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Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is an uncommon yet potentially life-threatening manifestation of venous thromboembolism. The aim of this study was to present a retrospective analysis of a cohort of Western Australian patients diagnosed with SVT on imaging study, and a review of the literature surrounding the aetiology, location, anticoagulation treatment and outcomes of SVT.All patients diagnosed with SVT over a five-year period from 2015 to 2020 in three tertiary hospitals in Western Australia were identified by using an electronic search engine of imaging reports. Collected data included patient demographics and co-morbidity, presentation data, location of thrombus, aetiology of thrombus, treatment with anti-coagulation, length of stay and outcome data including mortality.A total of 164 patients met inclusion criteria. The 90-day mortality was 20.1%; 64% of whom were those with portal vein thrombosis. Aetiology was grouped into haematological conditions (4 patients), non-haematological conditions (130 patients), a combination of factors (17 patients) and idiopathic (13 patients). The majority of deaths were due to malignancy, severe pancreatitis or decompensated liver cirrhosis.Whilst the prevalence of SVT is rising with the increase in accessibility to radiological studies, it remains a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge for clinicians. With no consensus guidelines available to direct treatment, the management of patients with SVT should be individualized and considered carefully. The potential complications of venous thrombosis, SVT recurrence or extension and the risk of bleeding need to be evaluated before the commencement of anticoagulation therapy.

Objective This study aimed to develop and internally validate risk prediction models for predicting groin wound surgical site infections (SSIs) following arterial intervention and to evaluate the utility of existing risk prediction models for this outcome. Methods Data from the Groin wound Infection after Vascular Exposure (GIVE) multicentre cohort study were used. The GIVE study prospectively enrolled 1 039 consecutive patients undergoing an arterial procedure through 1 339 groin incisions. An overall SSI rate of 8.6% per groin incision, and a deep/organ space SSI rate of 3.8%, were reported. Eight independent predictors of all SSIs, and four independent predictors of deep/organ space SSIs were included in the development and internal validation of two risk prediction models. A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify relevant risk prediction models for their evaluation. Results The “GIVE SSI risk prediction model” (“GIVE SSI model”) and the “GIVE deep/organ space SSI risk prediction model” (“deep SSI model”) had adequate discrimination (C statistic 0.735 and 0.720, respectively). Three other groin incision SSI risk prediction models were identified; both GIVE risk prediction models significantly outperformed these other risk models in this cohort (C statistic 0.618 – 0.629; p Conclusion Two models were created and internally validated that performed acceptably in predicting “all” and “deep” groin SSIs, outperforming current existing risk prediction models in this cohort. Future studies should aim to externally validate the GIVE models.

Introduction: A retrograde approach of the celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) to catheterize the visceral vessels during a fenestrated endovascular aortic reparation (FEVAR) is a feasible option when standard access techniques have failed. Report: In this report we describe a patient with a previous endoluminal repair of an infrarenal aortic aneurysm, complicated by a persistent type 1a endoleak despite treatment with endoanchor fixation. A decision was made to proceed with a proximal 4 vessel FEVAR to treat the type 1a endoleak. Due to angulation of the mesenteric vessels, and a rotation of the fenestrated stent graft during deployment, the CT and SMA were unable to be catheterized. A decision was made to perform a median laparotomy for retrograde access of the aforementioned vessels, allowing successful catheterization and stenting. The patient was discharged 30 days following the procedure, without any major post-operative complications. Follow up at 6 weeks with a contrasted enhanced computerized tomography scan showed a stable repair with no residual type 1a endoleak. Discussion: Catheterization of the target vessels during a FEVAR can be difficult, especially in patients with challenging anatomy. Prolonged surgical time in an attempt to catheterize the vessels can result in increased morbidity for the patient, and ultimately may result in the procedure being abandoned or conversion to an open repair of the aneurysm. Retrograde access of the target vessels as a bailout measure during fenestrated stent graft repair due to failure of an antegrade approach has rarely been reported in the literature. Only a few cases are described in the available literature, however, none of them describe retrograde approach of both the CT and SMA as described in this case. A median laparotomy for retrograde access is a feasible alternative in these situations, and should be considered if the patient is suitable.

Highlights • Mycotic arterial aneurysm is a serious clinical condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. • An extremely uncommon causative pathogen for a mycotic arterial aneurysm is Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a commensal bacterium found in the normal gingival flora of canines. • A thorough history is essential, including pet exposures, for patients with infected aneurysms., Introduction Mycotic arterial aneurysm occurs secondary to infection of the arterial wall Dubois et al. (2010). It is a serious clinical condition associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Various pathogens can be responsible but the most commonly isolated causative organisms are Staphylococcus spp. and Salmonella spp. Brown et al. (1984). An extremely uncommon causative pathogen is Capnocytophaga canimorsus, a commensal bacterium found in the normal gingival flora of canines. Presentation of case We describe the case of a ruptured mycotic common iliac aneurysm presenting with acute haemodynamic instability and femoral nerve impairment due to compression secondary to extensive haematoma. Rupture was preceded by a four-week history of left hip/groin discomfort with an abrasion to the left upper limb exposed to dog saliva in the weeks prior to symptom onset. Open debridement, revascularisation, and aggressive antimicrobial therapy was utilised with microbiological culture revealing Capnocytophaga canimorsus as the causative pathogen. Discussion Successful repair was achieved surgically with a prosthetic bypass, followed by a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics. Lifelong oral suppressant antibiotic treatment was then commenced. At 6-month follow up, the patient was free from clinical or radiological recurrence of infection or aneurysm. Conclusion This case highlights an extremely rare aetiology for ruptured common iliac aneurysm in the form of Capnocytophaga canimorsus. It highlights the importance of a thorough history, including pet exposures, for patients with infected aneurysms and the need to ensure appropriate specimens are collected when a mycotic aneurysm is suspected.

