Cryopreserved saphenous vein allograft for infragenicular bypass in the presence of foot infection.

We report our distal bypass experience with cryopreserved saphenous vein allograft (CSVA) in 12 patients presenting with infection and no autologous saphenous vein available. Twelve patients underwent 13 arterial reconstructions. The mean age of the cohort was 68.4 years. Ninety-two percent (92%) of the patients presented with Rutherford Class 5 or 6 disease which required wide debridement and copious irrigation of all infected tissue beds. All distal anastomoses were to infragenicular vessels. Two patients died with patent grafts during follow-up for an 83% survival rate. Three grafts failed during follow-up between one and 36.3 months, of which two underwent amputation for an 82% limb salvage rate. The primary and primary assisted patency rate was 40% and 60% at 18 months follow-up, respectively, and no recurrent infections. In patients who have complex risk factors and the presence of infection, CSVA appears to be a reasonable option for limb salvage.

Use of the Angiojet catheter to remove plaque outside a neuroprotection filter during carotid artery stenting.

Carotid protection devices (CPD) during carotid artery stenting reduce the risk of cerebral embolization. The presence of debris outside the filter presents a problem as the material may be plaque or thrombus. We report a case that required the use of the Angiojet catheter to remove debris outside the CPD.

Günther Tulip and Celect IVC filters in multiple-trauma patients.

PURPOSE: To evaluate results with the retrievable Günther Tulip (GT) and Celect inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) placed at the intensive care unit (ICU) bedside under "real-time" intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance in multiple-trauma patients. METHODS: Between December 2004 and December 2008, 187 multiple-trauma patients (109 men; mean age 44+/-2 years, range 17-71) with contraindications to low-dose anticoagulation therapy or sequential compression devices had Günther Tulip (n = 97) or Celect (n = 90) retrievable IVCFs placed under real-time IVUS guidance. Günther Tulip filters were inserted using a "double-puncture" technique. The Celect IVCFs were placed with a simplified single-puncture technique in which the filter introducer sheath was advanced until the radiopaque tip "covered" the IVUS image of the renal vein, indicating that the filter sheath was in position for filter deployment. The 2 filter groups were compared on the endpoints of technical implantation success, retrievability, prevention of PE, and procedure-related deep vein thrombosis (DVT). RESULTS: As verified by abdominal radiography, 93.1% (174/187) of IVCFs were placed without complications; 6 IVCFs (all GT; p = 0.03 versus Celect) were misplaced in the iliac vein but uneventfully retrieved and replaced in the IVC within 24 hours. Two insertion site femoral vein DVTs (both in the dual puncture group; p>0.2) and 5 groin hematomas occurred during follow-up. GT filters were in place a mean of 107 days and Celect 97 days. In this time, 2 pulmonary embolisms occurred (1 in each group; p>0.2). Of the 115 filters scheduled for retrieval (50 Günther Tulip, 65 Celect), 33 (23 Günther Tulip, 10 Celect) could not be retrieved (p = 0.0004). Vena cavography identified filter tilting (>20 degrees ) in 21 cases (15 GT, 6 Celect), while 12 filters (8 GT, 4 Celect) had extended indwell times (mean 187 days) and excessive tissue ingrowth covering the retrieval hook. Subjectively, the Celect filters were clinically "easier" to retrieve; they also had fewer cases of significant tilt (>20%) than the GT filters, but the difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: GT and Celect IVCFs placed at the ICU bedside under IVUS guidance in multiple-trauma patients was simple, safe, and avoided transporting critically ill patients out of the ICU. Further investigation of the single sheath IVUS technique and the role of retrievable IVCFs in multi-trauma patients is warranted.

The role of CT angiography in the diagnosis of blunt traumatic thoracic aortic disruption and unsuspected carotid artery injury.

