Optimal limb salvage in penetrating civilian vascular trauma

To evaluate current treatment of peripheral vascular trauma, we reviewed our recent experience with noniatrogenic penetrating vascular injuries of the extremities. Between 1979 and 1984, 139 patients sustained 204 vascular injuries inflicted by single gunshots (64%), stabbings (24%), and shotguns (12%). Eighty-four percent of patients underwent preoperative arteriography, which revealed occult arterial injury in 13 patients (9%). Compartmental hypertension necessitated fasciotomy in 19% of patients and was required more often after combined arterial and venous injuries (29%) than after isolated arterial injury (14%). Arterial continuity was restored by interposition grafting with reversed saphenous vein (62%), end-to-end anastomosis (19%), vein patch angioplasty (8%), or primary repair (4%). After arterial repair, completion angiography detected the need for revision in 8% of patients. Arterial ligation was performed in 7% of injuries and was only used in the treatment of tibial and distal profunda femoris injuries. Forty-five percent of patients sustained concomitant venous injury; 64% of all venous injuries and 90% of femoropopliteal venous injuries were repaired. No deaths occurred, and a single patient required amputation. We conclude that a protocol of preoperative arteriography, liberal. use of fasciotomy, frequent use of autologous interposition grafts, repair of major venous injuries, and routine use of completion arteriography can result in limb salvage rates that approach 100% after penetrating vascular trauma to the extremities.     

Vascular injury about the knee. Improved outcome

The records of 41 patients with 43 vascular injuries about the knee (34 popliteal artery, five tibial-peroneal trunk, one proximal anterior tibial artery, and three isolated popliteal veins) were analyzed. The etiology of the injuries were gunshot wounds (22), blunt trauma (11), shotgun wounds (4), and stab wounds (4). Associated injuries included fractures (67%), popliteal vein (54%), and nerves (32%). Arterial repairs consisted of primary repair (19), lateral repair (1), saphenous vein grafts (13), and saphenous vein patching (1). Five patients received polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) grafts. Fasciotomy was performed in 27 limbs. The associated venous injuries (21) and isolated venous injuries (3) were managed with ligation (14), primary repair (9), and vein patch (1). The amputation rate was 11 per cent for popliteal artery injuries (4/34). No other amputations were required. All four amputations were associated with massive limb injury (3) or diagnostic delay (1). One patient died during hemodialysis for renal failure resulting from prolonged shock and myoglobinuria. Successful management correlates best with prompt repair of both popliteal arterial and venous injuries and early fasciotomy. Vein repair (vs ligation) is associated with better long-term results.     

Cervicothoracic vascular injuries. Presentation, management, and outcome

One hundred consecutive patients with cervicothoracic vascular trauma were analyzed. The injury severity score, mechanism of injury, age, initial findings, management, and results were tabulated. There were 48 arterial and 61 venous injuries in the stable Group A patients, 11 arterial and 12 venous injuries in the unstable Group B patients, and three arterial and five venous injuries in the morbid Group C patients. Treatment included primary repair, resection with end-to-end anastomosis, or ligation. Twenty-three patients developed postoperative complications, the most common being respiratory in nature. The overall mortality rate was six per cent. Five patients died during or immediately after operation of exsanguination, and one died of ischemic brain death on the seventh postinjury day. The usefulness of preoperative angiograms, especially in the detection of arteriovenous fistulas, is important in planning the surgical approach. The overall outcome was favorable.     

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.     

