Doppler Ultrasonography Derived Maximal Systolic Acceleration: Value Determination With Artificially Induced Stenosis.

BackgroundIn diagnosing peripheral arterial disease (PAD), medial arterial calcification (MAC) hampers arterial compression and could lead to unreliable ankle brachial index (ABI), toe brachial index (TBI) and toe pressure (TP). Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) derived maximal systolic acceleration (ACCmax) might be more accurate to diagnose PAD. In an in vitro study, a strong correlation between ACCmax and the severity of stenotic disease was determined. The aim of this study was to investigate the ACCmax in correlation with conventional non-invasive diagnostics in an in vivo setting. Methods: In twelve healthy individuals, an arterial stenosis was mimicked by compression on the common femoral artery by an ultrasounds probe, creating a local stenosis of 50%, 70% and 90%. The ABI, TBI, TP and several DUS parameters (including ACCmax) were assessed at the ankle during these different degrees of stenosis. All DUS parameters were measured separately by two observers to determine the interobserver variability. Results: Overall the ABI, TBI, TP, ACCmax, ACCsys and PSV decreased significantly when the degree of stenosis increased. The ACCmax showed the highest correlation with the degree of stenosis (r -.884), compared to ABI (r -.726), TBI (r -.716) and TP (r -.758). Furthermore, the interobserver variability of ACCmax was excellent, with an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of .97. Conclusion: ACCmax is an accurate non-invasive DUS parameter to diagnose and assess the severity of a mimicked arterial stenosis in healthy individuals. Further prospective assessment of the clinical value of ACCmax and its potential benefits in patients with PAD is needed.

Assessment of Tissue Viability Following Amputation Surgery Using Near-Infrared Fluorescence Imaging With Indocyanine Green.

BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic limb threatening ischemia have a risk of undergoing a major amputation within 1 year of nearly 30% with a substantial risk of re-amputation since wound healing is often impaired. Quantitative assessment of regional tissue viability following amputation surgery can identify patients at risk for impaired wound healing. In quantification of regional tissue perfusion, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging using Indocyanine Green (ICG) seems promising. METHODS: This pilot study included adult patients undergoing lower extremity amputation surgery due to peripheral artery disease or diabetes mellitus. ICG NIR fluorescence imaging was performed within 5 days following amputation surgery using the Quest Spectrum PlatformⓇ. Following intravenous administration of ICG, the NIR fluorescence intensity of the amputation wound was recorded for 10 minutes. The NIR fluorescence intensity videos were analyzed and if a fluorescence deficit was observed, this region was marked as "low fluorescence." All other regions were marked as "normal fluorescence." RESULTS: Successful ICG NIR fluorescence imaging was performed in 10 patients undergoing a total of 15 amputations. No "low fluorescence" regions were observed in 11 out of 15 amputation wounds. In 10 out of these 11 amputations, no wound healing problems occurred during follow-up. Regions with "low fluorescence" were observed in 4 amputation wounds. Impaired wound healing corresponding to these regions was observed in all wounds and a re-amputation was necessary in 3 out of 4. When observing time-related parameters, regions with low fluorescence had a significantly longer time to maximum intensity (113 seconds vs. 32 seconds, P = 0.003) and a significantly lesser decline in outflow after five minutes (80.3% vs. 57.0%, P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: ICG NIR fluorescence imaging was able to predict postoperative skin necrosis in all four cases. Quantitative assessment of regional perfusion remains challenging due toinfluencing factors on the NIR fluorescence intensity signal, including camera angle, camera distance and ICG dosage. This was also observed in this study, contributing to a large variety in fluorescence intensity parameters among patients. To provide surgeons with reliable NIR fluorescence cut-off values for prediction of wound healing, prospective studies on the intra-operative use of this technique are required. The potential prediction of wound healing using ICG NIR fluorescence imaging will have a huge impact on patient mortality, morbidity as well as the burden of amputation surgery on health care.

A New Doppler-Derived Parameter to Quantify Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis: Maximal Systolic Acceleration.

