Venous injuries of the lower extremities and pelvis: repair versus ligation

Predictive factors of amputation in infra-inguinal vascular trauma: a monocentric experience

OBJECTIVES

Infra-inguinal vascular injuries (IIVI) are emergencies involving both functional and vital prognosis. The choice between saving the limb or doing a first-line amputation is difficult even for an experienced surgeon. The aims of this work are to analyze early outcomes in our center and to identify predictive factors for amputation.

M METHODS

Between 2010 and 2017, we reviewed retrospectively patients with IIVI. The main criteria for judgement were: primary, secondary and overall amputation. Two groups of potential risk factors of amputation were analyzed: Those related to the patient: age, shock, ISS score; those related to the lesion: mechanism, above or below the knee, bone lesions, venous lesions and skin decay. A univariate and multivariate analysis were performed to determine the risk factor(s) independently associated with the occurrence of amputation.

RESULTS

57 IIVI were found in 54 patients. The mean ISS was 32,3 ± 21. A primary amputation was performed in 19%, and secondary in 14% of cases. Overall amputation rate was 35% (n=19). Multivariate analysis reveals that the ISS is the only predictor of primary (p=0.009; OR:1.07; CI:1.01-1.12) and global (p=0.04; OR:1.07; IC:1.02-1.13) amputation. A threshold value of 41 was selected as a primary amputation risk factor with a negative predictive value of 97%.

CONCLUSIONS

The ISS is a good predictor of the risk of amputation in IIVI. A threshold of 41 is an objective criterion helping to decide for a first-line amputation. Advanced age and hemodynamic instability should not be important in the decision tree.

Treatment of vascular non-iatrogenic injuries of upper and lower extremities in tertiary vascular center

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to examine demographic and baseline characteristics of patients with vascular injuries of extremities and to define the most relevant factors which influenced an early outcome, as well as limb salvage after the management of vascular trauma.

METHODS

This study used the database that included 395 patients with peripheral arterial injuries, who were treated in the tertiary vascular university center in the period between 2005-2020. Exclusion criteria were isolated thoracic, abdominal and neck injuries as well as iatrogenic injuries and injuries of intravenous addicts. Univariate binary logistic regression analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to determine risk factors for lomb loss (after vascular reconstruction) or mortality. Decision to perform primary amputation (without vascular reconstruction) was based on surgeons' preference and experience.

RESULTS

Out of 395 vascular injuries treated in the period 2005-2020, 210 (53.2%) presented with non-iatrogenic vascular injuries of upper and lower extremities were analyzed. According to the univariate regression analysis, hemorrhage as the main clinical manifestation on admission (P=0.035) and early reintervention (P=0.048) increased, while an early patency of repaired artery (0.010) significantly decreased a 30-day amputation rate. Multivariate logistic regression analysis of these three variables showed that only early patency of repaired artery significantly decreased the early amputation rate (P=0.009).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on presented experience, the patency of vascular reconstruction plays a crucial role in limb salvage in patients with non-iatrogenic peripheral vascular injuries. All factors that might influence the patency should be in focus of improvement.

Review article: History of venous trauma

ABSTRACT

This is a literature review on the history of venous trauma since the 1800s, especially that to the common femoral, femoral and popliteal veins, with focus on the early 1900s, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War, and then civilian and military reviews (1960-2020). In the latter two groups, tables were used to summarize the following: incidence of venous repair versus ligation, management of popliteal venous injuries, patency of venous repairs when assessed <30 days from operation, patency of venous repairs when assessed >30 days from operation, clinical assessment (edema or not) after ligation versus repair, incidence of deep venous thrombosis after ligation versus repair, and incidence of pulmonary embolism after ligation versus repair.There is a lack of the following in the literature on the management of venous injuries over the past 80 years: standard definition of magnitude of venous injury in operative reports, accepted indications for venous repair, standard postoperative management, and timing and mode of early and later postoperative assessment.Multiple factors have entered into the decision on venous ligation versus repair after trauma for the past 60 years, but a surgeon's training and local management protocols have the most influence in both civilian and military centers. Ligation of venous injuries, particularly those in the lower extremities, is well tolerated in civilian trauma, although there is the usual lack of short- and long-term follow-up as noted in many of the articles reviewed.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Review article, levels IV and V.

Traumatic femoral arteriovenous fistula following gunshot injury: Case report and review of literature

Introduction

Vascular injuries account for approximately 2–4% of trauma admissions with only 2.5% of these being traumatic arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs). We offer a case report of a traumatic AVF and review of the literature.

Presentation of case

A 40-year-old male presented following 4 gunshot wounds, 2 in the forearm and 2 in the left upper thigh. The patient had decreased range of motion and paresthesia of the left lower extremity with palpable pulses and adequate capillary refill in all extremities. A CT angiogram demonstrated a left traumatic AVF involving the left deep femoral artery and left common femoral vein with an adjacent bullet fragment. The patient was taken to the operating room and underwent an exploration of the left groin, repair of the traumatic AVF, and removal of bullet fragment. The venous aspect had a grade IV injury and was ligated. The arterial defect was debrided to healthy tissue and repaired primarily. The patient recovered from his injuries with adequate ambulation and resolution of lower extremity edema. He was discharged home on postoperative day 4 on aspirin and a compression stocking.