Iatrogenic Major Venous Injuries Incurred During Cancer Surgery

Purpose Iatrogenic operative injury to the major veins is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. This study was conducted to review the pattern, management, and outcome of iatrogenic major venous injuries incurred during cancer surgery. Methods We reviewed 24 patients with collective 30 venous injuries, evaluating clinical characteristics; operative and postoperative data, including location and type of venous injury, operative repair, blood loss, and transfusion requirements; and outcome. Results Thirty venous and 12 associated arterial injuries were identified. The two most common sites of venous trauma were the iliac and femoral veins with 10 (33.3%) and 9 (30.0%) injuries, respectively. Twenty-three (76.7%) of the venous injuries were repaired primarily or with end-to-end anastomosis, while the remaining injuries required interposition grafts, patch venoplasty, or venous ligation. Postoperative revision procedures were performed in 3 (12.5%) patients. Perioperative mortality was 16.7% and major complications developed in 11 (45.8%) patients. Conclusions Serious complications can be minimized by immediate recognition and prompt repair of iatrogenic vascular injuries. Close collaboration with a vascular surgeon during resection of tumors in proximity to the vascular structures may be helpful in preventing iatrogenic vascular injuries. In hospitals where tumor resection procedures are frequently performed, a vascular surgeon must be readily available.     

Management of military vascular injuries.

BACKGROUND: Vascular injuries caused by high-velocity military missiles during war present large and extensive defects of tissues and bones, are often associated with other injuries. In this study we will discuss the surgical strategy and results of military vascular injuries. METHODS: A retrospective review of records of 63 patients treated between January 1995 and December 1999 was undertaken. RESULTS: The mean age of the wounded was 22.3 years (range, 20 to 37 years). The mean time for evacuation from the place of injury to the hospital was 2.3 hours (range, 15 min to 10 hrs). There were 58 (76.3%) arterial and 18 (23.7) venous injuries. Vascular injuries concomitant with 28 (36.9%) bone fractures, six (7.9%) nerve injuries, nine (11.8%) hemopneumothorax and one (1.3%) abdominal injuries. The treatment of the injured arteries were 39 (51.3%) saphenous vein interposition grafting, 13 (17.1%) end to end anastomosis, 12 (15.7%) primary suture, seven (9.2%) synthetic graft replacement. Three patients (3.9%) died because of hypovolemic shock. Five patients underwent amputation (6.6%) and fasciotomy was performed after vascular repair in 11 cases (14.5%). CONCLUSIONS: At the military vascular injuries, the right timing, and also prompt treatment save the life of the patients and give better qualified living to the patient.     

Feasibility of endovascular repair in penetrating axillosubclavian injuries: a retrospective review

BACKGROUND: Penetrating injuries to the axillary and subclavian vessels are a source of significant morbidity and mortality. Although the endovascular repair of such injuries has been increasingly described, an algorithm for endovascular versus conventional surgical repair has yet to be clearly defined. On the basis of institutional endovascular experience treating vascular injuries in other anatomic locations, we defined an algorithm for the management of axillosubclavian vascular injuries. Subsequently, a near decade long experience with the management of axillosubclavian vascular injuries was retrospectively analyzed, so as to more accurately assess the true feasibility of endovascular treatment in these patients. METHODS: We defined a management algorithm that included (1) indications, (2) relative contraindications, and (3) strict contraindications for the endovascular repair of axillosubclavian vascular injuries. Anatomic indications for endovascular repair were restricted to relatively limited axillosubclavian injuries (pseudoaneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas, first-order branch vessel injuries, intimal flaps, and focal lacerations). Relative contraindications for endovascular repair included injury to the axillary artery's third portion, substantial venous injury (eg, transection), refractory hypotension, and upper extremity compartment syndrome with neurovascular compression. Strict contraindications to endovascular repair included long segmental injuries, injuries without sufficient proximal or distal vascular fixation points, and subtotal/total arterial transection. Within the context of these definitions, we retrospectively reviewed 46 noniatrogenic subclavian and axillary vascular injuries in 45 patients identified by a prospectively maintained computer registry during a 9-year period. Presentations were reviewed concurrently by two endovascular surgeons, and potential candidates for endovascular management were defined. RESULTS: Among 46 total case presentations and among the 40 patients who maintained vital signs on presentation, 17 were potentially treatable with endovascular therapy. Among the cohort of 40 presentations, the most common contraindications to endovascular therapy were hemodynamic instability (n = 10), vessel transection (n = 7), and no proximal vascular fixation site (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Despite growing enthusiasm for endovascular repair of injuries to the axillary and subclavian vessels, realistic clinical presentation and anatomic locations restrict the broad application of this technique at present. In our experience, less than but approaching 50% of all injuries encountered could be addressed with an endovascular approach. This percentage will increase during the upcoming decades if the endovascular technologies available in hybrid endovascular operating rooms uniformly improve.     