Aims: To compare the rates of infections (peritonitis and exit site infections) in patients undergoing non-buried versus buried peritoneal dialysis catheterisation for end-stage renal failure. Methods: A retrospective review of all patients who underwent peritoneal dialysis catheter placement by one primary surgeon between January 2008 and August 2019. Information collected included, catheter characteristics, immediate post-operative complications, date of catheter exteriorisation, date of peritoneal dialysis commencement, rate of successful catheter function at initiation of peritoneal dialysis and rates of catheter-related complications (i.e. infection, revision status and obstruction). Results: 110 peritoneal dialysis catheters were inserted (43 non-buried and 67 buried peritoneal dialysis catheters). The non-buried group was associated with a higher proportion acquiring an infection than the buried group (15% vs 30%, p = 0.054). Patients with buried catheters also had a 72% and 65% decreased likelihood of experiencing a catheter-related infection and peritonitis, respectively, over time compared to patients with non-buried catheters in the unadjusted (crude incidence rate ratio 0.28, 95% confidence interval 0.11, 0.70; P = 0.003). The proportion of catheter function at first use was 85% in the non-buried group and 78% in the buried group. Patients with non-buried versus buried catheters had similar proportions of complications, including: obstructions (25.6% vs 20.9%, p = 0.770), herniation (7.0% vs 4.0%, p = 0.327) and leaks (7.0% vs 1.5%, p = 0.134). Conclusion: The use of the buried peritoneal dialysis catheter technique as compared to the standard technique has revealed fewer overall catheter-related infections, particularly episodes of peritonitis and similar rates of mechanical complications in our series. In addition to that, the other benefits of buried peritoneal dialysis catheters such as lower healthcare cost, patient convenience and a viable option for patients in remote communities should prompt physicians to continue assessing suitable candidates for buried peritoneal dialysis catheters.

Best medical therapy (BMT) for peripheral arterial disease (PAD), carotid artery stenosis (CAS) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) involving concomitant use of antiplatelets, lipid-lowering agents, and blood pressure control, improves patient survival and prevents clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD). We performed a single-center cross-sectional study, over a 4-year period, describing BMT use in Western Australian patients with symptomatic PAD, CAS and AAA in the community. Overall, 45.3% of our cohort (n = 1689) were on appropriate BMT (CAS, 58.1%; PAD, 43.1%; AAA, 41.1%). There was highest uptake of blood pressure control at 93.0% (lipid-lowering agents, 65.3%; antithrombotics 63.5%). PAD was associated with highest uptake of blood pressure control (PAD 93.9%; CAS, 91.4%; AAA, 91.1%, P = .092) whilst CAS had highest uptake of antithrombotics (CAS 76.3%; PAD, 61.0%; AAA 60.4%, P < .001) and lipid-lowering agents (CAS 78.7%; PAD, 63.1%; AAA, 60.4%, P < .001). Our study indicates suboptimal use of BMT in patients with vascular disease in the community. The risk of CVD in CAS is likely misperceived as higher than PAD and AAA.

Background: Living in deprived areas is associated with poorer outcomes after certain vascular procedures and surgical site infection in other specialties. Our primary objective was to determine whether living in more income-deprived areas was associated with groin wound surgical site infection after arterial intervention. Secondary objectives were to determine whether living in more income-deprived areas was associated with mortality and clinical consequences of surgical site infection. Methods: Postal code data for patients from the United Kingdom who were included in the Groin Wound Infection after Vascular Exposure (GIVE) multicenter cohort study was used to determine income deprivation, based on index of multiple deprivation (IMD) data. Patients were divided into three IMD groups for descriptive analysis. Income deprivation score was integrated into the final multivariable model for predicting surgical site infection. Results: Only patients from England had sufficient postal code data, analysis included 772 groin incisions (624 patients from 22 centers). Surgical site infection occurred in 9.7% incisions (10.3% of patients). Surgical site infection was equivalent between income deprivation tertiles (tertile 1 = 9.5%; tertile 2 = 10.3%; tertile 3 = 8.6%; p = 0.828) as were the clinical consequences of surgical site infection and mortality. Income deprivation was not associated with surgical site infection in multivariable regression analysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.574; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.038-8.747; p = 0.689). Median age at time of procedure was lower for patients living in more income-deprived areas (tertile 1 = 68 years; tertile 2 = 72 years; tertile 3 = 74 years; p

INTRODUCTION Acute mesenteric ischemia (AMI) is a surgical emergency with a high mortality and morbidity rate. Prompt diagnosis and early surgical management are the cornerstones of management. In certain patients, however, treatment is futile and early palliative care, lessens patient, and family distress. The aim of this study was to investigate factors, focusing on patient comorbidity, that may predict futility of treatment and hence, guide clinicians in their decision making. PATIENTS AND METHODS Consecutive adult patients with AMI diagnosed on imaging were reviewed for demographics, comorbidity, imaging, and biochemical results. RESULTS Seventy patients were identified with average age of 67 (range 33 - 94). Overall hospital mortality was 72%. Patients were divided into three distinct groups, patients who recovered (27%), patients deceased despite surgical treatment (18%), and patients palliated on presentation (54%). Age was comparable between groups (61 vs. 69 vs. 69; p=.2). Length of stay was highest in the recovered group (41.6 vs. 12.3 vs. 2.8 d). Biochemically, only lactate level differed (3.1 vs. 2.3 vs. 5.3 mmol/L, p=.03). Both deceased and palliative group scored similarly but significantly higher than the recovered group in both the Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (4.2 and 5.6 vs. 3.4, p=.02) and age-adjusted CCI (ACCI) (6.7 and 8.2 vs. 5; p

