone marrow edema in postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (PMMR) indirectly induced by a bullet, which barely missed the bone of a 92-year-old man found kneeling in front of his bed of a tidy apartment. Additionally, a selective postmortem computed tomography angiography (PMCTA) of the left leg was performed, visualizing a laceration of the left femoral vein by the bullet with consecutive contrast media extravasation. A vast pulmonary fat embolism was diagnosed and together with the blood loss found to be the cause of death., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

We report a case of acute compartment syndrome of the thigh secondary to common femoral vessel injury. The lesion was associated with common femoral artery dissection and common femoral vein rupture. Emergency surgical treatment consisted of resection-anastomosis of the arterial dissection, vein ligature, and fasciotomies. The patient is symptom-free after 15 months of follow-up. Isolated vascular injury is an unusual cause of acute compartment syndrome of the thigh. This case serves to increase awareness that isolated vascular injury, without femoral fracture or multiple injury, can result in thigh compartment syndrome. Early recognition and treatment of vascular involvement contributes to better functional outcome of this rare condition, but treatment modalities remain subject to discussion., (Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein which may result from traumatic injury or may occur as congenital abnormality. Stent graft repair through arteriovenous fistula could lead to complications., Case Report: Endovascular stent graft repair in a 23-year-old patient with posttraumatic superficial femoral arteriovenous fistula was performed to cover a fistula. During the procedure the device migrated through the fistula into the femoral vein. Due to eventual risk of migration to the heart, a prompt decision was made to fix the stent graft with three puncture needles in the common femoral vein region under fluoroscopy guidance. The vascular surgeon was called to perform open surgery., Conclusions: The presented way of treating this rare complication in an extreme and uncommon situation is very efficient, safe and inexpensive.

Femoral arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal communication between femoral artery and vein, which is frequently caused by an iatrogenic or traumatic event. Surgery and endovascular approach with coil and stent graft placement are the most frequent choices of treatment. Herein, we present 2 cases of iatrogenic superficial femoral AVF, which were treated with percutaneous balloon-assisted N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate glue (N-BCA). Both fistulae had a short tract, and 1 of the patients had previously undergone a failed coil embolization. The occlusions with N-BCA were achieved immediately, and both fistulae remained obliterated at 1 and 12 months of follow-up.

The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to examine the effectiveness of QuikClot Combat Gauze (QCG) compared to a control group and (2) investigate the effect of movement on hemorrhage control when QCG is employed. This was a prospective, experimental design employing an established porcine model of uncontrolled hemorrhage. The minimum number of animals (n = 11 per group) was used to obtain a statistically valid result. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups (p > 0.05) indicating that the groups were equivalent on the following parameters: activating clotting time, the subject weights, core body temperatures, amount of 1 minute hemorrhage, arterial blood pressures, and the amount and percentage of total blood volume. There were significant differences in the amount of hemorrhage (p = 0.018) and the number of movements (p = 0.000) between the QCG and control. QCG is statistically and clinically superior at controlling hemorrhage compared to the standard pressure dressing control group. Furthermore, it produces a more robust clot that can withstand significant movement. In conclusion, QCG is an effective hemostatic agent for use in civilian and military trauma management.

Objective: To describe a novel technique for real-time, ultrasound-guided femoral vein catheterization in neonates with cardiac disease, and to compare it to a contemporaneous cohort of neonates undergoing femoral vein central venous line placement via landmark technique., Design: Retrospective cohort study of data extracted from a quality improvement database., Setting: Pediatric cardiac intensive care unit and cardiovascular operating room in pediatric tertiary hospital., Patients: One hundred fifteen neonates (mean weight, 3.07 ± 0.41 kg) with cardiac disease who underwent femoral central venous line attempts from January 2009 to September 2011., Measurements and Main Results: Study populations were similar in age, weight, and Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery-1 category, but differed in intubation status (32% vs. 100%, ultrasound vs. landmark, p < .0001). Central venous line success rate was superior in the ultrasound group: 72 of the 76 (94.7%) vs. 31 of the 39 (79.5%), p = .02. Ultrasound group also had a superior first (75% vs. 30.8 %) and second attempt success rate (90.8% vs. 51.3%), p value for both < .0001. Inadvertent arterial puncture occurred less frequently in the ultrasound group: four of the 76 (5.3%) vs. nine of the 39 (23.1%), p = .01. There was a trend toward more venous thrombosis in the landmark group, 16 of the 39 (41%) vs. 18 of the 76 (23.7%), p = .08. Among all 115 subjects, there was a very strong association between greater than two central venous line attempts and the odds of being diagnosed with a deep venous thrombosis (odds ratio, 9.3; 95% confidence interval 3.5-24.8) and the odds of suffering an inadvertent femoral arterial puncture during the central venous line event (odds ratio, 8.8; 95% confidence interval 10.6-730)., Conclusions: This novel long-axis real-time ultrasound technique facilitates placement of femoral vein central venous line in critically ill neonates with cardiac disease at a higher rate of success with fewer attempts and lower occurrence of complications when compared with the landmark technique.

The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of the hemostatic agent BleedArrest compared to control. This was a prospective, experimental design employing an established porcine model of uncontrolled hemorrhage. The minimum number of animals (n=10 per group) was used to obtain a statistically valid result. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups (P>.05) indicating that the groups were equivalent on the following parameters: activating clotting time, the subject weights, core body temperatures, amount of one minute hemorrhage, arterial blood pressures, and the amount and percentage of total blood volume. There were significant differences in the amount of hemorrhage (P=.033) between the BleedArrest (mean=72, SD±72 mL) and control (mean=317.30, SD±112.02 mL). BleedArrest is statistically and clinically superior at controlling hemorrhage compared to the standard pressure dressing control group. In conclusion, BleedArrest is an effective hemostatic agent for use in civilian and military trauma management.

