Management of vascular injuries on ICU patients: KZN experience

BACKGROUND

Vascular injury management remains an extremely challenging task. The fundamental principles of management are bleeding arrest and flow restoration, to avoid death and amputation. With advances in medicine, there has been a shift from ligation to primary repair which has resulted in a fall in amputation rate from 50 % in World War II to less than 2 % in civilian injuries.

METHOD

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on ICU requiring polytrauma patients with vascular trauma admitted between January 2013 and December 2021. Additional data were collected prospectively from January 2022 to December 2022. All data was from an ethics approved Trauma Registry. The injury was either confirmed by imaging or via exploration. The pre-designed data proforma acquired the following variables: age, mechanism of injury, injured vessel, associated injury, management of the vessel, and management of the associated injury. The data were analysed using Stata version 17 (StataCorp, College Station TX). Frequencies and percentages were calculated to summarise numerical data An ethical clearance was granted by the University of KwaZulu-Natal BREC (BREC 0004353/2022) and the KZN Department of Health. All data were de-identified in the data collection sheet.

RESULTS

There were 154 arterial injuries and 39 venous injuries. The majority, 77 (50 %) of arterial injuries were managed via open strategies, and 36 (23 %) were managed via endovascular intervention. The majority, 20 (51 %) of venous injuries underwent open ligation, and 12 (31 %) were managed non-surgically. The highest number of endovascular interventions was observed in aortic injuries. For a total of 25 aortic injuries, 22 (83 %) were managed endovascular (TEVAR) and 2 (8 %) were managed non-operatively.

CONCLUSION

The choice between the endovascular and open approach depends on the injured blood vessel. The majority of venous injuries were treated with open ligation in this cohort.

Trust but Verify? Utility of Intraoperative Angiography After Revascularization for Vascular Trauma

BACKGROUND

Trauma surgical dogma teaches that patients should have intraoperative angiography (IA) if the surgeon cannot identify a pulse in the injured extremity following a vascular repair. This study was undertaken to assess the utility of IA in trauma patients who underwent open brachial or femoral artery revascularization.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of the Prospective Observational Vascular Injury Trial (PROOVIT) database from 2013 to 2021 evaluated patients >15 years with penetrating or blunt injuries requiring operative intervention of the brachial, superficial femoral, or common femoral arteries. Prospective Observational Vascular Injury Trial data evaluated included documented pulse in the injured extremity at revascularization completion, adjunctive IA, immediate revision, and vascular reintervention during the hospitalization.

RESULTS

Of the 5057 patients with vascular injury, 185 patients met our inclusion criteria. The majority were male (86.5%) with a median age, injury severity score, and systolic blood pressure of 29, 12, and 117, respectively. Of the study patients, 39% underwent IA, 14% had immediate revision, and 8% required vascular reoperation during their admission. Patients who underwent IA and with no documented palpable pulse after repair were significantly more likely to require immediate revision before leaving the operating room (22% vs 9%, P = .013) and were not more likely to require reoperation, than those who did not undergo IA (7% vs 9%, P = .613).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative angiography is a valuable tool for surgeons for vascular extremity trauma and is associated with a greater rate of immediate revision. Familiarity with angiographic technique is essential for vascular trauma and should be a focal point of training.

Vascular Reconstruction and Limb Loss in Military Tibial Artery Injuries

BACKGROUND

Selective operative management of injuries to the tibial arteries is controversial, with the necessity of revascularization in the face of multiple tibial arteries debated. Tibial artery injuries are frequently encountered in military trauma, but revascularization practices and outcomes are poorly defined. We aimed to investigate associations between the number of injured vessels and reconstruction and limb loss rates in military casualties with tibial arterial trauma.

METHODS

A US military database of lower extremity vascular injuries from Iraq and Afghanistan (2004-2012) was queried for limbs sustaining at least 1 tibial artery injury. Injury, intervention characteristics, and limb outcomes were analyzed by the number of tibial arteries injured (1, T1; 2, T2; 3, T3).

RESULTS

Two hundred twenty one limbs were included (194 T1, 22 T2, 5 T3). The proportions with concomitant venous, orthopedic, nerve, or proximal arterial injuries were similar between groups. Arterial reconstruction (versus ligation) was performed in 29% of T1, 63% of T2, and universally in T3 limbs (P < 0.001). Arterial reconstruction was via vein graft (versus localized repair) in 62% of T1, 54% of T2, and 80% of T3 (P = 0.59). T3 received greater blood transfusion volume (P = 0.02), and fasciotomy was used universally (versus 34% T1 and 14% T2, P = 0.05). Amputation rates were 23% for T1, 26% for T2, and 60% for T3 (P = 0.16), and amputation was not significantly predicted by arterial ligation in T1 (P = 0.08) or T2 (P = 0.34) limbs. Limb infection was more common in T3 (80%) than in T1 (25%) or T2 (32%, P = 0.02), but other limb complication rates were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

In this series of military lower extremity injuries, an increasing number of tibial arteries injured was associated with the increasing use of arterial reconstruction. Limbs with all 3 tibial arteries injured had high rates of complex vascular reconstruction and eventual amputation. Limb loss was not predicted by arterial ligation in 1-vessel and 2-vessel injuries, suggesting that selective reconstruction in these cases is advisable.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of endovascular therapy versus open surgical repair for the traumatic lower extremity arterial injury

OBJECTIVE

For traumatic lower extremity artery injury, it is unclear whether it is better to perform endovascular therapy (ET) or open surgical repair (OSR). This study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes of ET versus OSR for traumatic lower extremity artery injury.

METHODS

The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Databases were searched for studies. Cohort studies and case series reporting outcomes of ET or OSR were eligible for inclusion. Robins-I tool and an 18-item tool were used to assess the risk of bias. The primary outcome was amputation. The secondary outcomes included fasciotomy or compartment syndrome, mortality, length of stay and lower extremity nerve injury. We used the random effects model to calculate pooled estimates.

RESULTS

A total of 32 studies with low or moderate risk of bias were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that patients who underwent ET had a significantly decreased risk of major amputation (OR = 0.42, 95% CI 0.21-0.85; I2=34%) and fasciotomy or compartment syndrome (OR = 0.31, 95% CI 0.20-0.50, I2 = 14%) than patients who underwent OSR. No significant difference was observed between the two groups regarding all-cause mortality (OR = 1.11, 95% CI 0.75-1.64, I2 = 31%). Patients with ET repair had a shorter length of stay than patients with OSR repair (MD=-5.06, 95% CI -6.76 to -3.36, I2 = 65%). Intraoperative nerve injury was just reported in OSR patients with a pooled incidence of 15% (95% CI 6%-27%).

CONCLUSION

Endovascular therapy may represent a better choice for patients with traumatic lower extremity arterial injury, because it can provide lower risks of amputation, fasciotomy or compartment syndrome, and nerve injury, as well as shorter length of stay.

Axillary Artery Injuries Associated With Proximal Humerus Fractures: A Literature Review and a Proposal of a Novel Multidisciplinary Surgical Approach

INTRODUCTION

Proximal humerus fractures (PHF) are common injuries that can lead to axillary artery injury, which carries the risk of not being identified during initial assessment. The aim of this study was to describe the management of suspected axillary artery injury associated with PHF according to our experience and to describe a new multidisciplinary surgical approach.

METHODS

This was a single-center retrospective study. A database was created for patients admitted for PHF to the emergency department of the Hospital of Cannes between October 2017 and October 2019. Patients admitted with PHF associated with suspected ipsilateral upper limb ischemia, and/or massive diaphysis displacement, and/or upper limb ipsilateral neurological deficits were included in this study.

RESULTS

In total, 301 patients diagnosed with PHF were admitted within these periods. Among these patients, 12 presented with suspected axillary artery lesions, of whom, 6 were included in the present study and treated according to our new approach. A description of these 6 cases, along with an extensive literature review is presented.

CONCLUSION

Based on our experience, the endovascular approach proposed for the management of axillary artery injury associated with proximal humerus fractures is effective, feasible and reproducible.

The Order of Operative Repair Does Not Influence Outcomes in Patients with Concomitant Popliteal Artery and Orthopedic Injuries

BACKGROUND

The most challenging lower extremity traumatic injuries involve concomitant vascular and orthopedic injuries with amputation rates approaching 50%. Controversy exists as to how to prioritize the vascular and orthopedic repairs. We reviewed patients with popliteal artery and lower extremity orthopedic injuries to analyze the sequence of the vascular and orthopedic repairs on outcomes.

METHODS

All adult patients with a diagnosis of concomitant popliteal artery and lower extremity fracture or dislocation were identified through a review of an institutional trauma registry performed at a level 1 trauma center from 2014 to 2019. Patient demographics, timing of presentation, injury severity score (ISS), surgical interventions, and limb outcome data were collected and examined. The sequence of operative repairs and factors influencing the operative order were analyzed.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients were treated for popliteal artery injuries. Twelve of these 29 patients had concomitant popliteal artery and orthopedic fractures requiring surgical repair. Injury mechanisms included both blunt (50%, 6/12) and penetrating trauma (50%, 6/12); the majority involved femur fractures (58%, 7/12). Vascular repair included arterial bypass (75%, 9/12) or interposition grafts (25%, 3/12). Orthopedic repair included external fixation (83%, 10/12) and open reduction internal fixation (17%, 2/12). Vascular repair was performed first in 7/12 limbs (58%). Patients having vascular repair first had a trend toward lower blood pressure on arrival (P = 0.068). There was no significant difference in emergency department to operating room (OR) time, OR time, ISS, mangled extremity severity score, estimated blood loss, or blood transfusion for the sequence of operative repair. Fasciotomy was nearly ubiquitous, present in 11/12 patients (92%). There were no graft complications related to orthopedic manipulation, and there were no reported limb-length to graft-length discrepancies. Early limb salvage trended lower in the cohort with revascularization first (71% vs. 100%, P = 0.19). Of the remaining limbs available for follow-up, limb salvage at 4.25 years is 100%.

