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The authors analysed oral anticoagulant agents prescribed in the postoperative period to patients after endured reconstructive operative intervention on arteries of the femorotibial segment. The study included a total of 104 patients subjected to femoropopliteal or femorotibial bypass grafting using an autologous vein or a prosthesis. Depending on the prescribed anticoagulation agent, the patients were subdivided into two groups. Group One patients (n=43) in the postoperative period received rivaroxaban, and Group Two patients (n=61) took warfarin. Efficacy of therapy was evaluated by the frequency of haemorrhage and thromboses in the early and remote postoperative periods. The findings of the immediate postoperative period demonstrated comparable rates of haemorrhagic complications, early thromboses and redo interventions in both Groups (p=0.7). The duration of long-term postoperative period varied from 3 months to 5 years. No statistically significant differences in patency of the performed reconstructions were revealed between the groups. The 3-year primary assisted patency rate in the rivaroxaban group and warfarin group amounted to 89 and 80%, respectively. The incidence of haemorrhagic complications in the postoperative period was insignificant in the studied groups. Hence, rivaroxaban may be prescribed in the early and remote postoperative period to patients who underwent open reconstructive operative intervention on arteries of the infrainguinal zone.

Background: Patients with advanced lower limb ischaemia are, at present, mainly treated using revascularisation., Aim: The aim of the study was to investigate whether the dynamics of blood flow in below-the-knee (BTK) arteries assessed by angiography correlate with clinical outcomes after a 12-month follow-up in patients with severe leg ischaemia treated per-cutaneously., Methods: The current study enrolled 287 consecutive patients who underwent 302 endovascular procedures on the infrain-guinal arteries. The mean age of the included participants was 67.4 ± 10.4 years. After the procedure, blood flow in all patent BTK arteries was assessed using frame count (FC). Patients were then evaluated after one, three, six, and 12 months. During the follow-up visits, clinical condition was evaluated based on the Rutherford scale, ankle-brachial index, and the need for reintervention or amputation., Results: Clinical improvement at the end of the follow-up period was observed in 242 (80.1%) cases and no improvement or worsening in was seen in 42 (13.0%) patients. In total, 66 (21.8%) reinterventions and 18 (6%) amputations during the follow-up period were recorded. Patients with higher FC in the tibial anterior artery experienced significantly better clinical improvement within the 12-month follow-up period (p = 0.02). Lower FC predisposed to worse clinical outcomes after an-gioplasty. Similar tendencies were found for the tibial posterior and fibular arteries but without statistical significance., Conclusions: The results suggest a negative relationship between FC observed on the final angiogram and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular treatment of the peripheral arteries.

Background: The importance of the angiosome concept in tibial artery revascularisation remains controversial. The aim of this review was to assess the outcomes of direct revascularisation (revascularisation to the angiosome of tissue loss; DR) versus indirect revascularisation (IR) in infrapopliteal arteries., Methods: A previously conducted systematic review was updated according to PRISMA guidelines. Studies comparing DR with IR by both endovascular and surgical means for patients with localised tissue loss were included. Meta-analyses were performed to assess the effect of DR versus IR on wound healing (total and time to healing), limb salvage, mortality, and re-intervention rates, with multiple sensitivity analyses. Outcome data quality was determined using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) tool., Results: Seven studies (2278 limbs) were identified in the updated search, which when combined with the previous search resulted in 22 studies, comprising 4146 limbs, being included. Wound healing rates (odds ratio [OR] 0.51; 95% CI 0.39-0.68, p < 0.001), time to wound healing (standard mean difference [SMD] -1.70; 95% CI -3.34 to -0.07, p = .04) and limb salvage (OR 0.37; 95% CI 0.24-0.58, p < .0001) were significantly better with DR compared with IR. Sensitivity analyses were concordant with the primary analysis for these outcomes, with the exception of the effect of wound healing rates between DR and IR, which was lost on sensitivity analysis for bypass surgery. Mode of revascularisation had no effect on mortality or on re-intervention rates. GRADE outcomes were very low., Conclusion: DR of the tibial vessels appears to result in improved wound healing and limb salvage rates compared with IR, with no effect on mortality or re-intervention rates. For surgical revascularisation the importance of DR appears to be lost for wound healing. When possible, these low quality data suggests DR should be undertaken in preference to IR., (Crown Copyright © 2018. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

True infrapopliteal aneurysms occur very rarely; the majority of reported cases are secondary to trauma or infection. We report the development of a tibioperoneal trunk aneurysm 6 months after atherectomy and angioplasty and describe subsequent open surgical repair via a great saphenous vein bypass graft., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To report our initial experience of fully percutaneous deep venous arterialization (pDVA) for the treatment of chronic critical limb ischemia (cCLI) after failed distal angioplasty., Materials and Methods: pDVA was performed in five consecutive patients by creating an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) between a below the knee artery and its satellite deep vein. In this early experience, only patients with failed prior interventional attempts at establishing flow with no distal targets for an arterial bypass were selected. Early technical success was defined as successful AVF creation and retrograde venous perfusion of the wound site. Patient demographics, procedural details, morbidity/mortality and wound healing outcomes were assessed prospectively. Patients were followed up in wound care centers, and graft patency was documented on duplex ultrasound., Results: All five consecutive patients (mean age 58 years) underwent successful pDVA without any procedural complications. There were neither 30-day major adverse limb events nor major cardiovascular complications. Three out of the five patients (60%) had clinical improvement as observed by resolution of rest pain and complete wound healing. At the 1-month FU, one patient died and one patient received a major amputation. The median wound healing time was 39 weeks., Conclusion: pDVA is a safe and feasible vascularization alternative in patients with end-stage/no-option CLI. The early experience highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach including a dedicated wound care service.

Background: Ischemic heel ulcerations are generally thought to carry a poor prognosis for limb salvage. We hypothesized that patients undergoing infrapopliteal revascularization for heel wounds, either bypass or endovascular intervention, would have lower wound healing rates and amputation-free survival (AFS) than patients with forefoot wounds., Methods: A retrospective chart review was performed on patients who presented between 2006 and 2013 to our institution with ischemic foot wounds and infrapopliteal arterial disease and underwent either pedal bypass or endovascular tibial artery intervention. Data were collected on patient demographics, comorbidities, wound characteristics, procedural details, and postoperative outcomes then analyzed by initial wound classification. The primary outcome was major amputation or death., Results: Three hundred ninety-eight limbs underwent treatment for foot wounds; accurate wound data were available in 380 cases. There were 101 bypasses and 279 endovascular interventions, with mean follow-up of 24.6 and 19.9 months, respectively (P = 0.02). Heel wounds comprised 12.1% of the total with the remainder being forefoot wounds; there was no difference in treatment modality by wound type (P = 0.94). Of 46 heel wounds, 5 (10.9%) had clinical or radiographic evidence of calcaneal osteomyelitis. Patients with heel wounds were more likely to have diabetes mellitus (DM) (P = 0.03) and renal insufficiency (P = 0.004). 43.1% of wounds healed within 1 year, with no difference by wound location (P = 0.30). Major amputation rate at 1 year was 17.8%, with no difference by wound location (P = 0.81) or treatment type (P = 0.33). One- and 3-year AFS was 66.2% and 44.0% for forefoot wounds and 45.7% and 17.6% for heel wounds, respectively (P = 0.001). In a multivariate analysis, heel wounds and endovascular intervention were both predictors of death; however, there was significant interaction such that endovascular intervention was associated with higher mortality in patients with forefoot wounds (hazard ratio 2.25, P < 0.001) but not those with heel wounds (hazard ratio 0.67, P = 0.31)., Conclusions: Patients presenting with heel ulceration who undergo infrapopliteal revascularization are prone to higher mortality despite equivalent rates of amputation and wound healing and regardless of treatment modality. These patients may benefit from an endovascular-first strategy., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