A case of post-traumatic arteriovenous fistula in the left thigh is reported 25 years after injury with haematuria. The patient had sustained bullet injury in his left thigh in 1986. Clinically, he had thrill and bruit in his left thigh and groin. Ultrasound abdomen and pelvis revealed a vascular mass in the left side of urinary bladder. CT angiography showed communication between left superficial femoral artery and vein and gross dilatation of thigh and pelvic veins with mass effect on the urinary bladder. He was managed by excision of fistula and repair of both artery and vein with interposition of a prosthetic graft.

Introduction: Venous reconstructions after iatrogenic injuries are rarely performed and are associated with a relatively high risk of complications. We present our experiences with venous reconstructive surgery to the iliofemoral vein segment., Material and Methods: We reviewed ten patients with venous injuries evaluating clinical characteristics, operative and postoperative data including location and type of venous injury, operative repair and outcome. Venous injuries either occurred during varicose vein surgery or other kinds of procedures in the region. The injuries were repaired by interposition with a polytetrafluorethylene graft, and after surgery they were treated with an intermittent pneumatic compression device and anticoagulation medicine. Subsequently, patients were evaluated both clinically and by colour duplex scan., Results: The mean patient age was 42.5 years (range 26-61 years) with no reported co-morbidity. The median follow-up was 16 months (range 12-157 months). The 30-day patency rate was 70% and the morbidity rate 40%. At the latest follow-up, the venous patency rate was 90% after supplementary treatment., Conclusion: The study shows a satisfactory outcome despite severe iatrogenic injuries to the iliofemoral vein segment. Venous reconstructive surgery should be a centralized task., Funding: not relevant., Trial Registration: not relevant.

Objective: Chronic post-traumatic arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is a late complication of vascular injury and can be presented with symptoms of congestive heart failure, venous hypertension and distal ischaemia. We present an unusual case of chronic ischaemic leg ulcer in young adult caused by post-traumatic AVF. Case report A 29-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital with symptoms of chronic ulcer located on the lateral side of the lower left leg. Arterial pulses distally from the groin were absent. His medical history revealed him to have sustained gunshot injury of the left thigh in the war conflict 18 years before. Angiography showed a large AVF between superficial femoral artery and femoral vein. The patient underwent surgical repair of AVF with reconstruction of superficial femoral artery by saphenous vein interposition under spinal anaesthesia. Completion angiography confirmed AVF exclusion. Leg ulcer healed within a month., Conclusion: Chronic leg ulcer may be the only symptom of large post-traumatic AVF in young adults.

The article is dedicated to surgical policy pursued in lesions involving femoral major vessels in the inguinal region, having developed due to long-term abuse of injection narcotic drugs. Analysed herein are the outcomes of surgical management of thirty-one patients presenting with a pulsating haematoma and inguinal pseudoaneurysms of post-injection aetiology. According to the authors' opinion, choosing the appropriate scope of the would-be operation is too complicated largely due to peculiarities of the pyo-necrotic process in this zone. Revealed and systematized characteristic of this category of risk factors that pose a real threat of severe consequences when any type of surgery. The authors recommend using only 2 categories of operations: ligation of damaged vessels in the groin area as an independent operation and ligation of vessels with the restoration of blood flow through lateral bypass autovein. Indications for their use, particularity of performing the ligated operations in the inguinal region was given.

Aim: To identify factors associated with severe femoral vein (FV) damage among groin injectors (GIs) on oral opioid substitution treatment., Design: A cohort study., Setting: Drug treatment centres in South East England., Participants: GIs attending an ultrasound 'health-check' clinic., Measures: Femoral ultrasonography and clinical grading of venous disease in each leg., Method: Comparison of 67 GIs with severely damaged FV and 86 GIs with minimal/moderate damage., Findings: The majority were men (69.3%) and the mean age was 36.2 years with mean duration of injecting drug use (IDU) of 13.3 years. There were no significant between-group differences in age, gender or duration of IDU. Severe FV damage was associated with longer duration of groin injecting (GI; P<0.005), use of thick needles (blue-hub, 23G; or green-hub, 21G; P<0.001), benzodiazepine injection (P<0.005), history of deep vein thrombosis (DVT, P<0.001) and recurrent DVT (P<0.001), presence of depressed groin scar (P<0.001) and chronic venous disease (CVD, P<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed needle size (β 1.2, Wald 4.9, P<0.05) and DVT (β 3.3, Wald 38.5, P<0.001) as the main predictors of severe FV damage., Conclusion: Needle and syringe exchange services should consider only supplying appropriate lengths of orange-hub needle (25G) on request from GIs. Early cessation of GI, avoidance of benzodiazepine injection and prompt diagnosis and treatment of DVT might also reduce the prevalence of severe FV damage among GIs and the associated healthcare burden. Routine examination of injecting sites among these patients should include an assessment of severity of venous disease in each leg., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Handlebar injury varies from minor trauma to life-threatening visceral and vascular damage resulting in a significant morbidity among children. Femoral vein injuries secondary to handlebar trauma are rare but potentially serious. Venous continuity should be restored and several techniques for repair of femoral injuries have been described. We reported a case of femoral vein injury secondary to handlebar trauma in a child and we described techniques used for its repair.