CONCLUSIONS

In this small study of patients with concomitant lower extremity popliteal artery and orthopedic injuries, the order of operative repair does not appear to influence the success of revascularization.

Emergency Endovascular Repair of Thoracic Aorta Via a Percutaneous Popliteal Approach Following an Iatrogenic Injury

Iatrogenic arterial injuries are rare but well-recognised complications of spinal surgery. This paper presents a case of an iatrogenic arterial injury during a total en bloc spondylectomy resulting in significant haemorrhage and the patient's haemodynamic instability. The devastating complication was successfully treated with an emergency thoracic endovascular aortic repair via a percutaneous popliteal approach, while the patient remained in prone position. The patient had an uneventful recovery with no subsequent arterial injury or pseudoaneurysm to the access vessel.

A 12-year experience in the management of blunt thoracic aortic injury in Otautahi Christchurch

BACKGROUND

Blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) is associated with a high mortality and is the second most common cause of death from trauma. The approach to major trauma, imaging technology and advancement in endovascular therapy have revolutionised the management of BTAI. Endovascular therapy has now become the gold standard technique replacing surgery with its high mortality and morbidity in unstable patients. We aim to assess the outcomes following management of BTAI.

METHOD

This is a retrospective study of all patients with BTAI between 1 January 2010 and 1 January 2022. Data were obtained from electronic health records. The grading of BTAI severity was done based on the Society of Vascular Surgery (SVS) Criteria.

RESULTS

Fifty patients were included in the study analysis. The most common cause of BTAI was due to high-speed motor vehicle accidents (MVA) (36 patients, 72%). Grade 1 and grade 3 BTAI injuries were mostly encountered in 40% and 30% of the study cohort, respectively. Twenty-three patients (46%) underwent thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR). There was no secondary aortic re-intervention, conversion to open surgery or aortic-related deaths at 30 days or at most recent follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Management of BTAI in our centre compares well with currently published studies. Long-term studies are warranted to guide clinicians in areas of controversy in BTAI management.

REBOA Improves Outcomes in Hybrid Surgery for Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

BACKGROUND

Despite advancements in diagnostic methods and emergency interventions, mortality rates of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm (rAAA) continue to remain high. To address this issue, the resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA) technique has been designed to provide temporary control of bleeding. We aimed to compare the impact of the REBOA technique during open aortic surgery for rAAA.

METHODS

Between January 2014 and November 2021, 53 consecutive patients (46 males, 7 females; mean age 71.9 ± 7.9 years; range 51-89 years) who underwent emergency open aortic surgery for rAAA were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into REBOA (21 patients) and non-REBOA (32 patients) groups. The primary outcomes were postoperative 24-hr and 30-day mortality. The secondary outcomes were intensive care unit (ICU) stay, in-hospital stay, bleeding, postoperative renal failure, bowel ischemia, and transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke rate.

RESULTS

The REBOA group showed a significant reduction in mortality rates at both 24 hr (9.5% vs. 37.5%, P = 0.029) and 30 days (14.2% vs. 43.7%, P = 0.035) compared to the non-REBOA group. In-hospital stay (12.8 ± 3.48 vs. 15.6 ± 4.74 days, P = 0.02) and ICU stay (2.42 ± 2.08 vs. 5.09 ± 5.79 days, P = 0.048) were shorter among the REBOA group. Total procedure time and bleeding were reduced among the REBOA group without significant differences in terms of postoperative renal failure, bowel ischemia, and TIA/stroke rate.

CONCLUSIONS

The REBOA group demonstrated significantly improved survival rates compared to the non-REBOA group, without a significant difference in complication rates. REBOA is considered a less invasive option compared to the traditional method for open aortic cross-clamping. This study demonstrated that the use of REBOA may be considered as a first-line treatment option for open surgery in cases of rAAA particularly when an off-the-shelf endovascular aneurysm repair device is not suitable.

Lower Extremity Vascular Injury in the Pediatric Trauma Patient: Management and Outcomes at an Adult Level I Trauma Center

BACKGROUND

Traumatic vascular injuries of the lower extremity in the pediatric population are uncommon but can result in significant morbidity. The objective of this study is to demonstrate our experience with these injuries by describing patterns of traumatic vascular injury, the initial management, and data regarding early outcomes.

METHODS

In total, 506 patients presented with lower extremity vascular injury between January 1, 2009 and January 1, 2021 to Grady Memorial Hospital, an urban, adult Level I trauma center in Atlanta, Georgia. Thirty-two of the 506 patients were aged less than 18 years and were evaluated for a total of 47 lower extremity vascular injuries. To fully elucidate the injury patterns and clinical course in this population, we examined patient demographics, mechanism of injury, type of vessel injured, surgical repair performed, and early outcomes and complications.

RESULTS

The median (interquartile range) age was 16 (2) years (range, 3-17 years), and the majority were male (n = 29, 90.6%). Of the vascular injuries identified, 28 were arterial and 19 were venous. Of these injuries, 14 patients had combined arterial-venous injuries. The majority of injuries were the result of a penetrating injury (n = 28, 87.5%), and of these, all but 2 were attributed to gunshot wounds. Twenty-seven vascular interventions were performed by nonpediatric surgeons: 11 by trauma surgeons, 13 by vascular surgeons, 2 by orthopedic surgeons, and 1 by an interventional radiologist. Two patients required amputation: 1 during the index admission and 1 delayed at 3 months. Overall survival was 96.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

Vascular injuries as the result of trauma at any age often require early intervention, and we believe that these injuries in the pediatric population can be safely managed in adult trauma centers with a multidisciplinary team composed of trauma, vascular, and orthopedic surgeons with the potential to decrease associated morbidity and mortality from these injuries.

Long-term functional outcomes of upper extremity civilian vascular trauma

OBJECTIVE

Civilian analyses of long-term outcomes of upper extremity vascular trauma (UEVT) are limited. Our goal was to evaluate the management of UEVT in the civilian trauma population and explore the long-term functional consequences.

METHODS

A retrospective review and analysis was performed of patients with UEVT at an urban Level 1 trauma center (2001-2022). Management and long-term functional outcomes were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were 150 patients with UEVT. Mean age was 34 years, and 85% were male. There were 42% Black and 27% White patients. Mechanism was penetrating in 79%, blunt in 20%, and multifactorial in 1%. Within penetrating trauma, mechanism was from firearms in 30% of cases. Of blunt injuries, 27% were secondary to falls, 13% motorcycle collisions, 13% motor vehicle collisions, and 3% crush injuries. Injuries were isolated arterial in 62%, isolated venous in 13%, and combined in 25% of cases. Isolated arterial injuries included brachial (34%), radial (27%), ulnar (27%), axillary (8%), and subclavian (4%). The majority of arterial injuries (92%) underwent open repair with autologous vein bypass (34%), followed by primary repair (32%), vein patch (6.6%), and prosthetic graft (3.3%). There were 23% that underwent fasciotomies, 68% of which were prophylactic. Two patients were managed with endovascular interventions; one underwent covered stent placement and the other embolization. Perioperative reintervention occurred in 12% of patients. Concomitant injuries included nerves (35%), bones (17%), and ligaments (16%). Intensive care unit admission was required in 45%, with mean intensive care unit length of stay 1.6 days. Mean hospital length of stay was 6.7 days. Major amputation and in-hospital mortality rates were 1.3% and 4.6% respectively. The majority (72%) had >6-month follow-up, with a median follow-up period of 197 days. Trauma readmissions occurred in 19%. Many patients experienced chronic pain (56%), as well as motor (54%) and sensory (61%) deficits. Additionally, 41% had difficulty with activities of daily living. Of previously employed patients (57%), 39% experienced a >6-month delay in returning to work. Most patients (82%) were discharged with opioids; of these, 16% were using opioids at 6 months.

CONCLUSIONS

UEVT is associated with long-term functional impairments and opioid use. It is imperative to counsel patients prior to discharge and ensure appropriate follow-up and therapy.

Open versus endovascular repair of penetrating non-aortic arterial injuries: A systematic review and meta analysis

BACKGROUND

Non-aortic arterial injuries are common and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Historically, open surgical repair (OSR) was the conventional method of repair. With recent advancements in minimally invasive techniques, endovascular repair (ER) has gained popularity. We sought to compare outcomes in patients undergoing endovascular and open repairs of traumatic non-aortic penetrating arterial injuries.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted using MEDLINE (OVID), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Scopus Database from January 1st, 1990, to March 20th, 2023. Titles and abstracts were screened, followed by full text review. Articles assessing clinically important outcomes between OSR and ER in penetrating arterial injuries were included. Exclusion criteria included blunt injuries, aortic injuries, pediatric populations, review articles, and non-English articles. Odds ratios (OR) and Cohen's d ratios were used to quantify differences in morbidity and mortality.

RESULTS

A total of 3770 articles were identified, of which 8 met inclusion criteria and were included in the review. The articles comprised a total of 8369 patients of whom 90 % were male with a median age of 28 years. 85 % of patients were treated with OSR while 15 % underwent ER. With regards to injury characteristics, those who underwent ER were less likely to present with concurrent venous injuries (OR: 0.41; 95 %CI: 0.18, 0.94; p = 0.03). Regarding hospital outcomes, patients who underwent ER had a lower likelihood of in-hospital or 30-day mortality (OR: 0.72; 95 %CI: 0.55, 0.95; p = 0.02) and compartment syndrome (OR: 0.29, 95 %CI: 0.12, 0.71; p = 0.007). The overall risk of bias was moderate.

