Mun J. Poi

Evaluating effectiveness of antibiotic polymethylmethacrylate beads in achieving wound sterilization and graft preservation in patients with early and late vascular graft infections

OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of antibiotic-based polymethylmethacrylate (ab-PMMA) beads in achieving wound sterilization and graft preservation in patients with vascular graft infections. METHODS We reviewed 31 patients treated for 37 graft infections over the past 5 years using ab-PMMA beads in a single institution. All patients were started on broad-spectrum antibiotics and later switched to targeted therapy based on intraoperative cultures for at least 6 weeks. All patients underwent multiple planned wound explorations, debridements and washouts. Cultures were obtained each time. Decision to do formal closure depended on culture results and wound appearance. All wounds were closed with a muscle flap. The endpoints included wound sterilization, limb salvage, recurrence of infection, and graft preservation. RESULTS A total of 19 different organisms were cultured, and 48.6% of cases were polymicrobial, thereby accounting for a total of 60 isolates. The majority (n = 27) received a mix of tobramycin/vancomycin PMMA beads; vancomycin beads (n = 5); tobramycin beads (n = 1); and gentamicin/vancomycin beads (n = 4). Wound sterilization based on cultures was achieved in 32 of 34 wounds (94.1%). Of the cases, 5 underwent early graft removal, 3 with immediate reconstruction, and 1 case underwent a major amputation (2.7 %). Graft preservation was attempted in 32 cases (86.5%). No death occurred within 30 days. Limb salvage was achieved in 28 of the 32 preserved graft cases (87.5%) at a mean follow-up of 26 months (6 to 51 months). The long-term limb salvage rate for the cohort was 86.5%. Of the patients, 4 presented with recurrent graft infection and occlusion, causing acute limb ischemia and resulting in major amputation. The reinfection rate was 12.5% in the graft-preservation group and 11.4% in both the graft-preserved and the in situ replacement groups. CONCLUSION Sterilization of graft infection can be achieved with ab-PMMA beads followed by closure with muscle flap, resulting in an acceptable limb-salvage rate despite virulent or polymicrobial graft infection.

Contemporary Management of Patients with Concomitant Coronary and Carotid Artery Disease

The ideal management of concomitant carotid and coronary artery occlusive disease remains elusive. Although researchers have advocated the potential benefits of varying treatment strategies based on either concomitant or staged surgical treatment, there is no consensus in treatment guidelines among national or international clinical societies. Clinical studies show that coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) with either staged or synchronous carotid endarterectomy (CEA) is associated with a high procedural stroke or death rate. Recent clinical studies have found carotid artery stenting (CAS) prior to CABG can lead to superior treatment outcomes in asymptomatic patients who are deemed high risk of CEA. With emerging data suggesting favorable outcome of CAS compared to CEA in patients with critical coronary artery disease, physicians must consider these diverging therapeutic options when treating patients with concurrent carotid and coronary disease. This review examines the available clinical data on therapeutic strategies in patients with concomitant carotid and coronary artery disease. A treatment paradigm for considering CAS or CEA as well as CABG and percutaneous coronary intervention is discussed.

Infrared thermography in the diagnosis and management of vasculitis

Vasculitis is a clinical condition with associated diagnostic challenges due to nonspecific symptoms and lack of a confirmatory imaging modality. We report a case of a 39-year-old female patient who developed generalized malaise, lethargy, and headache. Laboratory evaluation showed elevated inflammatory markers. Conventional imaging studies including computed tomography and carotid duplex ultrasound were unremarkable. Infrared thermography revealed enhanced thermographic signals in the left carotid artery and aortic arch. Corticosteroid therapy was commenced, and the patient responded well. Follow-up infrared thermography at 6 months showed complete resolution of the thermographic pattern, and the patient remained symptom free.

Percutaneous profunda femoris artery revascularization to prevent hip disarticulation: case series and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Little is known about the role of percutaneous revascularization of the profunda femoral artery (PFA) in patients with amputation stump ischemia who are at risk of hip disarticulation. METHODS We identified 4 patients who were treated for persistent amputation stump ischemia by PFA percutaneous revascularization over a 3-year period. All 4 patients had significant cardiopulmonary comorbidities and 2 patients had at least 3 previous groin surgeries. The short- and long-term outcomes of the patients were evaluated with regard to stump salvage, wound healing rate, complications, and mortality rate. RESULTS Technical success was 100% with no procedure-related complications. All 4 patients had multilevel vascular disease involving the iliac, common femoral artery, and the profunda femoral artery. All 4 patients were treated with angioplasty and/or stenting of the PFA. The amputation stump was closed primarily in 3 patients and 1 amputation stump was closed with a skin graft. One patient died during the same hospital stay shortly after declining hemodialysis. Three patients are alive at a mean follow-up period of 9 months (range, 5-14 mo). CONCLUSIONS Percutaneous PFA revascularization should be considered, over open revascularization, in patients with persistent above-knee amputation stump ischemia and multiple previous groin surgeries to avoid hip disarticulation.

