[Superior vena cava thrombosis or stricture secondary to implanted central venous access: Six cases of endovascular and direct surgical treatment in cancer patients]

Superior vena cava (SVC) stenosis or thrombosis is a well-known complication of central venous catheterization for endocavitary treatments, hemodialysis, or chemotherapy. In cancer patients, these SVC lesions are often symptomatic due to intimal damage and chemotherapy toxicity. We report our experience with six patients treated between 2007 and 2012 via an endovascular approach (n=5) or a direct surgical approach (n=1). All patients had SVC syndrome with facial edema, headache and upper limb edema. In three cases, the catheter was in place when the clinical symptoms occurred. Duplex Doppler and computed tomography (CT)-angiography identified the following lesions: isolated SVC stenosis (n=2); SVC stenosis with right Pirogoff confluence stenosis (n=1); SVC stenosis associated with left innominate vein thrombosis and right Pirogoff confluence stenosis (n=1); SVC thrombosis affecting azygos flow (n=2). In one patient, the thrombus extended into the right atrium. Five patients underwent endovascular repair via a right jugular approach (n=2) or a double jugular approach (n=3). Treatment involved: SVC angioplasty with stent (n=2); right Pirogoff angioplasty and SVC stent (n=1); kissing angioplasty of both innominate trunks with a SVC stent (n=1); and SVC angioplasty without stent because of an incomplete result with a residual lumen less than 8mm (n=1). One patient had a complete SVC occlusion with extension of thrombus into the right atrium. She was treated via a median sternotomy for open surgical control of both innominate trunks and lateral clamping of the right atrium. A long cavotomy prolonged on the right atrium allowed thrombo-intimectomy and pericardial patch angioplasty. Postoperative follow-up was uneventful in five cases. However, postoperative hemorrhage required pericardial drainage in one patient. The CT scan showed a good morphological aspect in five patients and an incomplete result in one case. Patients have been followed up annually with a duplex scan from two to six years. One patient had a restenosis at 7 months treated by a new angioplasty via a femoral approach. A new catheter was positioned via a cervical approach. Two patients died of metastatic diffusion at 8 and 32 months. The other four patients have remained asymptomatic, with a satisfactory duplex scan. In conclusion, VCS lesions after implanted central access for chemotherapy can often be treated endovascularly. Conventional surgery still has indications when lesions extend into the right atrium.

[Late occlusion of the subclavian artery proximal to mammary bypass]

We report the cases of two patients with an occlusion of the left subclavian artery several years after left internal mammary bypass of the anterior interventricular artery. The effect on the myocardium was only apparent after scintigraphy in one case, and was clinical in the second with angina pain on exertion of the upper limb. Re-implantation of the subclavian artery in the common carotid relieved the signs of myocardial ischaemia. While the internal mammary artery is the conduit of choice for coronary revascularisation because it is not affected by atheromatous lesions, this does apply to the proximal subclavian artery. Stenosis or occlusion here can entail ischaemia in the revascularised myocardial territory. Regular clinical and ultrasound surveillance can detect these lesions.

Embolization of hypogastric artery aneurysm: 17 cases

Surgical management of hypogastric artery aneurysm is associated with high morbidity due to hemorrhage and ischemia. Occlusion by embolization is an attractive alternative treatment. Between 1991 and 1995, we used Gianturco coils to embolize 17 hypogastric aneurysms in 14 patients. All patients were men with a mean age of 77 years. Ten patients had previously undergone aortic repair. Complete occlusion of the aneurysm was achieved in 16 cases but placement of an iliac stent was required in 1 case. Embolization failed in one case involving rupture of a large aneurysm. No complications were observed. Moderate buttock claudication was noted after bilateral embolization in three cases. Embolization of hypogastric artery aneurysm using coils resolves the long-term problems associated with surgical ligation. Extensive aneurysm of the origin to the bifurcation is the main indication for nonresective treatment but embolization can also be a useful alternative to open surgery for high-risk patients. Availability of stent grafts may extend the indication for endovascular treatment.

[Post-irradiation axillo-subclavian arteriopathy: surgical revascularization]

Post-irradiation axillo-subclavian arteriopathy can develop 6 months to 20 years after radiotherapy. Incidence estimated from duplex scan screening is about 30%, half of the cases having no hemodynamic significance. In our experience, asymptomatic lesions are the most common. Nevertheless, we have observed since 1978, 38 symptomatic patients including 23 with either acute ischemia (8 patients), or chronic ischemia (15 patients) requiring revascularization. We used an endovascular approach in 8 and open surgery in 15. A bypass graft was performed in 13 patients, using a vein (8 patients) rather than a prosthesis (5 patients), implanted in healthy territory, proximally or in the common carotid (11 patients) or the proximal subclavian (2 patients), and distally in the axillary artery (5 patients) or the brachial artery (8 patients). One venous bypass became occluded postoperatively. The other bypasses remained patent during follow-up of over 10 years. There of the five prosthetic bypassess gradually failed without recurrence of critical ischemia. Other revascularization procedures included endarterectomy and thrombectomy. In the long term, functional prognosis mainly depended on the frequently associated involvement of the plexus in the post-irradiation changes, which, together with the revascularization procedure, also required neurolysis in 11 patients, two omental covers and a free musculocutaneous transfer in 9 patients.

