Michał Stanišić

Current options in prosthetic vascular graft infection: comparative analysis of 63 consecutive cases

PurposeThe study was conducted to compare the results of two different techniques of vascular reconstruction in patients after the removal of infected vascular prostheses.MethodsSixty-three patients with vascular prostheses infections underwent treatment. Either the infected fragments or the entire prosthesis was removed in all of the patients. Extra-anatomical grafts were implanted in 19 cases. Cryopreserved allogenic arterial grafts were applied for reconstruction in 44 patients.ResultsIn a 19-patient group with extra-anatomical grafts, two patients died (10.5%). In seven patients (36.8%) relapse symptoms of infection appeared. Primary and secondary patencies of the grafts after 3 years were 31.6% and 52.6% respectively. In a group of 44 patients with allogenic grafts no recurrence of infection was observed. Six patients died (13.6%). Primary and secondary patencies after 3 years were 63.6% and 81.8% respectively.ConclusionsThe results reveal the benefits of the allogenic arterial grafts in revascularization in patients with major vascular prostheses infections. The differences in secondary patencies of the implanted allogenic grafts indicate the necessity of an early selection of patients for the complete removal of the infected prosthesis, during a time when patients are in general good health.

Morphological and Mechanical Changes in Juxtarenal Aortic Segment and Aneurysm Before and After Open Surgical Repair of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE The aim of study was to assess how the ultrastructure of the wall of aortic aneurysms, sac and neck influences aortic wall distensibility and proximal dilatation 2 years after open repair. METHODS Biopsies for electron microscopy were taken from aneurysmal sac and neck of 30 patients. Patients were assessed by computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound for aneurysm diameter and distensibility (M-mode ultrasonography). RESULTS Postoperative CT of the aortic stump distinguished two groups. Group I (n = 11) with little enlargement, median 1 mm (1-3 mm) and group II (n = 19) with significant aortic enlargement, median 5.2 mm (4-12 mm). In group II, changes in elastic fibres in the aneurysm neck were comparable to, but as extreme as in the aneurysm sac. For group I, the distensibility of the aneurysmal sac was significantly lower than in the neck or at the renal arteries. For group II, the distensibility in both the neck and sac was significantly lower than at the juxtarenal segment (p = 0.01). The biopsies of group II patients showed the extensive degeneration of normal architecture, which was associated with altered wall distensibility in both the aneurysmal neck and sac. CONCLUSIONS Disorganisation and destruction of normal aortic architecture at the ultrastructural level are associated with decreasing aortic distensibility. Low aortic neck distensibility is associated with proximal aortic dilatation at 2 years postoperatively.

Intensive decongestive treatment restores ability to work in patients with advanced forms of primary and secondary lower extremity lymphoedema

Objective To show that adequate therapy for lymphoedema is able to restore ability to work. Materials and Methods The population of patients with primary lymphoedema registered in the university clinical centre diagnosed with primary or secondary lymphoedema and presumed by the national social institution as completely unable to work was selected for the retrospective analysis and divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of 25 patients treated with a complex decongestive therapy programme daily for 3–6 weeks. The study population comprised 19 women and six men from 14 to 61 years of age (mean 31.5). In all 25 patients, complete inability to work was certified by the social institution before the treatment started. Group 2 consisted of 47 patients, 14 men and 33 women, aged from 26 to 71 years (mean 39 years) treated by so-called standard methods, who resigned from the proposed intensive treatment. In all 47 patients, complete inability to work was declared by the social institution before the treatment. Ability to work and oedema reduction were assessed by the treating physician. Results The intensive phase of treatment succeeded in 3870–15,330 mL oedema reduction in Group 1. After the end of therapy, 21 patients were able to work or study without any limitation and patients returned to their regular professional activity. Among four others, two were on welfare for at least 10 years, for another one welfare was their only income and one person was receiving a social pension. In none of the patients from group 2 was any significant oedema reduction observed. Every patient from group 2 maintained the social pension due to ineffective treatment. Conclusions Complex decongestive therapy is a very efficient form of treatment in advanced primary and secondary lymphoedema. It allows returning to work after a short period of temporary disability without the necessity of a social pension.

Clinical factors increasing radiation doses to patients undergoing long-lasting procedures: Abdominal stent-graft implantation

Summary Background An important negative factor of EVAR is the radiation acquired during long-lasting procedures. The aim of the study was to document the radiation doses of EVAR and to discuss potential reasons for prolongation of radiological procedures. Material/Methods Dose-area product (DAP) (Gy cm2) and air kerma (AK) (Gy) obtained during EVAR from 92 patients were analyzed retrospectively in regards to body mass index (BMI), angulations of aneurysm neck, length of aneurysm neck and occurrence of tortuosity of iliac arteries. Results Total AK for fluoroscopy differed significantly between normal BMI (373 mGy) and BMI 25–29.9 (1125 mGy) or BMI >30 (1085 mGy). Iliac artery tortuosities >45° and short aneurysm necks caused higher doses of total AK (1097 mGy and 1228 mGy, respectively) than iliac artery tortuosities <45° and long aneurysm necks (605 mGy and 720 mGy, respectively). Conclusions The main factors contributing to a high radiation dose being acquired by patients during EVAR are: BMI >25, tortuosity of iliac arteries >45° and short aneurysm necks.

Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Reduction of Postoperative Lower Extremity Edema and Normalization of Foot Microcirculation Flow in Patients Undergoing Arterial Revascularization

Background In patients with chronic leg ischemia, the beneficial effect of arterial revascularization can be significantly decreased due to postoperative leg swelling. The aim of this study was to assess the effects of intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) on skin flow normalization in patients undergoing revascularization procedures due to chronic leg ischemia. Material/Methods We evaluated 116 patients with chronic leg ischemia. The patients were divided into groups according to the performed treatment (endovascular or surgical) and implementation of IPC postoperatively. The leg edema assessment and microcirculation flow assessment were performed pre- and postoperatively, using percutaneous O2 pressure (TcpO2), cutaneous blood perfusion (CBP) measurements, and skin flow motion assessment. Results In patients who did not receive IPC, a decrease in CBP value was observed in the 1st postoperative assessment. Among patients receiving IPC, the CBD value increased at the 1st and 2nd postoperative measurements, especially in the surgical group. The lowest TcpO2 values were observed in by-pass surgery group without IPC postoperatively. Conclusions The benefits of the by-pass procedure in patients with leg ischemia can be significantly reduced by postoperative edema. Among patients with postoperative leg edema, local tissue blood perfusion can be improved by the use of IPC, which can result in decreased local leg swelling, as well as improved skin blood perfusion and TcpO2.

Measurement of Free Radicals Using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance Spectroscopy During Open Aorto-Iliac Arterial Reconstruction

Background Aortic cross-clamping during abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) open repair leads to development of ischemia-reperfusion injury. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) spin-trapping is a valuable method of direct measurement of free radicals. The objective of the study was to evaluate the results of EPR as a direct method of free radical measurement and degree of inflammatory response in open operative treatment of patients with AAA and aorto-iliac occlusive disease (AIOD). Material/Methods The study was performed on a group of 32 patients with AAA and 25 patients with AIOD scheduled for open repair. Peripheral venous blood for EPR spectroscopy and for SOD, GPx, ox-LDL, Il-6, TNF-alfa, CRP, and HO-1 were harvested. Selected parameters were established accordingly to specified EPR and immunohistochemical methods and analyzed between groups by Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-ranks test with Bonferroni correction. Results Free radicals level was correlated with the time of the aortic cross-clamping after the reperfusion of he first and second leg in AAA (r=0.7; r=0.47). ox-LDL in AAA decreased 5 min after reperfusion of the first leg (32.99 U/L, range: 14.09–77.12) and 5 min after reperfusion of the second leg (26.75 U/L, range: 11.56–82.12) and 24 h after the operation (25.85 U/L, range: 14.29–49.70). HO-1concentration increased to above the level before intervention 24 h after surgery. The activities of GPx and SOD decreased 5 min after the first-leg reperfusion in AAA. Twenty-four hours after surgery, inflammatory markers increased in AAA to CRP was 14.76 ml/l (0.23–38.55), IL-6 was 141.22 pg/ml (84.3–591.03), TNF-alfa was 6.82 pg/ml (1.76–80.01) and AIOD: CRP was 18.44 mg/l (2.56–33.14), IL-6: 184.1 pg/ml (128.46–448.03), TNF-alfa was 7.74 pg/ml (1.74–74.74). Conclusions EPR spin-trapping demonstrates temporarily elevated level of free radicals in early phase of reperfusion, leading to decrease antioxidants in AAA. Elevated free radical levels decreased 24 h after surgery due to various endogenous antioxidants and therapies.

Results from the International Silver Graft Registry for high-risk patients treated with a metallic-silver impregnated vascular graft

The purpose of this postmarket surveillance registry was to document the efficacy of a vascular prosthesis coated with metallic silver in high-risk patients undergoing vascular reconstructions. Patency (primary endpoint) and freedom from graft infection (secondary endpoint) data were assessed at a minimum of 12 months in patients with significant co-morbidity and/or confirmed graft infections or infected native vessels. Between November 2006 and December 2009, 230 patients with high-risk factors underwent aortic, peripheral and/or extra-anatomic reconstructions with Silver Graft® (SG) in six German, one French and one Polish vascular center. All participating centers used the metallic silver-coated polyester graft (SG) in various diameters and lengths including tubular and bifurcate vascular grafts. Doppler ultrasound follow-ups to determine graft patency were planned at 12 months or done at an earlier time in case the patient became symptomatic. A total of 230 patients were studied. Ten of these 230 patients had graft infections at baseline whereas the remaining 220 subjects had significant risk factors such as coronary artery disease (62.7%, 138/220), vascular access in scar tissue (27.3%, 60/220), Fontaine III/IV (38.2%, 84/220), chronic renal insufficiency (26.8%, 59/220) and diabetes (21.0%, 46/220). The long-term follow-up at 15.5 ± 8.3 months revealed a secondary patency rate of 93.2% (205/220) and an ‘all cause’ mortality rate of 18.6% (41/220). There was a freedom from de novo graft infection rate of 95.9% (211/220) in the high-risk group without graft infections at baseline. One regraft infection occurred distal of the revisional reconstruction in the 10 patients with graft infection at baseline. The presence of perigraft fluid at follow-up and Fontaine III/IV at baseline were found to be predictors for graft patency whereas perigraft fluid presence was the only predictor for de novo graft infections. This registry revealed favorable patency and freedom from de novo infections rates in a ‘high-risk’ population with significant co-morbidities.