Background: Among many aspects, wound healing depends on early restoration of venous blood flow across wound margins. The type of surgical occlusion of vein stumps during operations was assumed to have an influence on the early postoperative reunion of vein stumps and thereby on wound healing. Currently, there are different methods of vein stump occlusion available: ligation (e.g., Vicryl), closure using metal clips (e.g., LigaClip), coagulation using manually controlled bipolar forceps, and the use of a computer-controlled bipolar system (e.g., BiClamp). The aim of this study was to surgically and histologically compare the healing process, including new vessel formation after vein occlusion using one of the methods listed., Methods: In a rat model (n = 50), both jugular and femoral veins were prepared, occluded twice with one of the methods mentioned above (i.e., 400 occlusions), and finally cut in-between. Groups of 10 animals were reoperated and evaluated surgically and histologically after 5 days, 10 days, 15 days, 30 days, and 90 days., Results: Occlusion methods using Vicryl, LigaClip, or bipolar forceps allow highly reliable vessel occlusion. Surgical evaluation showed higher occurrence of vessels in between the vein stumps after usage of Vicryl and LigaClip when compared with electrothermic occlusion methods (p = 0.017). Histologic examination showed different courses of the inflammatory reaction and varying capillary counts. Bipolar occlusion methods do cause less vessel occurrence, less inflammatory reaction, and less histologic capillary formation., Conclusion: If a reconnection of the venous flow is desirable, the use of Vicryl and LigaClip might be superior to using electrothermic occlusion methods. In contrast, electrothermic methods cause less new vessel formation as well as less inflammatory reaction.

Background: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) is a well-established treatment for severe cardiopulmonary failure. Patients undergoing ECMO support through femoral vessels are prone to vascular complications. The aim of this study was to evaluate such complications to outline basic technical principles for their prevention., Methods: From January 2005 to December 2009, 174 patients underwent ECMO support through cannulation of the femoral vessels. The primary outcome was any vascular complication. Secondary outcomes were 30-day mortality and 1-year survival. A logistic regression analysis including ECMO duration, peripheral arterial disease, ECMO access (percutaneous versus open), and diabetes mellitus identified predictors for vascular complications., Results: The venoarterial mode was used in 143 patients (82%), and venovenous in 31 patients (18%). Of the 17 (10%) observed vascular complications, 15 (88%) occurred in patients with venoarterial access, whereas 2 (12%) occurred after venovenous access (p=0.50) Two patients who had extremity ischemia required limb amputation. Thirty-day mortality and 1-year survival rates were 63% and 26%, respectively. Peripheral arterial disease was the only strong predictor of vascular complications (odds ratio, 6.95; 95% confidence interval, 1.89 to 25.59; p=0.003). Vascular complications were not associated with early or late mortality., Conclusions: The incidence of vascular complications in venovenous cannulation was low, whereas in arterial cannulation, it is still considerable. Peripheral arterial disease remains a risk factor, and early involvement of vascular surgeons for open vascular exposure or alternative vascular access sites can be recommended. Vascular complications after ECMO support are not associated with higher mortality rates., (Copyright © 2011 The Society of Thoracic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aims: To identify factors that might influence cessation of groin injecting (GI) among patients receiving oral opioid substitution treatment (OST)., Design: A cross-sectional survey., Setting: Drug treatment centres in South East England., Participants: Groin injectors (GIs) attending an ultrasound 'health-check' clinic., Measurements: Clinical data and ultrasound images; comparing 65 patients who had injected drugs in the femoral vein (fv) in the previous month (current GIs) with 49 former groin injectors (former GIs)., Findings: Most of the 114 clinic attendees were men (69.3%) and white European (95.6%). Mean age, duration of GI and time in treatment were 36.4 years, 54.8 months and 20.5 months, respectively. Former GIs were significantly older (P < 0.001) and had been injecting (P < 0.05) and in treatment (P < 0.05) for longer than current GIs. History of deep vein thrombosis (DVT, P < 0.05) and septicaemia (P < 0.05); moderate/severe chronic venous disease (CVD, P < 0.01); and 'very severe' fv damage on ultrasonography (P < 0.05) were more common among former GIs. A logistic regression model correcting for the effects of covariants revealed age (B 0.08; Wald 7.1; P < 0.01) and severity of venous disease (B 1.1; Wald 4.1; P < 0.05) as the strongest predictors of behaviour change., Conclusions: GI cessation is associated with longer time in treatment, increasing age and the presence of CVD and severely damaged fv. GI appears to be an intractable behaviour that often persists despite OST and severe health complications. Persistent GI should prompt a review of whether OST is optimized and whether other interventions are needed to promote behaviour change prior to the development of serious harm., (© 2010 The Authors, Addiction © 2010 Society for the Study of Addiction.)

Iliac vein aneurysm is a rare vascular abnormality. It has been reported as a primary aneurysm of unknown cause, or, when a cause could be identified, as a secondary iliac vein aneurysm. Occasionally, iliac vein aneurysm develops in association with distal arteriovenous fistula. Although venous aneurysms occur most commonly in the neck and central thoracic veins, they also have been reported in the visceral veins and the extremities.Herein, we present the case of a 34-year-old man in whom a giant external-iliac-vein aneurysm was incidentally found during the investigation of a post-traumatic femoral arteriovenous fistula. The aneurysm was surgically resected, the iliac vein was reconstructed by means of lateral venorrhaphy, and the patient had an uneventful, complete recovery. We discuss the origin of the aneurysm and our choice of surgical techniques.