Iliac Venous Obstruction: Surgical Reconstruction

Aim:

To review the investigation and treatment of iliac vein obstruction.

Method:

A review of current literature in the field of management of iliac venous obstruction has been conducted.

Synthesis:

Iliac venous obstruction results in chronic or acute symptoms in the lower limb presenting as pain, swelling, oedema and discomfort of the lower limb. Intrinsic or extrinsic obstruction of the iliac veins may be the cause. Cockett syndrome is the classic aetiology for chronic intermittent or fixed left inferior limb venous obstruction. Other causes include tumours, vascular grafts or lymph node compression and retroperitoneal fibrosis. Duplex ultrasound imaging is now the first-choice investigation. CT scanning is useful where external vein compression is suspected. Phlebography is used when an endovascular procedure is to be done. The surgical treatment of Cockett syndrome described by Cormier is transposition of the common right iliac artery in the left internal iliac artery. This is being replaced by endovascular balloon venoplasty completed by stenting of the left iliac vein. We reviewed the experience of surgical correction of Cockett syndrome with Cormier's technique in 70 patients operated on between 1976 and 1990; 55 patients had a follow-up of 12-177 months. Anatomical and functional results were perfect for all patients except when endoluminal synechiae or iliac venous thrombosis were associated with postural compression. In this case a 50% success rate was achieved. The endovascular revolution offers a less invasive technique for treatment of chronic iliac venous obstruction. Follow-up is short at present in the few publications found in the literature.

Conclusions:

Iliac vein obstruction results in symptoms of swelling in the lower limbs. These may be managed conservatively. Where there is an indication for venous reconstruction, investigation by duplex ultrasonography is the first step. Endovascular procedures including stenting offer significant benefit. The long-term outcome of these interventions has yet to be established.

Endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysms with covered stents

The purpose of this retrospective, single-institution study was to analyze the results of endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysm using covered stents. Since January 1, 1996, a total of 34 iliac aneurysms have been treated with covered endovascular stents. The series included 9 isolated aneurysms, 29 aneurysms following repair of aortic aneurysm, and 3 false anastomotic aneurysms. The mean diameter of aneurysm was 42 mm (range, 21 to 120 mm). The aneurysm was either symptomatic or complicated in 11 cases. Three procedures were carried out under emergency conditions after acute rupture. Stent deployment was successful in 33 cases (technical success rate, 97.6%). Exclusion of the aneurysm was obtained in all cases with one (n = 26) or two overlapping (n = 7) covered stents. Mean procedure duration was 45 min (range, 25 to 75 min). The internal iliac artery was patent in 28 cases, but patency was preserved in only 4 cases. In the remaining 24 cases the internal iliac artery was excluded either preoperatively by embolization using Gianturco coils (n = 15) or intraoperatively by placement of the stent (n = 9). Endovascular treatment of iliac aneurysm with covered stents achieves good short- and middle-term results but usually requires exclusion of the internal iliac artery.

[Arterial complications of neurofibromatosis]

Type 1 neurofibromatosis (NF1) is the most frequently observed phacomatosis, but involvement of arterial trunks is uncommon. Expression depends on the localization and is not easily related to the causal condition. Seven patients with type 1 neurofibromatosis developed vascular manifestations (table I) disclosed by hypertension (n = 2) digestive angina (n = 1), arterial rupture (n = 1) and aneurysm of the subrenal aorta (n = 1). The diagnosis of NF1 was clear in 5 cases; in 2 cases, the diagnosis could only be established on the basis of pathology findings demonstrating dysplasia of the media with voluminous periadventitial hypertrophic nerves (table II). All the large arteries can be involved in NF1. A complete vascular work-up is needed to identify multiple arterial localizations as found in two of our cases. Thoraco-abdominal stenosis was observed in 5 cases leading, in 2 cases, to coarctation with a hemodynamic and functional impact requiring aortic revascularization. The most frequently observed localization involves the renal arteries: 3 of our patient had occlusive lesions of the renal arteries and in 2, aneurysms were observed. Three of our patients (including 2 of the preceding), had major occlusion of digestive arteries. Three other cases revealed an aneurysm of inflammatory subrenal aorta, a rupture of the iliac into the inferior vena cava and a rupture covered by a subclavian aneurysm. The indication for surgery depends on the arterial signs of associated complications (5 of our cases). In one case surgery was indicated to prevent rupture of a splenic artery aneurysm and an aneurysm of the subrenal abdominal aorta. Two cases were treated by exclusion (ilio-cava fistula) or excision (splenic aneurysm); renal or digestive revascularization was performed with arterial or venous autografts in young patients (3 cases). One extensive abdominal coarctation was repaired with a PTFE graft as were the subclavian and subrenal aorta aneurysms. One patient with an ilio-cava fistula died from collapsus. Long-term results of the revascularizations are satisfactory with good control of the hypertension and total regression of the digestive angina. Fibrodysplasia of the renal or digestive media occurring alone or thoraco-abdominal coarctation should suggest NF1 and lead to a complete work-up to identify other arterial localizations. Patients should be followed regularly to prevent complications which in case of rupture can be life-threatening.

