Wilfred I. Carney

Comparison of basilic vein and polytetrafluoroethylene for brachial arteriovenous fistula

PURPOSE The aim of this study was to compare patency and complication rates between basilic vein and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) for brachial arteriovenous fistulas (AVF) for long-term hemodialysis. METHODS All basilic vein and PTFE brachial AVF constructed between March 1988 and April 1993 were retrospectively reviewed. After construction of life-tables, log-rank testing was used to compare the primary patency rate of basilic vein AVF (n = 59) with the primary and secondary patency rates of PTFE AVF (n = 47). Complication rates were calculated for each type of fistula and compared by use of chi-squared testing. RESULTS The primary patency rate for basilic vein AVF (90%) was superior to that of PTFE AVF (70%) at 1 year (p < 0.01), and at 2 years (86% vs 49%, p < 0.001). Complications occurred two and a half times more frequently in the PTFE group than in the basilic vein group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Basilic vein AVF provided superior patency rates and lower complication rates compared with PTFE AVF. Prospective randomized trials comparing the two fistula types is required to firmly establish the basilic vein AVF as the alternative access procedure of choice after a failed or unconstructable radiocephalic fistula.

Percutaneous Revascularization of Complex Iliac Artery Stenoses and Occlusions with Use of Wallstents: Three-year Experience

PURPOSE To assess the outcome of percutaneous placement of Wallstents for treatment of hemodynamically significant diffuse stenoses (> 3 cm in length), chronic occlusions, failed angioplasty procedures, and flow-limiting dissection in the iliac arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS Lesions in 94 iliac limbs were treated in 66 patients. Indications for stent placement included claudication in 49 limbs and limb-threatening ischemia in 45. Forty-two limbs were treated for diffuse disease, 39 for chronic occlusion, nine for failed angioplasty, and four for flow-limiting dissection. RESULTS Technical success was achieved in 86 of 94 limbs (91%), with major complications in 9% of patients. One death occurred within 30 days (not procedure-related). Ankle-brachial indexes improved from 0.51 +/- 0.24 to 0.76 +/- 0.22 (P < .001). Eighty-five percent demonstrated improvement under Rutherford criteria. Follow-up was obtained up to 38 months (mean, 14 months +/- 8). Cumulative primary patency rates were 78% at 1 year and 53% at 2 and 3 years (standard error 10%). Secondary patency rates were 86% at 1 year and 82% up to 32 months (standard error > 10% after 32 months). No significant decrease in mean ankle-brachial index was observed during follow up. No difference in primary patency was observed based on lesion type, symptom severity, lesion location, or runoff status. The limb salvage rate for patients with limb-threatening ischemia was 98% at a mean follow-up of 14 months +/- 7. CONCLUSIONS Technical success and complication rates for percutaneous iliac artery revascularization with use of Wallstents are favorable, symptoms improved in the majority of patients, and excellent secondary patency can be achieved. With use of Wallstents, most patients with iliac artery insufficiency as a result of long-segment disease or chronic occlusions can be treated percutaneously.

One hundred consecutive carotid reconstructions: Local versus general anesthesia☆

One hundred consecutive patients who underwent carotid reconstructions were divided into two groups by anesthesia type (general 46, local 54) and retrospectively reviewed. Particular interest was paid to length of hospital stay and billing data. There were no differences in presenting symptoms, risk factors, incidence of stroke, cranial nerve injury, or wound hematoma. Significant reductions in length of operating time, intensive care unit time, and postoperative stay and intraluminal shunt usage were demonstrated. Calculated billings and actual billings were reviewed and found to be markedly diminished in the local anesthesia group.