CONCLUSION

Endovascular repair of non-aortic penetrating arterial injuries is increasingly common, however open repair remains the most common approach. Compared to ER, OSR was associated with higher odds of compartment syndrome and mortality. Further prospective research is warranted to determine the patient populations and injury patterns that most significantly benefit from an endovascular approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses.

Cross-Limb Vascular Shunting for Traumatic Popliteal Artery Injury

BACKGROUND

Popliteal artery injury (PAI) is a challenging trauma that requires prompt and accurate treatment since the probability of lower-limb amputation increases with the ischemic time. Intravascular shunting and cross-limb vascular shunting (CLS) are used as temporary vascular shunting (TVS) methods to shorten the ischemic time for limb vascular injury. CLS involves sending blood from an artery in a healthy body part to a peripheral vessel in an injured part to immediately resume blood flow to the injured limb. For closed injuries including PAI, CLS may be performed without exploring and identifying the arterial stumps and it enables early reperfusion to the ischemic limb. We report the case series of traumatic PAI treated using CLS and verify the usefulness of CLS.

METHODS

All patients with traumatic PAI treated with CLS at our institution between August 2013 and December 2021 were included. Demographic and clinical patient characteristics were extracted from the medical records. Comorbid injuries, severity of acute limb ischemia based on the Rutherford grading scale, time from injury to reperfusion by CLS, time from injury to completion of artery, and the use of fasciotomy were investigated. As outcomes, we investigated the presence or absence of lower extremity amputation during the course of treatment.

RESULTS

We used CLS as treatment for 5 cases with traumatic PAI. Based on the Rutherford grading scale for acute limb ischemia, there were one limb with grade 2B and 4 with grade 3. Amputation of the lower extremities was avoided except for 1 extremity in which arterial reconstruction was not achieved due to unexplained cardiac arrest during surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

CLS enables early reperfusion of the injured limb and is effective as a TVS method for traumatic PAI with severe ischemia or soft tissue damage.

The impact of urgency of repair on outcomes following thoracic endovascular aortic repair for blunt thoracic aortic injury

OBJECTIVE

Current societal recommendations regarding the timing of thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) vary. Prior studies have shown that elective repair was associated with lower mortality after TEVAR for BTAI. However, these studies lacked data such as Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) aortic injury grades and TEVAR-related postoperative outcomes. Therefore, we used the Vascular Quality Initiative registry, which includes relevant anatomic and outcome data, to examine the outcomes following urgent/emergent (≤ 24 hours) vs elective TEVAR for BTAI.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TEVAR for BTAI between 2013 and 2022 were included, excluding those with SVS grade 4 aortic injuries. We included covariates such as age, sex, race, transfer status, body mass index, preoperative hemoglobin, comorbidities, medication use, SVS aortic injury grade, coexisting injuries, Glasgow Coma Scale, and prior aortic surgery in a regression model to compute propensity scores for assignment to urgent/emergent or elective TEVAR. Perioperative outcomes and 5-year mortality were evaluated using inverse probability-weighted logistic regression and Cox regression, also adjusting for left subclavian artery revascularization/occlusion and annual center and physician volumes.

RESULTS

Of 1016 patients, 102 (10%) underwent elective TEVAR. Patients who underwent elective repair were more likely to undergo revascularization of the left subclavian artery (31% vs 7.5%; P < .001) and receive intraoperative heparin (94% vs 82%; P = .002). After inverse probability weighting, there was no association between TEVAR timing and perioperative mortality (elective vs urgent/emergent: 3.9% vs 6.6%; odds ratio [OR], 1.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.27-4.7; P = .90) and 5-year mortality (5.8% vs 12%; hazard ratio [HR], 0.95; 95% CI, 0.21-4.3; P > .9).Compared with urgent/emergent TEVAR, elective repair was associated with lower postoperative stroke (1.0% vs 2.1%; adjusted OR [aOR], 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.94; P = .044), even after adjusting for intraoperative heparin use (aOR, 0.12; 95% CI, 0.02-0.92; P = .042). Elective TEVAR was also associated with lower odds of failure of extubation immediately after surgery (39% vs 65%; aOR, 0.18; 95% CI, 0.09-0.35; P < .001) and postoperative pneumonia (4.9% vs 11%; aOR, 0.34; 95% CI, 0.13-0.91; P = .031), but comparable odds of any postoperative complication as a composite outcome and reintervention during index admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with BTAI who underwent elective TEVAR were more likely to receive intraoperative heparin. Perioperative mortality and 5-year mortality rates were similar between the elective and emergent/urgent TEVAR groups. Postoperatively, elective TEVAR was associated with lower ischemic stroke, pulmonary complications, and prolonged hospitalization. Future modifications in society guidelines should incorporate the current evidence supporting the use of elective TEVAR for BTAI. The optimal timing of TEVAR in patients with BTAI and the factors determining it should be the subject of future study to facilitate personalized decision-making.

Development and Validation of a Risk Prediction Tool for In-hospital Mortality After Thoracic Endovascular Repair in Patients with Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury Using the Aortic Trauma Foundation Registry

BACKGROUND

The objective of our present effort was to use an international blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) registry to create a prediction model identifying important preoperative and intraoperative factors associated with postoperative mortality, and to develop and validate a simple risk prediction tool that could assist with patient selection and risk stratification in this patient population.

METHODS

For the purpose of the present study, all patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for BTAI and registered in the Aortic Trauma Foundation (ATF) database from January 2016 as of June 2022 were identified. Patients undergoing medical management or open repair were excluded. The primary outcome was binary in-hospital all-cause mortality. Two predictive models were generated: a preoperative model (i.e. only including variables before TEVAR or intention-to-treat) and a full model (i.e. also including variables after TEVAR or per-protocol).

RESULTS

Out of a total of 944 cases included in the ATF registry until June 2022, 448 underwent TEVAR and were included in the study population. TEVAR for BTAI was associated with an 8.5% in-hospital all-cause mortality in the ATF dataset. These study subjects were subsequently divided using 3:1 random sampling in a derivation cohort (336; 75.0%) and a validation cohort (112; 25.0%). The median age was 38 years, and the majority of patients were male (350; 78%). A total of 38 variables were included in the final analysis. Of these, 17 variables were considered in the preoperative model, 9 variables were integrated in the full model, and 12 variables were excluded owing to either extremely low variance or strong correlation with other variables. The calibration graphs showed how both models from the ATF dataset tended to underestimate risk, mainly in intermediate-risk cases. The discriminative capacity was moderate in all models; the best performing model was the full model from the ATF dataset, as evident from both the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve (Area Under the Curve 0.84; 95% CI 0.74-0.91) and from the density graph.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, we developed and validated a contemporary risk prediction model, which incorporates several preoperative and postoperative variables and is strongly predictive of early mortality. While this model can reasonably predict in-hospital all-cause mortality, thereby assisting physicians with risk-stratification as well as inform patients and their caregivers, its intrinsic limitations must be taken into account and it should only be considered an adjunctive tool that may complement clinical judgment and shared decision-making.

Pediatric Vascular Surgery: A Review of Cases from a Dedicated Pediatric Vascular Surgery Clinic

BACKGROUND

The experience in pediatric vascular diseases is limited in the United Kingdom and worldwide due to their rarity and variations in practice. We looked at types of cases presenting to a dedicated pediatric vascular clinic.

METHODS

Medical records of children seen in a dedicated pediatric vascular clinic at a tertiary referral service between 2016 and 2022 were reviewed. These patients were either seen for the first time in that clinic or had their appointments as a follow-up after inpatient review or intervention while being under the care of pediatric teams in local hospitals.

RESULTS

Fifty-five patients (34 males) were seen aged between 4 months and 17 years (mean 9.5 years). Common presentations were limb length discrepancy secondary to iatrogenic arterial occlusion, follow-up after bypass for trauma, lower limb swelling or discoloration, and varicose veins. Operative procedures included lower limb bypass, angioplasty, ligation of aneurysms, and varicose vein surgery.

CONCLUSIONS

Pediatric vascular conditions are uncommon and therefore most vascular surgeons and trainees will have little exposure to such cases. Intervention is needed for arterial injury secondary to penetrating or iatrogenic trauma. A national registry is required for these rare cases to gain prospective data that can help build up more evidence for educational purposes and to establish guidelines.

Predictive Factors of Intestinal Ischaemia in Adhesive Small Bowel Obstruction

OBJECTIVE

To identify the predictive factors of intestinal ischaemia in adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) and develop an intestinal ischaemia risk score.

STUDY DESIGN

Observational study. Place and Duration of the Study: Department of General Surgery, Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, China, from January 2017 to February 2022.

METHODOLOGY

ASBO was determined by findings at laparotomy. The assessment of small bowel's viability was conducted through surgical inspection and subsequent histological examination of the surgical specimen. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to ascertain the risk factors associated with intestinal ischaemia.

RESULTS

In total, 79 patients were included. Factors entered into multivariate analysis associated with intestinal ischaemia were; rebound tenderness (odds ratio (OR): 7.8, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.7-35.3; p=0.008), procalcitonin (PCT) >0.5 ng/mL (OR: 11.7, 95% CI: 2.3-58.1; p=0.003), and reduced bowel wall enhancement on computerised tomography (CT) scan (OR: 12.2, 95% CI:2.4-61.5; p=0.003). Among patients with 0, 1, 2, and 3 factors, the rate of intestinal ischaemia increased from 0% to 49%, 72%, and 100%, respectively. According to the number of risk factors, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the determination of intestinal ischaemia was 0.848 (95% CI: 0.764-0.932).