OBJECTIVE: Doppler ultrasonography (DUS) is used as initial measurement to diagnose and classify carotid artery stenosis. Local distorting factors such as vascular calcification can influence the ability to obtain DUS measurements. The DUS derived maximal systolic acceleration (ACCmax) provides a different way to determine the degree of stenosis. While conventional DUS parameters are measured at the stenosis itself, ACCmax is measured distal to the internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. The value of ACCmax in ICA stenosis was investigated in this study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All carotid artery DUS studies of a tertiary academic center were reviewed from October 2007 until December 2017. Every ICA was included once. The ACCmax was compared to conventional DUS parameters: ICA peak systolic velocity (PSV), and PSV ratio (ICA PSV/ CCA PSV). ROC-curve analysis was used to evaluate accuracy of ACCmax, ICA PSV and PSV ratio as compared to CT-angiography (CTA) derived stenosis measurement as reference test. RESULTS: The study population consisted of 947 carotid arteries and was divided into 3 groups: <50% (710/947), 50-69% (109/947), and ≥70% (128/947). Between these groups ACCmax was significantly different. Strong correlations between ACCmax and ICA PSV (R2 0.88) and PSV ratio (R2 0.87) were found. In ROC subanalysis, the ACCmax had a sensitivity of 90% and a specificity of 89% to diagnose a ≥70% ICA stenosis, and a sensitivity of 82% and a specificity of 88% to diagnose a ≥50% ICA stenosis. For diagnosing a ≥50% ICA stenosis the area under the curve (AUC) of ACCmax (0.88) was significantly lower than the AUC of PSV ratio (0.94) and ICA PSV (0.94). To diagnose a ≥70% ICA stenosis there were no significant differences in AUC between ACCmax (0.89), PSV ratio (0.93) and ICA PSV (0.94). CONCLUSIONS: ACCmax is an interesting additional DUS measurement in determining the degree of ICA stenosis. ACCmax is measured distal to the stenosis and is not hampered by local distorting factors at the site of the stenosis. ACCmax can accurately diagnose an ICA stenosis, but was somewhat inferior compared to ICA PSV and PSV ratio to diagnose a ≥50% ICA stenosis.

Stakeholder Values and Preferences in Lower Limb Amputation for No-Option Chronic Limb Threatening Ischemia.

PURPOSE: This study focusses on identifying values and preferences of patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals who have dealt with lower limb amputation for no-option chronic limb threatening ischemia. No-option chronic limb threatening ischemia is defined as limb ischemia for which no treatment options exist and where lower limb amputation is necessary in the short term. The values and preferences identified in this study can help improve decision-making processes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This was a qualitative study, using semi-structured interviews to gather data from patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Participants were selected from the patient and employee population of an academic medical center in The Netherlands. Nine patients and seven caregivers who dealt with lower limb amputation for no-option chronic limb threatening ischemia six to twelve months prior to the interview and were not cognitively impaired were selected. Nine healthcare professionals dealing with patients with no-option chronic limb threatening ischemia and lower limb amputation were selected. RESULTS: Lower limb amputation was explicitly discussed late in the disease process, sometimes during an emergency setting. Patients stated goals were never discussed, healthcare professionals stated they were. The most important goal for patients was to live independently after lower limb amputation. Patients and caregivers feel healthcare professionals should be upfront about the possible necessity of lower limb amputation. Reasons to undergo lower limb amputation were absence of treatment options, pain and wanting to enjoy life again. Participants indicated accelerating lower limb amputation was not a viable option. CONCLUSION: All stakeholders reported overlapping values and preferences regarding main reasons for lower limb amputation, the primary goals after lower limb amputation, and the absence of a desire to accelerate lower limb amputation. The main difference in values and preferences is the preferred timing of discussing lower limb amputation.

Validation of the Dutch translation of the Cardiff wound impact schedule for evaluation of the health-related quality of life of patients with chronic wounds.