[Abdominal aortic aneurysms associated with visceral artery stenoses]

During a 6-year period six patients had combined revascularizations for an abdominal aortic aneurysm and a high-grade (> 80%) stenosis of either the superior mesenteric artery (N = 14) and/or a renal artery (N = 60 including 6 bilateral revascularizations). Revascularizations of a visceral artery were done more often with a bypass graft (N = 61) than by endarterectomy (N = 6), reimplantation (N = 4) or endovascular technique (N = 3). Fifty patients had concomitant repair of the aorta and of the visceral artery, and ten had a staged repair, favored in-high risk patients and in cases of multiple visceral artery revascularizations. Four patients (7.5%) died (2 myocardial infarctions and 2 multisystem organ failure) and twelve (20%) had a non-fatal complication in the postoperative period. Survival was 91% at one year and 81% at 5 years. Our experience emphasizes the option of a staged approach in these high-risk patients, with the availability of extra-anatomic reconstruction, and the limited value of endovascular revascularization of the visceral arteries.

[Long-term outcome of infra-inguinal endovascular surgery for critical ischemia]

STUDY AIM

Endovascular surgery can be proposed as an alternative to infrainguinal conventional surgery in critical ischemia. The aim of this study was to report the latest results of our series of 186 patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

One hundred and eighty-six patients (100 women and 86 men; mean age 74.5 +/- 13 years) were treated for pain during rest (31.5%), gangrene (58%), or ischemic ulcer (10.5%). The lesions were unilateral (n = 172) or bilateral (n = 14). Two hundred eighty-seven target lesions were treated: for stenosis (n = 168) or occlusion (n = 119): of superficial femoral artery (31.7%), popliteal artery (40%) or tibial arteries (28.3%).

RESULTS

Technical success was achieved in 81% (15% amputations). The in-hospital mortality rate was 6.5%. The cumulative patency rate was 61 +/- 3% at 12 months, and 52 +/- 6% at 48 months. The limb salvage rate was 87 +/- 3% at 12 months and 82 +/- 4% at 48 months. Thirteen potential factors of patency were analyzed: the only predictive factors affecting patency were occlusion versus stenosis, and the use of atherectomy (Log rank test: P < 0.001 and P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Despite a risk of technical failure and of mid-term restenosis, endovascular surgery for critical ischemia provides a fair long-term limb salvage rate.

Infected false hepatic artery aneurysm after orthotopic liver transplantation treated by resection and reno-hepatic vein graft

Vascular complications after liver transplantation are relatively rare. Thrombosis of the host-transplant arterial anastomosis is the most frequently encountered vascular complication whereas only a few observations of infected anastomotic aneurysms, often leading to death by massive bleeding or loss of the transplant, have been reported. We report herein the case of a patient with an infected false anastomotic aneurysm of the hepatic artery associated with dissection of the celiac artery following orthotopic liver transplantation in a 35-year-old man who had received a liver transplantation for end-stage liver disease secondary to posthepatitis cirrhosis in March 1989. Starting at day 30, he had signs of infection associated with hemocultures positive for Staphylococcus aureus. A subhepatic collection was found on sonography and CT scan and also cultured positive for the same germ. Arteriograms demonstrated a celiac artery dissection associated with a false anastomotic aneurysm of the hepatic artery. Surgical treatment consisted of arterial reconstruction using a saphenous vein graft between the right renal artery and the hepatic artery of the transplant, followed by resection of the hepatic artery aneurysm and the celiac artery. Hepatic ischemia was 12 min. The immediate postoperative course was uneventful and postoperative angiograms showed that the reconstruction was patent at 5 years.

Colonic ischemia reveals thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease)

Two years before the appearance of distal peripheral manifestations of thromboangiitis obliterans (Buerger's disease), a young man had acute peritonitis attributable to an ischemic perforation of the sigmoid colon. Only the histological examination of excised tissue was able to differentially diagnose this entity unambiguously.

[Emboligenic aortopathies. Cholesterol embolisms: surgical treatment]

Emboligenic aortopathies are defined as lesions of the aortic wall leading to the production of thromboatheromatous material which can migrate in fragments or entirely. Emboligenic aortopathy can occur in all parts of the aorta. Localized lesions are rare and usually involve the subrenal abdominal aorta or the isthma. Diffuse lesions involving several segments of the aorta are encountered more often. There are three anatomic types of lesions: ulcerated plaques, atheromatous ulcerations, an evrysmal disease of the aorta. Therapeutic indications depend on: 1) clinical presentation: fibrinocruoric emboli, distal microemboli, disseminated cholesterol emboli; 2) the unique or multiple nature of the emboli; 3) the anatomic lesion; 4) localization.