A 69-year-old female patient was admitted to our hospital with gangrene of her left first and second digits. Angiography showed a diffuse occlusive lesion from the external iliac artery to the crural arteries. Endovascular therapy to the external iliac artery, above-knee femoropopliteal bypass with a polytetrafluoroethylene graft, and popliteal-tibial bypass through a posterior approach with the short saphenous vein graft were performed in 3 stages because the length of the great saphenous vein that was suitable for grafting was insufficient. Vascular surgeons should be aware of the posterior approach as an effective alternative procedure for infragenicular revascularization.

Background: Endovascular strategies are often preferred for revascularization of ischemic foot wounds secondary to infrapopliteal disease because of the less invasive technique and faster recovery. Bypass is typically reserved for failures or lesions not amenable to balloon angioplasty. However, the effects of an endovascular-first approach on subsequent bypass grafts are largely unknown. This study evaluates the effects of prior endovascular tibial interventions (PTIs) on successive bypasses to pedal targets., Methods: Patients who presented with ischemic tissue loss and tibial arterial occlusive disease to University of Pittsburgh Medical Center between 2006 and 2013 and underwent a surgical bypass to pedal arteries were included in this study. A retrospective chart review was conducted to obtain patient demographics, past medical history, extent of disease, prior tibial endovascular interventions, the treatment intervention, subsequent interventions, wound healing status, limb salvage, and patient survival. The primary outcome was primary patency of the pedal bypass graft., Results: From 122 eligible patients, 27 had a PTI, whereas 95 had no prior endovascular tibial intervention (nPTI) in the treatment of ischemic pedal wounds with mean follow-up of 24.5 and 20.5 months, respectively (P = 0.36). The 2 groups were largely similar in terms of demographics, comorbidities, wound size, and degree of ischemia. Runoff scores between the 2 groups were also comparable (5.0 ± 1.6 for PTI and 4.8 ± 1.9 for nPTI, P = 0.59). The plantar artery was a more common target vessel in the PTI group, whereas the posterior tibial artery was targeted more often in the nPTI group (P = 0.04). At 12 months, those with a PTI exhibited a shorter primary patency (34.8% vs. 60.2%, P = 0.04). In a multivariate model, PTI was a significant risk factor for primary patency loss (hazard ratio 2.51, P = 0.004). Primary assisted patency and secondary patency were similar between the 2 groups. Wound healing was improved in those patients who had a prior endovascular intervention with 63.8% healed at 1 year compared with only 34.8% of those without intervention (P = 0.01). Amputation-free survival was similar (P = 0.68), as was survival alone (P = 0.50)., Conclusions: Despite a decrease in primary patency, pedal bypass was not otherwise negatively affected by a PTI. Similar primary assisted patency, secondary patency, wound healing, and survival between the 2 patient populations indicate that an endovascular-first approach is a feasible treatment strategy to achieve similar clinical outcomes in the management of ischemic foot wounds., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: Pedal (inframalleolar) bypass is a long-standing therapy for tibial arterial disease in patients with ischemic tissue loss. Endovascular tibial intervention is an appealing alternative with lower risks of perioperative mortality or complications. Our objective was to compare the effectiveness of these two treatment modalities with respect to patency and limb-related clinical outcomes., Methods: We performed a retrospective chart review of patients presenting between 2006 and 2013 with ischemic foot wounds and infrapopliteal arterial disease who underwent a revascularization procedure (either open surgical bypass to an inframalleolar target or endovascular tibial intervention). Data were collected on baseline demographics and comorbidities, procedural details, and postprocedure outcomes. The primary outcome was successful healing of the index wound, with mortality, major amputation, and patency assessed as secondary outcomes., Results: We identified 417 patients who met our eligibility criteria; 105 underwent surgical bypass and 312 underwent endovascular intervention, with mean follow-up of 25.0 and 20.2 months, respectively (P = .08). The endovascular patients were older at baseline (P = .009), with higher rates of hyperlipidemia (P = .02), prior cerebrovascular accidents (P = .04), and smoking history (P = .04). Within 30 days postoperatively, there was no difference in mortality (P = .31), but bypass patients had longer hospital length of stay (P < .0001), higher rate of discharge to nursing facility (P < .001), and higher rates of myocardial infarctions (P = .03) and wound complications (P < .001). At 6 months, the rate of wound healing was 22.4% in the bypass group compared with 29.0% in the endovascular group (P = .02). At 1 year, survival was higher after bypass (86.2% vs 70.4%; P < .0001), but freedom from major amputation was similar (84.9% vs 82.8%; P = .42). Primary patency (53.1% vs 38.2%; P = .002) and primary assisted patency (76.6% vs 51.7%; P < .0001) were higher in the bypass group, but there was no difference in secondary patency (77.3% vs 73.8%; P = .13)., Conclusions: Endovascular tibial intervention is associated with poorer primary patency but similar secondary patency and wound healing rates compared with the "gold standard" of surgical bypass to a pedal target. In patients with tibial arterial disease, endovascular intervention should be considered a lower risk alternative to pedal bypass that provides similar clinical outcomes., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Vascular injury to the popliteal artery during knee surgery is uncommon, but it has significant consequences not only for the patient but also to the surgeon since it poses the threat of malpractice litigation. The vascular anatomy of the lower extremity is variable especially when it involves both the popliteal artery and its branches. An aberrant vascular course may increase the risk of iatrogenic vascular injury during surgery. Careful preoperative planning with advanced imaging can decrease the risk of a devastating vascular injury., Competing Interests: Authors' Disclosure Statement: The authors report no actual or potential conflict of interest in relation to this article.

