Autologous and artificial vascular transplantation after vascular injuries to the extremities: A retrospective data study in 44 cases

Genqiang CHEN; Zhijun PAN; Xuesong DAI; Hao ZHANG; Jiajun ZHU

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:

Vascular injuries to the extremities are frequently concomitant with vascular defects. Vascular transplantation repair can induce infection and vascular occlusion, etc.

OBJECTIVE:

To analyze the outcome of vascular reconstitution in 44 patients with vascular injuries of the extremities undergoing vascular transplantation.

DESIGN:

A retrospective case analysis.

SETTING:

Department of Vascular Surgery and Department of Orthopaedics of Hospital Affiliated to Jinhua College of Profession and Technology.

PARTICIPANTS:

Forty-four patients with vascular injuries to the extremities undergoing autologous and artificial vascular transplantation were selected at the Department of Vascular Surgery and Department of Orthopaedics of Hospital Affiliated to Jinhua College of Profession and Technology from April 1994 to October 2003. There were 29 patients with open injury and 15 patients with closed injury.

METHODS:

A total of 52 blood vessels were transplanted into 44 patients, including 42 blood vessels in autologous vein transplantation (35 blood vessels in great saphenous vein transplantation by end-to-end anastomosis, 5 blood vessels in small saphenous vein transplantation by end-to-end anastomosis and 2 blood vessels in superficial femoral vein and popliteal vein transplantation) and 10 blood vessels in artificial and trimming vascular transplantation by interrupted suture technique in end-to-end anastomosis.MAIN OUTCOME

MEASURES:

Outcomes of autologous and artificial vascular transplantation.

RESULTS:

Three patients received amputated extremity. Six patients developed ischemic contracture. Seven patients developed imperfect recovery of nerve function. In other patients, blood flow in the graft was satisfactory, and there was good condition of blood circulation at the distal extremities.

CONCLUSION:

Autologous vein is the first choice in vascular transplantation, and prosthetic material is another choice when necessary. It is important to prevent the occurrence of complication after transplantation such as vascular infection.