[Diabetic arteriopathy of the lower limbs]

Diabetic arteriopathy is a specific entity as it associates macro-angiopathy ischemia factor and micro-angiopathy leading to peripheral neuropathy. This association leads to specific clinical manifestations dues to interplay of ischemic and infectious phenomena. Diffuse occlusive lesions predominate distally with mediacalcosis. Wider surgical indications for revascularization of distal vessels of the leg, the ankle and the foot have reduced the number and extent of amputation. Long-term permeability after salvage surgery is identical to that in non-diabetic patients as shown by our series of 695 distal revascularizations. Endovascular techniques with or without stents or recanalization are alternatives which may be indicated in case of short occlusions or trophic disorders contraindicating surgery. Associating stents with conventional surgery may also be indicated in diabetic patients. One final progress in reducing the number of amputations has been provided by free-transfer micro-surgery techniques which allow both vascular supply and coverage of distal tissue loss.

Infrapopliteal polytetrafluoroethylene and composite bypass: factors influencing patency

Between January 1, 1979, and December 31, 1988, 149 infrapopliteal polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) bypasses were performed in 145 patients with chronic, critical, limb-threatening ischemia. These operations represented 27.9% of 534 infrapopliteal bypasses performed during the same period. There were 92 males and 53 females. Mean age was 71.8 +/- 12.3 years. Signs and symptoms of critical ischemia were gangrene, ulceration, and isolated rest pain in 101 (69%), 23 (15.3%), and 25 (16.7%) cases, respectively. A composite (PTFE-saphenous vein) graft was used in 53 (35%) cases. In 96 prosthetic bypasses the distal anastomosis was performed using vein patch angioplasty in 65 (44%) cases and directly in 31 (21%). The in-hospital mortality rate was 3.3%. Patency, limb salvage, and patient survival rates were plotted according to the actuarial method and the curves obtained were compared using the log-rank test. Actuarial survival rates were 68% +/- 5% and 57% +/- 7% at 3 and 5 years, respectively. Primary patency and lower limb salvage rates were 41% +/- 5% and 68% +/- 6% at 3 years and 35% +/- 9% and 65% +/- 10% at 5 years, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference noted in primary patency rates at 3 years according to the type of bypass (composite or all-prosthetic: 36% vs. 44%), the type of distal anastomosis (direct or vein patch angioplasty: 43% vs. 45%), the site of distal anastomosis (upper or lower half of the leg: 38% vs. 46%), lateral or medial placement of the bypass (39% vs. 43%), or according to whether or not it was a repeat operation (40% vs. 44%). In conclusion, patency rates using infrapopliteal PTFE bypasses are low. Certain technical approaches, although they do not seem to improve patency, definitely increase the feasibility of bypass and in our opinion decrease the risk of early failure in unfavorable anatomic settings. The limb salvage rates following infrapopliteal PTFE and composite bypass are encouraging and justify the use of routine distal revascularization, even in the absence of autogenous vein graft.

[Arterial disease of the lower limbs in diabetic patients]

Lower limb arterial disease in diabetics resembles that in non diabetics. However, some important differences include the vessels involved and the extent of the involvement. In the diabetic, the arteries most frequently involved are those below the knee. Arterial occlusions are bilateral, multisegmental, and involve unusual vessels such as the internal iliac artery, the deep femoral artery, the small branches and the collateral circulation. Arterial disease in the diabetic appears at a younger age, advances more rapidly, is more diffuse, and is almost as common in women as in men. Interaction of arterial disease, neuropathy and infection produces a wide away of clinical findings, including callus formation, foot ulcers, cellulitis, osteomyelitis and patchy areas of gangrene. Foot abscess and cellulitis require emergency debridement and drainage. Arterial reconstruction, including endovascular procedures, lessen the rate of amputation, allow partial foot amputation, and prevent from recurrent foot ulcer. Soft tissue repair, and especially fasciocutaneous flaps or musculocutaneous flaps, provide the means to heal most of the patients without infection, and avoid below-knee amputation.

Outcome of infrainguinal endovascular revascularization procedures for limb-threatening ischemia

This report describes the results of 96 infrainguinal endovascular revascularization procedures performed in 86 patients with limb-threatening ischemia over a 3-year period. There were 41 women and 45 men (mean age 72.9 +/- 11.9 years) including 47 patients (51.1%) with diabetes and 13 (15.1%) with renal insufficiency. All patients had severe ischemia characterized by rest pain (18.8%), ulceration (12.5%), or gangrene (68.8%). Twelve procedures were carried out in association with conventional surgical reconstruction and in eight patients with mixed ulcers a venous procedure was performed during the same session. A total of 143 arterial lesions were treated including 61 occlusions (mean length 5.9 +/- 3.5 cm) and 82 stenoses (mean length 4.6 +/- 3 cm). The following techniques were used: transluminal angioplasty in 99 cases, laser in five cases, Rotablator in 24 cases, and aspiration thrombectomy in 15 cases. Nine patients (10.5%) died in the hospital. Initial failure was observed in 32 patients, of whom 18 underwent subsequent surgical revascularization and 14 required amputation of the extremity within 2 months. Analysis of variance was used to assess the following 12 risk factors for initial failure of endovascular revascularization: sex, age, diabetes, renal insufficiency, associated surgery, treatment of multiple lesions, artery treated, type of lesion, length of lesion, quality of runoff, use of an atherotome, and stent placement. Results showed a significant correlation between initial failure and both quality of runoff (12.9% in patients with two or more patent leg arteries vs. 36.5% in patients with one or fewer patent leg arteries; p < 0.05) and type of lesion (14.5% for stenosis vs. 45.9% for occlusion). Mean follow-up was 9.98 +/- 9.9 months and 4.7% of patients were lost. Restenosis was observed during follow-up of 16 of the 74 initially successful procedures. ANOVA was used to assess the same 12 risk factors for restenosis. Results showed a significant correlation between restenosis and both sex (10.8% in women vs. 32.4% in men; p < 0.05) and age (8% for patients > 80 years of age vs. 28.6% for patients < 80 years; p < 0.05). Primary patency, secondary patency and limb salvage rates calculated according to the actuarial method were 65%, 75%, and 84%, respectively, at 6 months and 47%, 67%, and 81%, respectively, at 1 year. Limb salvage rates for the endoluminal techniques used in this study were satisfactory, especially in elderly patients with either segmental lesions or contraindications for distal bypass.