The spectrum and management of noniatrogenic vascular trauma in the pediatric population

Background

To describe the spectrum of noniatrogenic pediatric vascular injuries and their outcomes at a large tertiary pediatric hospital.

Lower extremity vascular trauma: a comprehensive, aggressive approach

During this study, 25 patients (26 limbs) incurred 37 vascular injuries to the lower extremity. The majority were young males injured by penetrating trauma (84%). There were 25 arterial and 12 venous injuries (two isolated). Sixteen patients had soft-tissue injuries, 12 had fractures, and six had peroneal nerve damage. Twenty-two arterial injuries were repaired, the majority (17) by saphenous vein bypass. Three tibial vessels were ligated. All major venous injuries were repaired. No synthetic material was used. Vascular repair took precedence in all but two cases. After repair, the vascular surgeon assisted with stabilization. Thirteen limbs required fasciotomy; nine required subsequent debridements and later plastic reconstruction. Limb salvage was 96%. More important, 21 patients can ambulate independently on the injured extremity (84%). These results support an aggressive approach to lower extremity vascular trauma with repair of all major arterial and venous injuries in conjunction with aggressive debridement and soft-tissue repair.     

Central and regional hemodynamics determine optimal management of major venous injuries.

Controversy continues in the selection of optimal management of major venous injuries. We analyzed our experience with 191 major venous injuries in 163 patients (1986 to 1991). The mechanism of injury was gunshot (112), stab (44), blunt (six), and iatrogenic (one). Eighteen cervicothoracic, 51 caval, 30 iliac, 36 visceral, and 56 extremity veins were involved. Of the 191 injuries, 105 (54.9%) were repaired (lateral repair 76, end-to-end anastomosis 15, vein patch four, vein graft five, Gore-Tex graft four, and compilation one). Of the remaining venous injuries, 64 were ligated as a result of hemodynamic instability. Twenty-two injuries in 18 patients did not receive treatment because 16 of 18 patients died before vascular control or repair. The overall amputation rate was 1.2%, and the mortality rate was 28.2% (46/163). The highest mortality rate occurred in those patients who required resuscitative thoracotomy (100%, p < 0.00001), retrohepatic caval injuries (90%, p < 0.0004), and multiple venous injuries (81.8%, p < 0.00001). Seventeen patients underwent fasciotomies (15 prophylactic and two therapeutic). Clinical or measured venous hypertension by stump pressure assisted in deciding for venous repair in 20 patients. A significant decrease in venous stump pressure (p < 0.000001) was noted after venous reconstruction. Thus the decision to ligate or repair venous injuries correlated primarily with (1) hemodynamic stability, and in stable patients, with (2) extent and location of injury and (3) clinical and measured venous hypertension. Venous ligation in clinically stable patients did not increase the need for fasciotomy or amputation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Vascular trauma of the lower limbs

BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to evaluate the results of treatment of vascular trauma of the lower extremities and those factors associated with limb loss. Design: a retrospective evaluation of a series with lower extremities vascular trauma. Setting: University Hospital. METHODS: Thirty-one patients accounting for 45 vascular lesions of the lower extremities (27 arterial and 18 venous injuries), over a 15 years period ending December 1998. Age, sex, modality of the trauma, site of the lesion and associated skeletal injuries, diagnostic procedures, ischemic time, arterial and venous repair performed were analyzed. RESULTS: Perioperative mortality was 7.4%. For arterial injuries, limb salvage was obtained in 22 patients (81.5%). Five amputations (18.5%), 1 primary and 4 secondary have been performed. Amputation rate was 26.7% for popliteal lesions versus 8.3% for other locations, 40% when a skeletal lesion was associated versus 5.9% for those without such injuries, 37.5% for reverse saphenous vein interpositions versus 5.6% for arterial repair without interposition. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, the factors influencing limb loss in vascular trauma of the lower extremities are popliteal location, the association with skeletal injuries, the need of saphenous vein interposition for arterial repair.     

