Surgical intervention for complications caused by femoral artery catheterization in pediatric patients

PURPOSE: This study evaluated the risk factors and surgical management of complications caused by femoral artery catheterization in pediatric patients. METHODS: From January 1986 to March 2001, the hospital records of all children who underwent operative repairs for complications caused by femoral artery catheterization were reviewed. A prospective cardiac data bank containing 1674 catheterization procedures during the study period was used as a means of determining risk factors associated with iatrogenic femoral artery injury. RESULTS: Thirty-six operations were performed in 34 patients (age range, 1 week-17.4 years) in whom iatrogenic complications developed after either diagnostic or therapeutic femoral artery catheterizations during the study period. Non-ischemic complications included femoral artery pseudoaneurysms (n = 4), arteriovenous fistulae (n = 5), uncontrollable bleeding, and expanding hematoma (n = 4). Operative repairs were performed successfully in all patients with non-ischemic iatrogenic femoral artery injuries. In contrast, ischemic complications occurred in 21 patients. Among them, 14 patients had acute femoral ischemia and underwent surgical interventions including femoral artery thrombectomy with primary closure (n = 6), saphenous vein patch angioplasty (n = 6), and resection with primary anastomosis (n = 2). Chronic femoral artery occlusion (> 30 days) occurred in seven patients, with symptoms including either severe claudication (n = 4) or gait disturbance or limb growth impairment (n = 3). Operative treatments in these patients included ileofemoral bypass grafting (n = 5), femorofemoral bypass grafting (n = 1), and femoral artery patch angioplasty (n = 1). During a mean follow-up period of 38 months, no instances of limb loss occurred, and 84% of children with ischemic complications eventually gained normal circulation. Factors that correlated with an increased risk of iatrogenic groin complications that necessitated surgical intervention included age younger than 3 years, therapeutic intervention, number of catheterizations (>or= 3), and use of 6F or larger guiding catheter. CONCLUSION: Although excellent operative results can be achieved in cases of non-ischemic complications, acute femoral occlusion in children younger than 2 years often leads to less satisfactory outcomes. Operative intervention can provide successful outcome in children with claudication caused by chronic limb ischemia. Variables that correlated with significant iatrogenic groin complications included a young age, therapeutic intervention, earlier catheterization, and the use of a large guiding catheter.     

Intensivmedizin aus Sicht des Gefäßchirurgen

The role of vascular surgeons in the intensive care unit includes two major tasks: (1) consultant activity in complications of different operative specialties, for instance postoperative venous thrombosis after Wertheim's operation, mesenteric superior artery embolus, or arterial injury after total prosthetic replacement of the hip, (2) postoperative care following vascular surgery in order to identify and treat specific complications such as limb ischemia after reconstructive surgery, compartment monitoring after reperfusion injury of the aorta or extremities, carotis monitoring after postoperative apoplexy, and subsumed identification and treatment of ischemic and postischemic states in organs and tissues. Keeping vascular reconstructive options open is particularly important for polytrauma patients with blunt or open vascular injuries beginning from the thoracic aorta ending with subtotal amputation of the lower leg. Vascular surgeons in an intensive care setting play the central role in setting diagnostic course and therapy measures, while organ substitute therapy is within the administrative jurisdiction of the intensivist. Considering the complexity of morbidity in vascular patients, consultation by the intensivist, cardiologist, and neurologist is warranted.     

Profunda femoral artery pseudoaneurysm after percutaneous transluminal procedures manifested by neuropathy.

The incidence of arterial complications following femoral artery cannulation is low; however, with the increasing number of cardiac diagnostic and interventional procedures, vascular surgeons are being confronted with an increasing number of pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulas. Swelling and a painful pulsating groin masse are the most frequent presenting symptoms of a common femoral artery false aneurysm. We present the cases of 4 patients who had the unusual finding of a profunda femoral artery pseudoaneurysm after they had undergone cardiac catheterization or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty. The only clinical sign of these patients was femoral neuropathy or neuropalsy caused by femoral nerve compression. Surgical repair of the pseudoaneurysm was successful in all patients. We discuss the reasons for this unusual finding and rare location for a pseudoaneurysm.     