Background: Surgical site infections (SSIs) of groin wounds are a common and potentially preventable cause of morbidity, mortality and healthcare costs in vascular surgery. Our aim was to define the contemporaneous rate of groin SSIs, determine clinical sequelae, and identify risk factors for SSI. Method: An international multicentre prospective observational cohort study of consecutive patients undergoing groin incision for femoral vessel access in vascular surgery was undertaken over 3 months, follow up was 90 days. The primary outcome was incidence of groin wound SSI. Results: 1337 groin incisions (1039 patients) from 37 centres were included. 115 groin incisions (8.6%) developed SSI, of which 62 (4.6%) were superficial. Patients who developed an SSI had a significantly longer length of hospital stay (6 vs 5 days, p=0.005), a significantly higher rate of post-operative acute kidney injury (19.6% vs 11.7%, p=0.018), with no significant difference in 90-day mortality. Female sex, Body Mass Index≥30kg/m2, ischaemic heart disease, aqueous betadine skin preparation, bypass/patch use (vein, xenograft or prosthetic) and increased operative time were independent predictors of SSI. Conclusion: Groin infections which are clinically apparent to the treating vascular unit are frequent and their development carries significant clinical sequelae. Risk factors include modifiable and non-modifiable variables.

Peritoneal dialysis is a renal substitutive therapy used in an increasing number of patients with end-stage renal failure as it allows greater freedom to perform daily activities. Peritoneal dialysis catheter obstruction is a significant non-infectious complication of peritoneal dialysis. We describe three cases of peritoneal dialysis catheter obstruction with complete fibrin casts, its surgical management and a review of the literature in management techniques and have proposed an algorithm to guide clinical practise when a complete intraluminal peritoneal dialysis catheter obstruction is suspected.

We report the case of an 81-year-old man incidentally found to have a complete transverse stent fracture of a left renal artery covered stent associated with a pseudoaneurysm while being investigated with digital subtraction angiography for an arterial cause of a nonhealing ulcer on his right great toe. He had a fenestrated endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair 11 years ago with covered stenting of both renal arteries. Although he was asymptomatic, a second left renal artery covered stent was successfully placed across the fractured stent to eliminate the risk of rupture. Follow-up imaging showed patent stent and exclusion of the aneurysm. This case highlights another complication of fenestrated endovascular aneurysm repair that needs to be ruled out on surveillance imaging. Keywords: FEVAR, Fenestrated, Aneurysm, Renal stent, Complication

Background Outcomes following major lower limb amputation (MLLA) between 2000 and 2002 from the Department of Vascular Surgery at Royal Perth Hospital have been published; mean postoperative length of stay 20 days, inpatient complication rate 54%, and 30-day mortality 10%. The last decade has seen increasing endovascular revascularization techniques, increased focus on MLLA patients, and general improvements in the model of care. The aim of this study is to compare outcomes between 2000–2002 and 2010–2012. Methods Data on all patients undergoing MLLA, transtibial or proximal, in the 2 time periods were extracted from the department of vascular surgery database. Medical records, government registries, and phone calls to primary care providers were used to clarify mortality. Results Limb ischemia remains the most common indication for MLLA with smoking, hypertension, and diabetes being the main comorbid diseases. The rates of wound infections have fallen from 26.4% to 12.4% ( P = 0.023), rate of admission to ICU has fallen from 48.3% to 17.5% ( P = 0.001), and revision amputation to a higher level has fallen from 11.5% to 7.2% ( P = 0.043). Acute hospital, postoperative length of stay has trended down from 15.74 to 20.29 days ( P = 0.075). Mortality overall has fallen from 60.92% to 46.39% ( P = 0.049). Thirty-day mortality fallen from 10.34% to 5.15% ( P = 0.185), 6-month 28.76% to 16.5% ( P = 0.046), and 1-year 40.22% to 21.65% ( P = 0.006). Conclusions Patients undergoing MLLA still carry a high burden of comorbid disease. With changes in revascularization technique, consultant supervision, and multidisciplinary model of care, we have seen the rate of complications fall, length of stay trend down, and overall mortality reduce. Despite improvements, outcomes remain sobering and more can be done.

Venous aneurysms are rare entities, with mesenteric venous aneurysms among the rarest reported. We present a case of a 66-year-old man with abdominal pain secondary to an enormous 7.8-cm inferior mesenteric vein aneurysm. In addition, he had evidence of other venous abnormalities, including bilateral leg chronic venous insufficiency and a right varicocele. This appears to be the only reported case of an isolated inferior mesenteric vein aneurysm. Adding to its significance, this aneurysm is among the largest of any mesenteric vein aneurysm reported. Given the rupture risk, laparoscopic ligation above the aneurysm was performed.

Purpose: To examine the feasibility of snuffbox arteriovenous fistula as a first option for haemodialysis Background: Snuffbox arteriovenous fistula is the most distal native anastomosis possible for haemodialysis access. It was described by Rassat et al. This systematic review evaluates all literature investigating the feasibility and efficiency of performing snuffbox arteriovenous fistula. Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library and Google Scholar were systematically searched for all English articles related to snuffbox arteriovenous fistula. Included studies were appraised using relevant appraisal tools. Results: Eleven papers were included, one prospective trial and the remaining being retrospective. Two trials compared snuffbox arteriovenous fistula to the standard Cimino-Brescia wrist fistula. Factors predicting success included vessel diameter, diabetes, age Conclusion: This is a systematic review investigating snuffbox arteriovenous fistula’s efficacy. The current literature is scarce and of poor quality; however, it does reflect that, in the well-selected patient, snuffbox arteriovenous fistula is a good and valid option for first-line haemodialysis. It provides a long segment of vessel for needling and also spares the proximal vessels for future use. Ability to effectively convert to wrist fistula in the event of snuffbox arteriovenous fistula failure provides longevity to native haemodialysis access before prosthetic adjuncts are required. This review provides recommendation for well-constructed randomised controlled trials to help delineate snuffbox arteriovenous fistula efficacy and investigate factors that affect success of these fistulas.