Discussion

Traumatic AVFs are rare, with up to 70% diagnosed in a delayed fashion. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion to correctly diagnose and manage this injury to avoid potential morbidity and mortality.

Conclusion

Despite literature accounts of surgeons’ experience, this pathology is lacking level one evidence-based standardized surgical management algorithms. Controversy exists regarding venous repair methods.

•

Early diagnosis and management of traumatic AVFs help avoid potential long-term morbidity and mortality.

•

Traumatic AVFs with Grade IV venous injuries can be safely ligated with minimal morbidity while reducing operative time and potential blood loss.

•

Patients with traumatic AVFs should be placed on a strict DVT surveillance and management regimen along with compression stockings postoperatively.

Presentation patterns and prognosis of 109 isolated venous injuries in 99 patients

Objectives

To identify outcome predictors of isolated venous injuries (VIs).

Methods

Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected information.

Results

A total of 99 patients with 109 isolated VI were included. All-cause mortality was 18/99 (18%) and mortality related to the VI was 10/99 (10%). On multivariate analysis, independent predictors of all-cause mortality included age (odds ratio – OR – 1.06, p = 0.042), external cause – trauma and foreign body retention – of VI (OR 34.62, p = 0.002) and the number of red blood cell units transfused intraoperatively (OR 2.10, p < 0.001), while independent predictors of VI-related mortality included external cause of VI (OR 47.60, p = 0.001) and the number of red blood cell units transfused intraoperatively (OR 1.72, p = 0.003).

Conclusions

VIs due to external causes have a high mortality rate. On the other hand, VIs due to internal causes (iatrogenic injuries during a surgical procedure) are managed promptly and have a very low mortality related to the VI.

Posttraumatic Reconstruction of External Iliac and Common Femoral Veins Using Femoral Vein Interposition Autograft

Posttraumatic reconstruction of large lower extremity veins is a challenging and rarely performed procedure. We describe a case of an 18-year-old male traffic accident victim presenting with extensive venous injury of the right inguinal region including external iliac vein and common femoral vein requiring immediate ligation. Owing to life-threatening phlegmasia cerulea dolens, venous reconstruction was successfully performed using an femoral vein interposition autograft from the contralateral lower limb.

Is It Really Mandatory to Harvest the Contralateral Saphenous Vein for Use in Repair of Traumatic Injuries?

Since the transition time in surgical technique of vascular repair to current civilian practice, the great saphenous vein (GSV) remains unarguably the preferred conduit for surgical reconstruction in the lower extremity. With qualities such as accessibility, expendability, and long-term durability, it is easy to understand the enthusiasm with using the GSV in arterial or venous vascular injuries. However, the question does arise whether these detailed benefits of the GSV warrant harvest from an uninjured limb for vascular reconstruction on an injured limb. For those ardent followers of surgical dogma, harvest of contralateral vein from the uninjured lower extremity traumatic vascular repair is mandated. Unfortunately, this principle is not supported by high-quality data and remains folklore at best.

Venous thromboembolism after major venous injuries: Competing priorities

BACKGROUND

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after major vascular injury (MVI) is particularly challenging because the competing risk of thrombosis and embolization after direct vessel injury must be balanced with risk of bleeding after surgical repair. We hypothesized that venous injuries, repair type, and intraoperative anticoagulation would influence VTE formation after MVI.

METHODS

A multi-institution, retrospective cohort study of consecutive MVI patients was conducted at three urban, Level I centers (2005-2013). Patients with MVI of the neck, torso, or proximal extremities (to elbows/knees) were included. Our primary study endpoint was the development of VTE (DVT or pulmonary embolism [PE]).

RESULTS

The 435 major vascular injury patients were primarily young (27 years) men (89%) with penetrating (84%) injuries. When patients with (n = 108) and without (n = 327) VTE were compared, we observed no difference in age, mechanism, extremity injury, tourniquet use, orthopedic and spine injuries, damage control, local heparinized saline, or vascular surgery consultation (all p > 0.05). VTE patients had greater Injury Severity Score (ISS) (17 vs. 12), shock indices (1 vs. 0.9), and more torso (58% vs. 35%) and venous (73% vs. 48%) injuries, but less often received systemic intraoperative anticoagulation (39% vs. 53%) or postoperative enoxaparin (47% vs. 61%) prophylaxis (all p < 0.05). After controlling for ISS, hemodynamics, injured vessel, intraoperative anticoagulation, and postoperative prophylaxis, multivariable analysis revealed venous injury was independently predictive of VTE (odds ratio, 2.7; p = 0.002). Multivariable analysis of the venous injuries subset (n = 237) then determined that only delay in starting VTE chemoprophylaxis (odds ratio, 1.3/day; p = 0.013) independently predicted VTE after controlling for ISS, hemodynamics, injured vessel, surgical subspecialty, intraoperative anticoagulation, and postoperative prophylaxis. Overall, 3.4% of venous injury patients developed PE, but PE rates were not related to their operative management (p = 0.72).