The aim of this study was to validate a Dutch translation of the Cardiff wound impact schedule (CWIS), a disease-specific instrument to measure the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with chronic leg ulcers. To achieve this, the original instrument was translated. A total of 83 patients with chronic lower leg ulcers were included and completed the translated instrument and SF36 at baseline after assessment of their wound severity. Follow-up was performed 1 week after inclusion. The psychometric properties of the instrument were assessed. Construct validity was positively evaluated by an expert panel. Face validity was positively evaluated in a cognitive debriefing of a pilot group. Discriminant validity was assessed by correlating 1-year amputation risk according to the Wound, Ischaemia, foot Infection classification system with the instrument scores. Significant correlation could not be proven. Criterion validity was assessed by correlating domain scores of the instrument with domain scores of the gold standard: SF36. Moderate to high correlation was calculated for most domains of the instrument. Test-retest reliability and internal consistency were evaluated as acceptable. In conclusion, the Dutch translation of the CWIS is a valid and reliable disease-specific instrument to assess the HRQoL in patients with chronic lower leg ulcers.

Using maximal systolic acceleration to diagnose and assess the severity of peripheral artery disease in a flow model study.

BACKGROUND: Because of the presence of medial calcific sclerosis, both ankle-branchial index and toe pressure measures can yield misleading results when attempting to diagnose peripheral artery disease (PAD). A new ultrasound parameter, maximal systolic acceleration (ACCmax), can be an accurate tool for diagnosing PAD, including in diabetic patients. However, it has not been evaluated thoroughly. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of using ACCmax to diagnose and assess the severity of PAD. METHODS: The human circulatory system was simulated using an in vitro circulatory system driven by a pulsatile pneumatic pump. Arterial stenosis of various degrees (50%, 70%, 80%, and 90%) was simulated in order to investigate the change in several ultrasound parameters (including ACCmax), as well as the intraluminal mean arterial pressure gradient. In a separate set of measurements, interobserver variability was measured using two investigators who were unaware of the degree of stenosis. RESULTS: ACCmax significantly decreased (P < .001), and the pressure gradient increased (P < .001) as the degree of stenosis increased. Moreover, we found a strong correlation between ACCmax and the pressure gradient (R2 = 0.937). Finally, interobserver variability with respect to ACCmax was extremely low, with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.99. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this flow model study suggest that ACCmax can be a valid, noninvasive tool for diagnosing PAD. Moreover, our finding that ACCmax decreases as the severity of stenosis increases, together with the strong correlation between ACCmax and the pressure gradient, suggests that ACCmax may be useful as an alternative diagnostic tool for assessing the severity of PAD. These promising in vitro data warrant further study in a clinical setting.

Use of Cadaveric Donor Skin to Predict Success of a Definitive Split-thickness Skin Graft in Complicated Wounds.

UNLABELLED: Split-thickness skin grafts (STSG) are used for covering large wound beds. This procedure is sometimes postponed due to a positive culture swab. In those cases, prolonged antibiotic therapy is advised. The present study shows that if a temporary cadaveric donor skin has good take, antibiotic therapy is not necessary and a normal STSG can be performed directly with acceptable results. METHODS: Cadaveric donor skin was applied in 35 consecutive patients. If the cadaveric donor skin had a good take (adherence) to the wound bed, the patient was scheduled for a STSG. In cases where the cadaveric donor skin failed to take, the definitive skin graft procedure was postponed. In six consecutive cases the cadaveric donor skin was evaluated for possible pathological changes. RESULTS: In 25 out of 35 patients the cadaveric donor skin had full take. In 22 of these 25 patients a STSG was performed, which led to 91% complete graft take rate. These patients were not treated routinely with antibiotics and if they were treated, surgery was not postponed. CONCLUSION: Delaying STSG while waiting for swab culture results is not necessary if the cadaveric donor skin has good take 3 days after application; in such cases, the take (attachment) of a STSG in a complicated set of patients is > 90%. The cadaveric donor skin, with positive take, showed more granulocytic influx in the epidermal layer and more vitality than those with no adherence to the wound bed. Vascular in-growth was not noted in any of the cases .