Noninvasive diagnosis of vascular trauma by duplex ultrasonography

Duplex ultrasonography was used prospectively in the initial evaluation of 198 patients with 319 potential vascular injuries of the neck and extremities. Patients who were unstable or who had obvious arterial trauma were excluded. Injury was caused by gunshot in 104 (53%), blunt trauma in 42 (21%), stab wound in 34 (17%), and shotgun in 18 (9%). Duplex ultrasonography correctly characterized and localized vascular injuries in 23 patients: arterial disruptions (13), intimal flaps (4), acute pseudoaneurysms (3), arteriovenous fistulas (2), and shotgun pellet arteriopuncture (1). Nineteen other patients had vasospasm (13) or external compression (6) without evidence of intrinsic vessel injury, these 42 studies had true-positive results. Twenty patients underwent arterial repair (13 on the basis of duplex ultrasonography alone), one had primary amputation, three required fasciotomy, and 18 were observed. Two patients with false-negative results had minor shotgun pellet arteriopunctures that were missed by duplex ultrasonography, but neither needed repair. One hundred fifty-three patients had true-negative results on duplex ultrasonography: all clinically had only proximity injuries and easily palpable distal pulses. The result of one duplex ultrasonography study was found to be false-positive on arteriography. The sensitivity of duplex ultrasonography was 95%, the specificity was 99%, and the overall accuracy was 98%. These results closely approximate those reported with the use of exclusion arteriography in the evaluation of similar vascular trauma patients. Furthermore, duplex ultrasonography has no interventional risks and is more cost-effective for screening such injuries than arteriography or exploration. Duplex ultrasonography is a reliable method of diagnosis in patients with potential peripheral vascular injuries.     

Vascular injuries of the limbs: a fifteen-year Georgian experience.

OBJECTIVES: to analyse the causes of injury, surgical approaches, outcome and complication of vascular trauma of the upper and lower limbs in patients with vascular injuries operated on over a period between 1981 and 1995. PATIENTS: in 157 patients, the injuries were penetrating in 136 cases and blunt in 21. Isolated vascular trauma was present in 92 (58.6%) patients, 65 cases (41.4%) were aggrevated by concomitant bone fractures, severe nerve and soft tissue damage. The most frequently injured vessels were the superficial femoral (20. 6%) and brachial (19.1%) arteries. RESULTS: saphenous vein interposition grafting was applied with good results in 34 patients, polytetrafluoroethylene grafts were used in three cases, end-to-end anastomoses in 42 cases, venous bypasses in five cases, and venous patches in seven cases. Seventeen patients underwent arterial repair and nine, venous repair. Fasciotomy was used in 18 cases, and vessels were ligated in 14 cases. Blood flow was restored in 91 patients (58.0%), and collaterals compensated in 31 cases (19.7%). Fourteen primary and nine secondary amputations were performed. Twelve patients died. The limb salvage rate was 77.7% (84.1% among surviving patients). CONCLUSIONS: most vascular injuries associated with limb trauma can be managed successfully unless associated by severe concomitant damage to bones, nerves and soft tissues.     

Vascular trauma in infants and children.

A 20-year retrospective evaluation of vascular trauma in infants and children was undertaken. The study included 53 cases of blunt and penetrating vascular injuries in pediatric patients. There were 36 males and 17 females ranging in age from 24 days to 14 years (average, 10 years). The most frequently encountered sites of arterial trauma were the brachial or superficial femoral artery, and of venous trauma the inferior vena cava. Any patient presenting to the Emergency Center with an injury in proximity to a major vessel, hematoma formation, audible bruit, or palpable thrill underwent prompt arteriography or immediate operative exploration of the injury sit. All patients in the series were managed operatively. There were 41 major arterial and 32 major venous injuries. No patient required a major amputation. Most injuries were repaired by primary closure or segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis; interposition vein grafts and substitute conduits were used in four patients with more extensive injuries. A 13% operative mortality was encountered: the most frequent cause of death was intraoperative exsanguinating hemorrhage. The triad for successful management of vascular trauma in pediatric patients is: 1) a high index of suspicion, 2) performance of aggressive diagnostic studies when indicated, and 3) prompt surgical intervention.     