We have replaced aortography and open thoracic surgery to diagnose and treat blunt traumatic thoracic aortic disruption (TTAD) in favor of CT angiography (CTA) and endovascular repair. The purpose of this study is to review our experience with the management and outcomes of TTAD and associated carotid artery injuries. In January 2003, we initiated a protocol that used CTA to evaluate all patients with suspected TTAD from blunt trauma. When TTAD was diagnosed, patients were managed by endovascular repair using abdominal aortic extension cuffs. Twenty-nine patients with TTAD were managed by endovascular repair. In all patients, abdominal endograft extension cuffs successfully excluded the traumatic disruptions. Six (21%) of these patients had concomitant, unsuspected carotid artery injury diagnosed by CTA. One patient had bilateral carotid artery dissections, sustained irreversible brain injury, and died. Four patients with common carotid dissections were successfully treated by anticoagulation and made uneventful recoveries. One patient with a common carotid-innominate artery dissection and pseudoaneurysm underwent endovascular repair. This study indicates that CTA and endovascular repair provide accurate diagnostic and therapeutic results in the management of blunt TTAD. Furthermore, CTA should include arch and cervical views to detect an unsuspected, concomitant carotid artery injury.

Endovascular repair of traumatic thoracic aortic disruptions with "stacked" abdominal endograft extension cuffs.

OBJECTIVE: Endovascular stent graft repair of a traumatic thoracic aortic disruption (TTAD) is rapidly becoming an accepted alternative to open surgical repair. The use of currently approved thoracic stent grafts especially in younger patients with small, "steep," tapered aortas, remains a concern due to the acute thoracic endograft collapse and enfolding. The objective of this study, the largest report to date, was to evaluate the mid-term results of TTAD treated with abdominal aortic "stacked" extension cuffs, with follow-up extending to 41 months. METHODS: Thirty-one patients with multi-system trauma (age range, 15 to 61; mean 31.4 years) were seen after motor vehicle accidents between January 1, 2003 and July 1, 2007. Chest x-ray findings warranted thoracic CT scans, which revealed disruptions of the thoracic aorta. Intra-operative arteriograms in all patients and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) (n = 17) delineated the extent of the aortic injuries. The aortic length from the subclavian artery to the injury averaged 2.5 cm (range, 1.5 to 4.0 cm). The repairs were performed with Gore (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) (n = 15), Aneuryx (Medtronic, Santa Rosa, Calif) (n = 15), and Zenith (Cook, Inc., Bloomington, Ind) (n = 1) Aortic Extension Cuffs. A femoral artery approach was used in 27 patients and a supra-inguinal retroperitoneal iliac approach in four. All patients underwent thoracic CT scans during follow-up. RESULTS: In all patients, the stent-graft cuffs successfully excluded the TTAD: 21 patients had 2 cuffs, 9 had 3 cuffs, and 1 had 4 cuffs. The aorta adjacent to the injury mean diameter was 18.5 mm (range, 17-24 mm). No subclavian arteries were covered. Two patients required an additional cuff for exclusion of the Type I endoleaks at the distal attachment site within 6 weeks of initial endograft repair. There were no procedure-related deaths; 2 patients died of other injuries. At follow-up, extending to 41 months (range, 3 to 41 months), two pseudo-aneurysms occurred which required open operative repair: 1 due to infection (4 months) and a leaking pseudoaneurysm (14 months). A CT scan in all other survivors demonstrated no device-related complications, endoleaks, or cuff migrations. CONCLUSION: Stent-graft repair of TTAD is technically feasible. The technique of "stacked" aortic cuffs provides an acceptable option when urgent therapy is needed, when patients are deemed high-risk for open operative repair, or until thoracic endografts are designed which can safely treat focal, smaller aortic diameter injuries.