Long-Term Outcomes of Staged Basilic Vein Transposition for Hemodialysis Access in Children

Introduction Children requiring long-term hemodialysis often face significant challenges due to their young age and small-vessel caliber for arteriovenous (AV) access creation. In this study, we report our experience of staged basilic vein transposition (BVT) in pediatric patients. Methods All patients undergoing staged BVT at a tertiary care pediatric hospital from 2003 to 2015 were reviewed. Indications for staged BVT included inadequate cephalic conduit or failed AV fistula using cephalic vein. Pertinent clinical variables were analyzed to determine treatment outcomes. Results Forty-two children (24 males, 57%) underwent 46 staged BVT during the study period. Median age was 12.8 ± 4.8 years (range 3-18). The mean weight was 47 ± 5.1 kg (range, 13-126 kg), with four children (10%) weighing ≤20 kg. Mean operative times for initial brachiobasilic AV fistula and staged BVT were 39 ± 12 minutes and 66 ± 17 minutes, respectively. Mean follow-up period was 5.4 ± 1.8 years. Functional maturation was achieved in 93% of BVTs. Early fistula thrombosis within 30 days following BVT occurred in four patients (10%). Late BVT thrombosis occurred in 13 patients (31%). Primary patency rates at 2 years and 4 years were 78% and 72%, respectively. Secondary patency rates at 2 years and 4 years were 86% and 82%, respectively. Conclusions Staged BVT is a durable and reliable autologous hemodialysis access in children who do not have adequate cephalic venous conduit.

Treatment Outcomes and Lessons Learned From Transilluminated Powered Phlebectomy for Varicose Veins in 1034 Patients

Introduction: Transilluminated powered phlebectomy (TIPP) is a minimally invasive technique of varicose vein removal, which combines irrigated illumination with tumescent anesthesia for ablation of superficial varicosities and endoscopic-powered venous resection. The objective of this study was to analyze treatment outcomes of this treatment modality. Methods: A retrospective evaluation of prospectively collected data from all patients undergoing TIPP procedure for symptomatic varicose veins during a recent 12-year period was performed. Pertinent patient demographics, disease classification, perioperative complications, quality of life, and treatment outcomes were collected and analyzed. Results: A total of 1167 limbs in 1034 patients (mean age, 52.4 years) were treated during the study period. The mean procedure time was 18.4 ± 8.9 minutes (range, 6.0-82.0 minutes). The mean number of incisions for TIPP procedure was 6.3 ± 3.6. All TIPP procedures were technically successful, and no patient required conversion to hook stab phlebectomy. Fifteen (1.5%) patients developed residual or recurrent varicosities, which were treated with sclerotherapy during the follow-up period. Postoperative complications included hematoma at 2 weeks (5.8%), ecchymosis at 2 weeks (32.9%), saphenous neuropathy (0.3%), cellulitis (1.0%), and skin pigmentation (1.9%). There was no postoperative deep vein thrombosis or mortality. Conclusions: Transilluminated powered phlebectomy is an effective method for varicose vein removal and is associated with high clinical success and excellent cosmetic results. Meticulous technical steps are critical in achieving successful outcomes while minimizing complications. Technical considerations and lessons learned from our experiences are discussed in this report.

Long-term outcomes of single-port laparoscopic placement of peritoneal dialysis catheter

Introduction: Laparoscopic insertion of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter has become a preferred method compared to the traditional open technique for PD catheter insertion. We retrospectively report the outcome of 1-port laparoscopic placement PD catheters in our institution. Methods: A total of 263 patients with end-stage renal disease who underwent single-trocar laparoscopic PD catheter insertion during a recent 6-year period were reviewed. Laparoscopic technique involves introducing a PD catheter over a stiff guidewire into the abdominal cavity through a 10-mm laparoscopic port. Pertinent clinical variables, procedural complications, and follow-up outcome were analyzed. Results: There were 182 men and 81 women. The mean age was 56 years. Technical success was 95.8%. Catheter occlusion was the most common early complications (<6 months) that occurred in 4 (1.5%) patients. Late complications (> 6 months) including catheter occlusion, cuff extrusion, catheter leakage, catheter migration, infection, and hernia occurred in 5 patients (1.9%), 2 patients (0.8%), 3 patients (1.1%), 3 patients (1.1%), 6 patients (2.3%), and 4 patients (1.5), respectively. Mean follow-up time was 39 ± 18 months. Catheter survival rate at 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was 96%, 94%, 90%, 85%, and 82%, respectively. Conclusion: Laparoscopic PD catheter implantation via a single-trocar utilizing a stiff guidewire technique is feasible and safe. This method can result in low complication and high catheter survival rate.