Vascular complications and special problems in vascular trauma

The role of body mass index in high- and low-velocity trauma causing knee injury associated with popliteal artery lesions

BACKGROUND

Among arterial traumas, osteoarticular traumas are particularly dangerous, and those involving the popliteal artery are associated with a high amputation rate. Despite representing a minority of arterial traumas, with an incidence that varies considerably by population and geographic location, traumatic lesions of the popliteal artery are challenging. This study aimed to verify the impact of body mass index (BMI) on arterial trauma damage and patient outcomes.

METHODS

Data were retrospectively collected from the electronic medical reports of all patients with osteoarticular and vascular associated lesions treated in the emergency operating room at our institution between 1 January 2005 and 1 May 2022. Forty-one patients presented with lower limb arterial trauma (43.2%); popliteal artery lesions occurred in 11 of these patients (26.8%), who were eligible for inclusion in the study. The lesion mechanism was dislocation by high-velocity trauma in 9 patients and dislocation by low-velocity trauma in 3 patients. All 7 males (63.6%) experienced high-velocity trauma, and 2 of the 3 females experienced low-velocity trauma. Only one patient had an isolated popliteal artery lesion associated with fractures in the leg or the contralateral limb. Patients with low-velocity trauma were older than 54 years, while those with high-velocity trauma were aged 22 to 71 years.

RESULTS

In 10/11 patients (90.9%), revascularization was performed after osteoarticular stabilization and reduction of the dislocation or fracture. Intraoperative angiography was selectively used. Two patients required above-the-knee amputation after the procedure: one due to infection of the surgical access point and the other due to severe soft tissue injury. One patient died during hospitalization due to trauma-related complications and comorbidities.

CONCLUSIONS

High-velocity trauma and low-velocity trauma in patients with a body mass index > 35 kg/m2 and knee lesions are associated with popliteal artery lesions. Revascularization success is not associated with high- or low-velocity trauma.

Vascular injuries: Aetiology, presentation and management outcomes at a tertiary hospital in Lagos, Nigeria

Vascular injuries lead to haemorrhagic shock and distal limb ischaemia, especially with an arterial injury. This life-threatening state mandates urgent evaluation and intervention to save life and limbs. The treatment aims to restore blood flow and replace lost blood within the golden hours, stabilising cardiovascular haemodynamics and averting irreversible ischaemic damage. The aim of this study was to analyse the clinical profile of vascular injuries, management and outcomes in our institution.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study covered the period from January 2015 to December 2021. Information of interest were extracted from the medical records of each participant. The results from the data analysis were presented in charts and tables.

RESULTS

Seventy-four patients aged 15-78 years (mean 32.30 ± 13.75 years) were included in this study. The male-to-female ratio was 3.6:1. The most common causes were gunshot injury, road traffic accident and iatrogenic injuries. The mean duration from injury to presentation was 9.85 h and mean duration from presentation to restoration of flow was 7.3 h. The most common injured artery was the femoral artery, whereas the most common vein was inferior vena cava. Primary vascular repair was done in majority of the cases. Amputation was performed in 18.9% with loss of viability of the limb.

CONCLUSION

Vascular injury though relatively uncommon remains a challenging and life-threatening disease predominantly in young adult males. Urgent intervention prevents limb loss and mortality. Favourable outcome is accomplished by improving emergency healthcare delivery and well-equipped vascular centres with adequately trained personnel in the nation's hospitals.

Update in combined musculoskeletal and vascular injuries of the extremities

Combined musculoskeletal and vascular injuries of the extremities are conditions in which a multidisciplinary approach is a sine qua non to ensure life initially and limb viability secondarily. Vascular injuries as part of musculoskeletal trauma are usually the result of the release of a high energy load in the wound site so that the prognosis is determined by the degree of soft-tissue damage, duration of limb ischemia, patient’s medical status and presence of associated injuries. The management of these injuries is challenging and requires a specific algorithm of action, because they are usually characterized by increased morbidity, amputation rate, infection, neurological and functional deficits, and they could be life threatening. Although vascular injuries are rare and occur either isolated or in the context of major combined musculoskeletal trauma, the high index of suspicion, imaging control, and timely referral of the patient to organized trauma centers ensure the best functional outcome of the extremity in such challenging cases. Even after a successful initial treatment of a combined trauma pattern, long-term follow-up is crucial to prevent and detect early possible complications. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide an update on diagnosis and treatment of combined musculoskeletal and vascular injuries of the extremities, from an orthopedic point of view.