CONCLUSION

Rebound tenderness, PCT levels >0.5 ng/mL, and reduced bowel wall enhancement are risk factors of intestinal ischemic injury that require surgery within the context of ASBO. These factors need to be closely monitored that could assist clinicians in avoiding unnecessary laparotomies and selecting patients eligible for surgery.

KEY WORDS

Intestinal obstruction, Ischaemia, Adhesions.

Wartime Endovascular Therapy: A Historical View

Endovascular techniques for managing vascular trauma have become increasingly more common. However, these techniques have had limited application in recent conflicts. Using lessons from 20th century conflicts, the present study aims to highlight how advances made in the past may provide a roadmap to improving surgical capabilities in the future.

Para-aortic lymphadenectomy in endometrial cancer patients with left-sided inferior vena cava: A case report and literature review

OBJECTIVE

The incidence of left-sided inferior vena cava (IVC) is extremely low. However, without a preoperative diagnosis of left-sided IVC, the risk of intraoperative vascular injury during para-aortic lymph node (PAN) lymphadenectomy is high.

CASE REPORT

Herein, we present two cases in which left-sided IVCs were diagnosed using preoperative imaging. PAN lymphadenectomies were safely performed in these patients with endometrial cancer. In the first case, the left-sided IVC crossed the abdominal aorta after the left renal and gonadal veins had drained into it and joined the right renal vein. In the second case, the left-sided IVC crossed the abdominal aorta after the left renal and gonadal veins flowed into it and the ascending lumbar vein flowed into the right side.

CONCLUSION

These cases demonstrate that even in the presence of vascular malformations, PAN lymphadenectomy can be performed safely by employing preoperative anatomical imaging analysis and judicious intraoperative surgical maneuvers to avoid vascular injury.

Peripheral vascular trauma - basic management, diagnosis and treatment

INTRODUCTION

Peripheral vascular injuries occur in 1-3% of all traumas in civilian settings. The management of these injuries is often based on experience derived from war medicine where these injuries are more common. The goal of this article is to summarize basic guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular injuries.

METHODS

Western Trauma Association (WTA) and Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma (EAST) both have their own guidelines for vascular trauma management.

RESULTS

Vascular injuries occur both in penetrating and blunt traumas. Complete vessel disruption occurs more frequently in penetrating traumas. In the case of blunt trauma, intimal defects are more common, resulting in dissection, false aneurysm, or intramural hematoma. The limb is mostly endangered due to ischemia, reperfusion injury and the compartment syndrome. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are paramount. Vascular trauma management is part of the ATLS protocol and life-over-limb principle. The primary goal is to stop the massive external bleeding. Clinical examination and CT angiography are the most helpful for the diagnosis. Surgical revision is indicated when hard signs are present. This can be a damage control surgery with the primary goal to stop the bleeding as quickly as possible. A shunt can be used for temporary reperfusion of the limb. Definitive treatment can take the form of a simple suture, patches or graft interposition; both prosthetic and autologous grafts are used. Sufficient debridement and fasciotomy are important steps in the therapy. In some cases, endovascular treatment can be used.

CONCLUSION

Over the last century, the treatment strategy changed dramatically. Data from recent military conflicts show a decrease in amputation rates, and limb salvage has become a standard.

Incidence and characteristics of vascular trauma at a level 2 trauma center

OBJECTIVE

Despite the significant number of trauma patients treated at level 2 trauma centers (L2TCs) in the United States, most of the literature describing vascular trauma is from level 1 trauma centers (L1TCs). Currently, trauma center designation criteria do not require vascular surgery as a necessary component service.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed for all trauma patients with a vascular surgery consultation seen at our L2TC between 2013 and 2018. Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and outcomes were collected and analyzed with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

Of the 3062 trauma patients evaluated at our L2TC, 110 (3.6%) had a vascular surgery consultation. Operative intervention was performed in 35.2% of consults, and 1.0% of all trauma patients had a vascular intervention. Average age was 57 years, and the majority were male (n = 75; 68.2%). Mean Injury Severity Score was 12.0 ± 9.6, and blunt injury (n = 77; 87.5%) was more common than penetrating (n = 11; 12.5%). The most common location of injury was the lower extremity (n = 23; 74.2%), followed by upper extremity (n = 3; 9.7%), chest (n = 2; 6.5%), neck (n = 2; 6.5%), and pelvis (n = 1; 3.2%). Endovascular interventions were performed by the vascular surgery service in 67.7% (n = 21) of all injuries. There was one amputation (3.2%) and one postoperative mortality (3.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

At our L2TC, postoperative morbidity and mortality rates at 30 days were substantially lower compared with previously reported data. However, mean injury severity score and the incidence of penetrating and polytrauma were also lower at our institution. Most patients were managed nonoperatively, but when they did require an operation, endovascular therapies were more commonly implemented. Vascular surgery should be considered an integral service in trauma level designation, and there is a need for further investigation of these outcomes in L2TCs.

Ellis type 4 coronary artery perforation during percutaneous coronary intervention: Case series and review

Ellis type 4 coronary artery perforation (CAP4), also referred to as Ellis type 3 cavity-spilling perforation, is a rare but life-threatening complication of percutaneous coronary intervention characterized by extravasation of blood into a cardiac chamber, anatomic cavity, or coronary sinus or vessel. CAP4 is uncommon, accounting for 1.9% to 3.0% of all CAP. Only 11 cases of CAP4 have been reported in detail; we report an additional two cases and review prior reports of this rare complication. Our first case highlights a patient with chronic anginal symptoms due to a 75% concentric stenotic lesion in the mid-LAD. Revascularization was complicated by perforation during pre-dilation with robust contrast extravasation into the left ventricle. Successful postperforation hemostasis was achieved with heparin reversal and covered stent placement. The second case demonstrates another major mechanism of CAP4: wire perforation. During intervention, the absence of blood flow distal to the lesion in the setting of an ST segment elevation myocardial infarction obscured the course of the nonhydrophilic floppy wire leading to perforation that was managed conservatively. In our scoping review, we found that the majority of CAP4 occurred in the LAD. The most frequently involved cavity was the left ventricle-other cavities involved were the right ventricle and coronary veins. Common etiologies of CAP4 included guidewire perforation (62%) and balloon dilation (31%). Perforation was managed with reversal of anticoagulation in 46% of cases, prolonged balloon inflation in 54% of cases, and covered stent deployment in 15% of cases. No patients required surgical repair or pericardiocentesis and perforations were successfully sealed in all cases. In-hospital mortality was 0%.

Consideration for Limb Salvage in Place of Amputation in Complex Tibial Fracture With Neurovascular Injury: A Case Report

High-energy tibial fractures often present with associated soft tissue injuries, including neuro-vascular damage, complicating the treatment decision. A 33-year-old male presented with Gustilo Anderson type IIIA fracture of the left distal tibia and fibula with associated closed calcaneus fracture and tibial nerve transection. Amputation was discussed, but the decision was made for limb salvage with nerve allograft. The patient displayed satisfactory functional recovery at 29 months postoperatively without need for major revision, grafting, arthrodesis, or amputation. This case report provides an example of successful limb salvage utilizing tibial nerve allograft in a complex high-energy lower extremity injury. Level of Evidence: IV.

Surgical management of distal humerus gunshot fractures: descriptive case series

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to report our 5 years surgical experience and the rate of neurovascular injury following gunshot fractures of the distal humerus in a in level-1 Trauma Centre in South Africa.

METHODS

A retrospective case series of 25 consecutive adult gunshot injuries to the distal humerus. Demographic and injury data were extracted from clinical case notes and electronic operative records. Imaging archives were used to classify fractures according to the AO/OTA classification.

RESULTS

Twenty-five male patients, with mean age of 32-years-old, sustained gunshot injuries to the distal humerus. Eleven patients had multiple gunshots. Forty-four percent of patients underwent Computed Tomography Angiography (CTA), 20% had confirmed brachial artery injury. Limbs with vascular injury were salvaged with arterial repair and external fixation. Fractures were extra-articular in 20 cases (80%). Nineteen fractures were classified as highly comminuted. Nerve injuries occurred in 52% and were all managed expectantly. Only 32% of patients attended follow-up beyond 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

These are rare challenging injuries with high rates of neurovascular damage. This demographic of patients is poorly compliant with follow up highlighting the need for high-quality early care. Brachial artery injury should be excluded with CTA and can be managed with arterial repair and external fixation. All fractures in this series were surgically managed with conventional anatomical plate and screw fixation techniques. For nerve injury, we advocate expectant management.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

IV.

Major Intraoperative Complications During Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy

BACKGROUND

Studies have shown minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) to be a feasible surgical technique in treating esophageal carcinoma. Postoperative complications have been extensively reviewed, but literature focusing on intraoperative complications is limited. The main objective of this study was to report major intraoperative complications and 90-day mortality during MIE for cancer.

METHODS

Data were collected retrospectively from 10 European esophageal surgery centers. All intention-to-treat, minimally invasive laparoscopic/thoracoscopic esophagectomies with gastric conduit reconstruction for esophageal and GE junction cancers operated on between 2003 and 2019 were reviewed. Major intraoperative complications were defined as loss of conduit, erroneous transection of vascular structures, significant injury to other organs including bowel, heart, liver or lung, splenectomy, or other major complications including intubation injuries, arrhythmia, pulmonary embolism, and myocardial infarction.