[Arterial aneurysms in Behçet's disease. 4 cases]

Four cases of Behçet's disease with aortic and peripheral lower limb lesions illustrated the characteristics of the disease: multifocal lesions, false aneurysms suggesting infectious perforation and iterative false aneurysm in 1 case. The symptoms of Behçet's disease must be looked for stubbornly. In the presence of any arterial abnormality of this type, this cause must be seriously considered.

[Surgery of aneurysm of the subrenal abdominal aorta in patients over 80 years of age]

In patients aged over 80 years infrarenal aortic aneurysmectomy is controversial because of reduced life expectancy and multiple risk factors and associated vascular or non-vascular lesions. Our personal experience of 984 operations performed for unruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms over a 6-year period showed a significantly higher perioperative mortality in patients aged more than 80 years (15.4 versus 2 percent). In contrast, for ruptured aneurysms, the difference of perioperative mortality was not significant (71 percent in the over 80 group versus 37 percent in other groups), but the number of patients (17 and 52 respectively, to a total of 69) was too small. In patients over 80, it seems reasonable to restrict elective surgery to aneurysms that are symptomatic or complicated, or to those which carry higher risks of rupture in view of their diameter and gradual enlargement. The best treatment, in fact, is early diagnosis and surgery before the age of 80, when perioperative mortality is much lower, less than 2 percent. Less aggressive treatments, including endoluminal aortic graft placement, are very promising but still experimental.

Infected infrarenal aortic aneurysms: when is in situ reconstruction safe?

Twenty-five infected infrarenal aortic aneurysms operated on between 1968 and 1989 were reviewed. They were classified into post-embolic (mycotic) aneurysms (group I), infective aortitis (group II), and infected atherosclerotic aneurysms (group III). Aortoduodenal fistulas were found in eight patients and aortocaval in two. Five patients were operated on in a state of shock, and 12 had preoperative positive blood cultures. Surgical procedures included in situ reconstruction of the aorta (n = 21) and extra-anatomic bypass associated with aneurysmal resection (n = 4). In 19 patients, prostheses were covered with omental flaps, and antibiotics were continued for more than 6 weeks in all patients. In patients who underwent in situ reconstruction, three deaths were related to the initial surgery. All surviving patients were regularly followed up, and none showed any sign of late septic recurrence. In patients who underwent extra-anatomic bypass, two died in the postoperative period, one underwent reoperation 2 years after the initial surgery, and the last patient is doing well. Positive postoperative blood cultures (n = 4) revealed persistent sepsis: two cholecystitis, one spondylitis, and one aortic infection. An exhaustive review of the literature was performed; clinical, bacteriologic, and operative features and results were analyzed; prognostic factors were evaluated; and a practical therapeutic approach was suggested. The importance of preoperative diagnosis, complete resection, debridement of infected tissues, omental flap coverage, and long-term antibiotic therapy with regular computerized tomographic scanning follow-up is stressed.

Long-term follow-up of positive cultures in 500 abdominal aortic aneurysms

Routine aneurysm culture is frequently performed as it is thought that a positive culture could be a risk factor for secondary graft infection. Five hundred aneurysms, in a series of 796 patients, had microbiologic examination of the thrombus and/or aneurysm wall. Cultures were positive in 185 cases (37%), mostly due to normal skin flora microorganisms (80%), whereas 16 patients (3.2%) had infectious aortitis. Gram-stained smears were positive in nine of these 16 patients compared with two of the other 169. Of the 185 patients with positive culture, after a mean length of follow-up of 35 months, only one had a graft infection that occurred 6 years later and was not due to the same microorganism. Graft sepsis was diagnosed in six of the 296 patients who did not have a positive culture, and was related to clinically obvious locoregional or systemic foci. In this series, positive cultures from aneurysm without rupture or signs of infection were not a risk factor for secondary graft sepsis. Therefore, in cases of asymptomatic unruptured aneurysm, routine culturing is not necessary as a positive result has no pathogenic significance or therapeutic implication.

