Iatrogenic Radial Artery Injuries: Variable Injury Patterns, Treatment Times,and Outcomes

Background: The radial artery is commonly accessed for arterial blood sampling, invasive blood pressure monitoring, and vascular access for cardiac catheterization. Iatrogenic radial artery injury is a rare complication with potentially devastating outcomes. The purpose of our study was to identify the timing of these injuries and define a treatment algorithm. Methods: A retrospective chart review of all patients with iatrogenic radial artery injuries were identified between the years 2008 and 2018. Patient demographics, mechanism of injury, interventions, and outcomes were recorded. Results: A total of 18 patients were identified with iatrogenic radial artery injury over a 10-year period. Fifty percent of these resulted from arterial line cannulation, and 50% occurred after transradial cardiac catheterization. Thirty-three percent resulted in radial artery pseudoaneurysm (RAP), and 66% had acute radial artery thrombosis (RAT). Eleven of the 18 patients underwent operative intervention. Of the 12 patients with RAT, 4 were treated with systemic anticoagulation for 3 months. All patients with RAP who were surgically treated had resolution of symptoms on follow-up evaluation. Of the patients with RAT, 2 had persistent sensorimotor deficits after treatment, and 1 patient had multiple necrotic fingers requiring amputation. Conclusion: Radial artery injuries are an uncommon but potentially devastating complication of common invasive procedures resulting in thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm, or overt hand ischemia. The treatment options vary depending on presenting symptoms.     

经皮冠状动脉介入治疗术中桡动脉穿孔的危险因素与处置策略

目的探讨经皮冠状动脉介入治疗(PCI)术中桡动脉穿孔的危险因素及处置策略。方法回顾分析经桡动脉PCI术中桡动脉穿孔的16例患者,记录术中桡动脉造影情况、桡动脉穿孔原因、导致穿孔的器械、处理方法和术后恢复情况等,通过定义桡动脉穿孔分型指导处置策略。结果 16例患者中桡动脉穿孔的原因包括,桡动脉解剖学变异为12例,桡动脉痉挛2例,超滑导丝穿出2例。其中7例Ⅰ型桡动脉穿孔均未行特殊处理,其余9例患者均接受加压包扎,前臂血肿张力较大的患者进行穿刺减压。术后随访4例患者出现桡动脉闭塞。结论桡动脉穿孔是经桡动脉PCI的少见并发症,可能会导致严重后果,及时行桡动脉造影,早期识别桡动脉穿孔并及时给予治疗,是有效预防前臂严重血肿、骨筋膜室综合征甚至于急性手缺血的关键。     

Safety and efficacy of radial access in trauma in 65 trauma endovascular cases

ObjectiveEndovascular techniques in trauma surgery are becoming increasingly important in patient management, with procedures such as pelvic and splenic angioembolization becoming the standard of care for certain injuries. Traditionally, such interventions are performed via femoral access, although the morbidity of this approach is not insignificant (3%-10%). Transradial access (TRA) is an attractive alternative, pioneered by cardiologists, with low rates of access site complications in patients undergoing coronary intervention. Recently, this technology has extended to other interventions. The aim of this study was to present the initial experience of a radial program in a busy trauma center, with specific regard to safety and complications.MethodsThe medical records of trauma patients undergoing endovascular procedures via TRA between March 2018 and December 2018 were queried for procedural and postoperative data. Demography and injury characteristics were presented for the overall cohort, followed by a comparison of procedural data and complications between laterality. Continuous variables were compared using a two-tailed t-test and categorical variables were compared using a χ² test.ResultsOver a 9-month period, 65 patients underwent 81 interventions via TRA, most commonly solid organ or pelvic angiography/embolization. Radial artery access was achieved in all patients, with procedural success achieved in all but two patients (n = 63 [96.9%]) who had hypoplastic radial artery anatomy, who underwent ulnar access. The overall technique-related complication rate was 1.5% with no difference observed between laterality (n = 1; P = .523). One patient with an admission Glasgow Coma Score of 3 and coagulopathy developed radial artery thrombosis after pelvic angiography via right TRA. Mortality was seen in seven patients (10.8%) owing to hemorrhagic shock (n = 3 [42.8%]) or multiorgan failure (n = 4 [57.1%]). There were no cases of postprocedural access site bleeding, hematoma, pseudoaneurysm, vascular injury, intraoperative arrhythmia or cerebrovascular accident, arteriovenous fistula formation, or infection.ConclusionsTRA is a feasible and low-risk alternative for endovascular intervention in the trauma patient. It yields good technical success with low morbidity. Although larger studies are needed to establish the full efficacy of TRA at the multi-institutional level, this single-institution study demonstrates the legitimacy of an alternative means for endovascular intervention in the trauma patient.     