Long-term central venous access is increasingly common as there are growing number of patients suffering from conditions that require repeated infusions for various indications. However, central venous access has its downside where there is a risk of infection and thrombosis (F Pinelli, E Cecero, D Del’Innocenti, V Selmi, R Giua, G Villa et al., ‘Infection of totally implantable venous access devices: a review of literature,’ J Vasc Access 2018;19: 230–42.). Arterio-venous (AV) fistula is traditionally used for haemodialysis, however in patients requiring repeated access or long-term central venous access it can be considered as an unconventional solution. We report a case where 61-year-old male who has a history of systemic mastocytosis. He presents frequently to the Emergency Department with anaphylactic reaction requiring intravenous adrenaline, antihistamine and steroids. He had multiple issues with central lines as well as ports including line sepsis and thrombosis. On further discussion, an arterio-venous fistula was considered and surgically created to allow the AV fistula to be cannulated directly or under ultrasound guidance with its advantage it can be accessed rapidly in emergency setting.

With the continued increase of video gaming around the world, we present a review of the literature on vascular injuries associated with gaming to explore any common mechanisms of vascular injuries sustained and make recommendations to prevent them. A 2017 systematic review of all reported vascular injuries associated with video gaming was performed using Medline and PubMed searches including the following keywords: “Thrombosis” or “Artery” or “Vascular” or “ethrombosis” and “Video game” or “Wii” or Nintendo” or “Wiiitis” or “Computer game.” A total of 11 case reports reporting 12 vascular injuries associated with gaming were identified. Nine vascular injuries from gaming were associated with venous thromboembolism (VTE). Nearly 67% of cases resulted in major pulmonary emboli, one fatal. In the majority of VTE cases, the only risk factor known was prolonged immobility. All cases had negative thrombophilia screens or no history of thrombophilia. Two injuries occurred from intense physical activity on Nintendo Wii causing internal carotid artery dissection and permanent disability. One case was of an intraventricular hemorrhage from an arteriovenous malformation rupture occurring during gaming causing neurological deficits. Most vascular injuries from gaming were related to VTE. Immobility appears to be the solitary risk factor reported in most of the cases, an unusual finding with regard to the multifactorial nature of VTE pathogenesis. We recommend gamers not remain immobile for more than one continuous hour, taking breaks to mobilize or perform lower limb exercises.

Background Peripheral atherectomy is utilized in the treatment of heavily calcified plaques from peripheral arterial lesions. Commonly reported complications include access site injury, perforations, dissections, embolism, and retroperitoneal hemorrhage. Methods We report the case of a 74-year-old Caucasian male who developed a 50 × 43 × 40-mm saccular pseudoaneurysm in the native mid-superficial femoral artery after TurboHawk atherectomy. Results We describe the diagnostic steps in identifying this complication secondary to directional atherectomy and the successful treatment of this pseudoaneurysm using a Viabahn stent graft. Conclusions Pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication associated with the procedure which must be followed up with repeat imaging. Symptoms such as limb pain or swelling or increase in the size of pseudoaneurysm should prompt timely assessment of atherectomy site. Stenting with a Viabahn stent has proven to be a viable and successful treatment option.

There are many complications of central venous catheter insertion. Iatrogenic injury of the vertebral artery is a rare complication that can result in severe morbidity and mortality. The case presented describes the complication of an acute ischaemic stroke after cannulation of the vertebral artery. There are various techniques when obtaining central access, however the best practice as described by the evidence based guidelines produced by the American Society of Anesthesiologists utilises real-time ultrasound guidance to minimise adverse events.

Mucormycosis is a rare and highly aggressive fungal infection, with a potential to reach its fulminant phase rapidly. We report a case of a 73-year-old immunocompromised vasculopath with cutaneous mucormycosis. The disease resulted in eventual death despite aggressive surgical debridement, revascularization of his limb and amphotericin-B. This case highlights the need to recognize this disease early as a differential of a necrotic ulcer, to prevent a potentially avoidable fatality.

Background Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) has become Western Australia's only designated adult major trauma facility since a previous study of vascular trauma was conducted in 2001 at the same facility. The aim of this study is to identify changes in vascular trauma patterns over the two study periods and compare these changes with international literature. Methods All individuals presenting to RPH between January 2000 and December 2010 with vascular injury were identified from a prospective trauma database for this descriptive study. Injuries were classified using the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS). Results The incidence of vascular trauma as a percentage of total trauma increased over the two study periods. The current 10-year study included 45 164 patients on the trauma database, of which 1205 patients (2.6%) sustained 1335 vascular injuries, an increase from 1% in the previous 5-year study at the same facility. Males aged 20–29 years were more frequently injured. Blunt trauma occurred more frequently than penetrating. The extremities, particularly the upper limbs were most commonly injured. The most common causes of injury for each region were as follows; motorbike crash (MBC), motor vehicle crash (MVC) and stabbing (neck, thorax and abdomen), MBC and MVC (lower limb) and piercing injuries (upper limb). Injury Severity Score (ISS) and mortality 43% (32 of 75) were highest for thoracic injuries, particularly thoracic aorta injury. Mortality rate has decreased. Conclusion Vascular injuries in Western Australia are increasing. MVC are the most common cause of life threatening injury. Road safety interventions targeting young males are likely to reduce trauma.