Objective: Tibial interventions for critical limb ischemia are now commonplace. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of pedal runoff on patient-centered outcomes after tibial endovascular intervention., Methods: A database of patients undergoing lower extremity endovascular interventions at a single urban academic medical center between 2006 and 2016 was retrospectively queried. Patients with critical ischemia (Rutherford 5 and 6) were identified. Preintervention angiograms were reviewed in all cases to assess pedal runoff. Each dorsalis pedis, lateral plantar, and medial plantar artery was assigned a score according to the reporting standards of the Society for Vascular Surgery (0, no stenosis >20%; 1, 21%-49% stenosis; 2, 50%-99% stenosis; 2.5, half or less of the vessel length occluded; 3, more than half the vessel length occluded). A foot score (dorsalis pedis + medial plantar + lateral plantar + 1) was calculated for each foot (1-10). Two runoff score groups were identified: good vs poor, <7 and ≥7, respectively. Patient-oriented outcomes of clinical efficacy (absence of recurrent symptoms, maintenance of ambulation, and absence of major amputation), amputation-free survival (survival without major amputation), and freedom from major adverse limb events (above-ankle amputation of the index limb or major reintervention [new bypass graft, jump/interposition graft revision]) were evaluated., Results: There were 1134 patients (56% male; average age, 59 years) who underwent tibial intervention for critical ischemia, with a mean of two vessels treated per patient and a mean pedal runoff score of 6 (47% had a runoff score ≥7). Overall major adverse cardiac events were equivalent at 30 days after the procedure in both groups. At 5 years, vessels with compromised runoff (score ≥7) had significantly lower ulcer healing (25% ± 3% vs 73% ± 4%, mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM]) and a lower 5-year limb salvage rate (45% ± 6% vs 69% ± 4%, mean ± SEM) compared with those with good runoff (score <7). Patients with poor pedal runoff (score ≥7) had significantly lower clinical efficacy (23% ± 8% vs 38% ± 4%, mean ± SEM), amputation-free survival (32% ± 6% vs 48% ± 5%, mean ± SEM), and freedom from major adverse limb events (23% ± 9% vs 41% ± 8%, mean ± SEM) at 5 years compared with patients with good runoff (score <7)., Conclusions: Pedal runoff score can identify those patients who will not achieve ulcer healing and patient-centered outcomes after tibial intervention. Defining such subgroups will allow stratification of the patients and appropriate application of interventions., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Most anterior tibial aneurysm cases described in the literature are pseudoaneurysms resulting from trauma. Since 1967, only 8 cases published on true anterior tibial artery aneurysms were atraumatic. Recent experience with an atraumatic aneurysm of the anterior tibial artery prompted a literature review regarding their incidence, and accordingly, we feel the need exists for greater recognition and understanding of this entity., (Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction Heparin-bonded expanded polytetrafluoroethylene grafts (Propaten, WL Gore, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) have been shown to have superior patency compared to standard prosthetic grafts in leg bypass. This study analyzed the outcomes of Propaten grafts with distal anastomotic patch versus autogenous saphenous vein grafts in tibial artery bypass. Methods A retrospective analysis of prospective collected data was performed during a recent 15-year period. Sixty-two Propaten bypass grafts with distal anastomotic patch (Propaten group) were compared with 46 saphenous vein graft (vein group). Pertinent clinical variables including graft patency and limb salvage were analyzed. Results Both groups had similar clinical risk factors, bypass indications, and target vessel for tibial artery anastomoses. Decreased trends of operative time (196 ± 34 min vs. 287 ± 65 min, p = 0.07) and length of hospital stay (5.2 ± 2.3 days vs. 7.5 ± 3.6, p = 0.08) were noted in the Propaten group compared to the vein group. Similar primary patency rates were noted at four years between the Propaten and vein groups (85%, 71%, 64%, and 57%, vs. 87%, 78%, 67%, and 61% respectively; p = 0.97). Both groups had comparable secondary patency rates yearly in four years (the Propaten group: 84%, 76%, 74%, and 67%, respectively; the vein group: 88%, 79%, 76%, and 72%, respectively; p = 0.94). The limb salvage rates were equivalent between the Propaten and vein group at four years (84% vs. 92%, p = 0.89). Multivariate analysis showed active tobacco usage and poor run-off score as predictors for graft occlusion. Conclusions Propaten grafts with distal anastomotic patch have similar clinical outcomes compared to the saphenous vein graft in tibial artery bypass. Our data support the use of Propaten graft with distal anastomotic patch as a viable conduit of choice in patients undergoing tibial artery bypass.