RESULTS

Amongst 2862 MIE cases we identified 98 patients with 101 intraoperative complications. Vascular injuries were the most prevalent, 41 during laparoscopy and 19 during thoracoscopy, with injuries to 18 different vessels. There were 24 splenic vascular or capsular injuries, 11 requiring splenectomies. Four losses of conduit due to gastroepiploic artery injury and six bowel injuries were reported. Eight tracheobronchial lesions needed repair, and 11 patients had significant lung parenchyma injuries. There were 2 on-table deaths. Ninety-day mortality was 9.2%.

CONCLUSIONS

This study offers an overview of the range of different intraoperative complications during minimally invasive esophagectomy. Mortality, especially from intrathoracic vascular injuries, appears significant.

The Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS) does not predict amputation in popliteal artery injury

PURPOSE

Vascular injuries in lower extremity trauma, especially with involvement of the popliteal artery, are associated with considerably high rates of limb loss, especially with blunt trauma mechanisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk of amputation in patients with traumatic popliteal artery lesions with special focus on the validity of the Mangled Extremity Severity Score (MESS).

METHODS

In this retrospective study, all patients treated for isolated lesions of the popliteal artery following trauma between January 1990 and December 2020 at a high-volume level I trauma center were included. Primary outcome was limb salvage dependent on MESS and the influence of defined parameters on limb salvage was defined as secondary outcome. The extent of trauma was assessed by the MESS.

RESULTS

A total of 50 patients (age 39.2 ± 18.6 years, 76% male) with most blunt injuries (n = 47, 94%) were included. None of the patients died within 30 days and revascularization was attempted in all patients with no primary amputation and the overall limb salvage rate was 88% (44 patients). A MESS ≥ 7 was observed in 28 patients (56%) with significantly higher rates of performed fasciotomies (92.9% vs. 59.1%; p < 0.01) in those patients. MESS did not predict delayed amputation within our patient cohort (MESS 8.4 ± 4.1 in the amputation group vs. 8.1 ± 3.8 in the limb salvage group; p = 0.765).

CONCLUSION

Revascularization of limbs with isolated popliteal artery injuries should always be attempted. MESS did not predict delayed amputation in our cohort with fasciotomy being an important measure to increase limb salvage rates.

Management of Traumatic Radial and Ulnar Artery Injuries and Risk Factors for Amputation

INTRODUCTION

Traumatic injuries to the radial and/or ulnar arteries represent a subset of arterial injuries. In the absence of injury to both forearm arteries, treatment was historically ligation if perfusion was maintained to the hand via the uninjured vessels or adequate collateral vessels. We sought to determine management of traumatic forearm arterial injuries in 2019 and to identify risk factors for major upper extremity amputation.

METHODS

The American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program database was queried by International Classification of Diseases 10 code for patients with traumatic radial and/or ulnar artery injuries within the year 2019. Patient demographics, Injury Severity Score, time to operating room, type of repair, outcomes, and mortality were collected. Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify risk factors for major upper extremity amputation.

RESULTS

A total of 4048 patients with traumatic radial and/or ulnar artery injuries were identified. A total of 1907 radial artery operations were performed including repair (59%), ligation (29%), and interposition bypass (12%). A total of 1637 ulnar artery operations were completed including repair (67%), ligation (21%), and interposition bypass (12%). Major upper extremity amputation occurred in 0.6%. Older age (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.014, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.004-1.024, P = 0.0048), blunt mechanism (AOR: 2.457, 95% CI: 1.730-3.497, P < 0.0.0001), and ipsilateral radial and ulnar artery injury (AOR: 2.148, 95% CI: 1.298-3.553, P = 0.0029) were associated with major amputation. Surgical revascularization, time to operating room, fasciotomy, and compartment syndrome were not associated with major amputation, but this may be secondary to Type II error.

CONCLUSIONS

In the operating room, radial and ulnar artery injuries were managed more often with restoration of flow versus ligation. Older age, blunt mechanism, and ipsilateral radial and ulnar artery injury were associated with major amputation. Amputation rate was low at 3% overall and 0.6% for amputation of the hand or a more proximal level. Upper extremity fracture, upper extremity nerve injury, and ipsilateral radial and ulnar artery injury were associated with need for revision operation.

Epidemiology and outcomes of traumatic vascular injury repair by trauma surgeons and vascular surgeons in a collaborative model

BACKGROUND

Management roles for peripheral vascular injuries (PVI) are a source of ongoing debate given the concern for the loss of vascular skills among general surgeons and trauma surgeons (TS). We sought to analyze outcomes of PVI managed by TSs or vascular surgeons (VSs).

METHODS

This is a retrospective study of a single, Level I trauma center. Trauma patients with PVI who underwent repair from 2010 to 2021 were included. Patients were separated into groups by the surgical specialty (TS or VS) undertaking the first intervention of the injured vessel.

RESULTS

A total of 194 patients were included, with 101 (52%) PVI managed by TS and 93 (48%) by VS. The TS group had more penetrating injuries (84% vs. 63%, p < 0.01), were more often hypotensive (17% vs. 6%, p = 0.01), and had a higher median Injury Severity Score (10 vs. 9, p < 0.001). Time from arrival to operating room was lower in the TS group (77 vs. 257 minutes, p < 0.01), with no difference in rates of preoperative imaging. The TS group performed damage-control surgery (DCS) more frequently (21% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.01). There was no difference in reintervention rates between the two groups after excluding patients that required reintervention for definitive repair after DCS (13% vs. 9%, p = 0.34). Mortality was 8% in the TS group and 1% in the VS group ( p = 0.02) with no deaths related to the PVI repair in either group. There was no difference in PVI repair complication rates between the two groups (18% vs. 13%; p = 0.36).

CONCLUSION

In our collaborative model at a high-volume trauma center, a wide variety of PVI are surgically managed by TS with VS. immediately available for consultation or for definitive repair of more complex vascular injuries. Trauma surgeons performed more DCS on higher acuity patients. No difference in vascular-related complications was detected between groups.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic and Epidemiological; Level IV.

Long-Term Outcomes of Open and Endovascular Axillosubclavian Interventions After Traumatic Injury Reveal High Rates of Limb Dysfunction

BACKGROUND

Arterial axillosubclavian injuries (ASIs) are currently managed with open repair (OR) and endovascular stenting (ES). The long-term prognosis of patients with these and associated brachial plexus injuries is poorly understood. We hypothesize that OR and ES for ASI have similar long-term patency rates and that brachial plexus injuries would confer high long-term morbidity.

METHODS

All patients at a level-1 trauma center who underwent procedures for ASI over a 12-year period (2010 to 2022) were identified. Long-term outcomes of patency rates, types of reintervention, rates of brachial plexus injury, and functional outcomes were then investigated.

RESULTS

Thirty-three patients underwent operations for ASI. OR was performed in 72.7% (n = 24) and ES in 27.3% (n = 9). ES patency was 85.7% (n = 6/7) and OR patency was 75% (n = 12/16), at a median follow-up of 20 and 5.5 months respectively. In subclavian artery injuries, ES patency was 100% (n = 4/4) and OR patency was 50% (n = 4/8) at a median follow-up of 24 and 12 months respectively. Long-term patency rates were similar between OR and ES (P = 1.0). Brachial plexus injuries occurred in 42.9% (n = 12/28) of patients. Ninety percent (n = 9/10) of patients with brachial plexus injuries who were followed postdischarge had persistent motor deficits at median follow-up of 12 months, occurring at significantly higher rates in patients with brachial plexus injuries (90%) compared to those without brachial plexus injuries (14.3%) (P = 0.0005).

CONCLUSIONS

Multiyear follow-up demonstrates similar OR and ES patency rates for ASI. Subclavian ES patency was excellent (100%) and prosthetic subclavian bypass patency was poor (25%). brachial plexus injuries were common (42.9%) and devastating, with a significant portion of patients having persistent limb motor deficits (45.8%) on long-term follow-up. Algorithms to optimize brachial plexus injuries management for patients with ASI are high-yield, and likely to influence long-term outcomes more than the technique of initial revascularization.

Avoiding Compartment Syndrome, Vascular Injury, and Neurologic Deficit in Tibial Osteotomy: An Observational Study of 108 Limbs

INTRODUCTION

Tibial deformities are common, but substantial concern may be associated with corrective osteotomy regarding major complications reported in classic literature. Such studies chiefly focused on high tibial osteotomy, with relatively little investigation of other areas and types of deformity. The primary aim of this study was to identify the rate of compartment syndrome, vascular injury, nerve injury, and other major complications after elective tibial osteotomy.

METHODS

One hundred eight tibia osteotomies performed during 2019 to 2021 were evaluated, representing all tibia osteotomies except situations of existing infection. A retrospective chart review was performed to identify patient demographics, surgical indications, anatomic location of osteotomy, fixation used, and complications prompting additional surgery.

RESULTS

The most common osteotomy locations were high tibial osteotomy (35/108 = 32%, 32/35 = 91% medial opening, and 3/35 = 9% medial closing), proximal metaphysis (30/108 = 28%), and diaphysis (32/108 = 30%). The most common fixation was plate and screw (38/108 = 35%) or dynamic frame (36/108 = 33%). Tranexamic acid was administered to 107/108 = 99% of patients and aspirin chemoprophylaxis was used for 83/108 = 86%. A total of 33/34= 97% of anterior compartment prophylactic fasciotomies were performed for diaphyseal or proximal metaphysis osteotomies. No events of compartment syndrome, vascular injury, nerve injury, or pulmonary embolism occurred. One patient required débridement to address infection. Additional surgery for delayed/nonunion occurred for nine segments (8%). Additional surgery for other reasons were performed for 10 segments (9%), none resulting in reduced limb function.