Lower-limb revascularization from the supracoeliac aorta through a transcrural approach

From October 1978 to December 1989, 51 patients underwent lower-limb revascularization from the supracoeliac aorta through a transcrural approach. Symptoms were related to lower-limb ischaemia in all patients: 20 had critical ischaemia (three with severe acute ischaemia) and 31 claudication. One patient had renal failure with hypertension and stenosis of the renal arteries associated with an infrarenal aneurysm induced by Takayasu's disease. Indications for exposure of the supracoeliac aorta were Takayasu's disease in two patients and atheroma in 34 (implantation of the graft on the supracoeliac aorta because of the status of the aortic wall (calcification, inflammation) in 25 and because antegrade revascularization of the visceral arteries was required in nine). In 15 patients repeat aortic surgery was performed; four of these had undergone three previous aortic approaches. The postoperative mortality rate at 30 days was 2%. There were four (8%) acute postoperative graft occlusions and four late occlusions, which occurred between 13 months and 6 years. Life-table analysis showed a 5-year primary patency rate(s.d.) of 83(10)% and a 5-year secondary patency rate(s.d.) of 88(8)%. There are few indications for the transcrural approach to the supracoeliac aorta. Nevertheless, this technique can prove useful in selected cases, for example in those with a calcified aorta, for repeat aortic surgery and for aortic thrombosis near the renal arteries. It is also useful when combined revascularization of the lower limb and right renal or hepatic artery is being considered.

[Fifty-three atherosclerotic carotid stenoses in an irradiated environment]

Fifty-three atheromatous carotid stenosis in a previously irradiated zone were operated upon between January 1983 and December 1991. A case control (retrospective) study confirmed the reality, even within the context of multiple artery atheromatous localizations, of an atypical profile suggestive of incrimination of the radiation: extension of the atheromatous lesions distally in the common carotid, proximally beyond the bulb. An isolated atheromatous lesion in the common carotid is very suggestive of postradiation atheroma, which also presents specific histologic features: peri-adventitial inflammation, adventitial and medial sclerosis. These changes are not accompanied by any particular neurologic clinical manifestations, but require frequent changes in surgical strategy: bypass rather than endarterectomy; the extent of the lesions decides whether the proximal implantation of the bypass is in the lower part of the common carotid or the subclavian. Radiotherapy adds to the difficulty of dissection and provokes a slight increase in morbidity, but the long term prognosis is analogous to that of usual atheromatous lesions with, however, the risk of atherosclerotic changes proximally.

Renal revascularization in high-risk patients: the role of iliac renal bypass

Between 1984 and 1989, 29 iliac renal artery bypasses were performed in 29 patients (mean age 67.8 years) with severe renovascular disease due to atheroma. The indication for renal artery reconstruction was hypertension in all patients, which was associated with kidney failure in 16 cases. In six cases, reconstruction was performed after failure or complications of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. The bypass was constructed with polytetrafluoroethylene in 24 cases (83%) and vein graft in five cases (17%). There was no postoperative mortality. All bypasses were found to be patent on duplex scanning or digital subtraction arteriograms. One patient was lost to follow-up. Mean follow-up was 23.2 months. One patient died of acute kidney failure, probably related to occlusion of the bypass. Hypertension improved in 22 cases (79%), was cured in two cases (7%), and remained unchanged in four (14%). Renal function remained unchanged in six cases (40%) and improved in nine (60%). Iliac-to-renal artery bypass seems to be the surgical renal revascularization modality best adapted to high-risk patients or those who have severe atheroma. Additionally, this technique enables rapid treatment of failures or complications of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty of the renal artery.

Acute colorectal ischemia after aortic surgery: pathophysiology and prognostic criteria

Acute colorectal ischemia is a rare though potentially lethal complication of aortic surgery. We reviewed our recent experience with 16 cases in order to analyze its causative and prognostic factors. The incidence was 2.8%, and the inferior mesenteric artery was occluded in all cases. All patients also had severe occlusive disease of at least two of the hypogastric or deep femoral arteries. Hypoperfusion due to arterial ligation, prosthetic occlusion or embolism was responsible in half the cases. Ischemia and perfusion due to aortic cross-clamping or perioperative hemorrhage were involved in the rest of the cases. Postoperative mortality was 31%. The mortality was lower for partial, nontransmural necrosis, and for elective operations. Recurrent intestinal ischemia, transmural necrosis, surgery for ruptured aneurysm, intestinal hemorrhage and pulmonary edema were associated with a higher mortality rate. All patients with anuria or extrarenal epuration and hepatic cytolysis died. Although reconstruction of the inferior mesenteric artery might lessen the incidence of postoperative colonic ischemia due to hypoperfusion, the role of oxygen free radicals should be investigated in humans, in order to afford colonic protection against the consequences of ischemia-reperfusion.