经桡动脉入路全脑血管造影36例分析

目的评价经桡动脉入路全脑血管造影的可行性和安全性。方法回顾性分析2009年7月—2010年10月于我院神经内科住院治疗并接受经桡动脉全脑血管造影的36例缺血性脑血管病患者的疗效、并发症等。结果 36例患者中,28例经右侧桡动脉穿刺,8例经左侧桡动脉穿刺;34例（34/36,94.44%）顺利完成全脑血管造影,2例（2/36,5.56%）未能完成造影,其中1例因血管解剖变异而终止造影,另1例因患者术中躁动而终止造影,继而出现神经系统并发症。结论经桡动脉入路全脑血管造影安全可行,患者易于接受,但应注意操作技巧,避免发生并发症。     

Late-onset pseudoaneurysms of lower limb arteries following late complications of orthopaedic constructs - Two cases and review of literature

Introduction & importanceDamage to the adventitial layer of an artery leads to pseudoaneurysm formation. Pseudoaneurysms caused by complications of orthopaedic constructs are rare.Case presentation & clinical discussionCase report 01. A 27-year-old male presented with acute bleeding from an external fixator pin site. He had defaulted follow-up due to covid pandemic and presented with malunited distal tibia fracture and loosened Schanz pins. CT angiogram revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the peroneal artery over the loosened pin site. The patient underwent exploration and ligation of the peroneal artery.Case report 02. 86-year-old female presented with a gradually enlarging lump on her left anteromedial thigh for three months duration. She underwent open reduction and internal fixation of ipsilateral femur fracture 17 months back. She was found to have a pseudoaneurysm of the superficial femoral artery caused by exposed screws following bony erosion. Exploration and repair of “neck” the pseudoaneurysm was performed and the recovery was uneventful.ConclusionPseudoaneurysms are rare but carry devastating complications following various orthopaedic procedures. The common cause for the formation of pseudoaneurysms is trauma during surgery. But loosened Schanz screws and screws are also can be the cause. Early identification of a pseudoaneurysm and proper intervention will reduce morbidities.     

Does transradial cardiac catheterization affect coronary artery bypass grafting?

Recent technological advances have enabled the miniaturization of catheters for coronary angiography and intervention. As a result of this advancement, the transradial approach is becoming more popular. The advantages of this approach include a lower incidence of access site complications, earlier patient ambulation, improved patient satisfaction, and lower cost. The cardiologists of our institute have introduced this technique without delay and have taken the initiative in Japan. However, there are concerns regarding the effect of transradial cardiac catheterization on the condition of radial artery grafts for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). In this study, we evaluated the influence of transradial catheterization on CABG. We retrospectively evaluated 157 patients who had undergone CABG using the radial artery. The condition of the grafts was assessed intraoperatively. Postoperative coronary angiography was carried out 3 months after the surgical intervention. The patency of the grafts was assessed by 2 cardiologists. One-quarter of the radial artery grafts were affected by transradial catheterization. Since most of them were located only at the puncture site, the graft itself was capable of being used for grafting after the resection of its affected distal end. The patency rate was not affected by transradial catheterization.     