CONCLUSION

Tibial osteotomy can be safely performed for a variety of indications in a diverse range of patients, without a notable risk of the most feared complications of compartment syndrome, vascular injury, and neurologic deficit. Prophylactic fasciotomy and reducing postoperative bleeding using tranexamic acid, along with location-specific safe surgical techniques, may help prevent major complications and thereby facilitate optimized deformity care.

Rule of four: an anatomic and value-based approach to stent-graft inventory for blunt thoracic aortic injury

PURPOSE

As blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI) treatment has shifted from open to thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR), logistical challenges exist in creating and maintaining inventories of appropriately sized stent-grafts, including storage demands, shelf-life management and cost. We hypothesized that most injured aortas can be successfully repaired with a narrow range of stent-graft sizes and present a value-based anatomic approach to optimizing inventory.

METHODS

CT-scans of all patients with BTAI admitted to our Level I trauma center from Apr 2010-Dec 2018 were reviewed. Patients with anatomy incompatible with TEVAR were excluded. For each patient, after aortic sizing a set of two stent-grafts most likely to be utilized was selected from a list of twenty commercially available GORE conformable TAG endografts based on manufacturer instructions. Stent-graft sizes were then ranked based on the number of cases they would be suitable for. MATLAB was utilized to determine the combinations of stent-grafts which would cover the most patients.

RESULTS

Twenty-eight patients with BTAI were identified and three were excluded based on iliac diameter. Most patients were male (68%), mean age 42.3 ± 20.2 years, mean ISS 37.0 ± 9.8. Overall mortality was 25%. Of the 20 available stent-graft options, a combination of four stent-grafts would successfully treat 100% of the patients in this series.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on actual CT-scan aortic measurements, we demonstrated that an inventory of four sent-graft sizes was sufficient to treat 100% of patients with BTAI. These data can be utilized as a value-based anatomic approach to aortic stent-graft institutional inventory creation and maintenance.

Supra-Aortic Arterial Injuries Following Central Venous Catheterization Managed with Percutaneous Closure Devices: A Comprehensive Literature Review of Current Evidence

BACKGROUND

Inadvertent supra-aortic arterial injuries during central venous catheterization can lead to devastating outcomes. These have been traditionally been managed with open repair or covered stent placement; only recently have percutaneous closure been incorporated into the management of these iatrogenic arterial injuries.

METHODS

We performed a MEDLINE literature search in the English language, using the PubMed web-based search engine across years 2000 to 2020. This report reviews 34 published case reports and series reporting 71 iatrogenic supra-aortic arterial injuries managed with percutaneous vascular closure devices.

RESULTS

In our review, the use of a closure device was successful in 87% of cases, even in some cases involving sheath sizes greater than 8F. The devices used in these situations caused minimal complications and offered a quick means to control bleeding. Thus, percutaneous closure devices are a helpful tool that offers an alternative to more invasive open surgical repair.

CONCLUSIONS

Vascular closure devices offer a minimally invasive and effective approach to the treatment of inadvertent supra-aortic arterial injury following CVC.

Outcomes Following Below Knee Arterial Trauma

INTRODUCTION

Lower extremity vascular injuries have significant implications for trauma patients with regards to morbidity from limb loss. There is limited evidence on outcomes for patients with injuries to tibial arteries. Our study focuses on defining outcomes of traumatic vascular injury to vessels below the knee.

METHODS

A retrospective review using ICD-9 and 10 codes of all patients with below knee vascular injuries was performed at a Level 1 trauma center from November 2014 to June 2022. Interventions, outcomes, and complications were assessed.

RESULTS

Seventy-six patients were identified fitting inclusion criteria. The mean age was 35.3 +/- 15.2 years and 67 (88%) patients were male. Thirty-nine suffered penetrating trauma, 37 suffered blunt trauma. The most injured artery was posterior tibial artery (40%) followed by anterior tibial artery (36%). Injuries included 51 transections, 22 occlusions and 4 pseudoaneurysms. Forty-five (59%) patients underwent operative intervention. Thirty (67%) operations were performed by trauma surgery. Arterial ligation was performed in 30 cases (67%), arterial bypass in 12 (27%), and 2 (4%) primary amputations. Vascular surgery performed all bypasses. Overall amputation rate was 8% (n = 6) with 3 for mangled extremity and 3 due to failed bypass graft. All amputations were associated with open fracture and amputations for failed bypass had multiple arterial injuries.

CONCLUSION

The management of below knee vascular trauma requires a multidisciplinary approach. Patients requiring reconstruction are more likely to have multiple vessel injuries and may have significant risk of graft failure. These patients as well as those with extensive soft tissue injury and/or multi-vessel injuries are at increased risk for amputation.

Early Versus Delayed Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair for Blunt Thoracic Aortic Injury: A Propensity Score-Matched Analysis

OBJECTIVE

We examined early (≤24 h) versus delayed (>24 h) thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI), taking the aortic injury severity into consideration.

BACKGROUND

Current trauma surgery guidelines recommend delayed TEVAR following BTAI. However, this recommendation was based on small studies, and specifics regarding recommendation strategies based on aortic injury grades are lacking.

METHODS

Patients undergoing TEVAR for BTAI in the American College of Surgeons Trauma Quality Improvement Program between 2016 and 2019 were included and then stratified into 2 groups (early: ≤24 h vs. delayed: >24 h). In-hospital outcomes were compared after creating 1:1 propensity score-matched cohorts, matching for demographics, comorbidities, concomitant injuries, additional procedures, and aortic injury severity based on the acute aortic syndrome (AAS) classification.

RESULTS

Overall, 1339 patients were included, of whom 1054(79%) underwent early TEVAR. Compared with the delayed group, the early group had significantly less severe head injuries (early vs delayed; 25% vs 32%; P =0.014), fewer early interventions for AAS grade 1 occurred, and AAS grade 3 aortic injuries often were intervened upon within 24 hours (grade 1: 28% vs 47%; grade 3: 49% vs 23%; P <0.001). After matching, the final sample included 548 matched patients. Compared with the delayed group, the early group had a significantly higher in-hospital mortality (8.8% vs 4.4%, relative risk: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.1-4.4; P =0.028), alongside a shorter length of hospital stay (5.0 vs 10 days; P =0.028), a shorter intensive care unit length of stay (4.0 vs 11 days; P <0.001) and fewer days on the ventilator (4.0 vs 6.5 days; P =0.036). Furthermore, regardless of the higher risk of acute kidney injury in the delayed group (3.3% vs 7.7%, relative risk: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.20-0.92; P =0.029), no other differences in in-hospital complications were observed between the early and delayed group.

CONCLUSION

In this propensity score-matched analysis, delayed TEVAR was associated with lower mortality risk, even after adjusting for aortic injury grade.

Reduced Time to Surgery and Prophylactic Fasciotomy May Result in Improved Outcomes in Popliteal Artery Injuries

BACKGROUND

Popliteal artery injuries are uncommon and often result in limb loss or long-term limb dysfunction. The aims of this study were (1) to evaluate the association between predictors and outcomes and (2) to validate the rational of systematic early fasciotomy.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included 122 patients (80% men, n = 100) who underwent surgery for popliteal artery injuries from October 2018 to March 2021 in southern Vietnam. Primary outcomes included primary and secondary amputation. The associations between predictors and primary amputation were analyzed using logistic regression models.

RESULTS

Among the 122 patients, 11 (9%) underwent primary amputation, while 2 (1.6%) had secondary amputation. Longer time to surgery was associated with increased odds of amputation (odds ratio = 1.65; 95% confidence interval, 1.2 to 2.2 for every 6 hr). Severe limb ischemia was also associated with a 50-fold increase in the risk of primary amputation (adjusted odds ratio = 49.9; 95% confidence interval, 6 to 418, P = 0.001). Furthermore, 11 patients (9%) without signs of severe limb ischemia and acute compartment syndrome on admission were found to have myonecrosis of at least one muscle compartment during fasciotomy.

CONCLUSIONS

The data suggest that among patients with popliteal artery injuries, prolonged time before surgery and severe limb ischemia are associated with increased risk of primary amputation, whereas early fasciotomy may lead to improved outcomes.

Iatrogenic Abdominal Aortic Rupture During Transpedicular Bone Grafting for Thoracolumbar Burst Fractures Successfully Treated by Endovascular Stent Implantation

PURPOSE

Vascular injury resulting from transpedicular bone grafting in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures has not been reported but can be lethal. The management of patients with iatrogenic aortic injury remains a difficult clinical problem. This study describes a case of iatrogenic abdominal aortic rupture at the level of L2 during transpedicular bone grafting for the first time.

CASE REPORT

A 55 year-old male patient suffered from a T12 vertebral body mild compression fracture and an L2 vertebral body burst fracture due to falling. This patient was treated with posterior open reduction and pedicle screw fixation combined with transpedicular bone grafting in the L2 vertebrae using a paravertebral approach. Unfortunately, during transpedicular bone grafting, the abdominal aorta was punctured by the tip of the graft funnel. The use of endovascular stent implantation successfully averted a clinical catastrophe. The patient had a good clinical outcome, and no complications associated with vascular trauma were apparent at a 1-year follow-up examination.

CONCLUSION

For the repair of vascular injury caused by transpedicular bone grafting, endovascular techniques can provide a safe, minimally invasive, and effective treatment option.

CLINICAL IMPACT

Surgeons should carefully evaluate the specificity of the patient's anatomical structures preoperatively and be more cautious during transpedicular bone grafting in the treatment of thoracolumbar burst fractures.