Background: Hemorrhage is the second leading cause of death in civilian trauma and the leading cause of preventable death in military trauma. The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of three hemostatic agents: BleedArrest, TraumaDex, and Celox., Materials and Methods: This was a prospective, experimental study using male Yorkshire swine. The pigs (n = 5 per group) were randomly assigned to one of the following: BleedArrest, TraumaDex, Celox, or control. To simulate a trauma injury, the investigators generated a complex groin injury with transection of the femoral artery and vein in all pigs. After 1 min of uncontrolled hemorrhage, one of the hemostatic agents was poured into the wound, followed by standard wound packing. The control group underwent the same procedures with the exception of the hemostatic agents. In all groups, 5 min of direct manual pressure was applied to the wound followed by a standard pressure dressing. After 30 min, dressings were removed, and the amount of bleeding was determined., Results: There were significant differences between the BleedArrest (mean = 21.2, SD ± 36.6 mL) TraumaDex (mean = 68, SD ± 103.5 mL) and Celox (mean = 18.l6, SD ± 41.6 mL) groups compared with Control group (mean = 230, SD ± 154 mL) (P < 0.05). However, there were no statistically significant difference between BleedArrest, TraumaDex, and Celox groups (P = 0.478)., Conclusions: BleedArrest, Celox, and TraumaDex were statistically and clinically superior at controlling hemorrhage compared with the standard pressure dressing in the control group., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Introduction: Posttraumatic arteriovenous fistulas are not a rare event in military facilities during periods of armed conflicts, but are seldom seen in the civilian health care system., Patients and Method: We report our approach to the management of 26 cases of posttraumatic limb arteriovenous fistulas colligated from 1996 to 2006., Results: The main cause of our posttraumatic arteriovenous fistulas is the penetrating traumatism. Arteriography was the mostly used imaging exploration. The treatment was surgical for 24 patients. One case of thrombosis was reported., Conclusion: Our series of posttraumatic fistulas is characterized by a particularly high rate of penetrating trauma, in which case intervention is the rule. Our study shows that, in our experience, surgical treatment is still a safe and efficient therapeutic attitude.

A 25-year-old male patient underwent primary femoral artery repair following a gunshot injury. Postoperative examination showed a thrill and bruit in the right femoral region. Peripheral angiography performed under right femoral Doppler ultrasound guidance revealed an arteriovenous fistula between the right superficial femoral artery and femoral vein. Through selective angiography from the left femoral artery, an endovascular stent was implanted in the right femoral artery. Control contrast injection showed near-total closure of the fistula and Doppler ultrasonography on the following day showed total closure.

Unlabelled: Article presents a rare case of posttraumatic pseudoaneurysm and A-V fistula between deep femoral artery and vein in 16 year old patient with stab wound in middle third of the lateral side of left femoral region. There were no signs of arterial injury on initial angiogram. During the observation we noticed subcutaneous bruise on the posterior side of the femoral region, and strong systolic murmur by ordinary auscultation over the involved region as a significant sign of the A-V fistula. At day 3, CT angiogram and Doppler analysis showed 4 cm sized false aneurysm combined with A-V fistula between distal portion of the deep femoral artery and vein. We made ipsilateral transfemoral catheterization and coiling of the feeding arterial branch with good immediate result, but at next Doppler checking, appearance of the same picture was disappointing. After we recognized retrograde filling through distal collateral artery, technically unsuitable for endovascular procedure, conventional surgery with posterolateral approach was indicated. An excision of the pseudoaneurysm, and ligation of the A-V fistula was done with good postoperative result., Conclusion: Obliterative endovascular procedure is a method of choice, but sometimes can not guarantee satisfactory result. In those cases conventional surgery is recommended.

Aneurysms of the iliac vein are rare. They can occur in association with arteriovenous fistulae located elsewhere. Here, we present a 30-year-old man who developed a large left external iliac vein aneurysm in association with a chronic traumatic arteriovenous fistula in the left thigh. Less than 25 cases of iliac vein aneurysms have been reported in the last 40 years. The presentation and treatment of this condition has been heterogeneous. We suggest that adequate surgical treatment can be offered in a staged approach: aneurysm resection with reconstruction should be done first, followed by closure of the arteriovenous fistula 6 months later.

Femoral vein (FV) injury is infrequent but potentially serious. Venous repair is the procedure of choice and multiple technical options are performed. This article describes a novel venous reconstruction technique of transposition of the injured FV into the deep femoral vein (DFV) system. Two men, 26 years and 32 years old, were evaluated after suffering penetrating wounds to the inguinal region, resulting in proximal FV injuries. Both the patients were treated with a lateral venorraphy of the common FV and transposition of the FV to DFV (end-to-side anastomosis). Venous thrombectomy was not required; intravenous unfractionated heparin and local acting heparin were administered during surgery. Low molecular weight heparin therapy was routinely administered before intervention in combination with elastic compression stockings. Duplex ultrasound at 1 month and 6 months after the injury demonstrated patency and luminal integrity of the involved vein in both the patients. Clinical follow-up without duplex at 12 months and 18 months revealed no evidence of chronic venous insufficiency. In instances of penetrating injury to the proximal FV, transposition to the DFV represents a novel and effective alternative to establishing venous outflow from the extremity. This technique is relatively simple and presents good permeability in the medium term. However, possible and often tolerated ligation of penetrating FV injuries should be considered a last option.

