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Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal... Dec 2008The spleen is the most commonly injured visceral organ in blunt abdominal trauma in both adults and children. Nonoperative management is the current standard of practice... (Review)
Review
The spleen is the most commonly injured visceral organ in blunt abdominal trauma in both adults and children. Nonoperative management is the current standard of practice for patients who are hemodynamically stable. However, simple observation alone has been reported to have a failure rate as high as 34%; the rate is even higher among patients with high-grade splenic injuries (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma [AAST] grade III-V). Over the past decade, angiography with transcatheter splenic artery embolization, an alternative nonoperative treatment for splenic injuries, has increased splenic salvage rates to as high as 97%. With the help of splenic artery embolization, success rates of more than 80% have also been described for high-grade splenic injuries. We discuss the role of computed tomography and transcatheter splenic artery embolization in the diagnosis and treatment of blunt splenic trauma. We review technical considerations, indications, efficacy and complication rates. We also propose an algorithm to guide the use of angiography and splenic embolization in patients with traumatic splenic injury.
Topics: Abdominal Injuries; Algorithms; Embolization, Therapeutic; Humans; Radiography; Spleen; Splenic Artery; Wounds and Injuries
PubMed: 19057735
DOI: No ID Found -
Canadian Journal of Surgery. Journal... Jun 2018Intra-abdominal vascular injury (IAVI) is uncommon but continues to be associated with high mortality rates despite technological advances in the past decades. In light...
BACKGROUND
Intra-abdominal vascular injury (IAVI) is uncommon but continues to be associated with high mortality rates despite technological advances in the past decades. In light of these ongoing developments, we reviewed our contemporary experience with IAVI in an attempt to clarify and refine our management strategies and the outcome of these patients.
METHODS
We retrospectively reviewed the charts of all patients admitted between January 2011 and December 2014 at a major trauma centre in South Africa who were found to have an IAVI during laparotomy for trauma. We collected demographic and clinical data including mechanism of injury, location and severity of the injury, concurrent injuries, physiologic parameters and clinical outcome.
RESULTS
We identified 110 patients with IAVIs, of whom 98 had sustained penetrating injuries (55 gunshot wounds and 43 stab wounds). There were 84 arterial injuries (including 21 renal and 17 mesenteric) and 74 venous injuries (including 21 renal and 17 inferior vena caval). Combined venous and arterial injuries were found in almost one-third of patients (34 [30.9%]). Fifty-seven patients (51.8%) required intensive care admission. The overall mortality rate was 28.2% (31 patients); the rate was 62% for aortic injuries and 47% for inferior vena cava injuries. Liver injury, large bowel injury, splenic injury and elevated lactate level were all associated with a statistically significantly higher mortality rate.
CONCLUSION
The mortality rate for IAVI remains high despite decades of operative experience in high-volume centres. Open operative techniques alone are unlikely to achieve further reduction in mortality rates. Integration of endovascular techniques may provide an alternative strategy to improve outcomes.
Topics: Abdominal Injuries; Adult; Aorta; Female; Humans; Laparotomy; Male; Retrospective Studies; South Africa; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Trauma Centers; Vascular System Injuries; Vena Cava, Inferior; Wounds, Gunshot; Wounds, Stab; Young Adult
PubMed: 29806813
DOI: 10.1503/cjs.009717 -
BMC Surgery Aug 2020Traumatic arteriovenous fistula (TAVF) is an uncommon vascular entity that arises in various locations, often from penetrating injuries, with a wide spectrum of signs... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Traumatic arteriovenous fistula (TAVF) is an uncommon vascular entity that arises in various locations, often from penetrating injuries, with a wide spectrum of signs and symptoms. This case report highlights the importance of suspecting multiple TAVFs after a single gunshot wound, especially if it involves pellets. It also sheds light on adapting treatment, whether endovascular or open repair, to the location and characteristics of each fistula.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 35-year-old male, with history of shotgun wound 5 months earlier, presented to our clinic with right lower extremity (RLE) edema and pain. Arterial duplex scan and subsequent angiogram showed two TAVFs at the popliteal and posterior tibial (PT) arteries, both of which could not be exactly localized with a computed tomography angiography (CTA) due to artifacts. The fistula connecting the posterior tibial artery (PTA) and vein was repaired endovascularly using a covered-stent, while the fistula between the popliteal artery and vein was repaired surgically. Postoperative follow-up at 3 months showed no arteriovenous fistula (AVF), patent vessels and distal stent stenosis at the PTA.