CONCLUSION

Patients with major venous injuries are at high risk for VTE, regardless of intraoperative management. Our results support the immediate initiation of postoperative chemoprophylaxis in patients with major venous injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/care management, level IV.

Management of war-related vascular wounds in French role 3 hospital during the Afghan campaign

OBJECTIVES

To describe the management of war-related vascular injuries in the Kabul French military hospital.

METHODS

From January 2009 to April 2013, in the Kabul French military hospital, we prospectively included all patients presenting with war-related vascular injuries. We collected the following data: site, type, and mechanism of vascular injury, associated trauma, type of vascular repair, amputation rate and complications.

RESULTS

Out of the 922 soldiers admitted for emergency surgical care, we recorded 45 (5%) patients presenting with vascular injuries: 30 (67%) gunshot-related, 11 (24%) explosive device-related, and 4 (9%) due to road traffic accident. The majority of injuries (93%) involved limbs. Vascular injuries were associated with fractures in 71% of cases. Twelve (26.7%) had an early amputation performed before evacuation. Twenty (44.4%) patients underwent fasciotomy and three (6.6%) sustained a compartment syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS

This was the first French reported series of war-related vascular injuries during the last decade's major conflicts. The majority of injuries occurred in the limbs. Autologous vein graft remains the treatment of choice for arterial repair. Functional severity of these injuries justifies specific training for military surgeons.

Treatment Options of Iatrogenic Pelvic Vein Injuries: Conventional Operative Versus Endovascular Approach

Iatrogenic injury to the iliac vein or inferior vena cava (IVC), which may occur during abdominal operations or posterior orthopedic procedures, can have devastating consequences. Operative management is challenging and may be associated with significant morbidity. The authors report herein 3 cases of iatrogenic pelvic vein injuries that were managed with different treatment approaches. Both traditional open surgical therapy and endovascular techniques are described.

Peripheral Arterial Injuries: an Indian Experience

Arterial injuries present the most challenging conditions in surgical practice. Many fail to reach the specialist in time and end up losing limbs or lives. Though well addressed elsewhere, it has received less attention in developing countries like India. There is a need to study these injuries from the perspective of countries like India. The aims of the study are to (1) analyze the epidemiology, presentation, and outcomes of arterial injuries operated by the author in Indian settings; (2) identify factors associated with adverse outcomes; and (3) discuss the critical issues with relevance to our country. Retrospective analysis of arterial injuries operated by the author between July 2010 and February 2014 at our institution was performed. Patients with feasibility of revascularization were included and nonviable limbs requiring primary amputations were excluded. Sixty-one patients fulfilled the criteria of which 55 (90.1 %) were males and 6 (9.8 %) females aged between 5 and 70 years. The mean duration of presentation was 21 h. Majority were resultant of road traffic accidents (62.7 %). Among 49 (80.3 %) noniatrogenic injuries, the mechanism was blunt in 46 (93.8 %, n = 49) and penetrating in 3 (6.1 %) cases. Iatrogenic injuries were seen in 12 (19.6 %) cases. Lower limbs accounted for 37 (60.6 %) cases, popliteal segment being common, 22 (36 %) cases. Bony injuries were associated in 39 (63.9 %) cases. The most common procedure was interposition graft (49.1 %). Six (9.8 %) patients required an amputation resulting in 55 (90.1 %) salvaged limbs. Reaching a specialist center in appropriate time can result in good limb salvage rates and functional outcomes. Creating awareness and training the personnel are the critical issues in the management of arterial injuries in India.

Management of war-related vascular injuries: experience from the second gulf war

AIM

To study the biomechanism, pattern of injury, management, and outcome of major vascular injuries treated at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Teaching Hospital, Kuwait during the Second Gulf War.

METHODS

This is a descriptive retrospective study. War-related injured patients who had major vascular injuries and were treated at Mubarak Al-Kabeer Teaching Hospital from August 1990 to September 1991 were studied. Studied variables included age, gender, anatomical site of vascular injury, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, type of vascular repair, and clinical outcome.

RESULTS

36 patients having a mean (SD) age of 29.8 (10.2) years were studied. 32 (89%) were males and 21 (58%) were civilians. Majority of injuries were caused by bullets (47.2%) and blast injuries (47.2%). Eight patients (22%) presented with shock.There were 31 arterial injuries, common and superficial femoral artery injuries were most common (10/31). Arterial repair included interposition saphenous vein graft in seven patients, thrombectomy with end-to-end / lateral repair in twelve patients, vein patch in two patients, and arterial ligation in four patients. Six patients had arterial ligation as part of primary amputation. 3/21 (14.3%) patients had secondary amputation after attempted arterial vascular repair of an extremity. There were a total of 17 venous injuries, 13 managed by lateral suture repair and 4 by ligation. The median (range) hospital stay was 8 (1-76) days. 5 patients died (14%).

CONCLUSIONS

Major vascular injuries occurred in 10% of hospitalized war-related injured patients. Our secondary amputation rate of extremities was 14%. The presence of a vascular surgeon within a military surgical team is highly recommended. Basic principles and techniques of vascular repair remain an essential part of training general surgeons because it may be needed in unexpected wars.