Transradial cerebral angiography: an alternative route

INTRODUCTION: The transradial approach has been well described for arteriography of the coronary vessels. To assess the safety and success rate of the transradial approach for three-vessel or four-vessel diagnostic cerebral arteriography, we reviewed the experience at our institution and compared our complication rates with those found in the literature for transfemoral cerebral angiography and transradial coronary angiography. METHODS: We reviewed the electronic medical records of 129 consecutive patients in whom 132 cerebral angiographic studies were performed by use of a transradial approach between December 1999 and June 2001. A total of 54 selective catheterizations were performed, of which 39 were of the vertebral artery, 11 of the internal carotid artery, and 4 of the external carotid artery. Records were reviewed for periprocedural and delayed complications, indications for diagnostic angiography, and requirement of conversion to a femoral approach. Records were reviewed prospectively for the first 55 procedures and retrospectively for the next 77 procedures. RESULTS: The mean time to initial clinical follow-up was 1.5 months (median, 0.5 mo). The combined rate of periprocedural and delayed complications was 9%, and there were no major complications. Minor periprocedural complications included transient radial artery spasm (four patients), failure to access the brachial artery (two patients), severe pain (one patient), skin desquamation (one patient), and hematoma (one patient). There were no major complications. At the time of follow-up evaluation, these patients were without deficits related to cannulation of the radial artery. CONCLUSION: The transradial approach for cerebral angiography is a safe alternative to the transfemoral route. After transradial cerebral angiography, patients require a shorter observation period and are not restricted to bed rest. As technological developments generate smaller, more pliable endovascular surgical devices, future endovascular surgery may be performed transradially.     

A Case Report: Hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm causing life-threatening haemobilia

Introduction & importanceHepatic artery aneurysms (HAA) are rare and it accounts 20% of all visceral artery aneurysms. Commonly HAAs are autopsy findings, but rupture and bleeding carrying significant morbidity and can manifest as haemobilia.Case presentationA 63-year-old Sri Lankan male presented with severe melaena upper abdominal pain and features of obstructive jaundice was found to have a giant pseudoaneurysm at the right hepatic artery with the possible arterio-biliary fistula. The etiology for the pseudoaneurysm was not identified. Despite massive transfusion, the patient died before the endovascular intervention.Clinical discussionAtherosclerosis is the leading cause of HAA formation but can be associated with connective tissue disorders and arteritis. Most of the HAA are asymptomatic. Aneurysms can be managed with surgical or endovascular interventions.ConclusionLife-threatening haemobilia is a notorious complication of the rapture of HAA into the biliary system. The incidents of hepatic artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms due to percutaneous transhepatic interventions and minimal invasive hepatobiliary surgeries are in the rising trend. Nonleaking VAA can be best treated with endovascular treatment. The knowledge on this topic is important for the early detection and intervention of this rare entity.     

Dorsalis pedis artery pseudoaneurysm: A rare entity in the field of vascular surgery

IntroductionDorsalis pedis artery aneurysms (PDAA) and pseudoaneurysms are rare conditions of lower limb vasculature. The rarity of the disease increases in the pediatric age group where only 4 cases of pediatric patients with PDAA.Presentation of the caseWe present A case of a 2-year-old baby girl who was diagnosed with dorsalis pedis pseudoaneurysm, which was treated successfully with pseudoaneurysm dissection and anastomosis.Clinical discussionThe dorsalis pedis pseudoaneurysm in this case has a rare anatomical location in addition to the unusual onset at this age group. Due to the rarity of this condition among all age groups, there is not a well-structured approach.ConclusionDPAA/pseudoaneurysm is a rare entity in the field of vascular surgery. Medical treatment is not suitable for DPAA/pseudoaneurysm to avoid the future risk of thrombosis or ischemia. The surgical approach is the Mainstay of treatment.     

经桡动脉行自体动静脉内瘘功能不良的介入治疗

目的探讨经桡动脉行自体动静脉瘘(AVF)腔内成形和(或)溶栓治疗的可行性。方法于因AVF狭窄或血栓闭塞而需行介入治疗的患者中,选取经桡动脉入路介入治疗的8例患者进行回顾性分析。结果首次造影证实6例患者为AVF重度狭窄,即刻行腔内球囊成形术,术后狭窄程度改善;对2例急性血栓形成患者行动脉内溶栓治疗,次日复查造影示血栓溶解,其中1例溶栓后造影显示吻合口附近静脉狭窄严重,行PTA治疗,另1例狭窄程度较轻者未进一步PTA治疗。对8例患者随访2~13个月,其中7例可正常行AVF透析,1例单纯PTA治疗患者2个月后再次行PTA治疗,4个月后因AVF功能不良而改行颈内静脉插管透析。结论经桡动脉行AVF功能不良的介入治疗有一定的可行性。     

Giant iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm of the brachial artery: A case report

