The "iliac steal" phenomenon

Vascular Steal Phenomenon in Lower Limb due to Reactive Hyperemia in Contralateral Limb: A Case Series and an Explanation of a Rare Phenomenon Using Continuity Equation

In this series of three cases, we describe the vascular steal phenomenon in an otherwise normal lower limb secondary to hyperemia in the contralateral lower limb. In each of the cases, post-inflammatory hyperemia in the involved lower limb was associated with a significant reduction in blood flow in the contralateral normal lower limb. We attempt to explain the imaging findings in these three cases using the equation of continuity in fluid dynamics. To the best of our knowledge, a description of such kind is unavailable in the published literature.

Hemodynamic analysis of the ischemic complications of arteriovenous fistulas

The steal syndrome and its concomitant ischemic complications have long been known to occur in some patients following the construction of various types of access fistulas. A hemodynamic analysis of the flow at a bifurcation provides the basis for understanding the conditions which leads to steal. The analysis also suggests a method for assessing the potential for steal and supports the concept of banding of a fistula as a control measure.

Surgical treatment of chronic visceral ischemia

Our experience with the operative repair for chronic visceral ischemia in eight patients, including two patients without visceral ischemic symptoms, is described. We prefer revascularization of as many vessels as possible and have used a small diameter Dacron bifurcation graft directed cephalad from the infrarenal aorta to the superior mesenteric artery and hepatic or splenic artery in four patients. One patient died postoperatively of an arrhythmia. Three patients died of unrelated causes 7 to 36 months after surgery. Four patients are alive 8 to 48 months after surgery. All patients were relieved of the intestinal ischemic symptoms by surgery.