Temporary intravascular shunt in complex extremity vascular injuries

BACKGROUND: Early revascularization of ischemic limbs is an important step in the management of complex extremity vascular injuries (CEVIs). We present our experience of using a temporary intravascular shunt (TIVS) in the management of patients with limb-threatening vascular injuries. METHODS: Patients who had CEVIs at our institution from January 1996 to December 2000 were treated with early insertion of a TIVS at the initial phase of operations. The TIVSs were assembled from simple intravenous and extension tubes available in the operating room. Rigid stabilization of the injured bones and/or joints, debridement of the devitalized soft tissues, saphenous vein harvest for interposition grafts, and repair of any associated venous injuries were performed while the shunts were in place. Then, the shunts were removed and the injured arteries were repaired. RESULTS: There were five men and two women in this series. The preoperative time ranged from 120 to 450 minutes (median, 390 minutes). All TIVSs were inserted within the initial 30 minutes of operation. The injured arteries were popliteal (five patients), common femoral (one patient), and brachial arteries (one patient). Three patients also had associated venous injuries (i.e., two popliteal veins and one common femoral vein). Six injured arteries were repaired with reversed saphenous vein grafts and one (popliteal artery) was repaired by end-to-end anastomosis. The shunt time ranged from 60 to 180 minutes (median, 120 minutes). One patient had a TIVS inserted into both injured popliteal artery and vein. The operative time ranged from 225 to 360 minutes (median, 285 minutes). No complications related to shunt insertion were observed and all limbs could be salvaged. CONCLUSION: A self-constructed shunt is inexpensive, safe, and convenient to insert. Early revascularization of the injured limb with a TIVS can eliminate the adverse effects of prolonged ischemia and enables the surgeons to manage other associated injuries in an unhurried manner. We recommend early insertion of TIVSs in CEVIs.     

Vascular injuries complicating osteosynthesis in proximal femur fractures

While there are quite a number of reports on vascular injuries complicating hip arthropasty by acetabular component screw fixation, retractor tip pressure or extruding bone cement, the incidence of deep femoral vessel injuries in operative fixation of proximal femoral fractures is comparatively seldom described. We report on two patients with per- and subtrochanteric femoral fractures who sustained injuries of deep femoral artery branches during the implantation of a dynamic hip screw (DHS) and a dynamic condylar screw (DCS), which resulted in a massive thigh hematoma and a fist-size pseudoaneurysm respectively and necessitated surgical intervention in either case. We blame these vascular injuries on the pressure of Hohmann retractors exposing the femoral bone or on the drilling of boreholes for plate attachment. After discussing various operative procedures, we conclude that intramedullar implants are safer than plates with regard to potential vascular complications.     

Management of Vascular Complications following Femoral Artery Catheterization with and without Percutaneous Arterial Closure Devices

Percutaneous arterial closure devices allow earlier mobilization and discharge of patients after arterial catheterization than with manual compression for puncture site hemostasis. We reviewed our recent experience managing the complications of femoral artery catheterization with and without these devices on the vascular surgery service at a tertiary hospital. Thirty-one patients presenting over an 18-month period with complications after femoral artery catheterization with manual compression (n = 21) or percutaneous arterial closure devices (n = 10) were retrospectively reviewed.     

Analysis of 18 recent cases of penetrating injuries to the common and internal carotid arteries

Penetrating injuries to the common and internal carotid artery carry the unique potential for irreversible neurologic damage, respiratory collapse, and exsanguination. This study analyzes a recent 4 year experience with 18 cases of penetrating injury to the carotid artery to identify the factors influencing surgical decision-making, perioperative complications, and mortality. Sixteen patients with acute respiratory distress required emergent airway intubation. Three patients in hemorrhagic shock were brought directly to the operating room; the remaining 15 underwent emergency carotid arteriography. Three patients with multiple intramediastinal vascular injuries exsanguinated on the operating table before hemorrhage could be controlled. There were no deaths or neurologic complications in the 14 surviving patients who had an operation on the carotid artery, including 2 patients treated by internal carotid artery ligation. Early control of the airway was the most common initial requirement in this group of patients. Judicious use of preoperative arteriography was thought to facilitate the operative approach in selected patients. A flexible surgical approach to the damaged carotid artery is essential based on the patient's hemodynamic status, degree of neurologic impairment, and nature and extent of arterial damage.     

Should trauma surgeons render definitive vascular repair in peripheral vascular injuries?