Objective: Technical progress in angioplasty expanded its application to very distal arterial lesions of the lower extremity. In cases of unsuccessful angioplasty tibiodistal bypass surgery may be required for limb salvage. We investigated the long-term outcome of this technique in patients with critical limb ischemia. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether tibiodistal bypasses done after unsuccessful tibial angioplasty had inferior patency, limb salvage, or survival rates compared with primary tibiodistal bypasses., Methods: This single-center, retrospective data analysis included all distal bypass procedures originating from a tibial artery. Primary study end points were primary patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage. Secondary end points included survival, wound healing, and systemic and local complications. Society for Vascular Surgery reporting standards were applied., Results: There were 61 tibiodistal vein bypasses for critical limb ischemia performed in 23 years. Indications for tibiodistal bypass was Rutherford category 5 in 41 cases (67%) and category 6 in 20 cases (33%). Procedures were allocated to group A (primary bypass; n = 28) and group B (bypass after unsuccessful tibial angioplasty; n = 33). Primary patency was 55% versus 53% at 1 year and 47% versus 44% at 3 years (P = .58). Secondary patency was 59% versus 64% at 1 year and 52% versus 55% at 3 years (P = .36). Limb salvage was 96% versus 90% at 1 year and 91% versus 85% at 3 years (P = .44). Overall survival rates were 91% versus 97% at 1 year and 85% versus 92% at 3 years (P = .76). The median follow-up was 4.0 years in group A and 4.9 years in group B. In multivariate analyses for loss of primary patency and limb loss, no significant predictors could be identified., Conclusions: This study showed that tibiodistal vein bypass is a feasible, efficient, and safe technique in patients with critical limb ischemia. It provides acceptable primary and secondary patency rates to prevent major amputation and ensure survival. Previous unsuccessful tibial angioplasty had no significant impact on tibiodistal vein bypass outcome. This technique should be part of the armamentarium of vascular surgeons., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: After an infrapopliteal reconstruction, minor amputations are frequently required, but even in the case of successful revascularization, wound healing is a major concern. We studied the role of iliac artery inflow correction in patients undergoing infrapopliteal vein grafts to improve the heal of midfoot amputation., Methods: Thirty-eight patients affected with Rutherford grade III category 5 peripheral arterial disease, who underwent successful simultaneous iliac endovascular procedure, infrapopliteal reversed vein bypass graft, and minor amputation, were enrolled in this retrospective study. The population was divided in group 1 (20 patients) with inflow vessels Trans-Atlantic Inter-Society Consensus Document on Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC) II type B atherosclerotic lesions and group 2 (18 patients) with TASC II type A atherosclerotic lesions determining an invasive pressure drop greater than 15 mm Hg. Fifteen patients (group 3) undergoing infrapopliteal reversed vein bypass graft without associated inflow procedures (TASC II type A and invasive pressure drop greater than 15 mm Hg) were matched with group 2 based on propensity score. Healing was calculated by subtracting the final ulcer area from the initial ulcer area and dividing by the number of follow-up months to obtain the total area healed per month (cm 2 /month). Stepwise logistic regression analysis adjusted for demographics and medical comorbid conditions was used to test the association between wound healing and treatment modalities., Results: Forty-three patients were available for further analysis. Ten patients were excluded because of graft occlusion with consequent impairment of wound healing. After midfoot amputations, mean wound diameter was 20 ± 8 cm 2 , and mean healing time was 10 ± 4 months (range 3-20 months; median 9 months). Wounds of groups 1 and 2 healed faster than those of group 3 at 4 and 8 months (P < 0.02 and P < 0.001, respectively; P < 0.04 and P < 0.001, respectively). Multivariate analysis demonstrated the association between wound healing and inflow correction (P < 0.001)., Conclusions: An aggressive treatment is necessary to obtain the heal of the ischemic wounds. The most important predictive factor for nonhealing wounds is the absence of inflow correction. We demonstrated that the inflow should be also corrected in the presence of subclinical lesions., (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Introduction: Vascularized bone allotransplantation may provide new options for reconstruction of segmental defects if problems of long-term immune modulation can be solved. The current literature lacks an orthotopic large animal model, limited to bone and without the confounding effects of other tissue types, permitting a multifaceted evaluation before new methods are used clinically. The purpose of this study was to develop a large animal model for vascularized bone allotransplantation., Materials and Methods: Eight porcine hind limbs were dissected. Length, diameter, and location of all hindlimb vessels were measured and a single nutrient vessel supplying the tibial diaphysis identified enabling its use as a vascularized bone allotransplant. Four Yucatan minipigs were divided into two pairs with a major swine leukocyte antigen mismatch. A 3.5 cm tibial segment including its nutrient pedicle was raised simultaneously from each pig and transplanted into the matched defect of the other animal. Microarterial anastomosis of the pedicle and 3-drug immunosuppression maintained VCA viability. Bone healing and limb function were followed for 16 weeks., Results: A consistent tibia diaphyseal nutrient artery arose from the caudal tibial artery to enter bone a mean 2.8 mm distal to the tibial tubercle with a pedicle length of 6.6 ± 3.3 mm and diameter of 1.6 ± 0.2 mm. Using this pedicle, we reconstructed a 3.5 cm tibial defect with a vascularized bone allotransplant in four animals. Immediate weightbearing as well as progressive bone healing was demonstrated., Conclusion: We have developed a vascularized tibial bone allotranplantation large-animal model suitable for future bone-only allotranplantation research in mini-pigs., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objectives: The "angiosome" concept as a model for decision making in revascularisation of patients with critical limb ischaemia (CLI) has been subject to lively discussion in recent years. The aim of this prospective pilot study was to use intra-operative fluorescence angiography to provide further data on the angiosome concept on the level of microcirculation after tibial bypass surgery., Design, Materials, and Methods: This was a prospective analysis of 40 patients presenting with CLI Rutherford stage IV to VI before and after tibial bypass surgery. The macrocirculation was measured by the ankle brachial index. Skin microcirculation was assessed by intra-operative fluorescence angiography. The alteration of microcirculation was compared in direct and indirect revascularised angiosomes. Clinical follow-up investigations were performed and the wound healing rate was compared between the different revascularisation methods., Results: Cumulated microcirculation parameters showed a significant improvement after surgery (ingress, ingress rate p<.001). Likewise, general microcirculatory improvement was observed in each foot angiosome after revascularisation, regardless of the tibial artery revascularised. Furthermore, a comparison of the direct (DR) and the indirect revascularised (IR) angiosomes did not show a significant difference concerning the improvement of microcirculation (difference DR-IR, ingress: 1.69, 95% CI 71.73-75.11; ingress rate: 0.08, 95% CI -12.91 to 13.07). The wound healing rate was similar in both groups, although the time to wound healing was faster by on average 2.5 months in the DR group (p=.083)., Conclusion: Microcirculatory improvement was seen over the whole foot after tibial bypass. Therefore, fluorescence angiography is a promising tool to evaluate the angiosome concept in future larger studies. Clinicaltrials.gov: NCT03012750., (Copyright © 2017 European Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Aim - to study the state of the microcirculatory bed and the endothelial system in patients at risk of developing reperfusion syndrome and suggest methods for their correction. The work included 29 patients with obliterating diseases of the abdominal aorta and lower limb arteries with a high risk of developing reperfusion complications. Two groups of patients were identified. Group I - 8 patients, preoperative preparation include the generally accepted approaches. Group II - 21 patients whose preoperative preparation included, in addition to preparations for improving rheological blood conditions, prolonged epidural anesthesia, intravenous injection of hydroxyethylstarches, korvetin and alprostadil. In patients of both groups, a study was made of the state of the level of endothelial dysfunction, changes in capillary blood flow and arterio-venular blood shunting. Revascularization of the lower limbs in patients with a high risk of developing reperfusion complications leads to a deepening of endothelial dysfunction. The latter is characterized by a 2.3-fold increase (p<0.001) in the early postoperative period of circulating endothelial cells in the blood, by 2.5 times (p <0.001) endothelin-1, while a 1.3-fold decrease (p<0,05) P-selectin and in 1,7 times (p<0,05) E-selectin. The depth of the lesion of the endothelial system is indicated by a decrease of 29.9 % (p<0.001) in the level of NO. Deepening of endothelial dysfunction after reconstructive-reconstructive surgery is reflected in violations of the function of the microcirculatory bed. It is characterized by a 1.9-fold decrease (p<0.001) of skin perfusion, 2.0 times (p<0.001) in the erythrocyte concentration index and a 14% decrease (p<0.05) in capillary blood flow. This is facilitated by an increase of 14% (p<0.05) in skin perfusion pressure and an increase of 16% (p<0.05) in the resistance index of the microcirculatory bed, which leads to a decrease in tissue oxygenation to a level 3.38±0.14 mm.hg.

Analysed herein is the experience of the first eight ultrasonographic studies of peripheral arteries with dynamic contrast enhancement using sulphur hexafluoride («SonoVue») carried out in patients after previously performed femoropopliteal bypass grafting with a synthetic prosthesis (in seven cases the distal anastomosis of the bypass graft was located below the fissure of the knee joint and in one case - above the fissure of the knee joint). Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography was performed averagely 12.5±4.0 months after the operation, according to the technique recommended by the manufacturer of the contrast agent. It was demonstrated that control ultrasonic scanning of lower-limb arteries using contrast enhancement in the remote period after bypass operations proved more informative in relation to detection of stenoses of the distal anastomosis of the femoropopliteal bypass graft, trifurcation of the popliteal artery and near-ostium segments of tibial arteries than a study with no contrast medium.

A 45-year-old male smoker presented with extensive non-healing ulcerations and an occluded right common femoral artery. His left forearm had contractures from a prior stroke. We describe a combined radial-tibial access revascularization strategy.

