Thomas M. Bergamini

Intensive surveillance of femoropopliteal-tibial autogenous vein bypasses improves long-term graft patency and limb salvage

OBJECTIVEnThe authors determined the impact of an intensive surveillance program of autogenous vein bypasses on patency and limb salvage.nnnSUMMARY BACKGROUND DATAnSurveillance protocols of vein bypasses can identify graft-threatening lesions to permit elective revisions before thrombosis. The authors compared follow-up based on clinically indicated procedures with intensive surveillance.nnnMETHODSnFrom 1985 to 1994, 615 autogenous vein bypasses (454 in situ, 161 reversed/composite) to popliteal (n = 169) and tibial (n = 446) arteries were performed for critical limb ischemia (n = 507), claudication (n = 88), and popliteal aneurysm (n = 20). Intensive surveillance of autogenous vein bypasses consisted of ankle brachial index and duplex scan with graft velocities measured at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and every 6 months subsequently. After surgery 317 bypasses had intensive surveillance, 222 bypasses were clinically indicated for follow-up, and 76 bypasses were excluded because follow-up or patency was less than 31 days.nnnRESULTSnPrimary patency at 5 years was similar for bypasses treated by intensive surveillance (56%) and those treated with clinically indicated procedures (67%). Secondary patency and limb salvage at 5 years was significantly improved (p < 0.02) for bypasses followed by intensive surveillance (80% and 94%) compared with clinically indicated procedures (67% and 73%). Revision of patent bypasses was higher (p < 0.000001) for bypasses treated by intensive surveillance (61 of 70, 87%) compared with those treated with clinically indicated procedures (9 of 34, 26%). Secondary patency at 2 years was significantly higher (p < 0.02) for revision of patent bypasses (79%) compared with thrombosed bypasses (55%).nnnCONCLUSIONSnLong-term autogenous vein bypass patency and limb salvage is significantly improved by intensive surveillance, permitting identification and correction of graft threatening lesions before thrombosis.

Pedal or peroneal bypass: Which is better when both are patent?

PURPOSEnWe compared autogenous vein pedal and peroneal bypasses, focusing on extremities that could have a bypass to either artery.nnnMETHODSnFrom 1985 to 1993 we performed a total of 175 pedal and 77 peroneal autogenous vein bypasses for rest pain (n = 75, 30%) and tissue loss (n = 177, 70%). One hundred ninety-six (78%) in situ saphenous vein and 56 (22%) reversed or composite vein bypasses were performed. One hundred fifty-two of these 252 bypasses were performed in extremities with both the pedal and peroneal arteries patent by arteriography. The vascular surgeon chose to perform 99 pedal and 53 peroneal vein bypasses in these 152 extremities.nnnRESULTSnThe angiogram score of the outflow arteries were similar for pedal and peroneal bypasses with the Society for Vascular Surgery and the International Society for Cardiovascular Surgery and modified scoring systems. At 2 years the primary and secondary patency rates for pedal bypasses (70% and 77%) were not significantly different compared with those for peroneal bypasses (60% and 72%). Limb salvage rates at 2 years were similar for pedal and peroneal bypasses for all patients (74% and 73%), patients with both pedal and peroneal arteries patent (83% and 72%), diabetics (76% and 66%), and patients with tissue necrosis (77% and 71%).nnnCONCLUSIONSnPedal and peroneal artery bypasses with equivalent angiogram scores have similar long-term graft patency and limb salvage. The choice between pedal or peroneal artery bypass should be based on the quality of vein and the surgeons preference.

Combined topical and systemic antibiotic prophylaxis in experimental wound infection

The effectiveness of a combined topical and systemic antibiotic regimen was studied in an animal model previously shown to simulate clinical surgical wound infection. At a high level of bacterial contamination, the combination regimen produced a lower infection rate than either a placebo (p less than 0.01), a topical antibiotic administered alone (p less than 0.01), or a systemic antibiotic administered alone. At a lower level of bacterial contamination, no additional reduction in infection rates was produced by the combination regimen when compared with systemic antibiotic administered alone. These experimental results suggest that when wound contamination is great, a combination of topical and systemic antibiotics is the more effective regimen. Where wound contamination is less severe, systemic antibiotic prophylaxis is all that is required; no further benefit is obtained by the additional administration of topical antibiotics. Clinical trials appear justified to confirm or refute this hypothesis.