We present the case of a 76-year-old man with a 2-month history of mildly tender swelling in the right calf for which he had an initial excision and then a wide local excision followed by a split skin graft because the initial histopathology confirmed that there was a Grade I leiomyosarcoma of great saphenous vein. A simple lump in the lower limb could be a malignant vascular tumour and should always be considered in the list of differential diagnosis of a lump in the lower limb.

Background: The aim of the study was to determine the microbiological profile of chronic lower-limb ulcers in a tertiary outpatient setting. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study of 39 patients with lower-limb ulcers of more than 1 month duration, presenting to the leg ulcer clinic. Superficial swab and punch biopsy samples were taken from each ulcer. Results: Mean age was 68.7 years. Venous ulcers were most common (51%) followed by arterial ulcers (13%), ulcers inpeople with diabetes having arterial disease (13%), unspecified ulcers (13%) and ulcers in people with diabetes (10%). The most common organisms were Staphylococcus aureus (38–44%) followed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26–28%). Biopsy and swab results were concordant in 18 (46%), had at least one organism in common in 10 (26%) and had no concordance in 11 (28%). Histological analysis did not show any cases of malignancy. Ulcer area was significantly lower after 2 months of treatment (P = 0.047). Venous ulcers had the best outcome at 2 months, whereas people with diabetes with arterial disease fared poorly. Conclusion: The microbiological profile of chronic leg ulcers has application to general treatment principles as well in guiding the necessity and choice of antibiotic therapy. Concordance between swab and biopsy results was poor; we recommend biopsy in the tertiary setting.

PURPOSE To report a case of type I endoleak secondary to complete disruption of the sutures uniting the uncovered and covered segments of a bifurcated Zenith endoluminal graft, causing displacement and distal migration of the graft main body. CASE REPORT A 76-year-old man had successful exclusion of an abdominal aortic aneurysm with a Zenith endoluminal graft in 1999. He continued to do well until the 4-year surveillance imaging [computed tomography (CT) and plain abdominal radiography] showed device migration and proximal endoleak, with consequent expansion of the aneurysm. A proximal extension stent-graft was inserted with good seal. The 1-month follow-up CT angiogram showed reduced aneurysm size and no evidence of any leak. CONCLUSION This case shows that the failure of an endoluminal graft occurs at weak points in the construction of the graft, reinforcing the need for long-term surveillance. If detected promptly, such events can often be treated by another endovascular procedure.

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the outcomes of a contemporary amputation series. Methods: A retrospective audit of 87 cases of major lower limb amputation from January 2000 to December 2002 from the Department of Vascular Surgery, Royal Perth Hospital, was conducted. Results: The mean age of the study population was 70.1 ± 14.3 years; the male : female ratio was 3.35:1. Comorbid problems included diabetes (49.4%), smoking (81.6%), hypertension (77.0%), ischaemic heart disease (58.6%), stroke (25.3%), raised creatinine level (34.5%) and chronic airway limitation (25.3%). Preamputation vascular reconstructive procedures were common, 34.5% in a previous admission and 23.0% in the same admission. The main indication was critical limb ischaemia (75.9%) followed by diabetic infection (17.2%). There were 51 below-knee (58.6%), 5 through-knee (5.7%) and 31 above-knee (35.6%.) amputations. The below-knee amputation to above-knee amputation ratio was 1.65:1. The overall wound infection rate was 26.4%; the infection rates for below-knee (29.4%) and above-knee (22.6%) amputation did not differ significantly (P = 0.58). Revision rates were 17.6% for below-knee, 20% for through-knee and none for above-knee amputations. Twenty patients (23.0%) underwent subsequent contralateral amputation. Thirty-nine patients (44.8%) were selected as suitable for a prosthesis by a rehabilitation physician; 31 (79.5%) used the prosthesis both indoors and outdoors and 6 (15.4%) used it indoors only within 3 months. Cumulative mortality at 30 days, 6 months, 12 months and 24 months was 10.1, 28.7, 43.1 and 51.7%, respectively. Conclusion: This series agrees with the current published work in finding that patients undergoing major lower limb amputation are older, with a high prevalence of comorbid conditions. Successful prosthesis rehabilitation depends on patient selection and a multidisciplinary approach. Despite a low immediate mortality, the overall long-term results of lower limb amputation remain dismal.

A rare cause of occlusive vascular disease is the “Popliteal Artery Entrapment Syndrome.” The most common cause of this problem is abnormal position of the popliteal artery caused by abnormal migration of the medial head of the gastrocnemius. An acquired form can occur because of tunneling defects by inadvertent placement of venous bypass graft medial to the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. We present 2 cases of iatrogenic entrapment of the femoropopliteal bypass graft. Investigations revealed compression of the graft with extension of the knee. Both cases were treated surgically. Intraoperatively there was evidence of compression of the graft between the tendons of the semitendinosus and the gracilis muscles and the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle. Treatment involved division of the medial head of the gastrocnemius in 1 patient, and in the other, the tendons of gracilis and semitendinosus were divided. No compression of the graft was noted postoperatively by noninvasive test. No significant mobility issues caused by the division of muscle or the tendons were present in the postoperative period.

