Clinical applications and cadaveric study of the free descending genicular artery perforator flap without the saphenous vein

BACKGROUND

The descending genicular artery (DGA) and medial thigh region have been underused as donor sites for perforator flaps. This study evaluated the anatomical relationship between the perforators of the DGA and the saphenous vein (SV) to review the clinical applications of the free descending genicular artery perforator (DGAP) flap for locoregional reconstruction.

METHODS

Fifteen cadavers were arterially perfused with red latex and dissected. Thirty-one patients with extremity tissue defects were treated with a free DGAP flap, including six patients who received a chimeric flap. The minimum distance between the DGAP and the SV was measured during surgery.

RESULTS

In all patients, the skin branch of the descending genicular artery was found in the medial femoral condyle plane in front of the SV. The average distance between the descending genicular artery perforator and the SV was 3.71 ± 0.38 cm (range: 2.9-4.3 cm). Thirty flaps survived completely, and one flap developed partial necrosis; however, this flap healed two weeks after skin grafting. The average follow-up time was 11.23 months.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that the SV can be preserved when harvesting the descending genicular artery perforator flap, causing less damage to the donor site and having no effect on flap survival. The free descending genicular artery perforator flap without the SV is a better therapy for complicated tissue defects.

Comparative outcomes of arterial bypass using the human acellular vessel and great saphenous vein in patients with chronic limb ischemia

OBJECTIVE

The Human Acellular Vessel (HAV) is a novel, off-the-shelf biologic conduit being evaluated for arterial reconstructions. Regulatory studies in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) to date have consisted of single-arm cohorts with no comparator groups to contrast performance against established standards. This study aimed to compare outcomes of the HAV with autologous great saphenous vein (GSV) in patients with advanced PAD undergoing infrageniculate bypass.

METHODS

Patients with advanced PAD and no autologous conduit who underwent bypass with the 6-mm diameter HAV (Group 1; n = 34) (March 2021-February 2024) were compared with a multicenter historical cohort who had bypass with single-segment GSV (group 2; n = 88) (January 2017-December 2022). The HAV was used under an Investigational New Drug protocol issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) under the agency's Expanded Access Program.

RESULTS

Demographics were comparable between groups (mean age 69 ± 10 years; 71% male). Group 1 had higher rates of tobacco use (37 pack-years vs 28 pack-years; P = .059), coronary artery disease (71% vs 43%; P = .007), and prior coronary artery bypass grafting (38% vs 14%; P = .003). Group 1 had more patients classified as wound, ischemia, and foot infection clinical stage 4 (56% vs 33%; P = .018) and with previous index leg revascularizations (97% vs 53%; P < .001). Both groups had a similar number of patients with chronic limb-threatening ischemia (Rutherford class 4-6) (88% vs 86%; P = .693) and Global Anatomic Staging System stage III (91% vs 96%; P = .346). Group 1 required a composite conduit (two HAV sewn together) in 85% of bypasses. The tibial vessels were the target in 79% of group 1 and 100% of group 2 (P < .001). Group 1 had a lower mean operative time (364 minutes vs 464 minutes; P < .001). At a median of 12 months, major amputation-free survival (73% vs 81%; P = .55) and overall survival (84% vs 88%; P = .20) were comparable. Group 1 had lower rates of primary patency (36% vs 50%; P = .044), primary-assisted patency (45% vs 72%; P = .002), and secondary patency (64% vs 72%; P = .003) compared with group 2.

CONCLUSIONS

Implanted under Food and Drug Administration Expanded Access provisions, the HAV was more likely to be used in redo operations and cases with more advanced limb ischemia than GSV. Despite modest primary patency, the HAV demonstrated resilience in a complex cohort with no autologous conduit options, achieving good secondary patency and providing major amputation-free survival comparable with GSV at 12 months.

From a Position of Known Angiographic Perfect Patency: What Happens Next?