Background: Peripheral vascular injuries are frequently encountered in lethal and nonlethal trauma. Although significant improvements in treatment have been achieved, such injuries are still important causes of mortality., Methods: In this study, the records of 6769 autopsies performed between 1996 and 2006 at the Council of Forensic Medicine Bursa Group Chairmanship Morgue Department were evaluated retrospectively., Results: The 63 cases (0.9%) who were determined to have died due to vascular injury were included in this study. Fifty-seven cases (90.5%) were men (mean age: 36 years); 58.7% of the injuries were due to stab wounds. The femoral artery and vein were the most frequently injured vessels. The origin was a homicide in 85.7% of the cases. In 25% of the cases, blood alcohol levels were between 44 and 256 mg/dL., Conclusion: The availability of experienced surgical teams and effective prehospital emergency care are vital for decreasing the mortality due to extremity vascular injuries. In the autopsy of a patient who died primarily due to extremity vascular injury, the injured vessel, numbers of injuries and of lethal injuries, and locations and sides of the injuries shed light on the possible presence of intention.

A reconstruction of an incident of a fatal wounding of a football fan with a parachute flare was performed. Physical and chemical examinations of the victim's trousers and parts of a flare removed from the wound in his leg were performed by means of an optical microscope and a scanning electron microscope coupled with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer. Signs of burning were seen on the front upper part of the trousers, including a 35-40 mm circular hole with melted and charred edges. Postblast residue present on the surface of the trousers contained strontium, magnesium, potassium, and chlorine. Also the case files--the medical reports and the witnesses' testimonies--were thoroughly studied. It has been found that the evidence collected in the case supported the version of the victim being shot by another person from a distance.

Blunt peripheral extremity vascular injuries are much less frequent than those of penetrating injuries, especially in the absence of significant musculoskeletal trauma. We present an unusual case of complete femoral artery and vein avulsion that resulted from a forced hip hyperextension and thigh abduction after slipping when a patient's foot became entrapped in a ladder. The patient presented with an acutely ischemic right lower extremity 8 hr postinjury, which necessitated immediate surgical exploration, temporary intravascular shunting, interposition grafting, and prophylactic fasciotomy. To our knowledge, this is the first such mechanism to be reported resulting in complete transection of both femoral artery and vein. We review the mechanism of injury and management.

Background: QuikClot is a zeolite-based hemostatic agent that can control severe hemorrhage through adsorption of water in an exothermic reaction. Ion exchanging the calcium ions in zeolite type 5A with cations of a reduced hydration enthalpy can reduce heat generation, but its effect on the hemostatic efficacy is not clear. We developed a new compound zeolite hemostat and tested it against controls in a modified swine model of battlefield injury., Methods: A modified complex groin injury was created in 42 swine (39.4 +/- 2.6 kg). This included semitransection of the proximal thigh (level of inguinal ligament) and semidivision of the femoral artery and vein. After 3 minutes, the animals were assigned to (1) no dressing (ND), (2) standard dressing (SD), (3) SD + zeolite hemostat (QC), (4) SD + chemically modified zeolite hemostat, where calcium was substituted with silver (Ag) and zinc (Zn) simultaneously, (Ag.Zn-zeolite), and (5) SD+ the compound hemostat composed of Ag.Zn-zeolite and alginate. Resuscitation was started 15 minutes after application of dressing (500 mL of 6% hetastarch during 30 minutes). Survival for 180 minutes was the primary endpoint for this study. Blood loss, wound temperatures, and histologic tissue damage were recorded as well. In addition, the antibacterial activities of these hemostatic agents were tested on agar plates. At the end of experiment, the strength of clots was carefully measured by a Tablet Hardness Analyzer., Results: Mortality in the group treated with the application of the compound hemostat composed of Ag.Zn-zeolite and alginate was 10% versus 100% in the ND group and 71% in the SD group (p < 0.001 vs. ND group, p < 0.05 vs. SD group). The QC group had a mortality rate of 22%, whereas application of Ag- and Zn-substituted zeolite associated with a mortality rate of 37.5%. Ag and Zn substitution of zeolite reduced the in vivo temperature peak to 39.8 degrees C +/- 2.3 degrees C and no thermal injury of tissue was noted in these groups. Ag- and Zn-substituted zeolite posed an antibacterial ability against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Addition of an alginate into the modified zeolite hemostat reinforced the strength of clots to 18.52 N +/- 1.33 N., Conclusions: Application of the compound zeolite hemostat can effectively control hemorrhage and dramatically reduce mortality from a lethal groin wound. In addition to its antibacterial properties, Ag- and Zn-substituted zeolite hemostat can decrease the exothermic reaction and greatly attenuate the heat-induced tissue injury.

Background: Bloodstream infection is a major complication associated with central venous catheters (CVCs). However, there have been few studies of the risk factors for catheter-related bloodstream infection in patients who undergo colorectal surgery (CRS)., Purpose: To disclose the risk factors for catheter-related bloodstream infection in CRS., Methods: Catheter-related bloodstream infection was evaluated retrospectively from a database of patients who had undergone CRS., Results: Three hundred-fifty patients received 423 CVCs for a total of 7,760 catheter days. Thirty-nine cases of catheter-related bloodstream infection (5.03 per 1,000 catheter days) were diagnosed. There were no significant differences in background between patients with or without catheter-related bloodstream infection, with the exception of the term of catheter insertion (24.6 +/- 7.0 days vs.17.7 +/- 0.6 days, P = .0151). However, univariate analysis using factors of sex, age, insertion difficulty, length of the inserted catheter, term of catheter insertion, administration of chemotherapy, administration of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), kind of disinfectant, degree of surgical insult, and type of catheter revealed that use of a femoral venous catheter was an independent risk factor for catheter-related bloodstream infection (odds ratio [OR] = 3.175; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.103-9.139; P = .0322)., Conclusions: Use of femoral venous catheters is a major risk factor for catheter-related bloodstream infection in CRS.