Retrievability of the Günther Tulip vena cava filter after dwell times longer than 180 days in patients with multiple trauma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the retrieval feasibility of the Günther Tulip inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) after dwell times >180 days in patients with multiple trauma. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 117 multiple-trauma patients (70 men; mean age 36 years, range 17 to 64) who underwent prophylactic placement of Günther Tulip retrievable IVCFs between December 1, 2003 and October 1, 2006. Prior to IVCF retrieval, all patients had vena cavography to identify possible IVCF thrombus entrapment. Filter retrieval was performed in the catheterization laboratory under sterile conditions from a right internal jugular vein approach. After IVCF retrieval, repeat vena cavography was performed to evaluate the IVC for contrast extravasation, intraluminal defects, or IVC narrowing. RESULTS: Twelve (10.3%) filters were not retrieved as the patients died of their injuries (no deaths related to IVCF placement or retrieval). Forty-one (35.0%) filters had dwell times >180 days (mean 261.5 days, range 182-403). Of these, 31 (76%) were uneventfully retrieved; 10 were left in place permanently. Pre-retrieval vena cavography identified filter tilting in 13 filters: 9 had a mild tilt < or =10 degrees, and 4 had severe tilting > or =25 degrees. All of the 10 filters that could not be retrieved were tilted (4 severe and 6 mild). In comparison to the 64 (54.7%) filters in place for <180 days (mean 51 days, range 42-180), 4 (6.2%) could not be retrieved (p = 0.367). No filter had trapped thrombus identified by vena cavography at the time of retrieval. None of the retrieved filters had structural fracture or collapse, and none had migrated. Post-retrieval vena cavograms demonstrated no contrast extravasation, intraluminal defects, or impingement on adjacent organs. CONCLUSION: If retrieval of a Gunther Tulip filter with an dwell time >180 days is considered, the patient should be ambulatory and a candidate for anticoagulation if indicated; notably, the filter should have a <25 degrees tilt. Under these circumstances, retrieval of the Günther Tulip filter after 180 days of dwell time appears justified and safe.

Atherosclerotic aneurysm formation in a lower extremity saphenous vein graft.

Saphenous vein is the most widely used conduit for arterial bypass procedures and aneurysms of the vein graft are rare. We report a true aneurysm of a reversed femoropopliteal saphenous vein graft implanted nine years earlier. Duplex ultrasonography identified an aneurysm of the saphenous vein graft and arteriography confirmed this finding. A consideration for endovascular coiling of the aneurysm was entertained, but no proximal "neck" on the aneurysm was present. The patient, therefore, underwent an uneventful resection of the aneurysm with end-to-end anastomosis. Histopathologic examination of the aneurysm demonstrated atherosclerotic degeneration with endothelial disruption, medial necrosis, and fibrous proliferation. The cause of a saphenous vein graft aneurysm is rare and unknown. The management of vein graft aneurysms, however, should be subject to the same criteria that apply to other aneurysms because once vein graft dilation occurs, it is followed by a rapid increase in size, which may lead to possible rupture.

Retrievable inferior vena cava filters: initial clinical results.

Anticoagulation is the accepted therapy for patients with thromboembolic disease. When contraindications to anticoagulant therapy are present, however, interruption of the inferior vena cava (IVC) may prevent pulmonary embolism (PE). The objective of this study was to report our early technical and clinical results with retrievable IVC filters (IVCFs) for the prevention of PE. One hundred and twenty-seven multitrauma patients between December 1, 2002, and December 31, 2004, underwent placement of Gunther-Tulip (n = 49), Recovery (n = 41), or OptEase (n = 37) retrievable IVCFs under real-time intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance. All patients had abdominal X-rays to verify filter location. Prior to IVCF retrieval, all patients underwent femoral vein color flow ultrasonography to rule out deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and vena-cavography to assess the IVCF for trapped emboli, filter tilt, or retrained thrombus. Thirty-nine patients died of their injuries; no deaths were related to IVCF placement. One PE occurred during follow-up after filter retrieval, and two femoral vein insertion-site DVTs occurred. One hundred twenty (94.4%) of IVCFs were placed without complication at the L2-3 level, as verified by abdominal X-rays. Filter-related complications included three groin hematomas (2.9%) and three IVCFs misplaced in the right iliac vein early in our experience (2.3%); these filters were uneventfully retrieved and replaced in the IVC within 24 hr. Sixty-six patients underwent uneventful retrieval of IVCFs after DVT or PE anticoagulation prophylaxis was initiated. Forty-five IVCFs were not removed: 41 due to contraindications due to anticoagulation and four because of trapped thrombus within the filter. The role of retrievable IVCFs continues to evolve, but in this study of 127 patients, prophylactic temporary IVCF placement was simple and safe, prevented fatal PE, and served as an effective "bridge" to anticoagulation. Further investigation of this bedside IVUS technique and the role of temporary IVCFs in different patient populations is warranted.