Purpose: The aim is to describe a technique with orthograde dissection of the anterior tibial artery (ATA) used as the recipient vessel for the end-to-end (ETE) anastomosis in defect reconstruction around the knee and for proximal/middle third leg defects with free anterolateral thigh (ALT) and gracilis flaps., Patients and Methods: Between March 2009 and May 2014, 22 patients undergoing lower extremity reconstruction were evaluated. Of those, 4 patients were included. The locations of injury were 3 defects around the knee and 1 defect at the proximal and middle third of the lower leg (mean defect size 18 x 8.5 cm and a range of 17-20 x 5-10 cm). There were 2 cases after trauma and 2 cases with infection. Two free gracilis and 2 free ALT flaps were performed of equal size to the defects. The mean flap pedicle length was 11 cm (range of 7-16 cm) and the mean length of the mobilized recipient vessels was 10.5 cm (range of 6-14 cm)., Results: One flap loss (ALT) occurred, requiring a salvage procedure with a latissimus dorsi flap, whereas wound dehiscence at the donor site and a hematoma below the ALT flap was observed in 2 cases, requiring small revision. After a mean follow-up of 52 months (range of 38-87 months), there was stable soft tissue coverage in all patients., Conclusion: By orthograde dissection of the ATA, an adequate vessel length and size may be achieved, improving arc of rotation to successfully cover more distant defects., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transpedal access for the management of complex peripheral artery disease (PAD)., Introduction: Critical limb ischemia is associated with high risk of limb loss, as well as cardiovascular and all-cause mortality. Transpedal access is a novel, increasingly utilized technique for the management of complex PAD., Methods: We performed a literature search using PubMed from January 2003 to December 2016. Published studies on transpedal access were studied. We evaluated patient sample demographics, procedure indications, access and target vessel, procedural characteristics, outcomes, and complications., Results: Ten studies and 881 patients were included in our study. The indication for transpedal access was critical limb ischemia in 68.4% and severe claudication in 29.5%. A chronic total occlusion was present in 93.7% (average occlusion length, 206 mm). Access was achieved by ultrasound in 57.1% and by fluoroscopy in 35.7%. The anterior tibial or dorsalis pedis were accessed in 54.7% and the posterior tibial in 28.0%. The angiographic procedural success rate was 92.6%. The most commonly reported complication was dissection (7.49%), followed by perforation (1.36%) and embolization (1.25%)., Conclusion: Based on the results of this systematic review, transpedal access appears to be a safe and effective technique for complex PAD.

Objectives: To quantify changes in ankle and toe pressure from pre- to post-endovascular revascularization for critical limb ischemia (CLI) and examine their association with major adverse limb events (MALE)., Background: Despite societal guidelines recommendation of routine hemodynamic surveillance following revascularization, little is known about hemodynamic assessment in CLI., Methods: Among the 358 patients with CLI from the international multicenter IN.PACT DEEP trial, ankle and toe pressures measurements were available at both baseline and after intervention in 270 and 44 patients, respectively. The change in ankle and toe pressures in response to endovascular revascularization and its association with 1-year MALE (target limb revascularization, amputation, or death) were examined using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses. Corresponding optimal cutoff points were also identified., Results: The mean increase in ankle and toe pressures following revascularization was 33 and 13 mmHg, respectively. Patients with an improvement of ankle pressure >73 mmHg or toe pressure >1 mmHg had similarly the lowest incidence of MALE (23%), while the highest rate of MALE (50%) was found in those whose toe pressure failed to improve by at least 1 mmHg following intervention. In addition, an increase in ankle pressure >73 mmHg was numerically protective against MALE, and more importantly, an increase in toe pressure of >1 mmHg provided statistically significant protection from MALE (adjusted HR = 0.15, 95% CI: 0.04-0.57, P = 0.005)., Conclusions: Improvements in toe pressure post revascularization are incremental and rarely normalize. Toe pressure, compared to ankle pressure, is more useful in CLI and predicts future MALE., (© 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.)

Background: Open tibia fractures are commonly stratified by the Gustilo classification, an orthopedic grading system that does not incorporate the presence of arterial injury when limb perfusion is intact. In the authors' experience, however, the presence of arterial injury appears to negatively impact microsurgical outcomes., Methods: In a retrospective review of 806 lower extremity reconstructions between 1979 and 2016, 361 soft-tissue flaps performed for Gustilo type IIIB/C coverage met inclusion criteria. Patient demographics, flap characteristics, and outcomes were analyzed., Results: Most patients suffered type IIIB [n = 332 (91.9 percent)] injuries; 29 (8.0 percent) had type IIIC injuries. Preoperative angiography [n = 243 (67.3 percent)] demonstrated arterial injury in 126 (51.8 percent); 27 arterial injuries were identified intraoperatively; and the overall incidence was 153 of 361 (42.4 percent). Complications occurred in 143 flaps (39.6 percent) and included 37 partial losses (10.2 percent) and 31 total losses (8.6 percent). Injured recipient arteries [n = 62 (17.2 percent)] had more complications (p = 0.004); specifically, increased take-backs (p = 0.009). Decreasing vessel runoff increased the risk of complications (p = 0.025), take-backs (p = 0.007), and total flap failures (p = 0.024) accordingly. Specifically, among grade IIIB injuries, controlling for age, sex, time since injury, and vein number, single-vessel runoff was associated with higher rates of complications (relative risk, 3.07; p = 0.012), take-backs (relative risk, 3.43; p = 0.013), and total flap failures (relative risk, 4.80; p = 0.010) compared with three-vessel runoff., Conclusions: Arterial injury was common among Gustilo type IIIB patients and correlated with increased reconstructive complications. Nonischemic arterial injury appears to negatively impact reconstructive outcomes and should be accounted for when considering free tissue transfer for lower extremity salvage. The authors propose a 3-2-1 modification of the Gustilo type IIIB classification to incorporate degree of arterial injury, as it appears to add prognostic value and certainly influences the reconstructive plan., Clinical Question/level of Evidence: Risk, IV.