Compartment Syndrome of the Arm After Cable-Wakeboard Accident.

A compartment syndrome is an increased tissue pressure within a closed osteofascial compartment. This compromises blood flow to the muscles and nerves within that compartment, which -if not treated adequately in an early stage-results in permanent tissue and nerve damage. It most frequently occurs in the lower leg, but can also occur elsewhere when muscles are enclosed in tight fascial compartments, such as the forearm and hand. In this report a patient is described who developed an acute compartment syndrome of the arm after a cable-wakeboard accident in which his arm was strangulated. Cable-wakeboarding is an extreme sport that has become very popular over the last years. Early recognition and treatment of an acute compartment syndrome is of extreme importance since in short term necrotic muscles can lead to severe irreversible complications. Accidents with cable-wakeboarding often occur during the start. This is caused by the strong forces that are on the cable during the start. Strangulation injuries of the arm can cause a compartment syndrome of the arm. Possibly a wet-suit or dry-suit offers some protection. However, the duration of strangulation determines much of the damage. Although diagnosis of a compartment syndrome can be difficult, a high index of suspicion combined with fast and adequate treatment with a fasciotomy improve outcome and prognosis.

Maggot debridement therapy in the palliative setting.

Success rates of Maggot Debridement Therapy (MDT) differ, but range from 70% to 80%. In this article it is argued that wound closure is not always feasible and is not always the aim of the treatment. A patient is described in whom the intent of MDT was not wound closure, but infection removal, reduction of odor, and eventually prevention of a below knee amputation. This succeeded: the pain was diminished, the odor reduced, and the wound showed signs of healing. Still the patient died. In maggot literature, as with other wound treatments, outcome is recorded as closed or as failed. In our opinion, MDT has other indications besides wound closure.

Maggot debridement therapy of infected ulcers: patient and wound factors influencing outcome - a study on 101 patients with 117 wounds.

INTRODUCTION: It has been known for centuries that maggots are potent debriding agents capable of removing necrotic tissue and slough. In January 2004, the US Food and Drug Administration decided to regulate maggot debridement therapy (MDT). As it is still not clear which wounds are likely or unlikely to benefit from MDT, we performed a prospective study to gain more insight in patient and wound characteristics influencing outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In the period between August 2002 and December 2005, patients with infected wounds with signs of gangrenous or necrotic tissue who seemed suited for MDT were enrolled in the present study. In total, 101 patients with 117 ulcers were treated. Most wounds were worst-case scenarios, in which maggot therapy was a treatment of last resort. RESULTS: In total, 72 patients (71%) were classified as ASA III or IV. In total, 78 of 116 wounds (67%) had a successful outcome. These wounds healed completely (n = 60), healed almost completely (n = 12) or were clean at least (n = 6) at last follow-up. These results seem to be in line with those in the literature. All wounds with a traumatic origin (n = 24) healed completely. All wounds with septic arthritis (n = 13), however, failed to heal and led in half of these cases to a major amputation. According to a multivariate analysis, chronic limb ischaemia (odds ratio [OR], 7.5), the depth of the wound (OR, 14.0), and older age (>or= 60 years; OR, 7.3) negatively influenced outcome. Outcome was not influenced by gender, obesity, diabetes mellitus, smoking, ASA-classification, location of the wound, wound size or wound duration. CONCLUSIONS: Some patient characteristics (i. e. gender, obesity, smoking behaviour, presence of diabetes mellitus and ASA-classification at presentation) and some wound characteristics (i. e. location of the wound, wound duration and size) do not seem to contra-indicate eligibility for MDT. However, older patients and patients with chronic limb ischaemia or deep wounds are less likely to benefit from MDT. Septic arthritis does not seem to be a good indication for MDT.

Extracellular Wound Matrix (OASIS®): Exploring the Contraindications. Results of Its Use in 32 Consecutive Outpatient Clinic Cases.