Anatomic and Clinical Factors Associated with Complications of Transfemoral Arteriography

Complications of transfemoral arteriography requiring surgery are rare but carry significant morbidity. To evaluate clinical factors that might relate to such complications, we retrospectively reviewed our experience from January 1, 1985, to December 31, 1988 (four years). Forty-seven complications requiring surgery occurred among 10,589 cases. The risk was higher after cardiac catheterization than after peripheral arteriography (0.55% versus 0.17%, p<0.025). In nearly 40% of these cases, arterial puncture was not in the common femoral artery. Acute bleeding complications were more likely among patients with puncture outside the common femoral artery (p<0.001). Older patients and women were at slightly higher risk for complications requiring surgery, but this difference was not statistically significant. The frequency of bleeding complications was not significantly higher among patients who were anticoagulated following the procedure. The distribution of puncture sites was identical in obese and nonobese patients. Three patients died (two from myocardial infarction, one from multisystem organ failure). Two limbs did not improve; one required major amputation. Four limbs had persistent paresthesia and two had persistent weakness. We conclude that complications of transfemoral arteriography requiring surgery occur more frequently among patients who are undergoing cardiac catheterization and who suffer aberrant punctures. Age, sex, body habitus, and anticoagulation have less impact on patient risk.

Selection of the approach to the distal internal carotid artery from the second cervical vertebra to the base of the skull

Although several approaches for exposure of distal internal carotid artery lesions have been reported, the precise anatomic levels for which each of these maneuvers are most appropriate have not been well described. Since these techniques may require preoperative preparation, it is useful to determine in advance how much exposure will be needed and to select the most suitable and effective technique. We used anatomic dissection in 12 human cadaver specimens (24 carotid bifurcations) to define the limits of distal internal carotid artery exposure by several commonly advocated methods. The standard anterior approach along the sternocleidomastoid muscle allowed exposure of the internal carotid artery to the level of the upper one third of the second cervical vertebra. The upper limit of this exposure was extended to the middle of the first cervical vertebra by division of the posterior belly of the digastric muscle. Anterior subluxation of the mandible increased the distal exposure of the internal carotid artery to the superior border of the first cervical vertebra. Styloidectomy in combination with the preceding maneuvers extended the exposure an additional 0.5 cm cephalad. Lateral mandibulotomy did not significantly extend exposure beyond that obtained with mandibular subluxation and styloidectomy. Exposure of the internal carotid artery in the 1 cm immediately below the base of the skull required a posterior approach with mastoidectomy.

Predictors of shunt during carotid endarterectomy with routine electroencephalography monitoring

BACKGROUND The routine use of intraoperative electroencephalography (EEG) monitoring with selective shunt placement during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) has been shown to be safe and effective. We attempt to identify the anatomic and clinical factors associated with significant EEG changes requiring shunt placement during CEA. METHODS Between January 2005 and June 2007, 242 CEAs were performed with selective shunt placement for significant EEG changes. Risk factors assessed include severity of both ipsilateral and contralateral disease, presence of ipsilateral preoperative symptoms, hypertension, coronary artery disease, diabetes, age, gender, and preemptive intraoperative blood pressure manipulation to >or=20% above baseline before cross-clamping. Data were analyzed with the chi(2) test (P < .05 was significant). RESULTS CEA was performed for asymptomatic disease in 177 of 242 patients (73.1%). The perioperative stroke rate was 0.8% (2 of 242), and the overall morbidity rate was 4.5%. No patients died. Significant EEG changes requiring shunt occurred in 35 patients (14.46%). Factors associated with carotid shunt placement were moderate ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis (50% to 79%) compared with severe (>or=80%) disease (30.6% vs 11.7%, P = .003) and degree of contralateral carotid stenosis (0% to 49%, 10.8%; 50% to 79%, 10.9%; 80% to 99%, 23.2%; occlusion, 50%; P = .0003). Presence of symptoms, gender, age, hypertension, diabetes, or coronary artery disease, and preemptive intraoperative manipulation of blood pressure were not significant predictors of shunt placement. CONCLUSION CEA performed with routine EEG monitoring and selective shunt placement is associated with a low risk of perioperative stroke. Identified predictors of significant EEG changes were anatomic factors including degree of contralateral carotid artery disease and moderate ipsilateral carotid artery stenosis (50% to 79%). Although contralateral carotid occlusion has been accepted as indication for shunt placement in the absence of cerebral monitoring, this study suggests that high-grade contralateral disease and moderate ipsilateral carotid stenosis are associated with cerebral ischemia resulting in EEG changes and should prompt consideration for nonselective shunting.