CONCLUSIONS
Patients who sustain gunshot injuries with shrapnel or pellets and develop TAVF consequentially need to be followed up with the possibility of multiple AVFs in mind. Arterial duplex scan is highly sensitive to detect those AVFs, yet angiography remains gold standard, particularly with extensive metal artefacts. Endovascular repair, when feasible, should be considered first, unless the patient is unstable or has anatomical constraints that increase the risk of complications. Lastly, surgeons should be weary of deep venous thrombosis (DVT), the Branham effect and arterial aneurysmal dilation postoperatively.
Topics: Adult; Arteriovenous Fistula; Humans; Male; Popliteal Artery; Vascular System Injuries; Wounds, Gunshot
PubMed: 32758209
DOI: 10.1186/s12893-020-00833-5 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Jun 2020Penetrating vertebral artery injuries (VAIs) are rare. Because of their rarity, complex anatomy, and difficult surgical exposures, few surgeons and trauma centers have...
BACKGROUND
Penetrating vertebral artery injuries (VAIs) are rare. Because of their rarity, complex anatomy, and difficult surgical exposures, few surgeons and trauma centers have developed significant experience with their management. The objectives of this study were to review their incidence, clinical presentation, radiologic identification, management, complications, and outcomes and to provide a review of anatomic exposures and surgical techniques for their management.
METHODS
A literature search on MEDLINE Complete-PubMed, Cochrane, Ovid, and Embase for the period of 1893 to 2018 was conducted. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were used. Our literature search yielded a total of 181 potentially eligible articles with 71 confirmed articles, consisting of 21 penetrating neck injury series, 13 VAI-specific series, and 37 case reports. Operative procedures and outcomes were recorded along with methods of angiographic imaging and operative management. All articles were reviewed by at least two independent authors, and data were analyzed collectively.
RESULTS
There were a total of 462 patients with penetrating VAIs. The incidence of VAI in the civilian population was 3.1% vs 0.3% in the military population. More complete data were available from 13 collected VAI-specific series and 37 case reports for a total of 362 patients. Mechanism of injury data were available for 341 patients (94.2%). There were gunshot wounds (178 patients [49.2%]), stab wounds (131 [73.6%]), and miscellaneous mechanisms of injury (32 [8.8%]). Anatomic site of injury data were available for 177 (49%) patients: 92 (25.4%) left, 84 (23.2%) right, and 1 (0.3%) bilateral. Anatomic segment of injury data were available for 204 patients (56.4%): 28 (7.7%) V1, 125 (34.5%) V2, and 51 (14.1%) V3. Treatment data were available for 212 patients. Computed tomography angiography was the most common imaging modality (163 patients [77%]). Injuries were addressed by operative management (94 [44.3%]), angiography and angioembolization (72 [34%]), combined approaches (11 [5.2%]), and observation (58 [27.4%]). Stenting and repair were less frequently employed (10 [4.7%]). The incidence of aneurysms or pseudoaneurysms was 18.5% (67); the incidence of arteriovenous fistula was 16.9% (61). The calculated mortality in VAI-specific series was 15.1%; in the individual case report group, it was 10.5%.
CONCLUSIONS
The majority of VAIs present without neurologic symptoms, although some may present with exsanguinating hemorrhage. Computed tomography angiography should be considered first line to establish diagnosis. Gunshot wounds account for most injuries. The most frequently injured segment is V2. Surgical ligation is the most common intervention, followed by angioembolization, both of which constitute important management approaches.
Topics: Endovascular Procedures; Humans; Incidence; Risk Factors; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures; Vascular System Injuries; Vertebral Artery; Wounds, Penetrating
PubMed: 31902594
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2019.10.084 -
Korean Journal of Radiology 2016To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of endovascular repair for blunt popliteal arterial injuries.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of endovascular repair for blunt popliteal arterial injuries.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
A retrospective analysis of seven patients with clinical suspicion of popliteal arterial injuries that were confirmed by arteriography was performed from September 2009 to July 2014. Clinical data included demographics, mechanism of injury, type of injury, location of injury, concomitant injuries, time of endovascular procedures, time interval from trauma to blood flow restoration, instrument utilized, and follow-up. All patients were male (mean age of 35.9 ± 10.3 years). The type of lesion involved intimal injury (n = 1), partial transection (n = 2), complete transection (n = 2), arteriovenous fistula (n = 1), and pseudoaneurysm (n = 1). All patients underwent endovascular repair of blunt popliteal arterial injuries.
RESULTS
Technical success rate was 100%. Intimal injury was treated with a bare-metal stent. Pseudoaneurysm and popliteal artery transections were treated with bare-metal stents. Arteriovenous fistula was treated with bare-metal stent and coils. No perioperative death and procedure-related complication occurred. The average follow-up was 20.9 ± 2.3 months (range 18-24 months). One patient underwent intra-arterial thrombolysis due to stent thrombosis at 18 months after the procedure. All limbs were salvaged. Stent migration, deformation, or fracture was not found during the follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Endovascular repair seems to be a viable approach for patients with blunt popliteal arterial injuries, especially on an emergency basis. Endovascular repair may be effective in the short-term. Further studies are required to evaluate the long-term efficacy of endovascular repair.