Effect of multilevel sequential stenosis on lower extremity arterial duplex scanning

BACKGROUNDnThe sensitivity of lower extremity arterial duplex scanning in detecting a > 50% stenosis may be decreased in extremities with multilevel sequential stenosis.nnnPATIENTS AND METHODSnThe results of lower extremity arterial duplex scanning of the common femoral, upper and lower superficial femoral, above- and below-knee popliteal arteries, and tibioperoneal trunk in 80 extremities of 44 patients were compared to those of arteriography. Thirty-one arterial segments in 27 extremities had a > 50% stenosis. The stenoses were categorized as first order (first or only stenotic segment in the extremity, n = 23) and second order (stenosis occurring distal to a > 50% stenosis, n = 4, or occlusion, n = 4).nnnRESULTSnThe sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive values of duplex scan detection of a > 50% arterial stenosis or occlusion were 86%, 96%, and 67% for the common femoral artery; 95%, 98%, and 95% for the upper superficial femoral artery; 97%, 90%, and 88%, for the lower superficial femoral artery; 84%, 90%, and 87% for the above-knee popliteal artery; 47%, 98%, and 90% for the below-knee popliteal artery; and 25%, 100%, and 100% for the tibioperoneal trunk. Duplex scanning detected 18 (78%) of the 23 first-order stenoses compared to only 1 (13%) of the 8 second-order stenoses in limbs with multilevel sequential disease (P < 0.01). The peak systolic velocity at the stenotic site was significantly higher for first-order (mean +/- SD 168 +/- 54 cm/s) compared to second-order (38 +/- 13 cm/s) stenoses (P < 0.00002).nnnCONCLUSIONSnDuplex scanning was highly sensitive in detecting lower extremity first-order stenoses. Low peak systolic velocities at second-order stenoses of limbs with multilevel sequential disease significantly decreased the sensitivity of duplex scanning.

Prophylactic antibiotics prevent bacterial biofilm graft infection

Bacterial biofilm graft infection is due to prostheses colonization by Staphylococcus epidermidis, a pathogen frequently recovered from perigraft tissues of man during vascular procedures despite the use of asepsis and prophylactic antibiotics. The effect of preoperative intraperitoneal cefazolin, administered at a standard (15 or 30 mg/kg) and high (120 mg/kg) dose, on the prevention of bacterial biofilm infection was studied in a rat model. Seventy-four Dacron grafts, colonized in vitro with S. epidermidis to produce an adherent biofilm (3.19 +/- 0.71 x 10(7) colony-forming units/cm2 graft), were implanted in the dorsal subcutaneous tissue at 0.5, 2, and 4 hr after antibiotic administration. The study strain was a slime-producing clinical isolate with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 15-30 micrograms/ml to cefazolin. Subcutaneous tissue antibiotic levels were determined at each time interval. One week after implantation, the concentration of bacteria in the surface biofilm by quantitative agar culture was significantly decreased (P less than 0.05) only for grafts implanted when antibiotic tissue levels were greater than or equal to the MIC of the study strain. The result of no growth by biofilm broth culture was significantly achieved (P less than 0.01) only for grafts implanted 0.5 hr after high dose cefazolin, in which the tissue antibiotic level was above the MIC of the study strain. Antibiotics can markedly reduce the bacteria concentration of a prosthetic surface biofilm. The effectiveness of prophylactic antibiotics on the prevention of graft infection is dependent upon maintaining an adequate antibiotic level in the perigraft tissues for the duration of the procedure.