Management of traumatic popliteal vein injuries

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate different repair methods of popliteal vein injuries, and to assess the relationship between early patency and surgical outcome.

METHODS

Thirty patients with popliteal vein injuries underwent surgical repair procedure at our hospital from March 2000 to April 2010. Patients who were haemodynamically unstable and those with massive bleeding from limb wounds were taken directly to the operating room. Stable patients underwent preoperative colour-flow duplex ultrasonography (CFDU).

RESULTS

Our study group consisted of 26 males and 4 females, ranging in age from 17 to 60 years with a mean age of 25.3 ± 5.9 years. The mechanism of trauma was penetrating in 27 patients and blunt in the remaining 3 patients. Treatment included primary venous repair in 11 cases, end-to-end anastomosis in 8, interposition vein graft in 10, and interposition polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft in 1. There were 26 patients with associated arterial injury, of which 4 cases had primary repair, 9 had end-to-end anastomosis, 11 had saphenous vein graft interposition, and 2 had PTFE graft interposition. Associated bone fracture was seen in 6 patients. There were no deaths. One patient required a below-knee amputation. Postoperative CFDU revealed thrombosed venous repair in 7 cases without any sequelae.

CONCLUSION

Popliteal venous injuries can be repaired with minimal downside and a good early patency rate. Additionally, transient venous patency allows for establishment of venous and lymphatic collateralisation. Alternatively, venous ligation should be considered only in unstable patients who refuse blood transfusion (Jehovah's witnesses). In these victims, adjuvant management may be required such as the use of fasciotomy and anticoagulation treatment.

Early Palma procedure after iliac vein injury in abdominal penetrating trauma

Ligation for penetrating abdominal vein trauma may have better outcome than a vascular reconstruction in an unstable patient. However, symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency may appear over time. We describe our surgical experience with 4 patients who underwent iliac vein ligation followed by venous bypass with a modified Palma derivation between 48 and 240 hours after sustaining penetrating abdominal trauma with concomitant iliac vein injury. Patients were assessed for venous symptoms and conduit patency with continuous wave Doppler and duplex scanning. One graft occluded acutely and the remaining three remain patent with functioning valves. In order to preserve venous outflow after severe iliac vein injury, we think that venous ligation as a part of damage control surgery followed by a modified Palma operation may prevent chronic symptoms of venous outflow obstruction without compromising an already injured patient.

The effect of vein repair on the risk of venous thromboembolic events: a review of more than 100 traumatic military venous injuries

BACKGROUND

The management of venous trauma remains controversial. Critics of venous repair have cited an increased incidence of associated venous thromboembolic events with this management. We analyzed the current treatment of wartime venous injuries in United States military personnel in an effort to answer this question.

METHODS

From December 1, 2001, to October 31, 2005, all United States casualties with named venous injuries were evaluated. A retrospective review of a clinical database was performed on demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, treatment, outcomes, and venous thromboembolic events. Data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, analysis of variance, and logarithmic transformation.

RESULTS

During this 5-year period, 82 patients sustained 103 named venous injuries due to combat operations. All patients were male, with an average age of 27.9 years (range, 20.3-58.3 years). Blast injuries accounted for 54 venous injuries (65.9%), gunshot wounds for 25 (30.5%), and motor vehicle accidents for 3 (3.6%). The venous injury was isolated in 28 patients (34.1%), and 16 (19.5%) had multiple venous injuries. The venous injury in two patients was associated with acute phlegmasia, with fractures in 33 (40.2%), and 22 (28.1%) sustained neurologic deficits. Venous injuries were treated by ligation in 65 patients (63.1%) and by open surgical repair in 38 (36.9%). Postoperative extremity edema occurred in all patients irrespective of method of management. Thrombosis after venous repair occurred in six of the 38 cases (15.8%). Pulmonary emboli developed in three patients, one after open repair and two after ligation (P > .99).

CONCLUSION

In the largest review of military venous trauma in more than three decades, we found no difference in the incidence of venous thromboembolic complications between venous injuries managed by open repair vs ligation. Blast injuries of the extremities have caused most of the venous injuries. Ligation is the most common modality of treatment in combat zones. Long-term morbidity associated with venous injuries and their management will be assessed in future follow-up studies.

Serious Lower Extremity Venous Injury Management with Ligation: Prospective Overview of 63 Patients