Objective: This study sought to compare the outcomes of endovascular recanalization (ER) vs autogenous venous bypass (AVB) for tibioperoneal arterial occlusion in thromboangiitis obliterans patients with critical lower limb ischemia., Methods: A total of 90 limbs in 75 patients, successfully treated with ER (ER group, 35 patients, 43 limbs) and AVB (AVB group, 40 patients, 47 limbs) for tibioperoneal arterial occlusions from January 2009 to December 2015 in a single institution, were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristics and outcomes were compared between the two groups. The primary outcome was the amputation-free survival rate during follow-up; the secondary outcomes were patency rates, immediate failure, periprocedural complications, and rates of reintervention. Univariate and multivariate analysis to identify potentially significant predictors of amputation-free survival and primary patency in the whole study group was performed., Results: Not all patients in the ER group were bypass candidates because of unavailable runoff arteries or adequate conduit for bypass. Other baseline characteristics were similar between groups. Patients in the ER group had a much higher incidence of immediate failure (36.36% in femoropopliteal segment and 65.52% in tibioperoneal segment vs 14.89% in AVB bypass; P = .03 and < .001). Although patients in the ER group had a significantly higher rate of reintervention (62.79% vs 27.66%; P < .001) associated with a significantly lower primary patency rate (18.96% in femoropopliteal segment and 14.37% in tibioperoneal segment vs 60.41% in AVB bypass; P = .008 and < .001) and secondary patency rate (33.85% in femoropopliteal segment and 21.29% in tibioperoneal segment vs 68.78% in AVB bypass; P = .04 and .002) at 3 years, the amputation-free survival in the ER group and AVB group was similar at 1 year (92.9% vs 93.2%; P = .81) and 3 years (87.8% and 90.6%; P = .66). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed that the presence of gangrene was independently associated with major amputation (hazard ratio, 2.24; 95% confidence interval, 1.33-4.3; P = .02); however, the presence of active ulcer was the only risk factor for poorer primary patency during follow-up (hazard ratio, 1.86; 95% confidence interval, 0.55-5.6; P = .04)., Conclusions: ER is a valid strategy for limb salvage in thromboangiitis obliterans patients who are unsuitable for bypass, contributing an acceptable amputation-free survival as high as with AVB, even though it is associated with lower patency rates and a higher rate of reintervention., (Copyright © 2017 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Background: In critical limb ischaemia (CLI), a pedal vein graft bypass offers good long-term results regarding function and limb salvage. However, some cases require bypasses to branches of pedal arteries based on angiographic findings. Methods: In a retrospective database we analysed all patients who received a vein graft bypass to branches of pedal arteries for treatment of critical limb ischaemia. Results: From January 1998 to June 2014 we performed bypasses to branches of pedal arteries in 72 patients (59 men and 13 women) out of a total of 534 patients who underwent pedal bypass surgery. The proximal bypass anastomosis was above the knee in 30 cases and below the knee in 42 patients. In 6 cases the bypass connection was made to the lateral tarsal artery, in 15 cases it was made to the lateral and in 24 cases to the medial plantar artery. In 27 patients a direct connection was made to the plantar bifurcation. All reconstructions were completely autologous. The limb salvage rate after 5 and 10 years was 82 %. Conclusion: A bypass to branches of pedal arteries is a procedure recommendable for limb salvage in cases of critical ischaemia where arteries with a larger diameter are no longer available., Competing Interests: Interessenkonflikt: Nein, (Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Objective: The aim of this report was to present the use of flow-through free fibula osteocutaneous flap for the repair of complex tibial bone, soft tissue, and main artery segmental defects., Patients and Methods: Five patients with bone, soft tissue, and segmental anterior tibial artery defects were included. The lengths of injured tibial bones ranged from 4 to 7 cm. The sizes of impaired soft tissues were between 9 × 4 and 15 × 6 cm. The lengths of defect of anterior tibial artery segments ranged from 6 to 10 cm. Two patients had distal limb perfusion problems. Flow-through free fibula osteocutaneous flap was performed for all 5 patients., Results: Patients were followed for 12 to 18 months. All wounds healed after 1-stage operation, and all flow-through flaps survived. The distal perfusion after vascular repair was normal in all patients. Superficial necrosis of flap edge was noted in 1 case. After the local debridement and partial thickness skin graft, the flap healed uneventfully, and the surgical operation did not increase injury to the donor site. Satisfactory bone union was achieved in all patients in 2 to 4 months postoperation. Enlargement of fibula graft was observed during follow-up from 12 to 18 months. The functions of adjacent joints were recovered, and all patients were able to walk normally., Conclusions: Flow-through free fibula osteocutaneous flap was shown to be an effective and efficient technique for repairing composite tibial bone, soft tissue, and main artery segmental defects. This 1-stage operation should be useful in clinical practice for the treatment of complex bone, soft tissue, and vessel defects.

Purpose of Review: Retrograde tibiopedal access and interventions have contributed to advance of endovascular techniques to treat critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients. This review encompasses the spectrum from advanced diagnostic imaging and technical therapeutic approaches for infrapopliteal occlusions, to a discussion of current standards and future directions., Recent Findings: Contemporary studies of infrapopliteal angioplasty show suboptimal short-term and 1-year clinical outcomes. Comparative data is needed to shift the focus from PTA to disruptive treatment modalities that can further improve outcomes. Retrograde pedal access has emerged as an important tool to facilitate successfully percutaneous revascularization and limb salvage in patients with CLI. To efficiently approach the complexity of CLI, new thought processes are needed to change the reigning paradigms. Retrograde tibial-pedal access has shown improvement in the rate of successful revascularizations and is an important tool in the amputation-prevention armamentarium. Additional technologies may further improve success rates. Drug-eluting stents have shown better outcomes than PTA in patients with focal infrapopliteal lesions. Registry data have demonstrated the advantage of several atherectomy devices in the tibial arteries. More recently, bioresorbable vascular scaffolds have been used successfully, and further studies with drug-coated balloons are underway. Interventional operators are now even working in the inframalleolar space to reconstitute the plantar arch. Well-conducted studies are needed to generate high-quality evidence in the field of critical limb ischemia management.

Background: Intact microperfusion of the foot in the critical ischemic limb remains a crucial condition for ulcer healing. Aim of this clinical study was to evaluate the immediate effect of tibial bypass surgery on the microcirculation by usage of fluorescence angiography., Methods: Prospective analysis of 33 patients presenting with critical limb ischemia (Rutherford IV-VI) undergoing tibial bypass surgery was performed. Macroperfusion was investigated by measurement of ankle-brachial index. For assessment of microperfusion, intraoperative fluorescence angiography (SPY Elite, NOVADAQ) was undertaken during general anesthesia immediately before and after operation. For each investigation, a fluorescence dye (Indocyanine green) with an amount of 0.1 mg/kg was administered intravenously. Follow-up investigations were performed to assess the clinical outcome., Results: The mean follow-up time was 8.28 (±4.46) months. The parameters Ingress (IN) and Ingress rate (InR) of the fluorescence dye representing the microcirculation showed a significant improvement to preoperative values and correlated with the ankle-brachial index significantly. Furthermore, a significant difference between the individual improvement of the microcirculation parameters (preoperative-postoperative) between patients with postoperative clinical improvement (wound healing, absence of rest pain) and those without could be demonstrated (InR: P = 0.039, IN: P = 0.036)., Conclusions: The parameters IN and InR significantly reproduced the postoperative improvement of the microcirculation. An increased ankle-brachial index significantly correlated with increased microcirculation parameters. A better clinical outcome was found in those patients who had a higher relative improvement of microcirculation postoperatively., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

True aneurysm of the tibial arteries is a rare clinical condition. We report the case of a 67-year-old man who presented with a gradual onset of right calf swelling and pain. Imaging revealed large aneurysms arising from the proximal peroneal arteries bilaterally, measuring 7.4cm and 4cm on the right and left respectively. A detailed medical history, clinical examination and laboratory investigations did not identify evidence of an underlying cause. A surgical reconstruction with an interposition vein graft was successfully performed. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of primary aneurysm of the peroneal artery in the English literature. We undertook a systematic literature review to identify all reported cases of primary aneurysms of the tibial arteries. The clinical presentation, modes of investigation and interventional treatments are discussed.

Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a relatively prevalent and highly morbid condition. Patients with CLI have a poor prognosis, especially in the setting of incomplete revascularization. Traditionally, achieving optimal revascularization has been limited by the high prevalence of small-vessel disease in this population. More recently, advanced endovascular techniques, increased operator experience, and new technologies have enabled complete revascularization of inframalleolar disease with encouraging clinical results. In this article, we present an approach to endovascular therapy for inframalleolar revascularization of patients with CLI., (Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms of the dorsalis pedis artery are rare vascular entities usually caused by traumatic injury or iatrogenic intervention, producing a focal soft pulsatile tissue mass in the dorsal foot. Gradual expansion of the fibrous capsule can produce secondary physical signs through the pressure exerted on surrounding structures. We report the case of a 57-year-old male with an idiopathic pseudoaneurysm of the dorsalis pedis artery. A focused history found a low-grade blunt trauma to the dorsal foot that had occurred 2 years previously. The diagnosis of a pseudoaneurysm was confirmed by ultrasound examinations and computed tomography angiograms. The pseudoaneurysm was treated with resection, and a short reversed great saphenous vein interposition graft was placed. He recovered well after surgery and remained free of symptoms 18 months postoperatively. The literature review of this uncommon vascular pathologic entity and the diagnosis and management are discussed., (Copyright © 2016 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Objective: The goal of our study was to analyze the prevalence of branching pattern variations in the popliteal artery (PA) along with morphometrics of the PA to better address its importance in disease and vascular surgical procedures., Methods: An extensive search for the PA and its anatomic variations was done in the major online medical databases. The anatomic data found were extracted and pooled for a meta-analysis., Results: A total of 33 studies (N = 12,757 lower limbs) were included in the analysis. The most common variant was a division of the PA below the knee into the anterior tibial artery and a common trunk for the posterior tibial and peroneal arteries, with a prevalence of 92.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.2-93.8). The second most common variation was a trifurcation pattern of all three branches dividing within 0.5 cm of each other, with a prevalence of 2.4% (95% CI, 1.4-3.5). Of the three studies that reported the diameter of the PA at the level of the subcondylar plane, a mean diameter of 8 mm (95% CI, 7.29-8.70) was found., Conclusions: The PA most commonly divides below the knee into the anterior tibial artery and the common trunk of the posterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery. Knowledge of the prevalence of possible variations in this anatomy as well as morphometric data is crucial in the planning and execution of any surgical intervention in the area of the knee., (Copyright © 2016 Society for Vascular Surgery. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

This study examined a gender difference in 12-month patient outcomes after endovascular intervention for symptomatic peripheral artery disease (PAD) utilizing propensity score-matched Excellence in Peripheral Artery Disease registry data. Mortality and repeat intervention outcomes after endovascular treatment in women compared with men in the existing literature are inconsistent and confounded by other risk factors. The study included 1,084 patients who underwent 1,702 endovascular procedures, at 8 non-Veterans Administration hospitals from January 2005 to October 2015. Frailty hazard ratios by gender for time-to-event analysis were estimated. Women made up about 40% of the study population. After propensity score matching, 449 women and 449 men were included in the analysis, in which women had similar baseline patient and lesion characteristics, laboratory data, procedural characteristics, and medical therapy as men. Within 12-month postintervention, women were at a lower risk of mortality than men (p = 0.05); however, they underwent significantly more frequent repeat revascularization procedures (p = 0.04). In subgroup analysis, women with superficial femoral artery disease were also at higher risk of 12-month repeat intervention than men (p <0.01) and had a higher mortality risk, albeit with an attenuated significance (p = 0.07). Women with PAD are at a higher risk of 12-month repeat intervention than men., (Published by Elsevier Inc.)

Aim: The study was aimed at assessing diagnostic possibilities of duplex scanning (DS) of lower limb arteries, used as 'ultrasonographic angiography' in patients presenting with critical ischaemia for appropriately planning complicated infrainguinal reconstructions at stages of surgical management, including dynamic follow up in the postoperative period., Patients and Methods: We examined a total of 30 patients. Of these, 14 patients composed the control group and 16 patients with critical ischaemia of lower limb arteries who underwent 8 external iliac-tibial and 8 femorotibial bypass graftings with a relieving arteriovenous fistula and application of a venous cuff according to the type of 'St. Mary's boot'. All the 16 patients preoperatively underwent DS of lower limb arteries and CT angiography, as well as postoperative DS of the vessels of the zone of the operative intervention. We compared the possibilities of DS and CT angiography in the assessment of the state of various segments of lower limb arteries. The obtained findings were compared with the data of the 'golden standard' - X-ray contrast enhanced angiography or intraoperative revision., Results: In assessing the state of the aortoiliac segment, sensitivity and specificity of the both methods amounted to 100%. In assessing patency of the femoropopliteal segment, sensitivity and specificity of DS amounted to 93.7 and 100%, with those for CT angiography equalling 87.5 and 100%. Assessing patency of arteries of the crus, sensitivity and specificity of the both methods amounted to 87.5 and 93.7%, respectively. In the postoperative period it was revealed that a prognostically favourable factor for shunt functioning is the value of the volumetric velocity of blood flow in the shunt at the level of the middle third of the femur, equalling the sum of volumetric velocities of blood flow in the donor artery distal to and in the relieving vein proximal to the anastomosis. Important prognostic parameters of shunt functioning were also the values of linear velocity of blood flow both in the shunt and donor artery., Conclusion: Strict compliance with the methodology and protocol of DS makes it possible to evaluate the condition of outflow pathways while planning the intervention, to assess functioning of the shunt in the postoperative period and to work out criteria for favourable functioning of the infrainguinal shunt for regular dynamic control over the state of the revascularized limb.