OptEase retrievable inferior vena cava filter: initial multicenter experience.

The purpose of this article is to describe our experience with the retrievable OptEase inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) (Cordis Corporation, Miami Lakes, FL) in the prevention of pulmonary embolus (PE). Forty patients (24 men, age range 15-85 years, mean age 38 years) who were at temporary risk of PE underwent insertion and retrieval of the OptEase IVCF at two institutions. Eleven patients were treated with filter implantation and subsequent repositioning in the inferior vena cava (IVC) to extend implantation time. All patients were followed up for 24 hours after retrieval, with additional follow-up at the physician's discretion. Forty patients had successful filter insertion. Two patients who underwent intravascular ultrasound guidance for filter deployment required filter repositioning within 24 hours owing to inadvertent placement in the right common iliac vein. All 40 patients underwent successful filter retrieval with no adverse events. In those patients who did not undergo IVCF repositioning, the time to retrieval ranged from 3 to 48 days (mean +/- SD 16.38 +/- 7.20 days). One patient had a successful retrieval at 48 days, but all other retrieval experiences were performed within 23 days. The second strategy involved implantation, with repositioning at least once before final retrieval. This latter strategy occurred in 11 patients, and the time to first capture ranged from 4 to 30 days (mean +/- SD 13.82 +/- 6.13 days). No symptomatic PE, IVC injury or stenosis, significant bleeding, filter fracture, or filter migration was observed. In this feasibility study, the OptEase IVCF prevented symptomatic PE, was safely retrieved or repositioned up to 48 days after implantation, and served as an effective bridge to anticoagulation. In patients who require extended IVCF placement, the OptEase IVCF can be successfully repositioned within the IVC, thereby extending the overall implantation time of this retrievable IVCF.

Transthoracic cuffed hemodialysis catheters: a method for difficult hemodialysis access.

BACKGROUND: Recurrent vascular access failure is a major cause of morbidity in patients receiving long-term hemodialysis. Central venous catheters are often necessary for dialysis, and easily accessed vessels (ie, the internal jugular vein and subclavian vein) frequently occlude because of repeated cannulation. When standard access sites occlude, unconventional access methods become necessary. We report a technique of placing hemodialysis catheters directly into the superior vena cava (SVC). METHODS: Between January 2002 and December 2004, 22 patients with documented bilateral jugular and subclavian vein occlusion underwent transthoracic SVC permanent catheter placement. Femoral vein access was obtained, and a sheath was placed. Under fluoroscopic guidance, a diagnostic catheter was then inserted into the SVC, and a venogram was obtained. By using the fluoroscopic image as a reference guide, supraclavicular access directly into the SVC was performed with lateral and anteroposterior views to better localize the SVC. Once venous blood was obtained, a hydrophilic wire was passed into the inferior vena cava. A 5F sheath was then placed, and, with the use of an exchange catheter, the wire was switched for a stiffer wire. The hemodialysis catheter was then placed in the standard fashion over this wire. RESULTS: In a 24-month period, 22 patients underwent transthoracic permanent catheter placement. All patients had the permanent catheters successfully inserted. Two major complications occurred. One patient experienced a pneumothorax, and another patient experienced a hemothorax. Both patients were successfully treated with chest tube decompression. All permanent catheters functioned immediately with a range of 1 to 7 months. CONCLUSIONS: Transthoracic permanent catheter placement is an appropriate alternative for patients in whom traditional venous access sites are no longer available.

Traumatic superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula and aortic pseudoaneurysm 20 years after repair.