Background: Popliteal artery injury is uncommon but poses a significant challenge in Australian trauma care. Blunt trauma and knee dislocations appear to be associated with higher amputation rates. The aim of the present study was to review the authors’ experience with this condition and discuss the best approach to investigation and management. Methods: The medical records of all patients with popliteal artery injury (n = 19) who were entered prospectively onto the Royal Perth Hospital Trauma Registry from 1995 to 2003 were reviewed. Their demographic data, investigations, primary operative procedures, fasciotomy, primary and secondary amputation rates and mortality were determined. Results: There were 17 male and two female patients with a median age of 34 years (range 17−62 years). Most patients (84%) were under 40 years in age. Blunt trauma was the commonest cause of popliteal artery injury (68.4%), and 84.6% of the patients had associated skeletal injury. The amputation rate in the present study was 26.3% (5/19). There were no intraoperative or in-hospital deaths. Three of 13 patients (23%) with blunt trauma underwent amputation, compared to two of six (33.3%) with penetrating injury. Two of three amputee patients in the blunt trauma group had dislocated knees. Conclusion: Despite technical improvements in management of popliteal artery injury, a high amputation rate is still seen, especially in patients with one or more of the following factors: extensive soft-issue injury, associated skeletal trauma, knee dislocation, and prolonged ischaemia time. Measures to reduce the amputation rate, ranging from more prompt diagnosis to modified surgical treatment techniques, are discussed.

Clinical and sonographic findings of three octogenarian patients with recent-onset venous insufficiency with venous ulcer were evaluated with clinical examination and venous duplex scanning. The venous duplex findings in the affected lower limb of patients with right heart failure showed phasic flow in the long saphenous vein. The phasic flow was traced back up to the inferior vena cava and the hepatic veins. Echocardiogram confirmed marked tricuspid regurgitation. Clinically, a simple compression of the sapheno-femoral junction showed an absence of pulsation in the long saphenous veins, giving clinical confirmation that venous backflow caused the pulsation in the limb veins. Right heart failure in patients with late-onset venous insufficiency and venous ulcer should be suspected. Sonography complemented with clinical examination is the key to the proper evaluation and management of chronic venous insufficiency with right heart failure.

Axillary artery injury after shoulder dislocation, without an associated bone fracture is very rare. Vascular injuries associated with brachial plexus lesions range in incidence from 27% to 44%. Management of axillary artery injury is mainly surgical and depends on the extent and the site of injury. The treatment of associated nerve injuries is more controversial. There is a scarcity of literature surrounding the association of injury to the brachial plexus, axillary artery and to the shoulder. The authors report a case of axillary artery associated with a delayed brachial plexus palsy and review the literature with the aim to identify the clinical pattern of this condition and to evaluate the outcome of neuropraxia after blunt axillary artery injury associated with anterior shoulder dislocation.

The objective of this research was to examine the routine postoperative management of patients who have undergone carotid endarterectomy and compare the intensive care unit (ICU) with the ward high-dependency unit (HDU) in terms of the number, type, severity, or management of postoperative clinical events within a 48-hour time frame. Two of the vascular surgeons routinely admitted patients to the ICU, and 1 vascular surgeon routinely admitted patients to the ward HDU. This research determines whether there was a difference in outcomes between the 2 groups with the intention of changing the practice of the 2 vascular surgeons who routinely admitted their patients to the ICU. This was a nonexperimental, descriptive, prospective study of all patients who underwent carotid endarterectomy during an 18-month period between August 1999 and January 2000. A total of 104 patients were recruited to the study. There were 84 patients in the ICU cohort; 59 were male and 25 were female, with a mean age of 72 years. There were 20 patients in the ward HDU cohort; 12 were male and 8 were female, with a mean age of 66 years. Major complications occurred in 3 patients. One patient from the ICU group was returned to the operating room for evacuation of a hematoma, and 2 patients from the ward HDU group were transferred to the ICU for an inotropic infusion. During the first 24 hours, hypertension developed in 37 patients in the ICU cohort, 12 of whom did not require intervention. Hypertension requiring intervention developed in 3 patients in the ward group. Chi-square cross-tabulation revealed a χ 2 value of 1.4 and a P value of .01, which is a significant difference in the number of hypertensive events in the ICU versus the ward HDU. Hypotension occurred in 41 patients in the ICU group and in 9 patients in the ward cohort. The same χ 2 test was used to reveal a χ 2 value of 0.026 and a P value of .87, which are nonsignificant results. There was no difference in the number of hypotensive events in the ICU versus the ward HDU. There were no reported incidents of tachycardia. Bradycardia was reported in 64 patients in the ICU group and in 12 patients in the HDU group. There was no significant difference in the number of patients with bradycardia in either group of patients. Chi-square analysis revealed a χ 2 value of 1.4 and a P value of .23 during the first 24 hours postoperatively. We believe that careful selection of patients to the ward HDU is safe and cost-effective.

The success of duplex scanning has been well documented in many different vascular territories to diagnose arterial narrowing and occlusion. One area to which this technique has been best applied is the graft surveillance and early diagnosis of mechanical causes of graft failure. An uncommon cause of iatrogenic complication in femoropopliteal bypass grafting is popliteal artery entrapment syndrome (PAES). Developmentally, the gastrocnemius muscle arises from the calcaneus, migrating cephalad until it divides into lateral and medial heads. The lateral head attaches first to the lateral epicondyle of the femur, and the medial head attaches later to the medial epicondyle. At the time of the attachment of the medial head, the popliteal artery has already formed and is in its normal anatomic location. If the popliteal artery develops late or if the medial head migrates early, the artery is not in its normal location; instead, it is swept medially and impinged against the femur as the medial head attaches to the epicondyle. 1 A similar complication is seen when the graft is tunneled superficial to the medial head of the gastrocnemius muscle, leading to compression of the graft. 2,3 This case report describes the incidental finding of graft entrapment on angiography confirmed by duplex sonography, surgical treatment, and postoperative surveillance sonography.