IntroductionPseudoaneurysms are a pulsatile hematoma caused by hemorrhage on soft tissues. It is an uncommon condition with many different etiologies. We report a case of a giant pseudoaneurysm caused by iatrogenic injury on the brachial artery.Presentation of caseA 42 year-old male was submitted to our Vascular Surgery service with an enlargement of the right upper limb and a history of myocardial infarction. 60 days before the patient reached our service, he was submitted to a cardiac catheterization performed by another medical team, since the catheter was placed on the right brachial artery near the cubital fossa, we suspected an iatrogenic pseudoaneurysm, which was confirmed by his clinical history and physical exam. It was opted to treat the pseudoaneurysm with an implant of polytetrafluoroethylene prosthesis. There were no complications whatsoever and the patient was discharged.DiscussionPseudoaneurysms are more common after interventional procedures than diagnostic procedures, although brachial artery pseudoaneurysms are rare. Complications of pseudoaneurysms can cause serious threat to the afflicted limb and the patient’s life. The management of any pseudoaneurysm is dependent on its size, location and pathogenesis.ConclusionPseudoaneurysms develop slowly and should be diagnosed as early as possible in order to avoid complications and a better outcome. Due to an increase in recent endovascular procedures and the fact that brachial artery puncture is being performed more routinely, incidence of brachial artery pseudoaneurysms among overall population may rise.     

Pancreatoduodenal Artery Aneurism rupture post colonoscopy – Case report

IntroductionComplications related to colonoscopy is considered low and in most cases involves intestinal perforation. Vascular complications involving aneurysm rupture are rare in the literature and may occur after colonoscopy.Presentation of the caseWe report a case of a 58-year-old male patient that ruptured pancreatoduodenal artery aneurysm after colonoscopy, successfully submitted to endovascular treatment.DiscussionColonoscopy is frequently used as a diagnostic procedure. The risk of complication inherent to the procedure is considered low, and intestinal perforation is one of the most frequent.Other complications may present similar clinical symptoms, and it is necessary to complement the diagnostic investigation to offer the most appropriate treatment for the patient.Among the complications, there is one report of aneurysm rupture after performing colonoscopies and no case involving aneurysm rupture of pancreatoduodenal artery has been reported to date.ConclusionA patient with ruptured pancreatoduodenal artery aneurysm is a rare entity that can be adequately treated with endovascular intervention. This is the first report of rupture related to colonoscopy.     

Endovascular repair of an extracranial carotid artery aneurysm complicated by late stent thrombosis

Abstract

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms (ECAA) are extremely rare, accounting for less than 1% of all peripheral artery aneurysms. The most common presentation is central neurologic dysfunction, typically due to embolization of thrombus from the aneurysm. Historically open surgical intervention is the treatment of choice for symptomatic ECAA. Recent data suggest that endovascular repair is a valuable alternative, with a high procedural success rate and relatively low complication rate. We present a case of an ECAA with symptoms of vision loss, successfully treated by endovascular covered stenting but complicated by late in stent thrombosis and cerebral infarction. The patient was subsequently treated with IV thrombolysis and life-long warfarin. The patient had discrete residual symptoms at follow-up 3 months later.     

Active infective endocarditis of a bicuspid aortic valve causing left ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysm and right atrium shunt: A case report

Introduction and importanceLeft ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysm associated with infective endocarditis is a rare but life-threatening condition.Case presentationA 68-year-old man developed infective endocarditis of a bicuspid aortic valve with suspected annulus abscess and was transferred to our department for further treatment. Cardiac workup revealed the formation of a left ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysm penetrating the right atrium. We successfully treated the patient with pseudoaneurysm repair using a bovine pericardium patch in combination with aortic valve replacement. The patient was uneventfully discharged after 6-week antibiotic therapy and remained well for the following 2 years.Clinical discussionSurgery is the recommended treatment for left ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysms. Accurate diagnosis and identification of the anatomical conditions are crucial for determining the appropriate treatment.ConclusionWhen considering the appropriate surgical treatment for left ventricular outflow tract pseudoaneurysm associated with infective endocarditis, pseudoaneurysm repair using a bovine pericardial patch and concomitant aortic valve replacement can be an effective and feasible therapeutic option.     

Unusual complication of radial artery cannulation

Currently, radial artery cannulation is the preferred method for continuous hemodynamic monitoring in critically ill patients. Reported complications of radial artery cannulation include infection, digital gangrene, thrombosis, pseudoaneurysm, skin necrosis and median nerve palsy. Radial artery catheter fracture is a very rare complication. A review of the English language literature revealed only one reported case.We present an additional case of spontaneous radial artery catheter fracture.     