Bullet embolism is an uncommon consequence of penetrating firearm injuries, rarely observed in everyday forensic practice. The present report presents two cases of gunshot bullet embolism. The first examined case is a contact gunshot wound with the entry wound situated at the back of the victim. The wound channel terminated in the thoracic aorta, where from, in keeping with the blood flow, the bullet was transported into the left common iliac artery. The second case pertains to a gunshot in the head, with the bullet shot from a point blank range. The wound channel had a downward course and terminated in the superior vena cava at the level of the pericardium, where from the bullet was transported down the inferior vena cava to the right femoral vein.

Endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH) is becoming common for the patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting. Using carbon dioxide insufflations during the vein harvest can produce rare but catastrophic CO(2) embolism. We report a case of massive right atrial CO(2) embolism due to femoral vein injury which occurred during the performance of a routine EVH procedure.

Objective: Wounding patterns, methods of repair, and outcomes from femoropopliteal injury have been documented in recent civilian literature. In Operation Iraqi Freedom, as in past conflicts, these injuries continue to be a therapeutic challenge. Therefore, the objective of the current study is to document the pattern of femoropopliteal injuries, methods of repair, and early outcomes during the current military campaign in Iraq., Methods: From September 1, 2004, to April 30, 2007, all vascular injuries arriving at the Air Force Theater Hospital (the central echelon III medical facility in Iraq; equivalent to a civilian level I trauma center), Balad Air Base, Iraq were prospectively entered into a registry. From this, injuries involving the lower extremities were reviewed., Results: During the 32-month study period, 9289 battle-related casualties were assessed. Of these, 488 (5.3%) were diagnosed with 513 vascular injuries, and 142 casualties sustained 145 injuries in the femoropopliteal domain. Femoral level injury was present in 100, and popliteal level injury occurred in 45. Injuries consisted of 59 isolated arterial, 11 isolated venous, and 75 combined. Fifty-eight casualties were evacuated from forward locations. Temporary arterial shunts were placed in 43, of which 40 (93%) were patent on arrival at our facility. Our group used shunts for early reperfusion before orthopedic fixation, during mass casualty care, or autogenous vein harvest in 11 cases. Arterial repair was accomplished with autogenous vein in 118 (88%), primary means in nine (7%), or ligation in seven (5%). Venous injury was repaired in 62 (72%). Associated fracture was present in 55 (38%), and nerve injury was noted in 19 (13%). Early limb loss due to femoropopliteal penetrating injury occurred in 10 (6.9%). Early mortality was 3.5% (n = 5)., Conclusions: Femoropopliteal vascular injury remains a significant reality in modern warfare. Femoral injuries appear more prevalent than those in the popliteal region. Early results of in-theater repair are comparable with contemporary civilian reports and are improved from the Vietnam era. Rapid evacuation and damage control maneuvers such as temporary shunting and early fasciotomy assist timely definitive repair and appear effective.

Objectives: Arterial injury of the lower limb is a rare but catastrophic complication of saphenous vein stripping with a high morbidity rate and severe medico-legal implications. Diagnosis is often delayed and outcome depends on the severity of injury. We report two cases of severe ischemia due to arterial lesion during varicose veins surgery., Methods: In the first case, a superficial femoral artery ligature after an operation for recurrent varicose veins surgery occurred; in the second case, an intraoperative ligature of the superficial femoral artery and vein was detected. In the first case, an angiography was carried out and a superficial-superficial femoral artery interposition graft with PTFE was performed. In the other case, an interposition graft with a contralateral saphenous vein between the common and superficial femoral artery and an end-to-end anastomosis of the superficial femoral vein was carried out., Results: No amputation occurred, good patency rate of the graft was achieved and no neurologic-muscle complications were revealed., Conclusions: Femoral artery injury after venous stripping shows a high amputation rate due to delayed diagnosis and severity of arterial involvement. Angiography must be reserved in any case of late ischemia. Prompt diagnosis and aggressive management is mandatory.

Presented herein are two case reports concerning surgical management of posttraumatic arteriovenous fistulas of femoral vessels. Case 1. A 45-year-old female patient attended with a history of a shotgun injury wound of her left femur and crus sustained when a girl of eight. She sought medical attention for a progressively deteriorating condition, accompanied by pain, and breathlessness dyspnea at rest. Detected were multiple fistulas between the deep femoral artery and superficial femoral artery and femoral vein. Management consisted in separation of the arteriovenous fistulas, followed by prosthetic repair of the deep femoral artery. Case 2. A 32-year-old male patient after an accidentally inflicted shotgun injury of the his left femur underwent within a time period of 3 year three vascular operations including ligation of the deep femoral artery and femoral vein followed by having later on developed secondary lymphedema of his left lower limb and pronounced manifested chronic venous insufficiency. Management included dissociation of the numerous arteriovenous fistulas between the branches of the deep femoral artery and the common femoral artery, as well as between the superficial femoral artery and femoral vein.