Background: Effective strategies for the prevention of adverse vascular events in patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease include smoking cessation, platelet inhibition, antihypertensives, hypoglycaemic and cholesterol lowering agents. The current literature suggests that these practices are suboptimal in patients with peripheral vascular disease (PVD). This study aims to examine and compare the use of preventive therapy in patients admitted for interventions related to peripheral and carotid atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Methods: All inpatients undergoing diagnostic or therapeutic procedures for occlusive disease of the lower limb and carotid artery at Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia, between January 2000 and December 2000 were included in the study. Their medical charts were reviewed to measure the prevalence of the use of antithrombotic, antihypertensive and cholesterol-lowering therapies. Results: Medical charts of 256 patients (97%) were reviewed during the study period. Carotid related procedures accounted for 26% of the sample. Overall, 80% were prescribed antithrombotic (antiplatelet or anticoagulation) therapy at the time of discharge. In the carotid group, 97% were on some form of antithrombotic therapy as opposed to 75% in the PVD group. Antihypertensive and cholesterol lowering therapies were used in 82% and 63%, respectively, of the carotid group vs 68% and 36% in the PVD group. Rates of preventive practices were lowest in the subgroup of PVD patients without a history of coronary or cerebrovascular disease. Conclusions: Preventive therapies are under utilized in patients with PVD. Effective strategies need to be developed to encourage the use of these adjunctive therapies in the long-term management of vascular patients.

Obstruction of the inferior or superior vena cava normally leads to the formation of a well-described and consistent pattern of collateral venous pathways. We present the angiographic and CT features of the unusual development of systemic to portal venous shunting in two cases with central vein obstruction.

A 10-year-old boy presents with a rare case of primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma. The left-sided chest wall lesion was initially thought to be a benign haemangioma and treated with cryotherapy. Within 4 months, the lesion returned and post excision was found to be primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma on histology. Few cases of primary cutaneous Ewing sarcoma exist in the literature, and although it is a rare differential for paediatric skin lesions, it is an important consideration due to the associated mortality risk in this young cohort.

Objectives: to evaluate the results of our early experience with a percutaneous closure device for aortic aneurysm repair and to identify device related and patient related factors leading to procedure failure. Methods: eighty-two percutaneous closures in forty-four patients was performed using the 10F Prostar XL Percutaneous Vascular Surgery device during the repair of 1 iliac, 1 thoracic and 42 abdominal aortic aneurysms. Results: successful closure was achieved in 70 access sites (85%) with 12 sites requiring conversion to an open groin incision. The reasons for failure include difficult device introduction due to a tortuous iliac, deflection of needles due to previous scar, femoral artery occlusion and failure of the device to close the arteriotomy. There was one intraoperative death from retroperitoneal haemorrhage and another patient developed a pseudoaneurysm at the cannulation site. Conclusions: use of the percutaneous closure device requires very careful patient selection. Preoperative radiological assessment of the ilio-femoral vessels is vital to assess for cacification and tortuosity. High device failure rates can be expected from obese patients and those with scarred groins. When difficulty is encountered during the procedure, there should be a low threshold for conversion to an open groin incision. The device and the method of introduction can be further improved to address some of these issues.

Background: Although Australia encounters vascular injury less frequently than countries such as the USA, the predominance of blunt trauma with associated complex injuries continues to pose problems for clinicians. The present paper reviews Royal Perth Hospital’s experience of vascular trauma epidemiology. Methods: All individuals who presented to the Royal Perth Hospital (RPH) with a vascular injury between August 1994 and January 2000 were identified from a prospective trauma database. Injuries were classified using the Abbreviated Injury Score (AIS 90 code). The five major vascular injury groups as defined by AIS 90 (neck, thorax, abdomen, upper limb and lower limb) were analysed in turn to determine which injuries were most frequent, what the common causes were, effects of alcohol and drugs, common associated injuries, investigations performed, mortality, proportion of rural vascular trauma with transfer details and lengths of hospital stay. Results: During the study period, 153 patients (1% of total trauma workload) sustained 175 vascular injuries. The commonest causes of injury for each group were stabbing (neck and lower limb), motor vehicle accident (thorax and abdomen) and work machinery (upper limb). Mortality was highest for thoracic injury (14/32; 44%) followed by abdominal injury (10/29; 34%). The ratio of blunt to penetrating vascular trauma is high and is increasing, as is the ratio of truncal to extremity vascular trauma. The most common artery–vein combination injury was to the femoral vessels. Conclusions: The injury patterns emerging from the present study will hopefully help all medical personnel to recognize the potential for vascular injury in a trauma setting.

Background: Haemangiomas of skeletal muscle are a rare entity, although they are still noted to be one of the most common deep tissue tumours of the lower limb. All such lesions are benign with no recorded evidence of metastasis; but they are associated with a 17–20% local recurrence rate which is thought to be related to inadequate primary surgical excision rather than histological subtype. Methods: The present case series briefly discusses the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostics, differential diagnosis and treatment modalities of intramuscular haemangiomas. The article then focuses on the recent introduction of ultrasound-guided hookwire localization, which has enabled a great increase in complete surgical excision, resulting in much lower rates of local recurrence and a more pleasing functional and cosmetic result because unnecessary dissection is avoided. Results: Preoperative ultrasound-guided hookwire localization of deep and often non-palpable intramuscular haemangiomas was very helpful in enabling a more complete surgical excision to be carried out. Conclusion: Hookwire localization using ultrasound guidance is an invaluable tool in directing the surgeon intraoperatively when excising deep intramuscular haemangiomas.