Management of lower extremity venous trauma using repair or ligation has been an area of controversy during the past decades. However, in unstable patients or if primary repair is technically impossible as a result of extensive disruption of the vein, ligation is recommended. This study investigated the effects of venous ligation on major veins in the lower extremities when primary repair is impossible as a result of extensive laceration of the vein. Between January 2001 and April 2004, 63 patients with Grade III and IV venous injuries were observed prospectively. Compression ultrasonography was performed postoperatively on the fifth day, once before discharge, and at the 3-month visit to assess deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and the patency of arterial repair. If DVT was present, the patient was given an oral anticoagulant (warfarin Na) for 3 months (international normalized ratio, 2.0–3.0), and Class II compression stockings (Sigvaris-212, Ganzoni, Switzerland) were used for 1 year. Follow-up visits occurred at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months and at 6-month intervals thereafter. Combined arterial and venous injuries were present in 50 (79.4%) patients and pure venous injuries were present in 13 (20.6%) patients. DVT developed in 49 patients (77.7%; postoperative n = 37 [58.7%], late n = 12 [19%]). Three arterial restenoses (4.7%) and one pseudoaneurysm (1.6%) of the superficial femoral artery developed. Five early (prophylactic) and two late (compartment syndrome) fasciotomies were performed. Postoperative edema was seen in 56 (88.8%) patients and wound infection was seen in 19 patients (30.1%; n = 18 superficial, n = 1 deep). Two amputations (3.2%) were performed. One patient (1.7%) died as a result of irreversible shock. After a median of 18 months, 25 patients were classified with Clinical Etiology, Anatomy, Pathology classification: 10 legs C-0, seven legs C-2, and eight legs C-3. No severe postthrombophlebitic syndrome was observed. Early leg swelling after venous ligation was the most common morbidity. We observed no significant sequelae of chronic venous insufficiency, and venous ligation had no detrimental effect on associated arterial repair. In cases of DVT, anticoagulation with low-molecular-weight heparin and oral anticoagulants should begin immediately and continue for 3 months along with compression stocking support for 1 year.

Iatrogenic major venous injuries incurred during cancer surgery

PURPOSE

Iatrogenic operative injury to the major veins is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to review the pattern, management, and outcome of iatrogenic major venous injuries incurred during cancer surgery.

METHODS

We reviewed 24 patients with collective 30 venous injuries, evaluating clinical characteristics; operative and postoperative data, including location and type of venous injury, operative repair, blood loss, and transfusion requirements; and outcome.

RESULTS

Thirty venous and 12 associated arterial injuries were identified. The two most common sites of venous trauma were the iliac and femoral veins with 10 (33.3%) and 9 (30.0%) injuries, respectively. Twenty-three (76.7%) of the venous injuries were repaired primarily or with end-to-end anastomosis, while the remaining injuries required interposition grafts, patch venoplasty, or venous ligation. Postoperative revision procedures were performed in 3 (12.5%) patients. Perioperative mortality was 16.7% and major complications developed in 11 (45.8%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Serious complications can be minimized by immediate recognition and prompt repair of iatrogenic vascular injuries. Close collaboration with a vascular surgeon during resection of tumors in proximity to the vascular structures may be helpful in preventing iatrogenic vascular injuries. In hospitals where tumor resection procedures are frequently performed, a vascular surgeon must be readily available.

Management of distal femoral and popliteal arterial injuries: an update

BACKGROUND

The management of combined arterial and musculoskeletal injuries to the lower extremity remains controversial, particularly with regard to the initial order of intervention and the use of intravascular shunting. In this study, we review the contemporary management and outcome of patients treated for acute traumatic distal femoropopliteal arterial injuries.

METHODS

From January 2001 to January 2006, we repaired 57 acute traumatic lower-extremity arterial injuries in a level 1 trauma center. Our approach was to perform surgical revascularization without intraluminal shunting as soon as the arterial injury was recognized. There were 44 men (77%). Mean age was 31 years (range, 5-68). The mechanism of injury was blunt in 42 of 57 (74%) patients. Vascular reconstruction was achieved by using an autogenous saphenous vein graft in 52 of 57 (91%), a vein patch in 3 of 57 (5%), or primarily in 2 of 57 (4%) patients.

RESULTS

The limb-salvage rate was 92% (53/57). Thirty-six patients (63%) had associated orthopedic fixation: 12 of 36 (33%) before and 24 of 36 (67%) after revascularization. Twenty-one of 57 patients (37%) had vascular repair only without orthopedic fixation. Thirty-four patients (60%) required fasciotomy. Four patients had subsequent above-knee amputation: 3 because of wound complications despite successful revascularization and 1 because of failed revascularization. There were no complications related to the arterial repairs that were performed before orthopedic fixation.

CONCLUSION

Our study shows that arterial reconstruction for acute traumatic lower-limb injuries results in a good limb-salvage rate. We advocate prompt vascular repair before orthopedic intervention for combined vascular and skeletal injuries of the lower extremity, without using intravascular shunting.

Tactical Surgical Intervention With Temporary Shunting of Peripheral Vascular Trauma Sustained During Operation Iraqi Freedom: One Unit??s Experience

BACKGROUND

Rapidly restoring perfusion to injured extremities is one of the primary missions of forward military surgical teams. The austere setting, limited resources, and grossly contaminated nature of wounds encountered complicates early definitive repair of complex combat vascular injuries. Temporary vascular shunting of these injuries in the forward area facilitates rapid restoration of perfusion while allowing for deferment of definitive repair until after transport to units with greater resources and expertise.

METHODS

Standard Javid or Sundt shunts were placed to temporarily bypass complex peripheral vascular injuries encountered by a forward US Navy surgical unit during a six month interval of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Data from the time of injury through transfer out of Iraq were prospectively recorded. Each patient's subsequent course at Continental US medical centers was retrospectively reviewed once the operating surgeons had returned from deployment.