[Femoro-distal revascularization for "critical" chronic atheromatous ischemia. 695 cases]

The results of the revascularizations carried out over a 10-year period for "critical" chronic ischaemia, using the femoropopliteal bypass technique, have been retrospectively analyzed. In all, 600 patients underwent femoro-distal revascularization in 644 limbs, and 695 bypasses were performed. The hospital mortality rate was 4.3 percent. Among these 695 bypasses, postoperative occlusion occurred in 16.5 percent of the cases, and major amputations were necessary in 9.8 percent. The probability of 5-year survival was 47 percent. The probabilities of bypass patency and limb salvage were 50 and 76 percent respectively. The failure of revascularization ending in amputation did not significantly increase the postoperative mortality rate (4.1 percent versus 4.6 percent), but the life expectancy of patients who were amputated was significantly lower than that of patients who were not (55 +/- 5 percent versus 63 +/- 3 percent at 3 years; P = 0.03). The factors predictive of successful bypass were examined; they included age, clinical stage, diabetes, bypass material, site of distal implantation, revascularization procedure and reoperation. Femoro-distal revascularization makes it possible to cope with the challenge of limb salvage, even when the receiving vessel is an artery of the foot.

Atherosclerotic occlusive disease of the superior mesenteric artery: late results of reconstructive surgery

Between 1975 and 1988, 103 patients underwent reconstruction of the superior mesenteric artery for atherosclerotic occlusive disease. Patients undergoing revascularization with associated mesenteric infarction were excluded. There were 89 men and 14 women whose mean age was 57.2 years. Six patients were operated on emergently for impending mesenteric infarction; six patients underwent revascularization after intestinal resection for ischemic lesions; 20 patients had typical abdominal angina; 39 patients had nonspecific abdominal symptoms, and 32 patients underwent revascularization of their superior mesenteric artery for asymptomatic lesions. Revascularization of the celiac axis and inferior mesenteric artery was associated in 36 and four cases, respectively. Four patients (4%) died postoperatively. Four early occlusions (4%) were observed. During the follow-up period (mean = 69 months), 18 patients died; five patients had recurrent intestinal ischemic symptoms, four of whom died. All surviving patients underwent follow-up duplex scanning, examination, and arterial or venous digitalized angiograms in selected cases. Nine patients (9%) had anatomical abnormalities: two stenoses and seven occlusions. Failure of revascularization of the superior mesenteric artery was observed in patients with severe initial intestinal ischemia. Late complications were not statistically significantly related to the different techniques of revascularization used.

Renal artery revascularization with polytetrafluoroethylene bypass graft

Between January 1979 and December 1986, a total of 74 renal revascularizations were performed in 68 patients using the reinforced expanded polytetrafluoroethylene prosthetic graft. These 74 revascularizations represent 29% of 251 surgical renal revascularizations performed during the same period of time. Eight patients had a total of nine revascularizations in the emergency setting (group I) for ruptured suprarenal aneurysm or acute thrombosis of the renal arteries. Only one patient survived and six years later, his anatomic and functional results are satisfactory. Sixty-five revascularizations were performed electively in 60 patients (group II). This group consisted of 19 renal revascularizations alone, and 46 combined aortic and renal revascularizations. One patient died of respiratory complications two months after operation after his thoracoabdominal aneurysm was cured. Early repeat postoperative arteriography showed that six reconstructions had occluded (three major renal arteries, three polar arteries). One patient was lost to follow-up. The remaining patients were followed for a mean of 41 months. Follow-up arteriograms obtained during 1987 showed that there were two late occlusions and two distal anastomotic stenoses. Actuarial patency was 85 +/- 10% at 72 months. Polytetrafluoroethylene prosthetic grafts constitute a reliable material for renal revascularization and combined aortic and renal reconstruction in certain anatomic conditions.

Polytetrafluoroethylene bypass for revascularization of the atherosclerotic internal carotid artery: late results

Between 1979 and 1986, 60 patients underwent a total of 62 revascularizations of the internal carotid artery with an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) bypass. In 54 cases, the indication for surgery was the presence of extensive lesions in both the internal and common carotid arteries and, in 8 cases, a late complication of a previous surgical procedure. There were no early postoperative deaths (within 30 days). Three patients (5%) experienced postoperative neurologic complications. Two complications resolved completely whereas one left minimal residua. The bypasses remained patent in all three cases. All patients had early postoperative Doppler B-mode ultrasonography. Two early occlusions (3.2%) were disclosed but the patients remained symptom-free. Four neurologic complications were observed over long-term (average 23 months) follow-up. None were related to the operated carotid artery. There were no cases of infection or late occlusion. No hemodynamic or morphologic anomalies were observed on late follow-up ultrasound studies. These favorable results support the use of ePTFE as a reliable substitute when adequate autologous saphenous vein is not available for carotid bypass. Routine utilization might be indicated in cases of long bypasses, especially when it is necessary to implant the bypass on the ascending aorta, or when the proximal site of implantation is made on a thickened arterial wall.