Venous stasis complications of the use of the superficial femoral and popliteal veins for lower extremity bypass

PURPOSE The widely accepted durability of autogenous vein for infrainguinal arterial bypass has led the authors to use the superficial femoral and popliteal vein in selected cases. The results of this experience are presented. METHODS From January through December 1991, during which 92 lower extremity bypass procedures were performed, deep vein bypass was attempted in seven patients (three femoral-popliteal grafts, two femoral-peroneal grafts, one femoral-deep femoral bypass, and one popliteal-posterior tibial bypass). In all cases the saphenous vein was absent or inadequate for use as a bypass conduit. The superficial femoral vein was harvested to below the knee in five patients. RESULTS At last follow-up six of seven patients had patent grafts with relief of their original symptoms. All the procedures were complicated by venous stasis; acute postoperative phlegmasia developed in two cases. In one of these cases the limb was salvaged by below-knee fasciotomy and deep venous bypass (distal popliteal vein to common femoral vein with polytetrafluoroethylene). In the other case an above-knee amputation was required. Of the five remaining patients three had moderate venous stasis edema unresponsive to limb elevation and compression stockings after operation, and two have had resolution of minimal postoperative venous stasis with simple limb elevation. All cases of severe and moderate venous stasis occurred in patients with popliteal vein harvest to below the knee. CONCLUSIONS The authors conclude that the use of the deep veins of the lower extremity for bypass is effective but is associated with a significant increase incidence of venous stasis edema. Two instances of phlegmasia were associated with popliteal vein harvest below the knee, and the authors caution against harvest of the popliteal vein to this level.

Intraoperative Evaluation of PTFE, Dacron and Autogenous Vein as Carotid Patch Materials

Between 1983 and 1986 we prospectively randomized 71 consecutive carotid endarterectomy patients to receive patch closure with one of three materials. Autogenous saphenous vein was used in 18 cases, Dacron velour (Sauvage Filamentous) in 30 cases, and PTFE (Gore-Tex CV patch) was used in 23 cases. Blood loss in the excess of 300 ml was seen in 43% (10/23) of the PTFE group in contrast to only 22% (5/23) of the ASV group and 17% (4/23) of the Dacron group. Persistent suture hole bleeding requiring the use of a significantly larger amount of oxidized cellulose (p less than .001) was noted in the PTFE group. Operating time from clamp release to end of procedure was significantly greater in the PTFE group (p less than .05), reflecting the delay associated with suture hole bleeding. In addition, the handling characteristics of PTFE were inferior to those of Dacron or autogenous saphenous vein. Needle penetration was relatively difficult. PTFE was thicker, less flexible, and a less satisfactory match to the endarterectomized carotid than the other materials.

Chronic Hand Ischemia Treated With Radial Artery Balloon Angioplasty: Case Report

Although balloon angioplasty in heart and lower extremity vessels has been extensively studied and reported, little information exists regarding its use for digital ischemia in the hand. We report a case of successful balloon angioplasty of the distal radial artery to reverse present and prevent further digital tip cyanosis and necrosis.

Iatrogenic arterial dissection: Treatment by percutaneous transluminal angioplasty

Iatrogenic arterial dissection may require intervention, depending on the severity of resulting stenosis and the degree of symptoms. We present 5 cases of iatrogenic arterial dissection: 1 with dissection of the lower abdominal aorta, common iliac artery, and external iliac artery, and 3 with external iliac artery dissections, all managed with percutaneous transfemoral transluminal angioplasty; and 1 with dissection of the superior mesenteric artery with angioplasty performed by the translumbar approach. Four of the 5 patients had no additional therapy; 1 patient eventually underwent surgery for an asymptomatic residual pseudoaneurysm seen on abdominal computed tomography. Angiographic follow-up in 2 patients demonstrated persistent improvement in stenosis, 1 at 2 weeks after angioplasty, and the other, 6 weeks following angioplasty. None of the 5 patients required further therapy for recurrence of symptoms on clinical follow-up obtained up to 1 year after angioplasty. Though the incidence of recurrent arterial stenosis following angioplasty for dissection may be greater than that incurred after intravascular stent placement or surgery, angioplasty may be effective, and has the advantage of being less expensive than both of these treatment modalities, and, more widely available and applicable than intravascular stents.