RESULTS

Twenty-seven vascular shunts were used to bypass complex vascular injuries in twenty combat casualties with a mean injury severity score of 18 (range 9-34) and mean mangled extremity severity score of 9 (range 6-11). All patients survived although three (15%) ultimately required amputation for nonvascular complications. Six (22%) shunts clotted during transport but an effective perfusion window was provided even in these cases.

CONCLUSION

Temporary vascular shunting appears to provide simple and effective means of restoring limb perfusion to combat casualties at the forward level.

Arterial reconstruction after mangled extremity: injury severity scoring systems are not predictive of limb salvage

The Vascular Unit at Suez Canal University Hospital in Egypt covers a wide area with high rates of severe injuries. This is a prospective study of mangled extremities to identify risk factors associated with limb loss in these patients. Between December 2000 and August 2003, a prospective study on all patients with arterial injuries in mangled extremities was undertaken. All patients were scored using the Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) and the Mangled Extremity Severity Index (MESI). During this period, arterial reconstruction was performed in 62 patients. Primary patency, secondary patency, and limb salvage rates were 81%, 85.5%, and 93.5%, respectively. The only factor affecting limb salvage (statistical trend) was the site of trauma (upper limb 100% vs lower limb 89%; p = .08%). There was no significant effect related to the mechanism of trauma (blunt 90% vs stab 100%; p = .125), MESS (< 7, 100% vs > 7, 91%; p = .22), and MESI (< 20, 100% vs > 20, 90.5%; p = .154). Upper limb injuries were the least likely to lead to amputation. We recommend that all injuries, whatever their score, should be surgically explored before treatment decisions are made.

Civil and war peripheral arterial trauma: review of risk factors associated with limb loss

We sought to analyze the early results of civil and war peripheral arterial injury treatment and to identify risk factors associated with limb loss. Between 1992 and 2001, data collected retrospectively and prospectively on 413 patients with 448 peripheral arterial injuries were analyzed. Of these, there were 140 patients with war injuries and 273 patients with civil injuries. The mechanism of injury was gunshot in 40%, blunt injury in 24%, explosive trauma in 20.3%, and stabbing in 15.7% of the cases. The most frequently injured vessels were the femoral arteries (37.3%), followed by the popliteal (27.8%), axillary and brachial (23.5%), and crural arteries (6.5%). Associated injuries, which included bone, nerve, and remote injuries affecting the head, chest, or abdomen, were present in 60.8% of the cases. Surgery was carried out on all patients, with a limb salvage rate of 89.1% and a survival rate of 97.3%. In spite of a rising trend in peripheral arterial injuries, our total and delayed amputation rates remained stable. On statistical analysis, significant risk factors for amputation were found to be failed revascularization, associated injuries, secondary operation, explosive injury, war injury (p < .01) and arterial contusion with consecutive thrombosis, popliteal artery injury, and late surgery (p < .05). Peripheral arterial injuries, if inadequately treated, carry a high amputation rate. Explosive injuries are the most likely to lead to amputations, whereas stab injuries are the least likely to do so. The most significant independent risk factor for limb loss was failed revascularization.

Management and short-term patency of lower extremity venous injuries with various repairs

BACKGROUND

Although several methods of repair of extremity venous injuries have been shown to be efficacious, patency rates have varied significantly from center to center.

METHODS

A retrospective review was made of treatment outcomes of adult and pediatric patients with major venous injuries of the lower extremity.

RESULTS

From 1997 to 2002, 82 patients sustained 86 major lower extremity venous injuries. Venous injuries were treated with primary repair in 27, complex repair in 37 (autogenous vein, 10, and ringed polytetrafluoroethylene [PTFE], 27) and ligation in 20. Prior to repair, temporary intraluminal venous shunts were used in 18 patients. Follow-up duplex imaging or venography or both were performed on 42 extremities at a mean of 10.9 +/- 7.1 days after repair with an overall patency rate of 73.8% (primary repair 76.5%; autogenous vein graft 66.7%; and PTFE 73.7%).

CONCLUSIONS

Overall early patency rate of venous repairs performed by an experienced trauma team is similar irrespective of the type of repair. The use of temporary intraluminal shunts is acceptable in selected circumstances, while ringed PTFE grafts are reasonable alternatives when the contralateral saphenous vein is too small.

Operative Management and Outcome of Iliac Vessel Injury: A Ten-Year Experience

The purpose of this study is to review demographics and examine and stratify risk factors related to the outcome of operatively treated iliac vascular injuries. We conducted a retrospective review of 78 cases of iliac vessel injury. Patients with blunt and penetrating injury had statistically similar length of hospital stay and intensive care unit stay, incidence of shock, and mortality. Shock on admission and bleeding hematoma are linked, and shock increased mortality with an odds ratio of 5.2 ( P = 0.002). A review of operative technique and outcome demonstrated a low mortality of 25 per cent in arterial bypass of an isolated arterial injury versus a mortality of 83 per cent in the combined injury group. Patients treated with primary repair of venous injuries had a lower incidence of shock and mortality compared with patients treated with venous ligation. We conclude that, if matched for severity of injury and physiologic instability, the mechanism of injury does not affect mortality. Shock is the most significant prognostic factor for mortality. Operative management must be based on presence of shock.