Transradial Approach for Cardiovascular Interventions and Its Implications for Hemodialysis Vascular Access

Because of its advantages, the transradial approach for cardiovascular interventions has gained significant popularity. However, this approach can be associated with radial artery thrombosis and occlusion. The complication generates a major concern for its potential impact on the future creation of an arteriovenous hemodialysis access. The issue gains more importance as a significant number of patients with cardiovascular disease suffer from underlying chronic kidney disease (CKD) and might need an arteriovenous access for hemodialysis therapy. In this context, the preservation of the arterial system is of equal importance to the frequently highlighted venous conservation for the successful creation of an arteriovenous access. It is for this reason that the Fistula First Breakthrough Initiative recommends avoiding the use of the radial artery for performing percutaneous interventions in patients with advanced CKD. Furthermore, there is scarce clinical data and publication regarding the impact of transradial approach on hemodialysis access. Is it possible to utilize the potential benefits and minimize the potential risks of transradial approach in chronic kidney disease patients? On the basis of current knowledge, this review discusses related issues of transradial approach to raise awareness and understanding, which are essential to proper caring of CKD patients undergoing cardiovascular interventions.     

Case report of a successful non-operative management of postoperative bleeding from pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery,following gastric surgery

IntroductionPost operative pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery is a very rare entity. Rupture of the pseudoaneurysm can be treated by embolism of the artery.Presentation of caseA 71 years old male with a perforated pyloric ulcer was treated with controlled external duodenal fistula. Due to postoperative bleeding a subtotal gastrectomy was performed. A second episode of bleeding occurred and rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery was diagnosed by computed angiography and treated by embolism of the artery. Three days later the duodenal stump was ruptured and a new controlled external duodenal fistula was surgically created. The patient died 6 weeks later due to multiple organ failure.DiscussionPseudoaneurysm is the result of self-contained ruptures of one or more layers of the vascular wall. Computed angiography is the golden standard to identify pseudoaneurysms (100% sensitivity). Early suspicion for the presence of a pseudoaneurysm is crucial, as when the rupture actually occurs, the mortality rate is remarkably high. Endovascular approach is a minimally invasive procedure with high success rates (70–100%) and significantly lower morbidity and mortality rates. Surgical is reserved in case of bleeding recurrence. The fact that is particularly interesting in this patient is the timing of the formation of the pseudoaneurysm, considering the fact that 48 h earlier the gastroduodenal artery appeared normal.ConclusionThere are no guidelines regarding the treatment of the pseudoaneurysm of the gastroduodenal artery. It seems reasonable to treat them immediately after diagnosis because a possible rupture of the aneurysm has an extremely high mortality.     

A hybrid approach to appendicitis with right external iliac artery pseudo aneurysm: A case report

IntroductionWhile acute appendicitis is a common surgical problem, the simultaneous occurrence of appendicitis and an infected iliac artery pseudoaneurysm is exceedingly rare. We report the successful treatment of an infected right external iliac artery pseudo aneurysm in the 1setting of acute appendicitis.Presentation of caseThe patient is an 83-year-old male who presents with severe sepsis, right lower quadrant and right leg pain. Additional past medical history is significant for rectal cancer status post resection and radiation therapy in 1997. Computed tomography (CT) on admission revealed a right iliopsoas muscle abscess, an inflamed Appendix and a pseudo aneurysm arising from the right external iliac artery. After consultations by multiple specialties, the plan was to proceed with percutaneous drainage of the abscess, antibiotic therapy and subsequent repair of the pseudoaneurysm. CT guided drainage of the iliopsoas abscess was performed with return of hemorrhagic fluid. Due to the concern of contained pseudoaneurysm rupture, the patient was taken for expedited repair. Due to the patient’s frailty and hostile abdomen, we performed embolization of the right external iliac artery pseudoaneurysm with Amplatzer I plugs (St. Jude Medical, St. Paul MN) and left common femoral to right superficial femoral bypass with cryopreserved cadaveric femoral vein. Following pseudoaneurysm exclusion, continued percutaneous drainage and antibiotic therapy, the patient has done well with no further evidence of infection.ConclusionRepair of infected pseudo aneurysms can prove challenging. Ongoing infection, a hostile surgical abdomen and patient frailty further complicates the treatment of these patients. This case displays a minimally invasive approach to this rare but morbid condition.