Iatrogenic vascular injuries in elective orthopedic surgery are rare. However, these are important complications to recognize early and treat appropriately because the potential sequelae can be devastating. Arteriovenous fistula of the lower extremity after total ankle arthroplasty has not been previously described in published studies. The proper diagnosis of arteriovenous fistulas can be difficult without a high index of suspicion, and treatment often involves surgical intervention. We present the case of a 62-year-old male who developed an iatrogenic arteriovenous fistula with associated pseudoaneurysm of the posterior tibial artery after revision total ankle arthroplasty that was treated with surgical ligation and excision, followed by reverse saphenous vein grafting., (Copyright © 2016 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: Our aim was to describe the technical aspects and clinical outcomes of an open surgical approach to retrograde transtibial endovascular therapy for recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTOs) of peripheral arteries because of inability to acquire antegrade intravascular access across the occlusion., Materials and Methods: Between January 2011 and May 2014, conventional antegrade revascularization failed in 15 limbs of 15 patients (11 males, 4 females) with complex CTOs. The mean age of the patients was 74 years (range 48-83 years). Five patients had severe claudication (Rutherford Category 3), and 10 patients had critical limb-threatening ischemia (Rutherford Categories 4-5). For each of these cases of antegrade failure, an open surgical exposure of the tibial or dorsalis pedis artery was used to allow a safe retrograde transtibial endovascular approach to recanalize the CTO., Results: Surgical retrograde access from the tibial artery was achieved successfully in 14 of the 15 patients. In the 14 successful retrograde endovascular approaches, surgical retrograde transtibial access was achieved from the dorsalis pedis artery in 8 patients and from the posterior tibial artery in 6. The average time to obtain retrograde access was 5 min (range 2-11 min). No stenosis or occlusion occurred in the tibial or dorsalis pedis arteries used for the retrograde access sites during follow-up., Conclusions: Routine surgical exposure can be a safe and an effective method for retrograde transtibial access to the more proximal occluded arterial segments in selected patients with CTO.

Purpose: We report the clinical outcome after coverage for soft-tissue defect on the medial foot and ankle with an adipofascial fold-down flap based on the posterior tibial artery perforator branch proximal to the defect., Materials: Nine patients (five males and four females) with soft-tissue defects on the medial foot and ankle area underwent the procedure from March 2009 to May 2014. The average age of the patients was 54 years (range, 8-82). The pivot point of transposition of this flap is the posterior tibial artery perforator proximal to the defect. Therefore, the adiposal side of this flap was folded down to resurface the defect. The donor site was closed primarily with the preserved skin flap. The skin graft to the flap was delayed until the flap became mature. The difference between the circumferences of both ankles was measured., Results: All flaps survived and adequate soft-tissue coverage was obtained for the medial foot and ankle after the skin graft. Wearing normal footwear was possible for all patients because of thin coverage of the flaps. No secondary debulking procedure was performed for the patients. The difference between the circumferences of both sides of the ankle was not significant. The skin necrosis of the donor site was also managed conservatively and healed well., Conclusion: For the medial foot and ankle soft-tissue defect, the fold-down adipofascial flaps based on the posterior tibial artery perforator branch proximal to the defect could be a good option to cover it., (Copyright © 2016 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and technical and clinical success of endovascular below-the-knee (BTK) artery revascularization by a retrograde transpedal access., Materials and Methods: We retrospectively identified 16/172 patients (9.3 %) with endovascular BTK revascularization in whom a transfemoral approach had failed and transpedal access had been attempted. The dorsal pedal (n = 13) or posterior tibial (n = 3) artery was accessed using a dedicated access set and ultrasound guidance. The procedure was finished in antegrade fashion by plain old balloon angioplasty (POBA). Comorbidities, vessel diameter and calcification at the access site were recorded. The analyzed outcomes were technical success, procedural complications, procedure time, crossing (guidewire beyond lesion and intra-luminal) and procedural (residual stenosis < 30 % after POBA) success, and limb salvage., Results: Diabetes, coronary artery disease and hypertension were present in 15 patients (93.8 %), and both renal impairment and previous amputations in 7 (43.8 %). Pedal access vessel calcification was present in 5/16 patients (31.3 %). The mean diameter was 1.75 +/-0.24 mm. The procedure time was 92.4 +/-23 min. The success rate for achieving retrograde access was 100 %. Retrograde crossing was successful in 12/16 patients (75.0 %). Procedural success was observed in 10/16 patients (68.8 %). Minor complications occurred in 2/16 patients (12.5 %). The rate of limb salvage was 72.9 %, and the overall survival was 100 % at 12 months. Major amputations after revascularization occurred in 2/16 patients (12.5 %)., Conclusion: If an antegrade transfemoral approach to BTK lesions fails, a retrograde transpedal approach may nevertheless facilitate treatment. This approach appears to be safe and offers high technical and acceptable clinical success rates., Key Points: • Retrograde approaches via transpedal or transtibial vessels are safe and offer high technical success.• One problem after technically successful puncture might be the re-entry following subintimal retrograde lesion crossing.• After a failed attempt at antegrade revascularization of a BTK occlusion, a retrograde approach should be performed. Citation Format: • Goltz JP, Planert M, Horn M et al. Retrograde Transpedal Access for Revascularization of Below-the-Knee Arteries in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia after an Unsuccessful Antegrade Transfemoral Approach. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2016; 188: 940 - 948., (© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York.)

Background: Perforator-based propeller flaps provide adequate soft tissue coverage for leg reconstruction. The aim of this study was to assess the versatility and reliability of the use of propeller flaps for leg reconstruction in pediatric patients., Method: Seven male pediatric patients ranging in age from 2 to 13 years with a mean age of 6.7 underwent perforator-based propeller flap surgery over a four-year period. The defects resulted from burn injuries (n = 4) and traffic accidents (n = 3). The injuries were located on the ankles of four patients and on the knee, anterior lower tibia, and foot dorsum of the other three patients, respectively., Results: The flap sizes ranged from 5 × 3 to 10 × 6 cm with a mean flap size of 7.6 × 4.3 cm. Flap harvesting time ranged from 38 to 56 m with a mean of 46 m. The rotation degree range of the flaps was from 90° to 180°. The propeller flaps were based on the posterior tibial artery (n = 4), anterior tibial artery (n = 2), and the descending branch of the lateral circumflex femoral artery (n = 1). All flaps survived completely without surgical complication; however, one patient developed disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome two days post-surgery and died within four days., Conclusion: Perforator-based propeller flap reconstruction is a safe, reliable, and versatile method for lower extremities in pediatric patients; however, it requires meticulous surgical dissection and extreme patience during the surgical procedure., (Copyright © 2016 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Objective: To explore the feasibility of the propeller flap withadipofascial tissue based on peroneal artery perforator for repairing the wound with a dead space in foot and ankle., Methods: Between January 2013 to December 2014,12 wounds with a dead space in foot and ankle were treated with the propeller flap with adipofascial tissue based on peroneal artery perforator after thorough debridement. The adipofascial tissue was used to fill the dead space, the propeller flap was used to cover the superficial wound. The defect at donor site was closed directly., Results: The size of the propeller flap based on peroneal artery perforator ranged from 4 cm × 10 cm to 7 cm × 16 cm, the size of the adipofascial flap ranged from 2 cm × 4 cm to 5 cm × 7 cm. All flaps survived completely and the wounds healed primarily. The defects at donor sites got primary healing without complications. All patients were followed up for 5 to 21 months with an average of 8 months without recurrence of infection during the follow-up period. The appearance, texture, and color of the flaps were similar to those of the recipient sites. Good function of ankle was achieved., Conclusions: The propeller flap with adipofascial tissue based on peroneal artery perforator is a good option for reconstruction of foot and ankle wounds with dead space.