UNLABELLED: Background. In the authors' experience re-epithelialization after successful debridement and granulation can be the most difficult part of the wound closure process. Extracellular matrix products represent a possible solution. However, in studies discussing the effectiveness of extracellular wound matrix (porcine-derived small intestine submucosa [SIS], [OASIS® Wound Matrix, Healthpoint Ltd, Fort Worth, Tex]), a long list of exclusion criteria has been presented. The present study was designed to explore the contraindications of OASIS Wound Matrix. METHODS: In this study, 32 patients in whom the wounds were fully debrided and granulated were treated with weekly applications of the wound matrix. The exclusion criteria formulated in the reported literature were followed. Seven different outcomes were defined. Various patient and wound characteristics that might influence outcome were recorded. RESULTS: Beneficial outcomes were seen in 80.6 % (n = 25) of the patients. The two main complications seen were infection and hypergranulation tissue. Infection was seen in 7 patients (22.6%). Four patients (57.1%) had an unsuccessful outcome. Hypergranulation tissue occurred in another 7 patients (22.6%) after a couple of applications. They all had a beneficial outcome. CONCLUSION: Much of the exclusion criteria used in previous reports are too strict. Infection should be the only absolute contraindication for starting treatment with OASIS, and it is a good reason to discontinue treatment with an ECM. Hypergranulation tissue (22.6%) is an easily treatable complication that has no negative influence on outcome. Some wounds (77.4%) had no complications, or had easily treatable complications that did not negatively influence the outcome.

A Non-healing Sinus of the Lower Leg 5 Years After Vacuum-assisted Closure Therapy Due To a Gossypiboma.

Since its introduction, vacuum-assisted closure (V.A.C.® Therapy™, KCI, San Antonio,Tex) therapy has proven to be an adequate and noninvasive method in the treatment of complicated wounds. Vacuumassisted closure can be used in the treatment of many types of chronic wounds, such as venous stasis ulcers, pressure ulcers, dehisced surgical wounds, arterial and diabetic ulcers, and a wide variety of miscellaneous, long-existing wounds. Although complications related to its use are rare; localized superficial skin irritation is the most common complication reported in the literature. Further complications involve pain, infection, bleeding, and fluid depletion. Although rare, severe complications, such as toxic shock syndrome, anaerobic sepsis, or thrombosis have been reported. This case report presents an unusual complication of vacuum-assisted closure therapy, which to the authors' knowledge has only once been reported in the literature.

Pilot study evaluating a clinical decision tool on suspected scaphoid fractures.

In an earlier study we have proposed a scaphoid decision-protocol in order to improve diagnostic accuracy in case of suspected scaphoid fractures. This pilot study evaluated this protocol. In this pilot study (n = 31) most cases with clinical suspicion of scaphoid fractures reached a positive test result on the combined 7 clinical tests (93.5%). Using this test combination, no scaphoid fractures were missed (no false-negatives; sensitivity 100%), but it also included many patients with no scaphoid fracture. Many of these, however, were found to have another fracture. In total, 48% had a scaphoid fracture, 19% another fracture and 32% no fracture. In the pilot study the proposed protocol seems to be a safe protocol, without missing scaphoid fractures. It leads to a reduction of unnecessary plaster casting of sprained wrists and produces a marked reduction in plain radiographic examinations.

Development of a clinical decision tool for suspected scaphoid fractures.

Scaphoid fractures are the most common carpal fractures; their overall incidence is however low. Missing a scaphoid fracture may lead to a non-union with a possible disastrous outcome for the patient; for this reason, treatment of a suspected scaphoid fracture, even without a proven fracture on the first radiograph, has been conservative with plaster treatment. There are many clinical tests developed to diagnose a scaphoid fracture. However not all tests are equally practical, and their sensitivity and specificity are not always known, or are very low. In this study 18 clinical tests were evaluated and a subset of 7 tests remained, which were found to be practical and/or had a high enough sensitivity. A clinical decision protocol was developed using a combination of these seven tests, in order to improve diagnostic accuracy and at the same time reduce unnecessary plaster cast treatment of patients with a suspected scaphoid, who turn out to only have a sprained wrist.