Absence of right common iliac vein causing suprapubic and scrotal varices in a young athletic man

We have described the case of a 26-year-old man who had presented to his primary care physician with persistent, painful varices across his lower abdomen and bilateral tender scrotal varicoceles, which intensified with exercise. Thorough investigations revealed a congenitally atretic right common iliac vein with right-to-left collateralization of the femoral and internal iliac veins. This shunting resulted in the development of suprapubic and pelvic and gonadal varicosities, which provided a critical venous outflow pathway for his right lower extremity. Heightened vigilance is, hence, paramount if our patient requires future abdominal and urologic procedures. Moreover, the present case has highlighted the importance of considering deep system venous anomalies when determining the differential diagnosis for venous diseases.

Treatment Outcome of Traumatic Subclavian Artery Injuries

BACKGROUND

Traumatic subclavian artery injuries are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Thoracic cage and clavicle provide a well protection of the underlying subclavian vessels and nerves and also cause a very limited operation space during open surgery. The endovascular modality is less invasive and alternative to conventional open surgical reconstruction.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to analyze the different therapeutic effects on limb salvage.

METHODS

A retrospective review of patients who presented with blunt or penetrating injuries to the subclavian arteries between March 2012 and March 2021.

RESULTS

Endovascular and open repairs were both effective for traumatic subclavian artery injury. There was no statistical difference in the limb salvage, mortality, procedure-related complication, reintervention rate and in-hospital medical complications. Intraoperative blood loss, red blood cell transfusion requirement and length of hospital stay were significantly lower in the endovascular intervention group.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular treatment represents an attractive alternative to the traditional surgical approach for the treatment of traumatic injuries in the subclavian.

Open vs Endovascular Treatment of Traumatic Peripheral Arterial Injury: Propensity Matched Analysis

BACKGROUND

Arterial injuries occur in the setting of blunt and penetrating trauma. Despite increasing use, there remains a paucity of data comparing long-term outcomes of endovascular vs open repair management of these injuries. The aim of our study was to compare outcomes and readmission rates of open vs endovascular repair of traumatic arterial injuries.

STUDY DESIGN

The National Readmission Database (2011-2014) was queried for all adult (age ≥ 18 y) patients presenting with peripheral arterial (axillary, brachial, femoral, and popliteal) injuries. Patients were stratified into 2 groups based on intervention: open vs endovascular approach. Propensity score matching (1:2 ratio) was performed. Outcomes measures were complications, length of stay (LOS), 30-day readmission, and cost of readmission.

RESULTS

A matched cohort of 786 patients was obtained (endovascular: 262, open: 524). Mean age was 45 ± 17 years, and 79% were males. Median LOS was 4 (range 2-6) days for the endovascular group vs 3 (range 2-5) days for the open group (p < 0.01). The endovascular group had higher rates of seroma (4% vs 2%; p = 0.04) and arterial thrombosis (13% vs 7%; p < 0.01) during index hospitalization. Patients who underwent endovascular repair had higher 30-day readmission (11% vs 7%; p = 0.03) and a higher 30-day open-reoperation rate (6% vs 2%; p < 0.01). On subanalysis of the patients who were readmitted, the median cost of each readmission was higher in the endovascular group $47,000 ($27,202-$56,763) compared with $21,000 ($11,889-$43,503) in the open group.

CONCLUSIONS

Endovascular repair for peripheral arterial injuries was associated with higher rates of in-hospital complications, readmissions, and costs. As this new technology continues to undergo refinement, a thorough re-evaluation of its indications, risks, and benefits is warranted.

[Neurovascular complications in fractures of the extremities, part 1 : Vascular lesions]

Neurovascular injuries in fractures threaten at least the function of extremities. The timely interaction between diagnosis and treatment of vascular injuries helps to avoid a poor outcome or even fatal complications. An important parameter is to "think about it" for injuries under strain. An ankle-brachial index (ABI) of <0.9 is an indicator. Massive bleeding, manifest and long-lasting peripheral ischemia and a rapidly expanding hematoma necessitate an immediate surgical intervention. Endovascular techniques are recommended on the extremities of stable patients with circumscribed vascular lesions. The debate about the sequence of repair (vascular vs. osseous) has to be decided on an individual basis; however, when in doubt vascular repair should be given priority. Vessel reconstructions should be performed without tension and must be covered by vital soft tissues, the indications for fasciotomy should be liberally interpreted. The prognosis with respect to preservation of the extremity and long-term functional outcome substantially depends on the quality of treatment of accompanying injuries.