Coarctation of the abdominal aorta

Four patients with suprarenal coarctation of the abdominal aorta were managed from 1978 to 1993 (mean follow-up 8.75 years). Ages at the time of diagnosis were 2 months, 8 months, 4.5 years, and 15 years, respectively. Three children presented with severe hypertension, two of whom were in congestive heart failure, and the fourth child presented with a cold, ischemic leg. The 8-month-old patient had Williams syndrome (supravalvular aortic and pulmonic stenosis, bilateral renal artery stenosis and celiac artery occlusion, “elfin” facies, and mental retardation) and was treated nonoperatively. After 12 years of follow-up, he was given five medications to control hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure. Three patients with abdominal aortic coarctation were treated operatively and none died. Two patients underwent bypass grafting from the supraceliac aorta to the infrarenal aorta, with bilateral renal artery reconstruction in one. Postoperative arteriograms obtained 1 year or more after operation were normal in both cases. The 2-month-old patient underwent patch aortoplasty, with subsequent reoperation 1.5 years later for recurrent hypertension and heart failure with a bypass graft to the left kidney and removal of an infarcted right kidney. In all three patients, operative repair of the suprarenal aortic coarctation has resulted in long-term control of blood pressure and cardiac and renal function.Four patients with suprarenal coarctation of the abdominal aorta were managed from 1978 to 1993 (mean follow-up 8.75 years). Ages at the time of diagnosis were 2 months, 8 months, 4.5 years, and 15 years, respectively. Three children presented with severe hypertension, two of whom were in congestive heart failure, and the fourth child presented with a cold, ischemic leg. The 8-month-old patient had Williams syndrome (supravalvular aortic and pulmonic stenosis, bilateral renal artery stenosis and celiac artery occlusion, “elfin” facies, and mental retardation) and was treated nonoperatively. After 12 years of follow-up, he was given five medications to control hypertension, cardiac arrhythmias, and heart failure. Three patients with abdominal aortic coarctation were treated operatively and none died. Two patients underwent bypass grafting from the supraceliac aorta to the infrarenal aorta, with bilateral renal artery reconstruction in one. Postoperative arteriograms obtained 1 year or more after operation were normal in both cases. The 2-month-old patient underwent patch aortoplasty, with subsequent reoperation 1.5 years later for recurrent hypertension and heart failure with a bypass graft to the left kidney and removal of an infarcted right kidney. In all three patients, operative repair of the suprarenal aortic coarctation has resulted in long-term control of blood pressure and cardiac and renal function.

Carotid endarterectomy results from a state vascular society

PURPOSEnThis study analyzes the results of carotid endarterectomy (CEA) performed statewide by members of the Kentucky Vascular Surgery Society (KVSS).nnnMETHODSnBetween September 1, 1991 and September 1, 1993, 22 vascular surgeons in the KVSS submitted 1490 CEAs to the vascular registry. Follow-up data were obtained on 986 (66%) CEAs performed on 889 patients (average age, 68 years).nnnRESULTSnCarotid endarterectomy was performed on 505 men and 384 women. Indications for operation were asymptomatic carotid stenosis (43%), transient ischemic attack (TIA; 27%), amaurosis fugax (13%), stroke (11%) and nonhemispheric symptoms (6%). A total of 384 cases had primary closure, and 602 had patch reconstruction following CEA. The combined stroke-mortality rate was 2.3% (10 strokes and 13 deaths). The combined stroke-mortality rate of CEA was 2.1% for patients treated by academic surgeons and 2.3% for those treated by community surgeons. Deaths were due to stroke (4), sepsis (5), cardiac complications (2), intracerebral hemorrhage (1) and cancer (1). Five patients had postoperative TIAs. After CEA, duplex scan surveillance was performed in 629 (64%) patients, with 23 (3.6%) residual/recurrent stenosis (10, 50%-75%; 13, 75%-99%) detected; 5 undergoing reoperation.nnnCONCLUSIONSnThese data support the efficacy and safety of CEA performed by a large number of vascular surgeons in both community and academic practice.