Heroic procedures in vascular injury management: the role of extra-anatomic bypasses

The insertion of an extra-anatomic bypass graft is an accepted operative technique in highly selected patients with atherosclerotic occlusive disease and contraindications to in situ grafting. In similar fashion, the technique should be considered in injured or septic patients with large soft tissue defects or wound infections overlying arterial repairs or involving native arteries. The combination of vigorous débridement of injured or infected soft tissue and insertion of an extra-anatomic bypass graft allows for appropriate care of the wound without concern for further injury to the now-displaced arterial repair.

Popliteal vascular injuries

Popliteal vascular injury remains one of the most difficult diagnostic and therapeutic challenges for trauma surgeons. Only with strict attention to rapid diagnosis; early surgical treatment with meticulous technical skill; and aggressive use of various adjunctive measures, such as completion arteriography, anticoagulation, fasciotomy, and proper prioritization of management of multiple injuries, can limb salvage be optimized.

Lower extremity arterial injury: results of 550 cases and review of risk factors associated with limb loss

PURPOSE

We sought to analyze the results of lower limb arterial injury (LLAI) management in a busy metropolitan vascular unit and to identify risk factors associated with limb loss.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Between 1987 and 1997, prospectively collected data on 550 patients with 641 lower limb arterial injuries were analyzed.

RESULTS

The mechanism of LLAI was gunshot wounds in 46.1%, blunt in 19%, stabbing in 11.8%, and shotgun in 9.1%. The most frequently injured vessel was the superficial femoral artery (37.2%), followed by the popliteal (30.7%), crural (11%), common femoral (8.7%), and deep femoral (5.3%) arteries. In 3.4% of cases, there was a combined injury on either side of the knee (ipsilaterally). Associated injuries included bony injury in 35.1% of cases, nerve injury in 7.6%, and remote affecting the head, chest, or abdomen in 3.6%. Surgery was carried out on 96.2% of cases with a limb salvage rate of 83.8% and a survival of 98.5%. In spite of a rising trend in LLAI, our total and delayed amputation rates remained stable. On stepwise logistic regression analysis, significant (P <.01) independent risk factors for amputation were occluded graft (odds ratio [OR] 16.7), combined above- and below-knee injury (OR 4.4), tense compartment (OR 4.2), arterial transsection (OR 2.8), and associated compound fracture (OR 2.7).

CONCLUSION

LLAI carries a high amputation rate. Stab injuries are the least likely to lead to amputations, whereas high-velocity firearm injuries are the most likely to do so. The most significant independent risk factor for limb loss was failed revascularization.

The Natural History of Extremity Venous Repair Performed for Trauma

Surgical repair of extremity venous injuries remains controversial. Literature supports both ligation and repair when analyzed for functional recovery. However, few studies review the natural history of venous repair for trauma. Twenty patients were prospectively enrolled in a protocol of immediate repair of major extremity veins. Simple venorraphy and complex reconstructions were performed at the discretion of the operative team. Patients were studied by contrast venogram on postoperative day 3 and 6 weeks after surgery. Patients with occluded repairs at 3 days received a 5-day course of intravenous anticoagulation and were discharged. Overall, patency at 3 days was 55 per cent and increased to 88 per cent at 6 weeks (P < 0.02). Lateral venorraphy and direct reapproximation had higher patency rates than complex repairs at 6 weeks (92% versus 50%; P < 0.05). All veins that were patent at 3 days remained patent (correlation coefficient 1.0). Repair of traumatized extremity veins carries minimal morbidity and has a high rate of early and eventual patency. Long-term anticoagulation in the face of early thrombosis is unnecessary.

Results of reconstruction in major pelvic and extremity venous injuries

PURPOSE

Outcome and venous patency after reconstruction in major pelvic and extremity venous injuries was studied.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 46 patients with 47 venous injuries.

RESULTS

Injuries were caused by penetrating trauma in 37 extremities, blunt trauma in 6 patients, and were iatrogenic in 4 patients. Pelvic veins were injured in 4 patients, lower-extremity veins were injured in 39 limbs in 38 patients, and upper-extremity veins were injured in 4 patients. Concomitant arterial injuries occurred in 37 patients. Venous repairs were mostly of the complex type and included spiral or panel grafts in 15 (32%) reconstructions, interposition grafts or patch venoplasty in 19 (40%) reconstructions, end-to-end and lateral repair in 11 patients, and ligation in 2 patients. Two patients underwent early amputation. Early transient limb edema occurred in 2 patients, and postoperative venous occlusions were documented in 4 patients. Full function was regained in 39 (81%) extremities. No variable, including 4 retrospectively applied extremity injury scores (mangled extremity severity score [MESS], limb salvage index [LSI], mangled extremity syndrome index [MESI], predictive salvage index [PSI]), correlated with outcome. High values on all 4 scores were significantly associated with reexplorations (P <.02), which were done in 8 patients for debridement (5), arrest of bleeding (2), and repair of a missed arterial injury (1). Follow-up of 28 +/- 6 months on 27 patients (57%; duplex scan in 18, continuous-wave Doppler and plethysmography in 9, and venography in 3) showed 1 occlusion 6 weeks after the injury and patency of all other venous reconstructions.