Background: Iatrogenic vascular injuries during varicose vein surgery are serious. The aim of this study was to investigate their nature and consequences., Method: A systematic literature research was performed., Results: The incidence is low (0.0017%-0.3%). We found 81 patients suffering from 87 vascular injuries-44 arterial and 43 deep vein injuries., Conclusion: Vascular injuries during varicose surgery are rare but serious. They are avoidable, and when they occur, early recognition is crucial. Bleeding is a common symptom, especially in deep venous injury. In our study, we reviewed the literature on 81 patients with 87 vascular injuries. Laceration or division of the femoral vein dominated venous injuries (28/43). Partial stripping of the femoral vein was not common (4/43) and occurred when the strip probe passed into the deep veins through a perforator. Arterial stripping predominated in arterial injuries (17/44) and happened when stripping distally during a primary operation, as reported by experienced surgeons, in nonobese women. Major arterial complications resulted in ischemia, often with diagnostic delay and poor reconstruction results. Only 30% (13/44) of arterial injuries were detected peroperatively. The amputation rate was 34% (15/44), but rose to 100% if combined with intra-arterial sclerotherapy (5/5 cases). When stripping an artery below the femoral artery, the amputation rate was high (42%; 5/12) and morbidity severe (85%; 11/12). All fatal injuries (5 cases) were venous. Anatomic knowledge and awareness of the possibility of vascular complications should be preventive. Early detection by routine checking of arterial circulation is important.

Purpose: Iatrogenic operative injury to the major veins is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to review the pattern, management, and outcome of iatrogenic major venous injuries incurred during cancer surgery., Methods: We reviewed 24 patients with collective 30 venous injuries, evaluating clinical characteristics; operative and postoperative data, including location and type of venous injury, operative repair, blood loss, and transfusion requirements; and outcome., Results: Thirty venous and 12 associated arterial injuries were identified. The two most common sites of venous trauma were the iliac and femoral veins with 10 (33.3%) and 9 (30.0%) injuries, respectively. Twenty-three (76.7%) of the venous injuries were repaired primarily or with end-to-end anastomosis, while the remaining injuries required interposition grafts, patch venoplasty, or venous ligation. Postoperative revision procedures were performed in 3 (12.5%) patients. Perioperative mortality was 16.7% and major complications developed in 11 (45.8%) patients., Conclusions: Serious complications can be minimized by immediate recognition and prompt repair of iatrogenic vascular injuries. Close collaboration with a vascular surgeon during resection of tumors in proximity to the vascular structures may be helpful in preventing iatrogenic vascular injuries. In hospitals where tumor resection procedures are frequently performed, a vascular surgeon must be readily available.

Background: Femoral vessel injuries are the most common vascular injuries treated in a Level I trauma center. No studies have identified risk factors for survival and complications., Study Design: We performed a retrospective, 132-month study that included univariate and multivariate analyses., Results: We studied 204 patients with 298 vessel injuries: 204 were arterial, 94 were venous. Mean age (+/- SD) was 29+/-13 years and mean Injury Severity Score (+/- SD) was 17+/-8. There were 176 (86%) penetrating injuries and 28 (14%) blunt injuries. Arterial repairs included: reverse saphenous vein graft bypass, 108 (53%); primary repair, 53 (26%); PTFE, 21 (10.2%); ligation, 13 (6.4%); and vein patch, 9 (4.4%). Venous repairs included: ligation, 49 (52%); primary repair, 41 (44%); and bypass, 4 (4%). Fasciotomies included: calf, 56 (27%); thigh, 25 (12%); traumatic amputations, 6 (3%); and delayed amputations, 0. Overall survival rate was 91% (186 of 204), and adjusted survival was 95% (excluding emergency department thoracotomy deaths). There were 1 or more complications in 47 (23%), including wound infection, 31 (15%); venous thrombosis, 6 (3%); bleeding, 5 (2.5%); ARDS, 4 (2%); and arterial thrombosis, 1 (0.5%). Predictors of mortality were age>45 years, Injury Severity Score>25, common femoral artery injury, associated venous and abdominal injury, hypotension, hypothermia, and acidosis; coagulopathy in the operating room and the need for PTFE repair also predicted outcomes. Predictors of postoperative complications were intraoperative hypotension, arterial intimal injury, bony fracture, and thoracic injury., Conclusions: Although survival and limb salvage rates are high for femoral vessel injuries, these injuries incur high complication rates. Independent predictors for mortality are: Injury Severity Score > 25, Glasgow Coma Scale 28, presence of coagulopathy in the operating room, presence of two or more vascular signs, and age > 45 years.

We report a iatrogenic case of retroperitoneal haematoma consecutive to an emergency femoral venous catheterization. The indication of the catheterisation was a hemorrhagic shock after a dilapidating traumatism of leg in an obese patient in whom peripheric venous access was impossible and vascular filling urgent. In spite of the existence of an initial reassuring blood backward flow, a retroperitoneal haematoma had been constituted gradually and explained an absence of haemodynamic improvement in spite of the surgical haemostasis and an adapted intravascular filling. The CT scan showed an iatrogenic lesion of the right iliac vein and justified the immediate infusion stop. The femoral catheter was withdrawn at the 48th hour and the patient discharged at the 6th day.

Iatrogenic injuries to the vascular system are a rare but serious complication of primary and revision hip arthroplasty. These injuries usually occur during screw or retractor placement at the acetabulum or proximal femur. Although vascular injury during the passage of cerclage wires is a fear of all surgeons, its occurrence is yet to be described. This case report describes an unusual injury to the femoral artery and vein by a cerclage wire passed around the femoral midshaft during revision total-hip arthroplasty. It underscores the need for diligent comparison of preoperative and postoperative vascular examinations and emergent vascular surgery consultation when needed to avoid disastrous complications.