Our hypothesis is that in an established Level I trauma center general trauma surgeons should repair peripheral vascular injuries even in stable patients when there is time for a vascular consult. We reviewed all penetrating peripheral vascular injuries in stable patients operated on by nine experienced general trauma surgeons (1993-1996). Outcome measures were amputation, nerve damage, and vascular complications. There were 43 patients with 44 peripheral vascular injuries identified. Sixty per cent were from stab wounds. There were 27 arterial injuries (carotid four, subclavian one, vertebral two, axillary three, brachial eight, ulnar one, radial two, femoral five, and anterior tibial one). There were three venous injuries (one each subclavian, axillary, and popliteal). There were 14 combined injuries (vertebral two, femoral nine, and popliteal three). There were no mortalities. Morbidity was limited to patients with lower extremity injuries. In the nine patients with combined femoral vessel injury there were three complications (nerve damage, thrombosed arterial repair, and thrombosed venous repair). In the four patients with popliteal venous injuries there were two complications, both venous thrombosis. Our early arterial patency rate was 97.6 per cent. These data support the hypothesis that general surgeons with trauma experience can provide effective treatment of peripheral vascular injuries. The significance of these findings in improving the image of trauma surgery as a career is discussed.     

ExoSeal血管封堵器在股总动脉顺行入路腔内治疗中的应用

目的探讨ExoSeal血管封堵器在股总动脉顺行入路行下肢动脉腔内再通术治疗中的安全性及临床应用价值。方法回顾性分析303例(316条患肢)接受顺行下肢动脉再通治疗患者的临床及影像资料,其中127例患者接受ExoSeal血管封堵器对股动脉穿刺点止血(血管封堵器组),176例患者接受传统压迫止血(手工压迫组)。记录并比较2组止血时间、实际制动时间、技术成功率及血管相关并发症。结果血管封堵器组与手工压迫组的止血时间分别为(3.68±2.40)min和(18.32±4.54)min,实际制动时间分别为(3.45±5.30)h和(10.44±14.68)h,技术成功率分别为98.52%(133/135)和93.92%(170/181),并发症发生率分别为2.22%(3/135)和8.84%(16/181),2组比较差异均有统计学意义(P均0.05)。血管封堵器组发生皮下血肿2例,腹膜后血肿1例;手工压迫组发生皮下血肿15例,穿刺侧肢体急性血栓形成1例。结论采用ExoSeal血管封堵器在股动脉顺行腔内治疗中对股动脉穿刺点止血是一种安全、有效的方法。     

Experience with latrogenic pediatric vascular injuries. Incidence, etiology, management, and results

During a 32-month period, 79 extremities in 76 children (age 1 day-13 years, mean = 31 months) were evaluated with regard to iatrogenic vascular injuries. Prospectively, 42 children were studied pre- and post-cardiac catheterization. Ten of these children sustained vascular injuries (incidence = 24%). Thirty-four additional children were referred because of 35 iatrogenic vascular injuries as a result of transfemoral cardiac catheterization (n = 20), umbilical artery catheterization (n = 10), or recent surgery (n = 5). All 45 injuries were evaluated by lower extremity segmental Doppler pressure measurements in addition to routine physical examination at the time of injury and at frequent follow-up. An ankle/brachial pressure index (ABI) less than 0.9 was considered abnormal. Selected children (ABI less than 0.9 for greater than 30 days) underwent orthoroentgenograms to assess limb growth. The average ABI immediately following injury was 0.34 +/- 0.33. Thirty-four injuries were treated nonoperatively. Twelve injuries were excluded from further study due to death (n = 7) or being lost to follow-yp (n = 5). A return of ABI to normal was seen from 1 day to 2 years in 93% of children treated with heparin (n = 14) compared to 63% of children who were simply observed (n = 8) (p less than 0.10). The initial severity of ischemia did not correlate with the subsequent rate of improvement. Only patients with absent femoral pulses were selected for operative intervention, which consisted of aortic thrombectomy (n = 2), femorofemoral bypass (n = 2), femoral artery patch angioplasty (n = 1), or femoral artery thrombectomy (n = 7) with no mortality. Nine patients had immediate return of a normal ABI after surgery. A delayed return of ABI to normal occurred in the other two. Nine per cent of surgically treated children and 23% of nonsurgically treated children developed leg length discrepancies (0.5-3.0 cm) as a result of ischemia lasting greater than 30 days. Overall, 91% of the children in this series eventually regained normal circulation following injury and no child lost a limb. This study indicates that iatrogenic pediatric vascular injuries are common and can result in significant limb growth impairment. Immediate operative intervention is highly successful when the injury is proximal to the common femoral artery bifurcation and avoids the prolonged ischemia seen with nonoperative therapy. For more distal occlusions, heparin therapy provides better results than simple observation. Although therapeutic intervention for these injuries is generally successful, a limb length discrepancy rate of 14% mandates that indications for invasive vascular monitoring and diagnostic procedures be strict.     