Intermediate follow-up of carotid artery stent placement

BACKGROUNDnCarotid artery stent placement (CAS) is becoming more popular among various specialties for the treatment of primary and recurrent carotid artery disease. The morbidity associated with this procedure is improving but the intermediate- and long-term follow-up remains unknown. We report our restenosis rates and follow-up associated with CAS.nnnMETHODSnThirty-one interventions on 29 patients from May 1998 to January 2002 were reviewed. All patients have undergone serial follow-up using Doppler ultrasound at 3 and 6 months and every 6 months thereafter. Ten interventions (32%) were performed on patients with recurrent carotid artery disease and 21 (68%) on patients with primary disease.nnnRESULTSnFive periprocedural complications occurred (transient ischemic attack, n = 3; major stroke, n = 1; immediate intrastent restenosis requiring lysis, n = 1) for a total immediate complication rate of 16%. No deaths occurred. Follow-up was achieved in all 29 patients (mean 28 months; range 20 to 46). Twenty-seven patients (29 vessels; 94%) remain asymptomatic with less than 50% stenosis. Two vessels (6%) have been found to have a critical restenosis of greater than 90%. Both patients were symptomatic from their recurrence (transient ischemic attack, n = 1; acute stroke, n = 1). Cumulative major stroke and death rate including all follow-up was 6%.nnnCONCLUSIONSnCAS can be performed with an acceptable stroke/death rate (3%) in a properly selected patient population. In our small series of patients, the restenosis rate at a mean of 28 months after CAS is 6%.

In Vitro and In Vivo Effects of Rifampin on Staphylococcus Epidermidis Graft Infections

Rifampin, bound in high concentrations to prosthetic grafts, has been proposed for the treatment of vascular graft infections. The optimum antibiotic concentration and duration of treatment for infected grafts is not known. This study compared the in vitro and in vivo efficacy of varying concentrations of rifampin against three different strains of slime producing Staphylococcus epidermidis (RP62A, KC2, and KB1) bound to knitted Dacron at high and low concentrations at 104 and 107 CFU/cm2 of prosthetic. Time kill experiments were performed at 4, 18, and 42 hr, in which each Dacron bound bacterial strain was exposed in vitro to 4×, 64×, 100×, and 1,000× minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of rifampin. In vivo, the Dacron bound laboratory strain RP62A was implanted subcutaneously into the backs of male Swiss- Webster mice and exposed to 4×, 100×, and 1,000× the MIC of rifampin for similar time periods. In addition, systemic vancomycin (10 mg/kg) was assessed for synergy and prevention of rifampin resistance. In vitro, all concentrations of rifampin showed near total killing (<1 log) of all bacterial strains at low initial concentrations (104 CFU/cm2) but not high (107 CFU/cm2) to 42 hr. Importantly, resistance was shown to develop in all three strains of S. epidermidis with high initial bacterial biofilm concentrations. In vivo, rifampin concentrations between 4× MIC and 100× MIC achieved a balance between optimal killing and prevention of resistance. Systemic vancomycin slightly improved bacterial clearance but did not alter the development of rifampin resistance at high local concentrations. Caution is advised with the use of antibiotic bonded grafts because resistance may develop, even with the addition of systemic antibiotics.

Vascular problems of the pelvis

Vascular tumors of the pelvis are a rare, diverse group of neoplasms. These benign or malignant tumors can arise from the endothelium, smooth muscle cells, or pericytes of the arterial venous or lymphatic walls. They are rarely diagnosed by physical examination but more commonly seen with imaging studies such as computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, or angiography. Benign and malignant tumors can be differentiated pathologically by the two major anatomic characteristics of vascular channel formation and the regularity of endothelial cell proliferation. This review will focus on the clinical presentation, diagnosis, treatment, outcomes, and surgical approaches to benign and malignant vascular tumors of the pelvis. J. Surg. Oncol. 2000:73:263–272.