BACKGROUND AND AIM

The biological behaviour of coronary graft conduits over time may be considered by serial angiography.

METHODS

A single institution retrospective cohort received mostly clinically indicated angiography between 1997 and 2020, following coronary bypass surgery. Only perfectly patent grafts (absence of any lumen irregularity) for each conduit type at the first postoperative angiogram were selected for a later comparison. The latest angiograms were at least 5 years postoperatively, and at least 1 year after first postoperative angiogram. Analysis was done according to each graft (anastomosis). Comparisons used generalised estimating equations, adjusted for binary logistic regression.

RESULTS

Of 143 patients, there were 410 of 468 (87.6%) perfectly patent grafts at the first angiogram, analysed at 6.8±4.0 years postoperative, of which 157 were internal mammary arteries, 228 were radial arteries, and 25 were saphenous veins. At the latest angiogram (12.2±3.8 years postoperative), comparison with the first angiogram for each individual graft found preserved perfect patency for internal mammary arteries, 156 of 157 (99.4%), and for radial arteries, 227 of 228 (99.6%) but saphenous veins deteriorated considerably, 13 of 25 (52.0%). The two arterial grafts (internal mammary and radial) were superior to vein grafts (odds ratio 163; 95% confidence interval [CI] 22-1,211; p<0.001), but not different from each other (odds ratio 0.95; 95% CI 0.78-1.16; p=0.584).

CONCLUSIONS

From a position of known angiographic perfect patency post-CABG, internal mammary artery and radial artery grafts retained their perfect patency in the longer term, but saphenous vein grafts did not.

Optimal Conduit Diameter Selection in Coronary Bypass Grafting Using Saphenous Vein

BACKGROUND

Predictors of long-term saphenous vein graft (SVG) patency following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) include harvesting technique, degree of proximal coronary stenosis, and target vessel diameter and runoff. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between vein graft diameter and long-term survival.

METHODS

Patients undergoing primary CABG (2000-2017) at Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia, were categorised into three groups according to average SVG diameter (<3.5 mm [small], 3.5-4 mm [medium], >4 mm [large]). Survival data was obtained from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare National Death Index. To determine the association of SVG diameter with long-term survival we used Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazard models adjusted for preoperative variables associated with survival.

RESULTS

Vein graft diameter was collected in 3,797 patients. Median follow-up time was 7.6 years (interquartile range, 3.9-11.8) with 1,377 deaths. SVG size >4 mm was associated with lower rates of adjusted survival up to 4 years postoperatively (hazard ratio 1.48; 95% confidence interval 1.05-2.1; p=0.026).

CONCLUSIONS

Vein graft diameter >4mm was found to be associated with lower rates of survival following CABG.

Clinical outcomes after treatment of incompetent saphenous vein combined with segmental popliteal vein reflux

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate whether differences exist in the quality of life changes and complication rates after treatment of incompetent saphenous vein (ISV) based on the presence of segmental popliteal vein reflux (SPVR).

METHODS

Patients who underwent treatment for ISV from July 2016 to July 2021 were included and divided into two groups: patients without deep venous reflux (DVR) and patients with SPVR. Patients with axial DVR, a history of deep vein thrombosis, a history of orthopedic surgery, previous venous treatment, and no postoperative follow-up were excluded from the study. Duplex ultrasound examination was performed preoperatively and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

The study included 233 patients (398 limbs), and 50 (64 limbs) had SPVR. Differences were not observed in gender, age, body mass index, distribution of clinical class according to Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Physiology classification, laterality, treatment method, and preoperative Venous Clinical Severity Score or Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores between the two groups with SPVR or without DVR. Furthermore, the Venous Clinical Severity Score and Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire scores at 6 and 12 months postoperatively were improved in both groups, although without significant differences. A significant difference was not observed in the rate of postoperative complications between the groups based on the presence of SPVR (1.8% vs 1.6%: P = .896). The SPVR improvement rate after ISV treatment was 25% (16/64), and patient-reported outcomes in patients combined with SPVR improved independent of treatment modality, saphenous vein treatment section, and postoperative SPVR improvement.