Influence of arterial access sites and interventional procedures on vascular complications after cardiac catheterizations.

The purpose of this study is to define the incidence of complications at the arterial access site after cardiac catheterization. The influence of the arterial access site on these complications was identified, as were the clinical characteristics of these problems. A total of 8,797 cardiac catheterizations were performed over the 3-year period of this study. Diagnostic catheterizations and percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasties (PTCAs) were included, and the arterial access site was identified. Diagnostic catheterizations were performed via the brachial artery (group I, n = 3,137) or the femoral artery (group II, n = 4,055). PTCAs were also performed via the brachial artery (group III, n = 32) or the femoral route (group IV, n = 1,573). Ninety-five major vascular complications occurred during the course of this study. The frequency of complications was higher with brachial artery catheterization when compared with the femoral route. PTCA was associated with a higher complication rate than diagnostic studies. Brachial artery complications were primarily arterial thromboses, which were easily diagnosed and treated. Femoral artery complications were more complicated, difficult to identify, and associated with significant morbidity.     

The management of peripheral vascular complications associated with the use of percutaneous suture-mediated closure devices

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the peripheral vascular complications associated with the use of percutaneous suture-mediated closure (PSMC) devices and compare them with postcatheterization femoral artery complications not associated with PSMC devices. METHODS: This is a retrospective review of all patients admitted to the vascular surgery service at the Chattanooga Unit of the University of Tennessee Department of Surgery with a peripheral vascular complication after percutaneous femoral arteriotomy between July 1, 1998, and December 1, 1999. The complications followed the use of PSMC devices (group I, n = 11) and traditional compression therapy (group II, n = 14) to achieve arterial hemostasis. Group II was subdivided into patients who required operative intervention (group IIA, n = 8), and those who were treated without operation (group IIB, n = 6). RESULTS: No significant difference was found between groups I and II with regard to age (P =.227), time to vascular surgery consultation (P =.987), or diagnostic versus therapeutic catheterization (P =.897). A significant difference was found with regard to mean pseudoaneurysm size (group I = 5.9 cm, group II 2.9 cm; P =.003). Ultrasound compression was successfully performed in 66.6% of group II patients, but no (0.0%) patient in group I responded to this therapy (P =.016). Groups I and IIA had a significant difference for mean estimated blood loss (group I = 377.2 mL, group II = 121.8 mL; P =.017) and requirement for transfusion (P =.013). More patients in group I required extensive surgical treatment (P =.007), with six of these patients requiring vein patch angioplasty during their treatment. More patients in group I also had infectious complications (n = 3) compared with group IIA (n = 1). CONCLUSION: In comparison with complications that follow percutaneous arteriotomy when PSMC devices are not used for hemostasis: (1) pseudoaneurysms after the use of PSMC devices are larger and do not respond to ultrasound compression, (2) complications associated with PSMC devices result in more blood loss and increased need for transfusion and are more likely to require extensive operative procedures, and (3) arterial infections after the use of PSMC devices are more common and require aggressive surgical management.     

Surgical complications from hemostatic puncture closure devices

BACKGROUND: For securing immediate hemostasis following percutaneous arterial catheterization, the Food and Drug Administration has approved three hemostatic puncture closure devices. We reviewed our institutional experience with one device (Angio-Seal). METHODS: A retrospective, single-center, nonrandomized observational study was made of all vascular complications following femoral cardiac catheterization. RESULTS: An immediate mechanical failure of the device was experienced in 34 (8%) patients. Surgical repair was required in 1.6% (7 of 425) of patients following Angio-Seal versus 0.3% (5 of 1662) following routine manual compression (P = 0.004). In 5 patients, the device caused either complete occlusion or stenosis of the femoral artery. The polymer anchor embolized in 1 patient and was retrieved with a balloon catheter at surgery. CONCLUSION: During the first year of utilization of a percutaneous hemostatic closure device following cardiac catheterization, we observed a marked increase in arterial occlusive complications requiring surgical repair. Surgeons must be familiar with the design of these devices to achieve precise repair of surgical complications.     