A case of traumatic superior mesenteric arteriovenous fistula (SMAVF) and aortic pseudoaneurysm successfully treated by a unique combination of operative and endovascular techniques with a 20-year follow-up is reviewed. After 20 years, the patient presented with an aortoenteric fistula, which was managed with a cryopreserved aortic interposition graft. In this report, we review the evolution of the treatment for traumatic SMAVF and aortic pseudoaneurysm and the current management of aortoenteric fistula.

Stent-graft repair of traumatic thoracic aortic disruptions.

OBJECTIVE: Blunt traumatic thoracic aortic disruption results in pre-hospital death in 80% to 90% of patients. Because of the significant surgical morbidity and mortality associated with open operative repair, endovascular stent-graft repair has been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of thoracic aortic disruptions treated with commercially available proximal aortic extension cuffs. METHODS: Nine patients with multiple system trauma (age range, 16-42 years) were seen after motor vehicle accidents between January 1, 2003, and April 1, 2004. Chest x-ray findings warranted thoracic computed tomography scans, which revealed disruptions of the thoracic aorta. Aortograms delineated the extent of the aortic injuries and identified a "landing zone" (neck length range, 1.5-2.0 cm) distal to the subclavian artery but proximal to the tear. The repairs were performed with AneuRx (n= 8) and Excluder (n = 1) proximal aortic extension cuffs. A left femoral artery approach was used in 6 patients, a suprainguinal retroperitoneal approach with an iliac conduit in 2 patients, and direct tunnel in 1 patient. An Amplatz super-stiff wire was placed in the right axillary artery to enable easy tracking of the endografts, and left brachial artery access was used for arch arteriography. RESULTS: In each patient the stent-graft cuff was deployed adjacent to the left subclavian artery, with successful exclusion of traumatic disruptions verified at intraoperative arteriography and on computed tomographic scans obtained within 48 hours of initial repair. One patient required a second cuff for exclusion of a type I endoleak at the distal attachment site 1 month after the initial endograft repair. There were no procedure-related deaths; 1 patient, however, died of other injuries. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-graft repair of traumatic thoracic aortic disruptions is technically feasible. Placement of a stiff wire in the right axillary artery and percutaneous left brachial artery access for arteriography are useful adjuncts during endograft deployment. Endovascular stent grafts may enable definitive repair or serve as a bridge until the patient is stable enough to undergo an operation, if necessary. This technique warrants further investigation.

Role of prophylactic temporary inferior vena cava filters placed at the ICU bedside under intravascular ultrasound guidance in patients with multiple trauma.