Purpose: To describe a technique combining endoluminal and open approaches for the repair of thoracoabdominal aneurysms involving the celiac axis. Case Report: Two patients with type I thoracoabdominal aneurysm and suboptimal cardiac reserve underwent transluminal stent-graft implantation. To achieve satisfactory distal seal, the caudal end of the endograft was circumscribed with a Dacron band that was sutured to the aorta and endograft through a midline incision. The patent celiac artery in both patients was ligated to stop retrograde filling of the aneurysm sac. The patients developed no problems perioperatively, and exclusion of the aneurysms was confirmed by follow-up imaging. Three years after endografting, both patients had excluded aneurysms without evidence of endoleak or device migration. Conclusions: This combined approach is another treatment option for thoracic aneurysms that have an anatomically suitable proximal attachment zone with a compromised distal neck.

Background: The authors’ experience of the efficacy and safety of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy in the treatment of primary palmer hyperhidrosis was examined. Methods: A retrospective study of 71 patients (126 sympathectomies) was undertaken. Data were retrieved by hospital records and telephone interview. Results: Follow-up was possible for 92 sympathectomies in 53 patients. Overall, satisfactory results were achieved in 93% of patients and complications were uncommon. Compensatory hyperhidrosis was the most common complication, which occurred in 64% of patients; the trunk and feet were the most common sites. Horner’s syndrome occurred in five patients, although in two it was a permanent complication. No patient expressed dissatisfaction with the procedure as a consequence of this complication. Pneumothorax occurred in 17.5% of cases, although the vast majority were incidental findings on a postoperative chest X-ray, and none required drainage. With the newer techniques of access, patient dissatisfaction with the cosmetic appearance has fallen from 27.3 to 6.4%. Overall 90% of patients said they would have the operation again, which represents a high level of patient satisfaction. Conclusions: Endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy is a safe and effective technique for primary palmer hyperhidrosis. Evolution of the technique has resulted in improvement in patient satisfaction.

Crossed fused renal ectopia is a type of congenital fused anomaly of the kidney. This type of kidney, when encountered, can be used as a donor organ to provide useful solution to the critical shortage of available organs for transplantation.

Right heart failure is associated with increased systemic venous pressure, which can be diagnosed clinically with the findings of elevated jugular venous pressure, pulsatile liver and distinctive cardiac murmurs (precordial systolic). Severe tricuspid regurgitation (TR) has occasionally been known to lead to marked pulsation of varicose veins. We report three cases that were referred to the vascular clinic of Royal Perth Hospital in which the patients involved had unilateral (right leg) varicose veins and chronic venous ulcers. On clinical examination all three patients had pulsations along the course of the varicose long saphenous vein up to the mid calf. The main differential diagnosis was arterio-venous malformation, which was excluded by compression of the sapheno-femoral junction and demonstrating absence of pulsation in the long saphenous vein. A venous duplex scan showed a grossly incompetent sapheno-femoral junction with abnormal wave forms. Two of the cases were managed conservatively with compression dressing. The option of sapheno-femoral junction ligation was reserved in one patient who had unsettling cellulitis and oedema of the lower limb in spite of compression dressing and optimal conservative management. All three patients had improvement in ulcer size at 3-month follow up with compression therapy. This article highlights that in cases of right heart failure the venous pressures can be felt as low as the mid calf level and that can be a cause of the venous ulcers. There should be a high suspicion of right heart failure in patients with late onset venous insufficiency.

Purpose: To report the successful endovascular occlusion of a persistent endoleak owing to collateral perfusion in a 1-year-old bifurcated aortic endograft. Methods and Results: An 81-year-old man underwent endovascular repair of a 5.5-cm abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) with a bifurcated stent-graft in 1995; collateral perfusion of the excluded aneurysm by retrograde filling of the patent inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) was noted postoperatively. At his 1-year follow-up, the mid-sac endoleak persisted on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Using the superior mesenteric artery for access, the stump of the IMA was successfully embolized with glue. Conclusions: This case, which highlights the importance of documenting a patent IMA prior to AAA endografting, illustrates one option for the management of persistent collateral perfusion of endovascularly excluded aneurysms.

Aim: The purpose of this study was to analyse the technical problems associated with conversion from endoluminal repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) to open repair and document the outcome in patients with this clinical course. Methods: Between May 1992 and May 1996 endoluminal repair of AAA was undertaken in 113 patients. Forty-eight of these had medical co-morbidities which led to them being rejected for open repair at other medical centres. Conversion from endoluminal to open repair was required in 18 patients. Thirteen of these occurred at the original operation (primary conversion) and five occurred at a later operation (secondary conversion). Seven of the 18 patients undergoing conversion had serious medical co-morbidities. Three different methods of open repair were used. The technique selected was determined by the cause of failure leading to conversion. Standard open AAA repair was used in patients requiring conversion for access problems ( n =2) and balloon malfunction, where the device ended up entirely within the aneurysmal sac ( n =1). Modifications to the standard technique were required in patients in which the endograft was correctly positioned immediately below the renal arteries and/or where part of the endograft was within one or both common iliac arteries ( n =11). Supra-coeliac control was required for patients with aortic rupture ( n =1), renal arteries covered by the endograft ( n =2) and situations where the delivery catheter was trapped within the aorta above a twisted bifurcated graft ( n =1). The mean volume of contrast used was 225 ml and the mean operative time was 5.25 h in patients undergoing primary conversion. Results: Conversion to open repair was achieved in all 18 patients. Renal impairment requiring dialysis occurred in three patients. There were three perioperative deaths, all of which were procedure-related (17%), and one late death. All four deaths occurred from among the group of seven patients with preoperative co-morbidities. Conclusions: Converting an endoluminal to an open AAA repair may require modifications to the standard open technique and result in a much higher than generally accepted morbidity and mortality rate. Patients rejected for open repair because of co-morbidities ran the same chance of requiring conversion as those without co-morbidities (15–17%). If conversion was required, however, they stood a 3 in 7 or 43% chance of dying.