CONCLUSIONS

Complication rates and clinical outcomes after ISV treatment did not differ in the presence of SPVR. In patients with SPVR, after ISV treatment, quality of life improved regardless of treatment modality, saphenous vein treatment section, and postoperative SPVR improvement.

Development and External Validation of a Prediction Model for Patients with Varicose Veins Suitable for Isolated Ambulatory Phlebectomy

OBJECTIVE

Isolated ambulatory phlebectomy is a potential treatment option for patients with an incompetent great saphenous vein (GSV) or anterior accessory saphenous vein and one or more incompetent tributaries. Being able to determine which patients will most likely benefit from isolated phlebectomy is important. This study aimed to identify predictors for avoidance of secondary axial ablation after isolated phlebectomy and to develop and externally validate a multivariable model for predicting this outcome.

METHODS

For model development, data from patients included in the SAPTAP trial were used. The investigated outcome was avoidance of ablation of the saphenous trunk one year after isolated ambulatory phlebectomy. Pre-defined candidate predictors were analysed with multivariable logistic regression. Predictors were selected using Akaike information criterion backward selection. Discriminative ability was assessed by the concordance index. Bootstrapping was used to correct regression coefficients, and the C index for overfitting. The model was externally validated using a population of 94 patients with an incompetent GSV and one or more incompetent tributaries who underwent isolated phlebectomy.

RESULTS

For model development, 225 patients were used, of whom 167 (74.2%) did not undergo additional ablation of the saphenous trunk one year after isolated phlebectomy. The final model consisted of three predictors for avoidance of axial ablation: tributary length (< 15 cm vs. > 30 cm: odds ratio [OR] 0.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02 - 0.40; 15 - 30 cm vs. > 30 cm: OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.09 - 0.38); saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) reflux (absent vs. present: OR 2.53, 95% CI 0.81 - 7.87); and diameter of the saphenous trunk (per millimetre change: OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.41 - 0.96). The discriminative ability of the model was moderate (0.72 at internal validation; 0.73 at external validation).

CONCLUSION

A model was developed for predicting avoidance of secondary ablation of the saphenous trunk one year after isolated ambulatory phlebectomy, which can be helpful in daily practice to determine the suitable treatment strategy in patients with an incompetent saphenous trunk and one or more incompetent tributaries. Patients having a longer tributary, smaller diameter saphenous trunk, and absence of terminal valve reflux in the SFJ are more likely to benefit from isolated phlebectomy.

The impact of perivascular tissue preservation on 5-year patency of saphenous vein composite grafts

OBJECTIVES

This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the impact of saphenous vein (SV) harvesting with versus without perivascular tissue on the 5-year angiographic patency in coronary artery bypass grafting.

METHODS

Among the 944 patients who received coronary artery bypass grafting between 2010 and 2015, 579 patients who received off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting using 1 SV as a Y-composite graft based on the in situ left internal thoracic artery were enrolled. SV harvesting was performed using no-touch technique without perivascular tissue (the NoPVT group) in 342 patients and with perivascular tissue (the PVT group) in 237 patients. Follow-up duration was 84.0 months (interquartile range 66.5-105.4). Propensity score matching was performed, and long-term clinical outcomes and angiographic patency were compared.

RESULTS

The average number of distal anastomoses per patient was comparable between the groups, although more SV grafts were anastomosed to left anterior descending territory in the PVT group than in the NoPVT group. Overall survival and cumulative incidence of cardiac death were comparable between the groups, whereas cumulative incidence of target vessel revascularization (1.3% vs 4.3% at 5 year, P = 0.009) and that of major adverse cardiac events (7.3% vs 9.9% at 5 year, P = 0.035) were lower in the PVT group than in the NoPVT group. One-year and 5-year angiographic patency rates of the SV grafts were higher in the PVT group than in the NoPVT group [97.0% vs 91.7% (P = 0.004) and 96.3% vs 89.9% (P = 0.007), respectively].