OBJECTIVE: Patients with multiple trauma often have injuries that preclude the use of anticoagulation therapy or sequential compression device prophylaxis. Temporary inferior vena cava (IVC) filters (IVCFs) offer protection against pulmonary embolism during the early immediate injury and perioperative period, when risk is highest, while averting potential long-term sequelae of permanent IVCFs. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of prophylactic, temporary IVCF placement at the intensive care unit bedside under real-time intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance in patients with multiple trauma. INTERVENTIONS: Ninety-four patients with multiple trauma seen between July 1, 2002, and November 1, 2003, underwent placement of OptEase (Cordis Endovascular) retrievable IVCFs under real-time IVUS guidance. Mean (+/-SD) Injury Severity Score was 25.1 +/- 2.2). Abdominal x-ray films were obtained in all patients to verify filter location. Before IVCF retrieval all patients underwent femoral vein color-flow ultrasound scanning to rule out deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and pre-procedure and post-procedure vena cavography to identify possible IVCF thrombus entrapment and post-retrieval inferior vena cava injury. RESULTS: Nineteen patients died of their injuries; no deaths were related to IVCF placement. One pulmonary embolism occurred during follow-up after filter retrieval, and 1 insertion site femoral vein DVT occurred. As verified on abdominal x-ray films, 96.8% (91 of 94) of IVCFs were placed without complications at the L2-3 level. Filter-related complications included 2 groin hematomas (2.1%) and 3 IVCFs misplaced in the right iliac vein (3.2%), early in our experience; the filters were uneventfully retrieved and replaced in the inferior vena cava within 24 hours. Thirty-one patients underwent uneventful retrieval of IVCFs after DVT or pulmonary embolism anticoagulation prophylaxis was initiated. Forty-four filters were not removed, 41 because severity of injury prevented DVT or pulmonary embolism prophylaxis and 3 because of thrombus trapped within the filter. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic, temporary IVCF placement at the intensive care unit bedside under IVUS guidance in patients with multiple trauma is simple and safe, and serves as an effective "bridge" to anticoagulation therapy until venous thromboembolism prophylaxis can be initiated. Further investigation of this bedside technique and the role of temporary IVCFs in patients with multiple trauma is warranted. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Patients with multiple trauma often have injuries that preclude the use of anticoagulation therapy or sequential compression device prophylaxis. Temporary inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) offer protection against pulmonary embolism during the perioperative and immediate injury period, when risk is highest. Ninety-four patients with multiple trauma underwent prophylactic, temporary IVCF placement at the intensive care unit bedside under real-time intravascular ultrasound. One pulmonary embolism occurred during follow-up after filter retrieval, and 1 insertion site femoral vein deep venous thrombosis occurred. Ninety-one of 94 IVCFs (96.8%) were placed without complication. Thirty-one patients underwent uneventful retrieval of IVCFs after anticoagulation prophylaxis was initiated. Forty-four filters were not removed, because of severity of injury (n = 41) or because of trapped thrombus within the filter (n = 3). Prophylactic, temporary IVCFs placed under intravascular ultrasound guidance at the bedside in patients with multiple trauma is simple, safe, and an effective bridge to anticoagulation therapy.

Real-time intravascular ultrasound-guided placement of a removable inferior vena cava filter.

BACKGROUND: Reports have demonstrated the benefit of prophylactic inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) placement to prevent pulmonary embolism. This series evaluates the potential for the bedside placement of a removable IVCF under "real-time" intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) guidance. METHODS: Twenty trauma patients underwent intensive care unit placement of a removable IVCF with IVUS guidance. All patients had ultrasonography of the femoral veins after placement to rule out postprocedure femoral vein thrombosis and radiographs to identify filter location. RESULTS: Nineteen of 20 IVCFs were placed at approximately the L2 level as verified by radiography. One patient had a large IVC (34 mm) and underwent bilateral common iliac IVCF placement under IVUS. Within 3 weeks of placement, 12 IVCFs were retrieved. Of the remaining eight patients, six had indications for permanent implantation, two had contralateral deep venous thrombosis, and one had ipsilateral deep venous thrombosis. CONCLUSION: Bedside insertion of a removable IVCF with IVUS guidance and its removal are simple, safe, and accurate.

Remote superficial femoral artery endarterectomy and distal aSpire stenting: multicenter medium-term results.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the results of remote superficial femoral artery endarterectomy (RSFAE) in conjunction with distal aSpire stenting. METHODS: RSFAE is a minimally invasive procedure performed through a limited groin incision. Forty patients were included in the study. The indications for the procedure were claudication in 36 patients and limb salvage in 4 patients. RSFAE was performed with the MollRing Cutter device through a femoral arteriotomy. The distal atheromatous plaque was "tacked" with the aSpire stent, which is an expandable polytetrafluoroethylene-covered nitinol stent with high radial strength, yet is flexible and able to withstand compressive forces proximal to the knee joint. Before stent deployment, if the stent position is not optimal it can be wrapped down, repositioned, and re-expanded. Therefore, not only is the plaque end point tacked, but the collateral vessels may be preserved. All patients underwent follow-up examination with serial color-flow ultrasound scanning. RESULTS: The mean length of endarterectomized superficial femoral artery was 26.2 cm +/- 6.2 cm (range, 13-41 cm). The primary cumulative patency rate by means of life table analysis was 68.6% +/- 13.5% (SE) at 18 months (mean, 13.2 months; range, 1-31 months). During follow-up percutaneous transluminal balloon or stent angioplasty was necessary in 6 patients, for a primary assisted patency rate of 88.5% +/- 8.5% at 18 months. The locations of recurrent stenoses after RSFAE were evenly distributed along the endarterectomized artery. There were no deaths and one wound complication, and mean hospital length of stay was only 2.1 +/- 0.5 days. CONCLUSIONS: RSFAE with distal aSpire stenting is a safe and moderately durable procedure. If long-term patency rates are similar to those of above-knee femoropopliteal bypass graft, this procedure may prove to be a minimally invasive adjunct for the treatment of superficial femoral artery occlusive disease.