Topics: Adult; Aneurysm, False; Angiography; Angioplasty, Balloon; Endovascular Procedures; Feasibility Studies; Female; Humans; Kaplan-Meier Estimate; Male; Middle Aged; Popliteal Artery; Retrospective Studies; Stents; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular System Injuries; Wounds, Nonpenetrating; Young Adult
PubMed: 27587969
DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2016.17.5.789 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Feb 2014
Topics: Aorta, Abdominal; Aorta, Thoracic; Cardiovascular Agents; Female; Humans; Male; Vascular System Injuries; Wounds, Nonpenetrating
PubMed: 24342061
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2013.09.056 -
European Journal of Trauma and... Feb 2022Penetrating injuries to the vertebral artery are rare and incompletely studied. Operative, angioembolic, and nonoperative strategies are management options, although the...
PURPOSE
Penetrating injuries to the vertebral artery are rare and incompletely studied. Operative, angioembolic, and nonoperative strategies are management options, although the association between management strategy and outcomes is unknown. This study endeavored to define the epidemiology, management strategy, and outcomes after penetrating injuries to the vertebral artery presenting to trauma centers nationwide.
METHODS
Patients with veterbral artery injuries were identified from the National Trauma Data Bank (NTDB) (2016-2017) using ICD-10-CM codes. Only those with penetrating mechanisms of injury were included in the study. Transferred patients were excluded. Study groups were defined by management strategy (Operative management, OM; angioembolization, AE; and nonoperative management, NOM). Patient demographics, injury characteristics, and outcomes were compared between groups using univariate analysis. Multivariate analysis with logistic regression was used to examine independent risk factors for mortality and stroke.
RESULTS
Penetrating injuries to the vertebral artery were rare (n = 476, < 1% of NTDB patient population). Median age was 28 [IQR 21-37] years and 81% (n = 385) of patients were male. Interpersonal violence was the most common injury intent (n = 374, 79%). Most patients were managed with NOM (n = 409, 86%), with AE and OM utilized less frequently (8% and 6%, respectively). Stab wounds were the most frequent mechanism of injury among patients managed with OM (62%), while gunshot wounds were most common among patients managed with NOM (84%) or AE (79%). Multivariate analysis of risk factors for stroke revealed only associated carotid artery injury (OR 4.236, 95% CI 1.284-13.970, p = 0.018) and AE (OR 6.342, 95% CI 1.417-28.399, p = 0.016) were independent predictors. Independent risk factors for mortality were advanced age (OR 1.026, 95% CI 1.001-1.052, p = 0.044); elevated ISS (OR 1.030, 95% CI 1.008-1.052, p = 0.006); and associated traumatic brain injury (OR 3.020, 95% CI 1.333-6.843, p = 0.008). Higher ED GCS was independently associated with reduced mortality (OR 0.788, 95% CI 0.731-0.849, p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Vertebral artery injuries after penetrating mechanisms are infrequent in the United States. Patients with these injuries tend to be young adult men who were injured by gunshot wounds as a result of interpersonal violence. The majority of these injuries were managed nonoperatively, with operative intervention required most commonly for patients injured by stab wounds. Risk factors for both stroke and mortality were principally due to patient factors and associated injuries. Increased risk of stroke among patients managed with angioembolization will need to be further investigated with future study to determine if this risk is imparted from the management strategy itself or from underlying injury characteristics.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Injury Severity Score; Male; Retrospective Studies; Trauma Centers; United States; Vertebral Artery; Wounds, Gunshot; Wounds, Penetrating; Young Adult
PubMed: 32567022
DOI: 10.1007/s00068-020-01416-y -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Aug 2016Developments in diagnosis and treatment have transformed the management of blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs). For patients in stable condition, treatment practice... (Review)
Review
Developments in diagnosis and treatment have transformed the management of blunt thoracic aortic injuries (BTAIs). For patients in stable condition, treatment practice has shifted from early open repair to nonoperative management for low-grade lesions and routine delayed endovascular repair for more significant injuries. However, effective therapy depends on accurate staging of injury grade and stability to select patients for appropriate management. Recent developments in BTAI risk stratification enable lesion-specific management tailored to the patient and aortic lesion. This review summarizes advances in lesion assessment and treatment and proposes an integrated scheme for the modern management of BTAI.
Topics: Aorta, Thoracic; Decision Support Techniques; Decision Trees; Humans; Injury Severity Score; Patient Selection; Risk Assessment; Risk Factors; Thoracic Injuries; Treatment Outcome; Vascular System Injuries; Wounds, Nonpenetrating
PubMed: 27221382
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2015.12.066 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery May 2012Iatrogenic arterial injury is an uncommon but recognized complication of posterior spinal surgery. The spectrum of injuries includes vessel perforation leading to...