CONCLUSIONS

SV grafts harvested using no-touch technique with perivascular tissue further improved the 5-year patency of SV composite grafts compared with those without perivascular tissue.

Polidocanol-foam treatment of varicose veins: Quality-of-life impact compared to conventional surgery

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Lower limb varicose veins are a prevalent disease associated with several available treatment options, including conventional surgery and polidocanol foam sclerotherapy. However, few studies have analyzed therapeutic modality outcomes based on Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs). This large sample-size study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of polidocanol foam sclerotherapy compared to conventional surgery based on an analysis of PROMs.

METHODS

This was a prospective, observational, and qualitative study of 205 patients who underwent varicose vein treatment with either polidocanol foam sclerotherapy (57 patients, 90 legs) or conventional surgery (148 patients, 236 legs). Patients were preoperatively assessed and re-evaluated 30 days after the procedure using the Venous Disease Severity Score (VCSS) and specific venous disease quality-of-life questionnaires (VEINES-QoL/Sym).

RESULTS

Both treatments significantly improved VCSS and VEINES results 30 days after the procedure (p < 0.05). However, surgery promoted greater improvements in VCSS (on average 4.02-points improvement, p < 0.001), VEINES-QoL (average 8-points improvement, p < 0.001), and VEINES-Sym (average 11.66 points improvement, p < 0.001) than did sclerotherapy. Postoperative pain and aesthetic concerns about the legs were the domains of the questionnaires in which the results varied the most between the treatment modalities, with worse results for sclerotherapy.

CONCLUSION

Both polidocanol foam sclerotherapy and conventional surgery positively impact patients' quality of life after 30 days, but the improvement is more significant for patients who undergo conventional surgery.

Phenotype and function of smooth muscle cells derived from the human normal great saphenous vein in response to hypoxia

OBJECTIVE

The contribution of hypoxia to the pathophysiology of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) has not yet been fully elucidated. This study evaluated the effect of hypoxia on the phenotype and function of SMCs derived from the human normal great saphenous veins (NGSVs).

METHODS

Fifteen NGSV tissue samples were collected. SMCs were isolated and cultured. Proliferation, migration, adhesion, senescence, and the structure of cytoskeletal filaments in SMCs were observed. mRNA and protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, matrix metalloproteinases (MMP)-2, MMP-9, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1, and TIMP-2 was detected by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting in the cobalt chloride (CoCl2) and the control groups.

RESULTS

A decrease in the number of cytoskeletal filaments was observed. mRNA and protein expression of Bas and caspase-3 was significantly decreased, while the quantity of proliferation, migration, adhesion, senescence, and mRNA and protein expression of Bcl-2, MMP-2, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 in SMCs in the CoCl2 group were significantly increased compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

Under hypoxic conditions, the phenotype and function of SMCs derived from the human NGSVs were dysregulated, suggesting that VSMCs switch from the contractile phenotype to the secretory or synthetic phenotype, and more dedifferentiate, resulting in extracellular matrix deposition and apoptotic decrease through the intrinsic pathway.

Preserving Endothelial Integrity in Human Saphenous Veins during Preparation for Coronary Bypass Surgery

INTRODUCTION

While multiple factors influence coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) success rates, preserving saphenous vein endothelium during surgery may improve patency. Standard preparations include saphenous vein preparation in heparinized saline (saline) which can result in endothelial loss and damage. Here, we investigated the impact of preparing saphenous graft vessels in heparinized patient blood (blood) versus saline.

METHODS

Saphenous vein tissues from a total of 23 patients undergoing CABG were split into 2 groups (1) saline and (2) heparinized patient blood. Excess tissue was fixed for analysis immediately following surgery. Level of endothelial coverage, oxidative stress marker 4-hydroxynonenal (4HNE), and oxidative stress protective marker nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) were evaluated.