Cellular remodeling of depopulated bovine ureter used as an arteriovenous graft in the canine model.

BACKGROUND: One of the greatest challenges in hemodialysis access surgery is improving the durability of prosthetic grafts caused by structural deterioration. The depopulated bovine ureter SynerGraft (SG) (CryoLife, Inc) is a tissue-engineered vascular graft processed to remove the xenograft cells while maintaining an unfixed connective tissue matrix capable of autologous cell repopulation by the recipient. STUDY DESIGN: Nineteen 6-mm diameter bovine ureter SG conduits were implanted in 12 dogs as arteriovenous grafts between the carotid artery and jugular vein (n = 11) or between the femoral artery and vein (n = 8). Performance of these biologic conduits was compared with that of 15 IMPRA (Bard) ePTFE grafts implanted in 9 dogs, including 9 arteriovenous grafts between the carotid artery and jugular vein and 6 femoral artery to femoral vein grafts. After 14 days, the grafts were accessed once weekly. Histologic and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on grafts explanted between 10 to 60 weeks. RESULTS: The 6- and 12-month primary patency rates of the bovine SG were 72.6% and 58.6%, respectively, compared with 6- and 12-month primary patency for ePTFE conduits of 57.4% and 57.4%, respectively. None of the bovine SG grafts became infected, but synthetic conduits became infected within 54 days of implantation. At 10 weeks, bovine ureter SG conduit showed fibroblast cell migration and proliferation with incorporation into the surrounding subcutaneous tissue, and elongated cells expressing the contractile protein smooth muscle actin were also observed. After 24 weeks, procollagen synthesis was demonstrated in the fully colonized graft matrix. The ePTFE grafts had no evidence of cellular ingrowth and an absence of endothelium. CONCLUSIONS: The bovine SG was appropriately remodeled to its host environment through an organized process of recellularization and neovascularization. The absence of infection, similar patency rates, and cell repopulation of the matrix warrant further investigation.

Retrohepatic vena cava and hepatic vein injuries: a simplified experimental methods of treatment by balloon shunt.

BACKGROUND: Fecal contamination from colon injury has been thought to be the most significant factor for the development of surgical site infection (SSI) after trauma. However, there are increasing data to suggest that other factors may play a role in the development of postinjury infection in patients after colon injury. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of gastric wounding on the development of SSI and nonsurgical site infection (NSSI) in patients with colon injury. METHODS: Post hoc analysis was performed on data prospectively collected for 317 patients presenting with penetrating hollow viscus injury. One hundred sixty-two patients with colon injury were subdivided into one of three groups: patients with isolated colon wounds (C), patients with colon and stomach wounds with or without other organ injury (C+S), and patients with colon and other organ injury but no stomach injury (C-S) and assessed for the development of SSI and NSSI. Infection rates were also determined for patients who sustained isolated gastric injury (S) and gastric injury in combination with organ injuries other than colon (S-C). Penetrating Abdominal Trauma Index, operative times, and transfusion were assessed. Discrete variables were analyzed by Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel chi2 test and Fisher's exact test. Risk factor analysis was performed by multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: C+S patients had a higher rate of SSI infection (31%) than C patients (3.6%) (p = 0.008) and C-S patients (13%) (p = 0.021). Similarly, the incidence of NSSI was also significantly greater in the C+S group (37%) compared with the C patients (7.5%) (p = 0.07) and the C-S patients (17%) (p = 0.019). There was no difference in the rate of SSI or NSSI between the C and C-S groups (p = 0.3 and p = 0.24, respectively). The rate of SSI was significantly greater in the C+S patients when compared with the S-C patients (31% vs. 10%, p = 0.008), but there was no statistical difference in the rate of NSSI in the C+S group and the S-C group (37% vs. 24%, p = 0.15). CONCLUSION: The addition of a gastric injury to a colon injury has a synergistic effect on the rate of postoperative infection.