CONCLUSION

Reconstructions of major venous injuries with a high rate of complex repairs result in a large proportion of fully functional limbs and a high patency rate. A high extremity injury score predicts the need for reexploration of the extremity. Mostocclusions occur within weeks of injury, and the subsequent delayed occlusion rate is very low.

Damage control for devastating pelvic and extremity injuries

This article focuses on some general principles of care and then discusses devastating pelvic injury secondary to both blunt and penetrating trauma. The authors describe the current approach to the mangled extremity and discuss indications for primary amputation.

Iliac vessel injury: operative physiology related to outcome

BACKGROUND

Fifty-three patients treated at a level I trauma center with iliac vessel injury were studied to determine if body temperature and acid-base status in the operating room predicts outcome.

METHODS

Records were reviewed for demographics, mechanism of injury, body temperature, acid-base status, operative management, and outcome. Statistical methods included Student's t test, odds ratio determination, and chi-square analysis to determine statistical significance.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients (47 male, 6 female) sustained 92 iliac vascular injuries (36 arterial, 56 venous). Mortality was 34%, with 72% of deaths due to shock within 24 hours. Physiologic parameters differed significantly between survivors and nonsurvivors. Odds ratio identified six conditions; the number present predicted outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

(1) There are significant differences between initial and final operating room temperature and acid-base status in survivors versus nonsurvivors with iliac vessel injury. Conditions for odds ratio can be calculated and correlated with outcome. (2) A patient with two or more conditions should be considered for an abbreviated laparotomy to allow for reversal of "physiologic failure."

Popliteal artery war injuries

The early postoperative results of 44 surgically treated popliteal arterial injuries from the Yugoslav civil war are reported. Of these patients, 41 (93%) were males and three (7%) were females, average age was 28 (range 6-45) years. Twenty patients (45%) had gunshot wounds and 24 (55%) explosive wounds. Twelve (28%) suffered isolated vascular damage, while 32 (72%) suffered concomitant bone fractures. Isolated arterial lesions were found in 24 (55%) cases, and concomitant arterial and venous lesions in 20 (45%). Twenty-four (55%) had primary reconstructions after haemostasis in the initial war hospital, and 20 (45%) secondary reconstructions after inadequate primary reconstruction in a regional war hospital. Artery procedures included 19 reverse saphenous vein graft interpositions, 10 reverse saphenous vein bypasses, 12 'in situ' saphenous vein bypasses and five lateral subcutaneous saphenous vein bypasses. The early graft patency rate was 100%, and limb salvage 72%. Major amputation was performed in 28%. Concomitant bone fractures, secondary reconstructions, secondary haemorrhage from an infected graft, and explosion wounds significantly increased the amputation rate (P < 0.01). Eleven amputations were performed after an anatomic, and only one after an extra-anatomic reconstruction (P < 0.01). The authors recommend an in situ or lateral subcutaneous reconstruction in cases of complicated popliteal artery injuries, such as concomitant bone fractures accompanied by massive soft tissue damage, and this type of reconstruction should also be used if infection is present or the procedure is delayed.

Vascular trauma on the rise

Trauma is the leading cause of death in people under the age of 45. Guns, drugs, and street violence contribute to this growing epidemic. As a result, there is an increased incidence of lower extremity vascular trauma. The most common cause of vascular injury is gunshot wounds. This article presents two case studies to illustrate the complex nursing management of this patient population. It is important for nurses to be aware of the physiologic and psychological treatment of these patients. A detailed nursing plan of care is also included.

War injuries of the crural arteries

Twenty-eight patients with military crural vascular injuries are presented. In the group undergoing immediate repair (21 patients), the time interval between trauma and surgery was 20 min to 30 h (mean 8 h 30 min). In those receiving delayed repair (seven patients), the interval between trauma and surgery was 3-47 (mean 14) days. Hyperbaric oxygenation therapy was used in conjunction with surgery and antibiotic therapy in 13 of the 28 patients. Explosive injuries were found in 14 patients and high-velocity missile injuries in nine; associated fractures were present in 20. Twenty of the 28 patients with crural vascular injuries had combined arterial and venous injuries, while eight had isolated arterial injuries. Twenty-five patients with distal ischaemia required arterial repair; five late amputations resulted. Military crural vascular injuries should be treated with soft tissue debridement, removal of foreign material, and microvascular arterial and concomitant vein reconstruction. This should be followed by external skeletal stabilization for bony and/or soft tissue instability, with fasciotomy for any associated compartment syndrome. The wound should be left open, with delayed closure or split skin grafting. It was felt that hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduced the amputation rate following combat-related crural vessel injuries.

Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of extremity vascular trauma

Extremity vascular trauma poses several difficult dilemmas in diagnosis and treatment. The still evolving trend in management of these injuries is toward more rapid, less costly, and less invasive diagnostic modalities, an improved understanding of the therapeutic implications of the clinical presentation, prompt repair of significant vascular injuries, and a liberal use of adjunctive techniques such as fasciotomy. Many issues remain to be resolved by further experience and investigation, in order to achieve optimal limb salvage in this setting.