RESULTS

In saline patient veins, histological analysis revealed a limited luminal layer, suggesting a loss of endothelial cells (ECs). Immunofluorescent staining of EC markers vascular endothelial cadherin (VE-cadherin) and endothelial nitric oxide identified a significant improvement in EC coverage in the blood versus saline groups. Although both treatment groups expressed 4HNE to similar levels, EC blood samples expressed higher levels of NRF2.

CONCLUSION

Our data indicate that use of heparinized patient blood helps preserve the endothelium and promotes vein graft health. This has the potential to improve long-term outcomes in patients.

The 2023 Society for Vascular Surgery, American Venous Forum, and American Vein and Lymphatic Society clinical practice guidelines for the management of varicose veins of the lower extremities. Part II: Endorsed by the Society of Interventional Radiology and the Society for Vascular Medicine

The Society for Vascular Surgery, the American Venous Forum, and the American Vein and Lymphatic Society recently published Part I of the 2022 clinical practice guidelines on varicose veins. Recommendations were based on the latest scientific evidence researched following an independent systematic review and meta-analysis of five critical issues affecting the management of patients with lower extremity varicose veins, using the patients, interventions, comparators, and outcome system to answer critical questions. Part I discussed the role of duplex ultrasound scanning in the evaluation of varicose veins and treatment of superficial truncal reflux. Part II focuses on evidence supporting the prevention and management of varicose vein patients with compression, on treatment with drugs and nutritional supplements, on evaluation and treatment of varicose tributaries, on superficial venous aneurysms, and on the management of complications of varicose veins and their treatment. All guidelines were based on systematic reviews, and they were graded according to the level of evidence and the strength of recommendations, using the GRADE method. All ungraded Consensus Statements were supported by an extensive literature review and the unanimous agreement of an expert, multidisciplinary panel. Ungraded Good Practice Statements are recommendations that are supported only by indirect evidence. The topic, however, is usually noncontroversial and agreed upon by most stakeholders. The Implementation Remarks contain technical information that supports the implementation of specific recommendations. This comprehensive document includes a list of all recommendations (Parts I-II), ungraded consensus statements, implementation remarks, and best practice statements to aid practitioners with appropriate, up-to-date management of patients with lower extremity varicose veins.

Clinical Efficacy of a Modified Surgical Procedure in the Treatment of Incompetent Great Saphenous Veins

Background

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of a modified surgical procedure for the treatment of varicose veins.

Methods

This retrospective analysis was conducted on lower extremities with symptomatic great saphenous vein (GSV) incompetence that underwent stripping from the groin to the knee, with preservation of the superficial epigastric vein (SEV), between January 2015 and April 2022. Follow-up assessments were performed using Doppler ultrasound, Venous Clinical Severity Score (VCSS), and the Aberdeen Varicose Vein Questionnaire (AVVQ) at 6 and 12 months after surgery.

Results

The study included 179 limbs from 120 patients (47 men and 73 women). The mean patient age was 56.5 years (range, 20-78 years), and the distribution of preoperative Clinical-Etiology-Anatomy-Pathophysiology clinical classes was 8% C0-C1, 88% C2, and 4% C3-C6. The preoperative diameter of the saphenofemoral confluence averaged 6.9 mm (range, 2.7-15.8 mm). After a mean postoperative follow-up period of 24 months, evidence of neovascularization around the stump of the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) was observed in 2 limbs (1.1%). Additionally, varicose vein recurrence was found in 1 limb (0.6%) and was associated with an incompetent thigh perforator. At postoperative follow- up, both VCSS and AVVQ scores were significantly lower than the preoperative scores.

Conclusion

Modified surgical treatment of GSV incompetence, involving preservation of the SEV and stripping of a short segment up to the knee, demonstrated favorable clinical results in terms of postoperative complication rate, neovascularization rate around the SFJ stump, varicose vein recurrence rate, and improvement in lower extremity symptoms.