Serious lower extremity venous injury management with ligation: prospective overview of 63 patients

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

Vascular injuries in everyday practice

BACKGROUND: It was the objective of this retrospective study to analyse the causes of injury, surgical approaches, outcome, and complications in patients with vascular trauma and to report our experience with vein homografts for arterial reconstruction in the upper and lower limbs and cervicothoracic region in patients operated on over a period between 1981-2001. PATIENTS: In 128 patients with peripheral arterial injuries the mechanism was direct penetration in 90 cases and blunt injury in 20 cases. In 4 cases a chronic damage (false aneurysm, AV fistula) was observed. Isolated vascular trauma was present in 97 patients (75.8%), 31 cases (24.2%) were aggravated by concomitant bone fractures, and nerve or soft tissue damage. Most frequently injured vessels were the superficial femoral (22.6%), crural (22.6%), and ulnar and radial (13.2%) arteries. 16 patients with penetrating cervicothoracic arterial injuries were registered during this period. 8 patients underwent emergency exploration and 8 patients angiography prior urgent exploration. RESULTS: Saphenous vein interposition grafting was applied with good results in 34 patients, polytetrafluoroethylene and Dacron grafts were used in eight cases, end to end anastomosis in 12 cases, venous bypasses in 5 cases, venous patches in 7 cases. 17 patients underwent arterial repair and 9 venous repair. Vein homografts as an arterial substitute were implanted in 8 patients. Five secondary amputations were performed and five patients died. The limb salvage rate was 95% and the primary patency rate of vein homografts was 75% (excluded primary amputations). The penetrating cervicothoracic injuries were all repaired with improvement in level of consciousness and neurological deficit when present. CONCLUSIONS: Most vascular injuries of the extremities can be managed successfully unless associated with severe concomitant damage of the bones, nerves and soft tissues. In the absence of suitable autologous vein grafts, homografts appear to be an interesting alternative for arterial repair. In penetrating cervicothoracic vascular injuries immediate operative repair offers the best chance of recovery.     

Polytetrafluoroethylene grafts in the rapid reconstruction of acute contaminated peripheral vascular injuries

Conventional wisdom dictates that autogenous tissue interposition be used in contaminated wounds when direct vascular repair is not feasible. Although there are few reports of successful use of PTFE grafts in grossly contaminated wounds, doubt still exists regarding the use of any prosthetic material in such wounds for reconstruction of vascular injury. Twenty-five vascular reconstructions were performed in 20 patients during a 3.5 year period. These patients had life-threatening multiple trauma and severe local tissue damage along with their arterial and venous injuries in open contaminated wounds after blunt (16 patients) and penetrating (4 patients) trauma. In all patients, 6 mm PTFE was used for interposition bypass for arterial injuries, and in five of these patients, 8 mm PTFE was used for concomitant venous interposition bypass. One patient died and there was one arterial and one venous graft thrombosis in the same patient 3 months after a shotgun blast injury to the groin, but there was no limb loss. All other grafts remained patent without wound infection, sepsis, or anastomatic disruption. Under the circumstances of these peripheral vascular injuries, PTFE was an acceptable choice for primary reconstruction in our patients. Its ready availability in many calibers, sparing of autogenous vein for future use, and its expedience in vascular reconstruction comprise the advantages of using PTFE in multiply traumatized patients without producing the feared evidence of infected prosthetic grafts.     