Long-term evaluation of five biomaterials for angioplastic enlargement of the pulmonary artery in a young dog model

In 45 young dogs an enlargement angioplasty of the left pulmonary artery was performed using patches made from one of three autologous materials (jugular vein, unmodified pericardium, and glycerolized pericardium) or from two heterologous materials (lyophilized human dura mater and modified bovine carotid artery). Catheterization and angiographic studies performed 5 to 6 months after the operation showed that all patched vessels had remained patent, except in three dogs which had received heterologous implants. The animals were killed 5-24 months after operation (mean weight increase: 84%), and the implants were studied by optical microscopy and morphometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, and indirect immunofluorescence with antidog Factor VIII rabbit antiserum. The two heterologous tissues exhibited limited biocompatibility, as estimated from 10 criteria obtained at histologic studies. Conversely, all three autologous biomaterials were characterized by infiltration of noninflammatory cells, near-complete endothelialization, and neosynthesis of structural proteins; infectious foci were very rare or absent. These results suggest that autologous tissues, although deendothelialized at the time of implantation, constitute the most suitable material for patch angioplasty, as far as endothelial triggering, cellularity and resistance to infection are concerned.

[Hemorrhagic vascular complications of pelvic fractures . The role of embolization. 9 cases]

Emergency haemostatic embolization of the branches of the hypogastric artery was performed within 24 hours in 9 patients with fracture of the pelvis and major progressive retroperitoneal haematoma. Eight to 48 units of blood had been transfused. The patient in the worst condition (48 units of blood) died of respiratory failure and myocardial incompetence 2 hours after embolization. In the remaining 8 patients, embolization was effective without any immediate or delayed complication of the angiographic procedure. The usefulness of emergency angiographic exploration and the possible applications of endovascular haemostasis are discussed.

Aorto-femoral bypass with polytetrafluoroethylene prostheses: preliminary results in 363 cases

From October 1977 to October 1982, 363 unilateral aorto-femoral bypasses using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) prostheses were performed for predominantly unilateral aorto-iliac disease. The distal anastomosis was extended into the deep femoral artery in 57% of the patients. The postoperative mortality was 0.5%. The actuarial patency rate after 6 years was 87% in patients with claudication and 77% in those with critical ischemia. No false aneurysm developed. Thrombosis of the prosthesis was due to progression of distal disease, intimal hyperplasia and postural extrinsic compression. The latter seems to be characteristic of PTFE prostheses and can be treated by thrombectomy. In 21 cases a cross-over femoro-femoral bypass was done during the follow-up period because of contralateral progression of disease.

[Popliteal artery entrapment. Contribution of ultrasonography]

Ultrasounds contribute significantly to the diagnosis of popliteal artery entrapment. The haemodynamic data obtained by Doppler's velocimetry and the parietal and morphological data obtained by ultrasonography make it possible to proceed beyond a diagnosis of "presumption" based on clinical and arteriographic findings and to reach directly a positive diagnosis of entrapment, even in cases with arterial obstruction. Between December, 1979 and December, 1983, 12 cases of popliteal artery entrapment (5 of type I, 1 of type II and 6 of type III) were diagnosed by ultrasonic methods in 8 patients. In each of these patients the data thus obtained concerning the diagnosis, the type of lesion and the arterial complications were fully confirmed by a subsequent arteriography and at surgery.

[Supraceliac anterograde revascularization of the visceral arteries]

Supraceliac revascularization of digestive (38 cases) and renal (12 cases) arteries, was performed in 50 patients between 1976 and 1982. Excluding acute ischemic lesions of the digestive arteries, and acute aortic thrombosis in one case, there was no postoperative mortality and only one case of late occlusion of an aortoceliac shunt. Short-and long-term follow-up examinations failed to reveal any morphologic or hemodynamic alterations. Implantation of the shunt in a zone that avoids the atheroma and the anterograde mode of revascularization appear to provide favorable results, this method being therefore competitive with conventional techniques.

[Anastomosis of the low popliteal and leg arteries without clamping]

Using an Esmarch's bandage and a lower thigh tourniquet makes it possible to suppress flow and backflow in arteries below the knees. Distal anastomosis without proximal and distal clamps can then be performed on arteries with pathological wall but with adequate residual lumen. The elective indication is bypass on partially calcified arteries of the leg.

[Single centro-hepatic biliary cyst (author's transl)]

This is a rare condition, often presenting late as a result of compression of adjacent organs, as demonstrated by radiological examinations. Laparoscopy reveals only hepatic hypertrophy whilst the intrahepatic lesion is seen on isotope scan, its irregular appearance sometimes leading to confusion with metastatic disease. Study by scanner confirms its cystic nature. This dysembryoplasic nature of this lesion is now generally accepted, its origins lying in the vestiges of the hepatic ducts. Resection of the overling dome is the usual treatment of exteriorised biliary cysts. The evacuation of large central cysts may be associated with haemorrhagic complications as a result of decompression, which explains the need for slow evacuation or even the preference sometimes expressed for excision at the outset, in particular in the case of a left-sided lesion.

[Rupture of an infective aneurysm of the sub-renal abdominal aorta into the inferior vena cava. One case (author's transl)]

An aorto-caval fistula developed in a 62-year-old woman secondary to the rupture of an infective aneurysm of the aortic bifurcation. Treatment in relation to local and, above all, general infection is discussed, emphasising the value of epiplooplasty and prolonged appropriate antibiotic therapy. However, adequate follow-up is essential in order to be able to affirm cure, recurrence of the infectious process always being possible, even late.