Bedside intravascular ultrasound-guided vena cava filter placement.

OBJECTIVE: Several reports have demonstrated the efficacy of inferior vena cava filter (IVCF) placement with intravascular ultrasound guidance (IVUS). The majority of these procedures,however, have been done in concert with contrast venography and/or fluoroscopic guidance. The purpose of this report was to evaluate the potential for bedside IVCF placement with "real-time" IVUS guidance only. DESIGN OF STUDY: In a phase I trial, 10 patients underwent IVUS interrogation of the IVC for diameter measurements and localization of the renal veins. Contrast venography verified the IVUS findings prior to filter deployment. In a phase II trial, another 35 patients underwent intensive care unit bedside placement of an IVC filter with only "real time" IVUS guidance using a double puncture technique in the same femoral vein. All patients underwent color-flow ultrasonography of the femoral veins after filter placement to rule out post procedure femoral vein thrombosis and plain radiographs of the abdomen to identify filter location. RESULTS: In the phase I trial, all filters were placed within 15 mm of the most inferior renal vein identified by IVUS. There were no complications, and successful filter placement was verified by contrast venography. In phase II, 33 IVCFs were placed without complications at approximately the L2 level by plain radiograph. One patient had an IVCF deployed in the common iliac vein, which necessitated placement of an uneventful second IVCF at the infrarenal location by IVUS. This same patient had a femoral deep venous thrombosis identified by postoperative duplex ultrasonography. A second patient had IVC thrombus identified by IVUS, and placement was performed with contrast venography in the fluoroscopy suite. IVC measurements ranged from 18-28 mm in diameter. CONCLUSIONS: IVUS accurately measures the IVC diameter and localizes the renal veins, allowing for exact placement of IVCFs. IVUS further avoids the need for contrast agents and for transport of critically ill patients. Bedside insertion of an IVcF with IVUS guidance is simple, safe, and accurate. Further assessment of this technique is warranted.

Remote superficial femoral artery endarterectomy and distal vein bypass for limb salvage: initial experience.

PURPOSE: To examine the results of remote superficial femoral artery endarterectomy (RSFAE) performed through a small groin incision in conjunction with distal saphenous vein (SV) bypass for limb salvage. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted of 21 patients (14 men; mean age 68.5 years, range 47-78) who underwent RSFAE and distal SV bypass between May 1998 and September 2001 for limb salvage. Thirteen had gangrene and 8 had rest pain. RSFAE was performed with the MollRing Cutter device through a femoral arteriotomy; the distal atheromatous plaque was "tacked up" with a stent. Distal SV bypass from the proximal popliteal artery was performed in situ in 7, from a transposed harvested vein in 8, or from a reversed graft in 6. All patients underwent follow-up examination with serial color-flow ultrasound scans. RESULTS: The mean length of the endarterectomized SFA was 26.5 cm (range 12-40). There were no deaths, only 2 wound complications, and the mean hospital length of stay was 3.1+/-0.6 days. The primary cumulative patency rate by life-table analysis was 71.4% with follow-up extending to an average of 12.4 months (range 1-18). There were 2 amputations for gangrene and 6 percutaneous procedures in 4 (19.1%) patients to maintain bypass patency, producing an assisted primary patency rate of 81.5%. The locations of the restenoses were evenly distributed along the endarterectomized SFA and SV graft. CONCLUSIONS: When adequate SV is not available, RSFAE with residual SV bypass is a safe and moderately durable procedure that may prove to be a useful adjunct for limb salvage, especially in the presence of foot infection, where an autogenous tissue bypass is preferred.