Graft Patency of No-Touch Saphenous Veins Used as Aortocoronary Bypass Grafts

Background

This study evaluated the early, 1-year, and 3-year graft patency rates and mid-term clinical outcomes after no-touch saphenous veins (NT-SVs) were used as aortocoronary grafts in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Methods

In total, 101 patients who underwent CABG using NT-SVs as aortocoronary grafts were included. The 2 most common indications for performing aortocoronary grafting with NT-SVs were unavailability of the left internal thoracic artery (n=36) and moderate lesions where flow competition was expected (n=27). Early (median, 1 day; interquartile range [IQR], 1-2 days), 1-year (median, 13 months; IQR, 11-16 months), and 3-year (median, 34 months; IQR, 27-41 months) graft angiography was performed in 98 (97.0%), 84 (83.2%), and 40 patients (39.6%), respectively. The median follow-up duration was 43 months (IQR, 13-76 months). Overall survival rates and the cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac events were evaluated.

Results

The operative mortality rate was 2% (2 of 101 patients). Early postoperative patency rates for overall and aortocoronary NT-SV grafts were 98.2% (223 of 227 distal anastomoses) and 98.2% (164 of 167), respectively. The 1- and 3-year patency rates for aortocoronary SV grafts were 94.9% (131 of 138) and 90.6% (58 of 64), respectively. The overall survival rates at 5 and 10 years were 81.7% and 59%, respectively. The cumulative incidence of major adverse cardiac events at 5 and 10 postoperative years was 20.7% and 39%, respectively.

Conclusion

The feasibility of using NT-SVs as aortocoronary grafts in CABG was shown in this study, based on the graft patency rates up to 3 years and the mid-term clinical outcomes.

Bariatric Surgery and Femoral Vein Diameter in Morbidly Obese Patients: a Cohort Study in Iran

INTRODUCTION

Considering the importance of health, the effect of obesity on the quality of life, the person's self-image, and the effect of obesity on various organs, especially the vessels, and the absence or presence of a study in Iran that investigated the effect of gastric bariatric surgery on the diameter of the femoral vein, in the present study, we investigated the effect of bariatric surgery on femoral vein diameter in morbidly obese patients referred to Imam Hossein hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The present study was a prospective cohort study on morbidly obese patients referred to the center in 2022-2023. In this study, 31 morbidly obese patients with BMI above 30 kg/m2 who were candidates for bariatric surgery were examined. Demographic data were collected using a demographic profile checklist. BMI, the diameter of common femoral veins, and the great saphenous vein were measured and recorded before and 6 months after surgery. Ultimately, the data was collected and analyzed using SPSS V.24 software.

RESULTS

In the current study, 31 patients (62 extremities) were examined. The mean age of the patients was 34.45, with a standard deviation of 8.86. Fourteen patients (45.2%) were male, and 17 (54.8%) were female. The mean diameter of the common femoral vein in the 6 months after surgery was significantly less than before surgery (11.58 (1.64) compared to 12.95 (1.84), P = 0.0001). The mean diameter of the great saphenous vein in the 6 months after surgery was significantly less than before surgery (7.30 (1.45) compared to 7.75 (1.45), P = 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

It seems that bariatric surgery causes a significant decrease in the diameter of lower limb veins (common femoral vein and great saphenous vein) compared to before surgery. However, further studies in this field are recommended.