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

BACKGROUND: The management of venous trauma remains controversial. Critics of venous repair have cited an increased incidence of associated venous thromboembolic events with this management. We analyzed the current treatment of wartime venous injuries in United States military personnel in an effort to answer this question. METHODS: From December 1, 2001, to October 31, 2005, all United States casualties with named venous injuries were evaluated. A retrospective review of a clinical database was performed on demographics, mechanism of injury, associated injuries, treatment, outcomes, and venous thromboembolic events. Data were analyzed using the Fisher exact test, analysis of variance, and logarithmic transformation. RESULTS: During this 5-year period, 82 patients sustained 103 named venous injuries due to combat operations. All patients were male, with an average age of 27.9 years (range, 20.3-58.3 years). Blast injuries accounted for 54 venous injuries (65.9%), gunshot wounds for 25 (30.5%), and motor vehicle accidents for 3 (3.6%). The venous injury was isolated in 28 patients (34.1%), and 16 (19.5%) had multiple venous injuries. The venous injury in two patients was associated with acute phlegmasia, with fractures in 33 (40.2%), and 22 (28.1%) sustained neurologic deficits. Venous injuries were treated by ligation in 65 patients (63.1%) and by open surgical repair in 38 (36.9%). Postoperative extremity edema occurred in all patients irrespective of method of management. Thrombosis after venous repair occurred in six of the 38 cases (15.8%). Pulmonary emboli developed in three patients, one after open repair and two after ligation (P > .99). CONCLUSION: In the largest review of military venous trauma in more than three decades, we found no difference in the incidence of venous thromboembolic complications between venous injuries managed by open repair vs ligation. Blast injuries of the extremities have caused most of the venous injuries. Ligation is the most common modality of treatment in combat zones. Long-term morbidity associated with venous injuries and their management will be assessed in future follow-up studies.     

Vascular trauma as a result of therapeutic procedures for the treatment of malignancy

Twenty-two iatrogenic vascular injuries caused by resection of tumors with local recurrences or adjuvant chemotherapy were treated over a 42-month period in 11 female and 8 male patients with cancer (58% had documented metastases). Sixteen of 22 vascular injuries were caused by intraarterial administration of chemotherapy (8 emboli; 8 direct catheter trauma), and six were caused by resection of tumors with local invasion. The injuries were extremity ischemia (15 extremities in 13 patients), pseudoaneurysm (4), expanding hematoma (3 injuries in 2 patients). Twenty-two surgical repairs included bypass of severely damaged arteries in five, embolectomy in five, interposition grafts in three, pseudoaneurysm resection and primary repair in three, primary repair of three vascular injuries, and one patch angioplasty. Leg amputation was required in two patients. Seventeen of 19 patients had successful vascular repairs with resolution of preoperative indications for vascular repair without intraoperative or postoperative deaths. Long term follow-up (mean, 17 months) showed no recurrence of vascular problems; however, two patients died of metastatic cancer at 6 and 24 weeks after vascular repair. This study supports an aggressive approach to the management of vascular injuries caused by therapeutic interventions for malignancy despite the presence of metastatic disease.     

Management of vascular injuries in the lower extremities

From 1981 through 1985, 220 consecutive patients with presumed vascular injuries in the lower extremities underwent operation at the Ben Taub General Hospital. More than 81% of injuries were due to penetrating wounds, and blunt and iatrogenic injuries accounted for the remainder. A preoperative emergency center arteriogram was performed in 63.2% of patients, and physical examination alone prompted operation in 36.8%. Eight patients underwent immediate amputation; the remaining 212 patients were found to have 225 arterial (63.9%) and 127 venous (36.1%) injuries. More than 50% of patients were noted to have both arterial and venous injuries. Arterial repair was most commonly accomplished by segmental resection with an end-to-end anastomosis (28.4%) or insertion of a graft (38.8%). Venous repair was most commonly accomplished by lateral venorrhaphy (48.8%), ligation (19.7%), or insertion of a conduit (18.1%). Postoperative infection in closed wounds, in wounds left open because of the magnitude of injury, and in adjacent fractured bone occurred in 13% of patients. Late amputations were necessary in only four patients, three of whom had infection as the cause.