Femoral vessel injuries after bipolar hemiarthroplasty have not been reported. The current report describes a case of a dual major vessel (superficial femoral artery and vein) injury associated with an avulsion fracture fragment of the lesser trochanter in a 76-year-old woman who had been treated with bipolar hemiarthroplasty because of a femoral neck fracture. The superficial femoral artery was repaired and the defect of the superficial femoral vein was reconstructed with a Gore-Tex graft (WL Gore and Associates Inc, Flagstaff, Ariz). The clinical result was satisfactory and there was no vascular problem at 1-year follow-up. Early diagnosis of this vascular injury prevents serious complications including gangrene of the injured limb.

Gunshot wounds may result in intimal arterial injury without breach of the arterial wall integrity. Haemorrhage, haematoma and a pulse deficit are therefore not always found. We report on two cases of lower extremity gunshot wounds with temporal variations in the clinical and radiological assessment of the pedal pulses. In both cases surgical exploration revealed intact arterial vessel walls but significant intimal injury with overlying thrombus. We propose that the pulse deficits were due to distal thromboembolism. Subsequent clot lysis led to a return of the original pulse deficit. Variation in the distal pulses in patients with gunshot wounds of the extremities should alert one of the possibility of an intimal arterial injury; imaging of the vessels is therefore advised.

Traumatic false aneurysm of the femoral vein has never been reported in the English literature. The case is here reported of a footballer with a traumatic false aneurysm of the common femoral vein which was initially misdiagnosed as an arterial pseudoaneurysm. This is a very rare clinical condition, but this diagnosis should be among those considered for post-traumatic unexplained thigh pain after trauma.

The authors present a very rare case of fatal injuries resulting from shooting a parachute signal rocket with a hand operated launcher of signal pistol kind by pseudo-football fans. A 16-year-old football fan sustained extensive thermal burn of his lower extremities and abdomen, lacerated wound of his left thigh with a deep signal rocket-shot canal which caused injuries in subcutaneous tissue, fascia and both medial and posterior muscles of the thigh as well as injured both femoral vein and artery with subsequent hemorrhagic, burn and traumatic shocks. In spite of specialistic surgical treatment, the victim was not rescued. Analysis of medical documentation and our autopsy results were supplemented with an expert's opinion on physicochemical examinations supported by photographic documentation.

An arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is an abnormal connection between an artery and a vein which may result from a traumatic injury or occur as a congenital abnormality. It may be asymptomatic or may present with a variety of symptoms. Surgical or endovascular treatment can be preferred. We present a case of unsuccessful percutaneous treatment of a femoral AVF due to misplacement of the stent-grafts, necessitating surgical correction.

A case of a partial rupture of a cuffed central venous catheter (CVC) implanted in the femoral vein with the purpose of being used for chronic hemodialysis is described in a 74-year-old female patient. Of relevance is that the CVC described was from the same manufacturer as the previous one that had lasted 12 years., (Copyright (c) 2005 S. Karger AG, Basel.)

We present a case of post-cardiac catheterization femoral fistula diagnosed by color and pulsed Doppler sonography and treated by ultrasound-guided compression. We avail ourselves of the case to review the echo Doppler semiology of the different types of arteriovenous fistulas with an emphasis on the functional analysis of the dialysis accesses. We also stress the therapeutic options in front of undesirable shunts.

This paper analyzes the results of the treatment of 92 patients with injury to the great arteries of the lower limbs, which accounted for 15.9% of the number of all patients with injury to the great vessels. As regards lower limb ischemia, the patients were distributed in the following way: 15 (16%) patients had degree I, 27 (29%) degree IIA and 50 (55%) had degree IIB-IIIA ischemia (according to the classification of acute ischemia by I. I. Zatevakhin). All casualties with arterial trauma of the lower limbs were operated on. In the postoperative period, the patients were administered conservative therapy using anticoagulants, spasmolytics, and antiplatelet agents. Intraarterial infusion therapy, detoxification techniques and HBO therapy were applied. Good and satisfactory results were obtained in 78 (80.5%) patients; amputations were performed in 10 (10.8%) patients. The lethality constituted 8.7% (n=8). The authors hold that early hospitalization to the multi-discipline continuous medical institutions forms the basis for refinement of the treatment results in patients with injury to the great arteries of the lower limbs.

Purpose: To analyze the operation methods, injury etiologies and localizations, post-operative complications and the reasons for mortality in patients who were admitted for peripheral vascular injuries to our clinics., Methods: From January 1979 to February 2002, 410 patients were operated for peripheral vascular injuries. Three hundred and one of the patients were male (73.5%) and 109 of them were female (26.5%), and their ages ranged between 1-88 (mean 35.5 years)., Results: The most common etiological reason was firearm injuries in 163 patients (39.8%). The most common injured artery was the brachial artery (83 patients, 22.5%) among a total of 369 patients whereas the most commonly injured vein was the common femoral vein (60 patients, 23.4%) in a total of 256 patients. Isolated venous injuries were encountered in 41 patients whereas isolated arterial injuries were detected in 154 patients (37.5%). Hospital admission duration of the patients after trauma was approximately 3 hours., Conclusion: The extremity-salvage rate in the group was 92.3%. The hospital stay period of the patients was 21.8 days. The mortality rate was 2.6% (11 patients).