High-Flow Bypass and Trapping of a Ruptured Internal Carotid Artery Blister Aneurysm: Operative Principles and Key Lessons

Blood blister-like aneurysms (BBAs) are infrequent but challenging small aneurysms with fragile domes consisting of a thin adventitia layer.1 Flow diversion and microsurgical trapping are acceptable treatment options. While endovascular treatment is becoming the first choice in developed countries, it is prohibitive in most developing countries, where microsurgical treatment is the only feasible option. Microsurgical treatment offers superior obliteration rates at similar neurologic outcomes than endovascular treatment.1-3 Mastering high-flow revascularization and pressure monitoring is necessary to improve outcomes of BBA, especially in the developing world. We present our operative principles, which involve pressure monitoring and a high-flow bypass to ensure sufficient post-trapping cerebral pressure.4 A 53-year-old lady was found to have a modified Fisher 4 subarachnoid hemorrhage after the worst headache of her life. Endovascular flow diversion and trapping and bypass were discussed with the patient and family. A right internal carotid artery BBA was trapped (Video 1). A right superficial temporal artery to M4 middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass was used to both maintain perfusion during a high-flow bypass and to measure cerebral blood pressure. An external carotid artery to MCA bypass using a saphenous vein graft provided >80% of baseline MCA arterial pressure, which prevents delayed ischemic strokes.4 The patient tolerated the procedure well and was discharged home without deficits on postoperative day 15 after vasospasm watch. The patient consented to the procedure and provided consent to the publication of her images.

Successful repair of transplant renal artery aneurysm (TRAA)

BACKGROUND

Transplant renal artery aneurysm (TRAA) is rare. TRAA that develops post transplantation consists of 0.10% of the vascular complications post renal transplant (Transplant Proc 41:1609-1614, 2009; Indian J Urol 29:42-47, 2013).

CASE PRESENTATION

We report a case of TRAA in an asymptomatic young female. CT angiogram with detailed 3D reconstruction showed a 2.6 × 2.2 cm wide neck saccular TRAA arising from the anterior segmental branch of the graft renal artery (Figs. 2 and 3). A multidisciplinary team of interventional radiologists, vascular and urologist was involved for preoperative surgical planning and unique repair methods. Endovascular and percutaneous approaches were deemed not feasible, and an open in vivo approach with a saphenous vein graft was taken.

CONCLUSION

TRAA, albeit rare, is a complication that can occur post renal transplant. In-vivo surgical repair of TRAA is feasible with a multidisciplinary approach and careful preoperative planning. Saphenous vein graft is still a versatile graft and can be used as a conduit successfully.

The Results of Femorofemoral Bypass Using a Saphenous Vein Graft as an Alternative to PTFE Grafts

Purpose

This study aimed to report the results of femorofemoral bypass (FFB) using a great saphenous vein (GSV) graft as an alternative to polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts.

Materials and Methods

From January 2012 to December 2021, 168 patients who underwent FFB (PTFE, 143; GSV, 25) were included. The patients' demographic features and surgical intervention results were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

There were no intergroup differences in patients' demographic features. In GSV vs. PTFE grafts, the superficial femoral artery provided statistically significant inflow and outflow (P<0.001 for both), and redo bypass was more common (P=0.021). The mean follow-up duration was 24.7±2.3 months. The primary patency rates at 3 and 5 years were 84% and 74% for PTFE grafts and 82% and 70% for GSV grafts, respectively. There was no significant intergroup difference in primary patency (P=0.661) or clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR)-free survival (P=0.758). Clinical characteristics, disease details, and procedures were analyzed as risk factors for graft occlusion. Multivariate analysis revealed that none of the factors was associated with an increased risk of FFB graft occlusion.

Conclusion

FFB using PTFE or GSV grafts is a useful method with an approximately 70% 5-year primary patency rate. The GSV and PTFE grafts showed no difference in primary patency or CD-TLR-free survival during follow-up; however, FFB using GSV may be an option in selective situations.