Iatrogenic arterial injury is an uncommon but recognized complication of posterior spinal surgery. The spectrum of injuries includes vessel perforation leading to hemorrhage, delayed pseudoaneurysm formation, and threatened perforation by screw impingement on arterial vessels. Repair of these injuries traditionally involved open direct vessel repair or graft placement, which can be associated with significant morbidity. We identified five patients with iatrogenic arterial injury during or after posterior spinal surgery between July 2004 and August 2009 and describe their endovascular treatment. Intraoperative arterial bleeding was encountered in two patients during posterior spinal surgery. The posterior wounds were packed, temporarily closed, and the patient was placed supine. In both patients, angiography demonstrated arterial injury necessitating repair. Covered stent grafts were deployed through femoral cutdowns to exclude the areas of injury. In three additional patients, postoperative computed tomography imaging demonstrated pedicle screws abutting/penetrating the thoracic or abdominal aorta. Angiography or intravascular ultrasound imaging, or both, confirmed indention/perforation of the aorta by the screw. Aortic stent graft cuffs were deployed through femoral cutdowns to cover the area of aortic contact before hardware removal. All five patients did well and were discharged home in good condition. Endovascular repair of arterial injuries occurring during posterior spinal procedures is feasible and can offer a safe and less invasive alternative to open repair.
Topics: Adolescent; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Aorta; Aortography; Blood Vessel Prosthesis Implantation; Bone Screws; Diskectomy; Endovascular Procedures; Female; Hemorrhage; Hemostatic Techniques; Humans; Iatrogenic Disease; Iliac Artery; Male; Middle Aged; Spinal Fusion; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Treatment Outcome; Ultrasonography, Interventional; Vascular System Injuries; Young Adult
PubMed: 21215584
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2010.10.064 -
Journal of Vascular Surgery Jun 2015The treatment of popliteal artery injury (PAI) caused by blunt or penetrating mechanism is demanding. Concomitant injuries and prolonged ischemia are the major causes of...
BACKGROUND
The treatment of popliteal artery injury (PAI) caused by blunt or penetrating mechanism is demanding. Concomitant injuries and prolonged ischemia are the major causes of lower extremity morbidity and poor rates of limb salvage. This study assessed the amputation rate and, subsequently, the therapeutic management and clinical outcomes regarding the affect of concomitant injuries among patients with PAI in a setting of central European trauma care.
METHODS
Sixty-four patients (20 female and 44 male), with an average age of 44 years (range, 17-79 years) at the time of injury, were evaluated for clinical characteristics, concomitant injuries, complications, amputation rates, and functional outcome after traumatic PAI. The mechanism of injury was blunt trauma in 35 patients (54.7%) and penetrating trauma in 29 (45.3%). The Mangled Extremity Severity Score and the Injury Severity Score were assessed initially and the modified Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Score at 12 months after the primary surgery.
RESULTS
Thirty patients (47%) returned to their normal activity level within 1 year after trauma, and 16 (25%) were limited in their daily activity or suffered from chronic pain symptoms. Within the blunt trauma group 26 of 35 patients (74%) sustained severe concomitant injuries, whereas two of 29 patients (7%) in the penetrating group showed severe concomitant injuries (P < .046). Eleven patients (17%) had to undergo revision surgery due to their associated injuries. The median modified FIM score was 10.3, whereas patients with blunt trauma had significantly lower FIM score (P < .0082). The median Mangled Extremity Severity Score was 6 points (range, 6-16 points). Primary or secondary amputation was required in 18 patients (28%) due to failure of revascularization. Patients who sustained blunt trauma had significantly higher amputation rates than those with penetrating injuries (P < .035).
CONCLUSIONS
Clinical outcome and limb salvage of patients with PAI were influenced by the mechanism of trauma, concomitant injuries, prolonged ischemia time, and the type of surgical procedure. Patients after blunt trauma had a higher incidence of concomitant injuries, and (comminuted) fractures or knee dislocations and severe soft tissue damage had the highest effect on the amputation rate.
Topics: Activities of Daily Living; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Amputation, Surgical; Austria; Chronic Pain; Female; Humans; Injury Severity Score; Limb Salvage; Male; Middle Aged; Multiple Trauma; Pain, Postoperative; Popliteal Artery; Recovery of Function; Reoperation; Retrospective Studies; Time Factors; Trauma Centers; Treatment Outcome; Vascular System Injuries; Wounds, Nonpenetrating; Wounds, Penetrating; Young Adult
PubMed: 25758453
DOI: 10.1016/j.jvs.2015.01.045