Diagnostic imaging methods applied in long-term surveillance after EVAR. Will computed tomography angiography be replaced by other methods?

Endovascular implantation of a stent graft in the abdominal aorta (endovascular aneurysm repair – EVAR) is a widely accepted alternative to open surgery in treatment of abdominal aortic aneurysms. Although EVAR is connected with a significant reduction in the risk of peri- and post-operative complications, it does not eliminate them totally. Long-term surveillance of post-EVAR patients is aimed at early detection of and fast reaction to a group of complications called endovascular leaks. Currently, the gold standard in leak diagnostics is computed tomography angiography (CTA). The other methods are ultrasonography, magnetic resonance (MR) angiography, intra-aneurysm sac pressure measurement, X-ray, and digital subtraction angiography (DSA). Despite many analyses based on long-term research, emphasising the high value and competitiveness of less invasive tests such as US or X-ray compared to CTA, it is still difficult for them to win the trust and acceptance of clinicians. The persisting view is that computed tomography is the test that finally resolves any inaccuracies. Consequently, a patient with a number of concurrent diseases is subject to absurdly high radiation exposure and effects of a radiocontrast agent within a short time. It is therefore logical to acknowledge that the EVAR-related risk is catching up with the open surgery risk, while the endovascular procedure is much more costly. Nevertheless, the status of CTA as the gold standard ultimately seems to be unthreatened. This paper presents a description of the diagnostic imaging tests that make it possible to detect any vascular leaks and to develop strategies for therapeutic processes.

The Application of Negative Pressure Wound Therapy with Installation in Diabetic Foot Associated with Phlegmon

The negative pressure wound therapy in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers was used successfully for many years. In the case of complications associated with infection by this type of wound treatment to give very good results. From many years of sustained research on a device that could combine the advantages of the negative pressure wound therapy and drainage flow. Finally, in the last year, the first V.A.C. Ulta (KCI, USA) devices were included to the Polish hospital departments. In this paper we present a case of a patient of successfully using a negative pressure wound therapy with installation via a set of V.A.C. Ulta in the ischemic diabetic foot syndrome complicated by phlegmon and tissue necrosis. The patient was treated in stages. In first stage was performed angioplasty of critically stenosis of the superficial femoral artery segment. Secondly, the resection of the necrotic bone revised fingers and forefoot was conducted, and in the third step the negative pressure wound therapy with installation was used. Finally, the wound was closed by the intermediate thickness skin graft. The total duration of treatment was 21 days. The patient in good general condition with a completely healed wound was discharged. Currently, after the supply with orthopedic equipment, patient regained full mobility.

The usefulness of Duplex Doppler ultrasound in the angiological and dermatological diagnosis of patients with blue toe syndrome

Introduction Peripheral microembolism is one of the most frequent causes of acute limb ischemia. In order to effectively prevent relapses it is essential to localize and eliminate the source of embolism. Aim To evaluate the role of Duplex Doppler ultrasound examination in identifying the causes of blue toe syndrome (BTS). Material and methods The group of 165 patients with clinical symptoms of BTS on their upper limbs (n = 16) and lower limbs (n = 149) was investigated. They all underwent Duplex Doppler ultrasound of the major arteries of the extremities, where ischemic changes occurred. Results Morphological and functional changes which might be potential sources of microembolism were identified in 146 patients. These changes included significant short-length stenoses or unstable atherosclerotic plaque (n = 73), true aneurysms (n = 42) and pseudoaneurysms (n = 17). In 11 cases, pathology of vascular prostheses in the form of anastomotic aneurysms, infection and residual thrombi after fibrinolysis was detected. In all cases, Duplex diagnosis was confirmed by other imaging and intraoperative tests. Conclusions Duplex Doppler ultrasound of the arteries in the affected limb with a full length view should be the first-line examination in diagnosing patients with BTS. In the absence of hemodynamic blood flow disturbances in the major arteries in patients with symptoms of BTS, it is advisable to start haematological tests to identify/exclude congenital or acquired thrombophilia.