Delayed femoral artey thrombosis after hemi arthroplasty of hip- a case report

Vascular complications following hip-arthroplasty (HA) are rare. Delayed vascular complications are exceptional with handful of reports. We report a case of femoral artery thrombosis following hemi arthroplasty with delayed presentation after a bone fragment left in situ penetrated and injured the vessel. This report is a revelation for surgeons who need to be extremely careful while operating as well as be vigilant with patients in their follow up and should assess for vascular status at each visit.     

Complications of diagnostic carotid/cerebral arteriography when performed by a vascular surgeon

Carotid stenting has recently been considered as an alternative treatment to carotid endarterectomy for certain patients with carotid stenosis. Hence, performing carotid arteriography with minimal morbidity and mortality is essential. The purpose of this study was to audit complications of diagnostic carotid/cerebral arteriography performed by a vascular surgeon with experience in endovascular interventions. One hundred one consecutive patients underwent 4-vessel arch aortography with selective carotid, subclavian, and/or vertebral arteriography with use of the Seldinger technique. Demographic data, indications, procedure approach (transfemoral, brachial), number of arteries punctured, type of selective injection, contrast volume, and procedure time were analyzed. Minor complications were those that do not significantly alter the health or activity of the patient or require extra hospitalization or treatment. Other complications were defined as major complications. The technical success rate was 99% (100/101 patients). These included the following: 82 patients with right carotid artery, 82 with left carotid artery, 15 with right subclavian artery, 21 with left subclavian artery, 11 with right vertebral artery, and 17 with left vertebral artery (a total of 228 selective injections). Indications for procedures included the following: transient ischemic attack (TIA)/stroke symptoms in 66%, asymptomatic carotid stenosis in 22%, upper limb claudication in 4%, and vertebrobasilar insufficiency in 4%. Right femoral puncture was used in 79%, left femoral in 12%, and left brachial in 9%. The mean amount of contrast used was 101 cc (45-250 cc) and the mean procedure time was 46 minutes (22-132 minutes). There were 5 complications in the whole series: 3 major complications (3%), including 1 minor stroke (1%) with carotid injection, 1 TIA, and 1 major retroperitoneal bleeding; and 2 (2%) minor complications. The major complication rate in this series compares favorably to published rates of 5.7% to 9.1%. There was no association between complications and specific risk factors except for a longer catheterization time (66 minutes versus 45 minutes, p=0.011). Carotid/cerebral arteriography can be done safely by experienced vascular surgeons with minimal perioperative complications that compare favorably with what has been reported in the radiology literature.     

肱动脉穿刺术并发症的预防与处理

目的 总结经皮肱动脉穿刺术的临床经验,探讨相关并发症发生的原因及其预防及处理对策.方法 回顾性分析2001年6月至2009年6月因行血管腔内诊疗而接受超声引导下肱动脉穿刺术87例患者的临床资料,总结发生并发症情况及其发生原因.结果 87例患者在超声引导下行肱动脉穿刺术均成功,成功率为100%,其中超声引导下一次穿刺成功有53例(61%),经多次穿刺成功有34例(39%).16例患者(19例次)发生了并发症,并发症发生率为18.4%.其中导丝进入血管周围间隙4例(4.6%),穿刺局部发生血肿11例(12.6%),其中3例合并局部神经损伤(1例为迟发型神经损伤),假性动脉瘤1例(1.2%).结论 熟悉肱动脉穿刺术部位的解剖特点,掌握相应的操作技巧并对其并发症有足够的认识和处理对策的充分准备可以减少并发症及其不良后果的发生.     

Peripheral vascular complications of coronary angioplasty

Percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) is being employed with increasing frequency for the treatment of coronary artery disease. PTCA involves the use of a larger sheath and catheter assembly than does cardiac catheterization, potentially increasing the risk of injury to the peripheral vessels used for access. Over an 18-month period, 295 angioplasty procedures resulted in six major vascular injuries (2%). The peripheral vascular complications that were recognized early included thrombosis of the common or superficial femoral artery in two patients and laceration of the iliac artery in two additional cases. Late complications included one superficial femoral artery aneurysm and one common iliac vein thrombosis. All patients required emergency operation at the time of recognition of their vascular complication, and five of six required multiple operative procedures. At operation, all but one patient had severe peripheral arterial disease. There was one death, three amputations, and multiple major complications. Although persistent dysrhythmias were common, major cardiac complications were unusual. These patients had prolonged hospital stays and high hospital costs. Although the incidence of arterial complications with PTCA is low, the consequences are potentially disastrous when they occur. Greater attention to basic evaluation for arterial disease is strongly recommended before elective PTCA, and informed consent about possible extremity complications is mandatory. These untoward results, with their prolonged stays and high costs, must be considered when evaluating the results of "nonoperative" treatment of coronary artery disease.     