MRI detects increased aortic stiffening and myocardial dysfunction after TEVAR of blunt injury in young patients

Background: Thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is a well-established technique for the management of blunt thoracic aortic injury (BTAI). Despite improvements in vascular imaging, graft material properties, and implant techniques, stent-graft deployment artificially induces aortic stiffening. This study aimed to evaluate the midterm effect of thoracic endovascular aortic repair after blunt thoracic aortic injury on aortic stiffness and cardiac function in young patients using cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging. Patients and methods: From all patients who underwent TEVAR for BTAI between 2009 and 2019 in a single institution, 10 patients with no other comorbidities affecting arterial stiffness were sex-, age-, height-, and body surface area-matched to 10 healthy controls. Comprehensive CMR examination was performed in all controls and patients. The mean follow-up period was 5.4±1.8 years; the mean age at the time of TEVAR was 30.3±8.7 years. Results: Four patients who underwent TEVAR developed arterial hypertension. 4D flow CMR-based analysis demonstrated higher global pulse wave velocity (PWV) in TEVAR patients than in controls (p=0.012). Segmental analysis showed a higher PWV in the descending and abdominal aorta. The indexed diameter of the ascending aorta was larger in TEVAR patients than in controls (p=0.007). The CINE acquisitions demonstrated increased left ventricular myocardial thickness (p<0.001). The 3D global diastolic strain rate and diastolic longitudinal velocity (e') decreased, and the A-wave velocity increased. Native myocardial T1 values were significantly higher in TEVAR patients (p=0.037). Conclusions: Young patients with TEVAR after BTAI are at an increased risk of developing vascular and myocardial dysfunction due to increased aortic stiffness. CMR follow-up allows for a comprehensive and radiation-free evaluation of vascular stiffness and associated myocardial changes, especially at the early and subclinical stages.

Surgical exploration for penetrating neck trauma - an audit of results in 145 patients

BACKGROUND

Selective non-operative management (SNOM) is the current gold standard for the treatment of patients with penetrating neck trauma. The policy revolves around the liberal use of computed tomography angiography (CTA) in those patients who are haemodynamically stable, irrespective of the anatomical zone of injury, aiming at reducing the incidence of negative and non-therapeutic interventions and their potential complications.

METHODS

A retrospective audit of results of patients who underwent immediate surgical exploration at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital in Soweto between January 2010 and December 2015 was performed.

RESULTS

One-hundred and forty-five (145) patients, with a median age of 28 years (range 18-67 years), predominantly males (93.8%), underwent immediate exploration. Most injuries were caused by stab wounds (92.4%) and affected zone 2 (54.1%) on the left side of the neck (69.6%). The most common presentations were active haemorrhage (29.4%), shock (24.1%) and expanding haematoma (15.1%). A major vascular injury was found in 40%, and aero-digestive organ injury in 19.3%. The rate of negative-non-therapeutic exploration in this cohort was 4.1%. Complications were recorded in 7.6%, and the overall mortality was 9.6% secondary to early uncontrolled haemorrhage, sepsis and occlusive strokes.

CONCLUSIONS

The utilisation of SNOM with strict criteria for selection of patients who require immediate surgical exploration versus investigations with CTA results in a low rate of non-therapeutic interventions.

Complications associated with single-position prone lateral lumbar interbody fusion: a systematic review and pooled analysis

OBJECTIVE

Lateral lumbar interbody fusion (LLIF) is a workhorse surgical approach for lumbar arthrodesis. There is growing interest in techniques for performing single-position surgery in which LLIF and pedicle screw fixation are performed with the patient in the prone position. Most studies of prone LLIF are of poor quality and without long-term follow-up; therefore, the complication profile related to this novel approach is not well known. The objective of this study was to perform a systematic review and pooled analysis to understand the safety profile of prone LLIF.

METHODS

A systematic review of the literature and a pooled analysis were conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. All studies reporting prone LLIF were assessed for inclusion. Studies not reporting complication rates were excluded.

RESULTS

Ten studies meeting the inclusion criteria were analyzed. Overall, 286 patients were treated with prone LLIF across these studies, and a mean (SD) of 1.3 (0.2) levels per patient were treated. The 18 intraoperative complications reported included cage subsidence (3.8% [3/78]), anterior longitudinal ligament rupture (2.3% [5/215]), cage repositioning (2.1% [2/95]), segmental artery injury (2.0% [5/244]), aborted prone interbody placement (0.8% [2/244]), and durotomy (0.6% [1/156]). No major vascular or peritoneal injuries were reported. Sixty-eight postoperative complications occurred, including hip flexor weakness (17.8% [21/118]), thigh and groin sensory symptoms (13.3% [31/233]), revision surgery (3.8% [3/78]), wound infection (1.9% [3/156]), psoas hematoma (1.3% [2/156]), and motor neural injury (1.2% [2/166]).

CONCLUSIONS

Single-position LLIF in the prone position appears to be a safe surgical approach with a low complication profile. Longer-term follow-up and prospective studies are needed to better characterize the long-term complication rates related to this approach.

Use of Computed Tomography Angiography to Predict Complications in Tibia Fractures: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis

OBJECTIVES

To assess the ability of computed tomography angiography identified infrapopliteal vascular injury to predict complications in tibia fractures that do not require vascular surgical intervention.

DESIGN

Multicenter retrospective review.

SETTING

Six Level I trauma centers.

PATIENTS AND INTERVENTION

Two hundred seventy-four patients with tibia fractures (OTA/AO 42 or 43) who underwent computed tomography angiography maintained a clinically perfused foot not requiring vascular surgical intervention and were treated with an intramedullary nail. Patients were grouped by the number of vessels below the trifurcation that were injured.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS

Rates of superficial and deep infection, amputation, unplanned reoperation to promote bone healing (nonunion), and any unplanned reoperation.

RESULTS

There were 142 fractures in the control (no-injury) group, 87 in the one-vessel injury group, and 45 in the two-vessel injury group. Average follow-up was 2 years. Significantly higher rates of nerve injury and flap coverage after wound breakdown were observed in the two-vessel injury group. The two-vessel injury group had higher rates of deep infection (35.6% vs. 16.9%, P = 0.030) and unplanned reoperation to promote bone healing (44.4% vs. 23.9%, P = 0.019) compared with controls, as well as increased rates of any unplanned reoperation compared with control and one-vessel injury groups (71.1% vs. 39.4% and 51.7%, P < 0.001), respectively. There were no significant differences in rates of superficial infection or amputation.

CONCLUSIONS

Tibia fractures with two-vessel injuries were associated with higher rates of deep infection and unplanned reoperation to promote bone healing compared with those without vascular injury, as well as increased rates of any unplanned reoperation compared with controls and fractures with one-vessel injury.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Linear epicardial cryoablation effects in a porcine model: Lesion characteristics and vascular risk

INTRODUCTION

Cryoablation in open-chest surgical interventions for ventricular arrhythmias has been reported with reasonable procedural outcomes. However, the characteristics of cryoablation lesions on the ventricular myocardium are not well defined. The purpose of the present study was to determine the tissue and vascular effects of a linear epicardial cryoablation probe in a porcine animal model.

METHODS

Five adult Yorkshire swine underwent median sternotomy and application of linear cryoablation lesions using a malleable aluminum linear cryoablation probe of varying duration (2, 3, 4, and 5 min), including one lesion placed intentionally over the left anterior descending coronary (LAD) artery. Histological analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Maximum lesion depth was approximately 1.0 cm with 3 min freezes, with no significant increase in depth achieved with longer lesions. No transmural lesions were achieved. No large vessel epicardial coronary artery injuries were seen to the LAD; however, surprisingly, remote isolated interventricular septal injury was seen in all animals, suggestive of possible compromise of smaller coronary arterial vessels.

CONCLUSION

Single application freezes with an aluminum linear cryoablation probe can create homogeneous ablative lesions over the ventricular myocardium with a maximum depth of approximately 1.0 cm. No large vessel injury occurred with direct lesion application of the LAD; however, small coronary vessels may be at risk.

'Retrograde' balloon-assisted tracking to rescue a kinked guide catheter in the radial artery

After a successful percutaneous coronary intervention to the left anterior descending artery, the guide catheter was pulled without a wire inside and so was kinked in the radial artery. It was not possible to pull or push the kinked catheter due to severe pain and fear of radial artery injury/perforation due to 'razor effect' of the two sharp edges of the kinked segment. Retrograde balloon-assisted tracking technique was used through femoral access, 7 F guide catheter, percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty wire and inflated 2.5×15 mm balloon partially outside the catheter tip to facilitate moving the kinked catheter to the aorta where unravelling was possible using a snare and a 0.035' wire. This technique helped to keep control of both catheters, and avoid the 'razor effect' and radial artery injury. It could be suggested as the initial solution to sort similar problems due to its safety and efficacy.

Vascular Injury After Scoliosis Correction in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome: Proceed With Caution

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a rare inherited connective tissue disorder characterized by collagen synthesis disruption, resulting in joint hyperlaxity, skin and vascular fragility, and bleeding diathesis. Patients with EDS are susceptible to spinal deformities, with scoliosis accounting for up to 23.4% of musculoskeletal abnormalities. Conservative management is often trialed initially; however, severe scoliosis can lead to significant sagittal imbalance and cardiopulmonary compromise. Surgical intervention for scoliosis correction in patients with EDS presents unique challenges because of tissue fragility and an increased risk of vascular and wound complications. This case report discusses a 20-year-old man with type II EDS and scoliosis, who experienced retroperitoneal compartment syndrome, significant left lower extremity weakness, and loss of sensation after scoliosis correction surgery. The report also provides an overview of the existing literature on scoliosis surgery outcomes in patients with EDS, highlighting the need for heightened vigilance and cautious surgical approaches.

Therapeutic management and amputation options in a long time delayed blunt popliteal artery injury

PURPOSE

To report the experience of treatment on blunt traumatic popliteal artery injury (PAI) combined orthopedic injuries and determine the amputation-associated factors.