Comparison of Phenotypes in Subcutaneous Fat and Perivascular Adipose Tissue Surrounding the Saphenous Vein in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

BACKGROUND

The saphenous vein (SV) is used as an essential conduit in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), but the long-term patency of SV grafts is a crucial issue. The use of the novel "no-touch" technique of harvesting the SV together with its surrounding tissue has been reported to result in good long-term graft patency of SV grafts. We recently showed that perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) surrounding the SV (SV-PVAT) had lower levels of metaflammation and consecutive adipose tissue remodeling than did PVAT surrounding the coronary artery. However, the difference between SV-PVAT and subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) remains unclear.Methods and Results: Fat pads were sampled from 55 patients (38 men, 17 women; mean [±SD] age 71±8 years) with coronary artery disease who underwent elective CABG. Adipocyte size was significantly larger in SV-PVAT than SCAT. The extent of fibrosis was smaller in SV-PVAT than SCAT. There were no significant differences between SCAT and SV-PVAT in macrophage infiltration area, quantified by antibodies for CD68, CD11c, and CD206, or in gene expression levels of metaflammation-related markers. Expression patterns of adipocyte developmental and pattern-forming genes differed between SCAT and SV-PVAT.

CONCLUSIONS

The properties of SV-PVAT are close to, but not the same as, those of SCAT, possibly resulting from inherent differences in adipocytes. SV-PVAT has healthy expansion with less fibrosis in fat than SCAT.

Mid-term results of radiofrequency ablation with multiple heat cycles for incompetent saphenous veins

OBJECTIVE

Recent reports suggest that the number of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) cycles impacts the depth of vein wall damage. This study evaluates the mid-term occlusion rate after delivering increased energy during RFA of incompetent saphenous veins.

METHODS

Between 2016 and 2019, consecutive patients who underwent RFA with multiple heat cycles were enrolled in the study. The exclusion criterion was previous treatment history for chronic venous disease. Duplex ultrasound data and medical records were reviewed retrospectively.

RESULTS

This study enrolled 217 patients (345 veins). Follow-up examinations were performed for 65% of treated veins after 6 months, 31% after 12 months, and 26% after more than 24 months with a mean follow-up period of 23 ± 18.9 months. The numbers of great saphenous and small saphenous veins were 178 and 62, respectively. According to the Kaplan-Meier method, the occlusion rate of saphenous veins was 100% at 3 years and 95.4% at 5 years. Except for one case (0.3%) of endovenous heat-induced thrombosis class 2, no significant side effects were noted.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine use of RFA with multiple heat cycles for incompetent saphenous veins exhibits good clinical outcomes considering mid-term occlusion rate without an increase in side effects.

Preservation of Adrenoceptor and Endothelin Receptor Mediated Vasoconstriction and of Endothelium-Dependent Relaxation after Cold Storage of Explanted Blood Vessels for ex vivo Analyses

INTRODUCTION

Adrenoceptor and endothelin (ET) receptor-mediated vasoconstriction as well as endothelium-dependent vasodilation of human saphenous veins were compared before and after 20 h of cold storage.

METHODS

Contractile responses to potassium chloride (KCl), norepinephrine (NE), and ET-1 as well as vasodilator responses to acetylcholine (ACh) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Storage in HEPES-supplemented Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium (HDMEM) diminished KCl induced contractile forces to 71% (p = 0.002) and NE induced contractions to 80% (p = 0.037), in contrast to HEPES-supplemented Krebs-Henseleit solution (HKH) and TiProtec solution. KCl-normalized NE contractions were not affected by storage. NE EC50 values were slightly lower (7.1E-8 vs. 7.5E-8, p = 0.019) after storage in HKH, with no changes after storage in the other solutions. Endothelium-dependent responses to ACh were not affected by storage. ET-1 induced contractions were attenuated after storage in HDMEM (77%, p = 0.002), HKH (75%, p = 0.020), and TiProtec (73%, p = 0.010) with no changes in normalized constrictions. ET-1 EC50 values were not affected by storage.

CONCLUSION

Loss of contractility after storage in HDMEM may reflect the lower content of dextrose. There was no specific attenuation of adrenoceptor, ET-receptor, or ACh receptor mediated signal transduction after storage in any of the media. HKH or TiProtec are equally suitable cold storage solutions for ex vivo measurements.