Major vascular injuries secondary to pelvic fractures: An unsolved clinical problem

Twelve patients sustained sixteen pelvic fracture-related iliac and femoral arterial (5) and venous (11) injuries. Death was due in large part to delays in recognition and direct operative control of the major vascular disruption. Prompt operative exploration of all pedestrians admitted in hemorrhagic shock with open pelvic fractures characterized by a double break in the pelvic ring should reduce the 83 per cent mortality currently associated with this combination of injuries.     

Selective non-operative management of pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulae complicating femoral artery catheterization.

Femoral arterial pseudoaneurysms or arteriovenous fistulae may sometimes complicate percutaneous femoral artery catheterization procedures. Most surgeons recommend prompt operative repair because of the unfavorable natural history of pseudoaneurysms or arteriovenous fistulae secondary to violent or accidental arterial trauma. However, the natural history of catheterization-induced pseudoaneurysms and arteriovenous fistulae has not been well documented. Accordingly, we prospectively studied the natural history of 22 pseudoaneurysms, 8 arteriovenous fistulae, and 3 combined lesions, identified by duplex scan in 32 patients following trans-femoral cardiac, peripheral vascular, or vascular access arterial catheterization procedures. Angiographic procedures were performed with the use of 5-8F introducer sheaths. A femoral artery complication was significantly more likely to result from coronary balloon angioplasty (9/304; 3.0%) than from diagnostic cardiac catheterization (21/2476; 0.8%) (p less than 0.003; chi square). Fourteen patients (13 pseudoaneurysms, 1 combined pseudoaneurysm/fistulae) underwent surgical repair. Pain and/or enlarging hematoma resulted in repair within two days of the diagnosis in 8 patients. The need for chronic anticoagulation prompted elective repair in 2 patients. A pseudoaneurysm was repaired in one patient five days following catheterization when it became painful. In three stable patients, asymptomatic pseudoaneurysms were repaired electively during another surgical procedure. There were no operative deaths. One patients (7%) developed a wound infection postoperatively. Eighteen patients (19 arterial lesions: 9 pseudoaneurysms, 8 arteriovenous fistulae, 2 combined pseudoaneurysms/arteriovenous fistulae) with improving symptoms and stable physical signs were followed by serial clinical evaluation and duplex scans. Seventeen of 19 (89%) of these lesions resolved spontaneously within 5-90 days (mean 30.7 days).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Iatrogenic Vascular Injuries in Varicose Vein Surgery: a Systematic Review

Background Iatrogenic vascular injuries during varicose vein surgery are serious. The aim of this study was to investigate their nature and consequences. Method A systematic literature research was performed. Results The incidence is low (0.0017%–0.3%). We found 81 patients suffering from 87 vascular injuries—44 arterial and 43 deep vein injuries. Conclusion Vascular injuries during varicose surgery are rare but serious. They are avoidable, and when they occur, early recognition is crucial. Bleeding is a common symptom, especially in deep venous injury. In our study, we reviewed the literature on 81 patients with 87 vascular injuries. Laceration or division of the femoral vein dominated venous injuries (28/43). Partial stripping of the femoral vein was not common (4/43) and occurred when the strip probe passed into the deep veins through a perforator. Arterial stripping predominated in arterial injuries (17/44) and happened when stripping distally during a primary operation, as reported by experienced surgeons, in nonobese women. Major arterial complications resulted in ischemia, often with diagnostic delay and poor reconstruction results. Only 30% (13/44) of arterial injuries were detected peroperatively. The amputation rate was 34% (15/44), but rose to 100% if combined with intra-arterial sclerotherapy (5/5 cases). When stripping an artery below the femoral artery, the amputation rate was high (42%; 5/12) and morbidity severe (85%; 11/12). All fatal injuries (5 cases) were venous. Anatomic knowledge and awareness of the possibility of vascular complications should be preventive. Early detection by routine checking of arterial circulation is important.