METHODS

From January 2008 to December 2019, 55 patients in level I trauma center with traumatic blunt PAI were retrospectively reviewed. Variables were retrospectively collected and statistically analyzed. Patients with PAI with limb selvage, primary amputation, and secondary amputation were retrospectively grouped and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 55 patients with a median age of 41.4 years (range 18-70), of which 45 were males (81.8%) and 10 were females (18.2%), were enrolled. The overall amputation rate was 36.4% because 88.6% of patients faced more than 6 h of delay before treatment. The average injury severe score (ISS) and abbreviated injury score (AIS) were 10.4 (range 9-34) and 8.2 (range 5-16), respectively. Multivariate regression analysis showed that the number of hospitalization days was a significantly related factor to amputation. After a median follow-up of 56 months (range 12-132), no death, another limb loss, or claudication was found in all patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PAI are commonly accompanied by multiple injuries that increase the risk of amputation; therefore, timely treatments are urgently required. Reducing the severity of ischemia by fasciotomy, not losing time by performing preoperative imaging or diagnostic tests, and repairing the associated venous injury can help to optimize the rates of limb salvage. However, impact factors, such as the gender and age of the patient, injured mechanisms, concomitant injuries, AIS, ISS, and surgical times, are not associated with the outcomes of amputation. Nonetheless, endeavors to salvage the limbs as far as possible should be made.

Comparison of treatment and outcomes in blunt thoracic aortic injury based on different vascular surgery guidelines

OBJECTIVE

Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) recommendations for managing intimal (grade 1) blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs) include observation and medical management. University of Washington (UW) revised criteria suggest that intimal injuries with ≥1 cm flap should be upgraded to a moderate injury and treatment be considered. We sought to evaluate and compare SVS and UW criteria for BTAI and determine how discordance in grading affected treatment and outcome.

METHODS

We reviewed all patients admitted with BTAI from January 1, 2011, to March 31, 2022. Data included injury grading, demographics, and concomitant traumatic injuries. Images were reviewed to categorize the injury with both grading systems. Treatment and outcomes were analyzed for concordant and discordant groups.

RESULTS

Our cohort comprised 208 patients after excluding four who died upon arrival. The mean age was 45 ± 19 years, 69% were men, and the median injury severity score was 34 (interquartile range, 26-45). Strong agreement was observed between the grading systems (kappa = 0.88). All patients with concordant grade 1 injuries (n = 54) were observed. SVS grade 1/2 BTAIs were reclassified in 12 of 71 patients (16.9%). Two (28.6%) SVS grade 2 injuries were graded lower with the UW criteria; neither patient required immediate or delayed repair. Ten (15.6%) SVS grade 1 BTAIs were graded higher with UW criteria. Of these, six underwent repair (one for preoperative embolization), and four were observed without sequalae. Overall mortality was 7.7% with no difference for concordant or discordant grades (7.7% vs 8.3%; P = .99). No aneurysm-related mortalities were observed. Follow-up imaging was available for 94 survivors (49.0%) at a median of 193 days (interquartile range, 42-522 days). Two patients unrepaired at the index hospitalization (SVS grade 3/UW grade 2) underwent successful delayed repair. No patient observed for a minimal injury had BTAI progression or required treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

The UW grading system may upgrade or downgrade SVS grade 1 or 2 BTAI for as many as one in six injuries. Upgraded injuries should prompt consideration of repair if there is evidence of flap progression or thromboembolic complications. Downgraded injuries suggest that treatment may not be necessary; clinical expertise is key to determine optimal management in these patients.

Outcomes following thoracic endovascular aortic repair for blunt thoracic aortic injury stratified by Society for Vascular Surgery grade

OBJECTIVES

Although the Society for Vascular Surgery (SVS) aortic injury grading system is used to depict the severity of injury in patients with blunt thoracic aortic injury, prior literature on its association with outcomes after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) is limited.

METHODS

We identified patients undergoing TEVAR for BTAI within the VQI between 2013 and 2022. We stratified patients based on their SVS aortic injury grade (grade 1, intimal tear; grade 2, intramural hematoma; grade 3, pseudoaneurysm; and grade 4, transection or extravasation). We assessed perioperative outcomes and 5-year mortality using multivariable logistic and Cox regression analyses. Secondarily, we assessed the proportional trends in patients undergoing TEVAR based on SVS aortic injury grade over time.

RESULTS

Overall, 1311 patients were included (grade1, 8%; grade 2, 19%; grade 3, 57%; grade 4, 17%). Baseline characteristics were similar, except for a higher prevalence of renal dysfunction, severe chest injury (Abbreviated Injury Score >3), and lower Glasgow Coma Scale with increasing aortic injury grade (Ptrend < .05). Rates of perioperative mortality by aortic injury grade were as follows: grade 1, 6.6%; grade 2, 4.9%; grade 3, 7.2%; and grade 4, 14% (Ptrend = .003) and 5-year mortality rates were 11% for grade 1, 10% for grade 2, 11% for grade 3, and 19% for grade 4 (P = .004). Patients with grade 1 injury had a high rate of spinal cord ischemia (2.8% vs grade 2, 0.40% vs grade 3, 0.40% vs grade 4, 2.7%; P = .008). After risk adjustment, there was no association between aortic injury grade and perioperative mortality (grade 4 vs grade 1, odds ratio, 1.3; 95% confidence interval, 0.50-3.5; P = .65), or 5-year mortality (grade 4 vs grade 1, hazard ratio, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-2.30; P = .82). Although there was a trend for decrease in the proportion of patients undergoing TEVAR with a grade 2 BTAI (22% to 14%; Ptrend = .084), the proportion for grade 1 injury remained unchanged over time (6.0% to 5.1%; Ptrend = .69).

CONCLUSIONS

After TEVAR for BTAI, there was higher perioperative and 5-year mortality in patients with grade 4 BTAI. However, after risk adjustment, there was no association between SVS aortic injury grade and perioperative and 5-year mortality in patients undergoing TEVAR for BTAI. More than 5% of patients with BTAI who underwent TEVAR had a grade 1 injury, with a concerning rate of spinal cord ischemia potentially attributable to TEVAR, and this proportion did not decrease over time. Further efforts should focus on enabling careful selection of patients with BTAI who will experience more benefit than harm from operative repair and preventing the inadvertent use of TEVAR in low-grade injuries.

Rethinking protocolized completion angiography following extremity vascular trauma: A prospective observational multicenter trial

BACKGROUND

Completion angiography (CA) is commonly used following repair of extremity vascular injury and is recommended by the Eastern Association for the Surgery of Trauma practice management guidelines for extremity trauma. However, it remains unclear which patients benefit from CA because only level 3 evidence exists.

METHODS

This prospective observational multicenter (18LI, 2LII) analysis included patients 15 years or older with extremity vascular injuries requiring operative management. Clinical variables and outcomes were analyzed with respect to with our primary study endpoint, which is need for secondary vascular intervention.

RESULTS

Of 438 patients, 296 patients required arterial repair, and 90 patients (30.4%) underwent CA following arterial repair. Institutional protocol (70.9%) was cited as the most common reason to perform CA compared with concern for inadequate repair (29.1%). No patients required a redo extremity vascular surgery if a CA was performed per institutional protocol; however, 26.7% required redo vascular surgery if the CA was performed because of a concern for inadequate repair. No differences were observed in hospital mortality, length of stay, extremity ischemia, or need for amputation between those who did and did not undergo CA.

CONCLUSION

Completion angiogram following major extremity injury should be considered in a case-by-case basis. Limiting completion angiograms to those patients with concern for an inadequate vascular repair may limit unnecessary surgery and morbidity.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Dispelling Dogma: American Association for Surgery of Trauma Prospective, Multicenter Trial of Index vs Delayed Fasciotomy after Extremity Trauma

BACKGROUND

Surgical dogma states that "if you think about doing a fasciotomy, you do it," yet the benefit of this approach remains unclear. We hypothesized that early fasciotomy during index operative procedures for extremity vascular trauma would be associated with improved patient outcomes.

STUDY DESIGN

This prospective, observational multicenter (17 level 1, 1 level 2) analysis included patients ≥15 years old with extremity vascular injury requiring operative management. Clinical variables were analyzed with respect to fasciotomy timing for correlation with outcomes, including muscle necrosis and limb amputation. Associated variables (p < 0.05) were input into multivariable logistic regression models evaluating these endpoints.

RESULTS

Of 436 study patients, most were male (87%) with penetrating (57%), lower extremity (77%), arterial (73%), vein (40%), and bony (53%) injury with prolonged hospital length of stay (11 days). Patients who had index fasciotomy (66%) were compared with those who did not (34%), and no differences were appreciated with respect to age, initial systolic blood pressure, tourniquet time, "hard" signs of vascular injury, massive transfusion protocol activation, or Injury Severity Score (all p < 0.05). Of the 289 patients who underwent index fasciotomy, 49% had prophylactic fasciotomy, 11% developed muscle necrosis, 4% required an additional fasciotomy, and 8% required amputation, although only 28 of 147 (19%) required delayed fasciotomy in those without index fasciotomy. Importantly, forgoing index fasciotomy did not correlate (p > 0.05) with additional muscle necrosis or amputation risk in the delayed fasciotomy group. After controlling for confounders, index surgery fasciotomy was not associated with either muscle necrosis or limb salvage in multivariable models.

CONCLUSIONS

Routine, index operation fasciotomy failed to demonstrate an outcome benefit in this prospective, multicenter analysis. Our data suggest that a careful observation and fasciotomy-when-needed approach may limit unnecessary surgery and its resulting morbidity in extremity vascular trauma patients.