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Background: This report presents the management of patient with extracranial internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm due to giant cell arteritis. Case presentation: Left internal carotid artery pseudoaneurysm was diagnosed in a 57-year-old Ukrainian woman, which became a direct indication for surgical treatment involving aneurysm resection and internal carotid artery reimplantation. The used reconstruction technique with oblique cutting of internal carotid artery, aneurysm resection, ellipse-form anastomosis formation, and distal intima fixation prevents the dissection, restenosis, and aneurysm of anastomosis in the long-term postoperative period. Histopathological examination revealed the giant cell arteritis of the internal carotid artery. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of open surgical treatment of extracranial carotid artery aneurysms, which allows to perform optimal carotid artery reconstruction and also define the rare etiology of disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RPLS) is a rare but challenging neoplasm, which is frequently associated with iliac vessel invasion. We describe how we used a two-step arterial reconstruction technique to perform en bloc resection of a large RPLS involving the iliac arteries in three patients. A temporal long in situ graft bypass was established using a prosthetic vascular graft during dissection of the tumor. This bypass provided an unobscured surgical field, while maintaining blood flow in the lower limb during the operation. After removal of the tumor and washing out the abdominal cavity, the new prosthetic vascular graft of a suitable length was placed. No graft-related complications, including vascular graft infection or graft occlusion, occurred during the follow-up period. This novel technique appears to provide a safe and effective way to remove large RPLSs involving the retroperitoneal major vessels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elastic laminae, an elastin-based, layered extracellular matrix structure in the media of arteries, can inhibit leukocyte adhesion and vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration, exhibiting anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombogenic properties. These properties prevent inflammatory and thrombogenic activities in the arterial media, constituting a mechanism for the maintenance of the structural integrity of the arterial wall in vascular disorders. The biological basis for these properties is the elastin-induced activation of inhibitory signaling pathways, involving the inhibitory cell receptor signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) and Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP1). The activation of these molecules causes deactivation of cell adhesion- and proliferation-regulatory signaling mechanisms. Given such anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombogenic properties, elastic laminae and elastin-based materials have potential for use in vascular reconstruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Biliary complications are still considered the Achilles’ heel of living donor liver transplantation (LDLT), with recorded complication rates for right lobe LDLT as high as 20–34%. Anatomically, it seems more appropriate to use the recipient’s right hepatic artery (RHA) over the left hepatic artery (LHA) for arterial reconstruction in right lobe LDLT. The course of the recipient’s RHA usually runs just behind the common hepatic duct and gives small nourishing branches to the biliary tree. Dissecting this tissue between the common hepatic duct and the RHA to increase the later flexibility can cause ischemia of the recipient’s extrahepatic bile duct and cause further biliary complication, especially biliary anastomosis stricture (BAS). The aim of this study was to determine if the use of recipient’s LHA as inflow in arterial reconstruction lowers the risk of postoperative biliary complication. Patients and methods A prospective cohort study was conducted at the Liver Transplantation Unit in Air Forces Specialized Hospital, Cairo, Egypt, between July 2020 and the end of April 2022. It included all patients who underwent LDLT with stentless duct-toduct biliary reconstruction. They were divided into two group: group A included 40 recipients who had LHA for arterial reconstruction and group B (historical control) included 40 recipients who underwent LDLT using RHA for arterial reconstruction. Results A total of 80 patients were divided into two equal groups: group A, LHA reconstruction group, and group B, RHA reconstruction group. On stratifying the technique of biliary reconstruction used in both groups regarding the number of graft ducts and the way they were anastomosed to the recipient biliary tree, we found no significant difference regarding incidence on statistical analysis. The incidence of biliary leakage was higher in group A (22.5%) versus group B (15%). Moreover, the number of patients who experienced both leakage and BAS was also higher in group A (7.5 vs. 2.5%) but both did not achieve statistical significance. BAS alone showed no statistically significance difference regarding the incidence. On analyzing the factor influencing biliary leakage other than arterial reconstruction, such as number of graft ducts and the effect of biliary reconstruction technique in the context of minimal dissection of the CBD, all the patients who had biliary leakage in group B had two graft ducts, but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with group A. The same factors were studied for the BAS. There was no increase in incidence, and the difference was not statistically significant for both number of graft ducts and reconstruction techniques. Conclusion The use of either RHA or LHA in arterial reconstruction in right lobe LDLTs does not reduce the incidence of duct-to-duct biliary complications which is a multifactorial risk that needs to be approached systematically to reduce all risk factors such as number of graft ducts, ductoplasty, cold ischemia, and arterial reconstruction. In addition, further prospective multicenter studies are needed to definitively identify the multivariate risk factors and improve the outcome of these complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Extended pancreatectomy for locally advanced pancreatobiliary malignancy often involves combined major arterial resection (AR) and reconstruction (ARc). By limiting candidate inflow for ARc after combined resection of the celiac arterial system over a long distance, we evaluated whether great saphenous vein graft (GSVG) is an alternative conduit for obtaining non-anatomical arterial inflow. Methods: ARc with GSVG conduit was undertaken prior to resection. GSVG was harvested and anastomosed end-to-side with the reconstructing artery and then mostly passed via the retroperitoneal para-inferior vena cava route. Side-to-end anastomosis of GSVG inflow was established with the right common iliac artery or abdominal aorta. Results: Among 468 consecutive pancreatobiliary surgeries, ARc with GSVG was undertaken in seven cases. Primary cancers were in the pancreas in six patients and distal bile duct in one. Radical surgery was performed with pancreaticoduodenectomy in six patients and total pancreatectomy in one. Hepatic artery (HA) was concomitantly resected and reconstructed by GSVG in six patients or by the jejunal artery in one patient. Median operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 763 min and 350 ml, respectively. Serum level of AST, ALT, and LDH in patients with HA reconstruction by GSVG peaked by the second postoperative day and promptly normalized. Postoperative morbidity (CD ≥ III) was encountered in one patient. No surgical mortality was observed. Postoperative serum liver enzymes promptly decreased in ARc patients with GSVG to HA. Conclusion: Arterial reconstruction with GSVG prior to resection was performed securely and might help to reduce postoperative liver dysfunction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We introduce the indications, technique, results of our experience using donor's RGEA as interposition vessel to solve hepatic artery reconstruction problems in P‐LDLT. Methods: A retrospective analysis of P‐LDLT for children with metabolic diseases from June 2013 to November 2018 in our center was carried out. The arterial conditions, reconstruction methods, and prognosis were analyzed. Results: A total of 73 children with metabolic diseases underwent P‐LDLT during the period. The LLF was the main graft, accounting for 71.2%. The donor's RGEA was utilized in five cases. There were three children with OTCD and two children with deficiency of CPS1 and MSUD, respectively. In three cases, the grafts' left hepatic arteries were anastomosed with the recipients' PHA using donors' RGEA as interposition vessel. In other two cases, the donors' RGEA was interposed between graft's MHA and the recipient's bifurcation of PHA and GDA. The average follow‐up time was 19.7 ± 15.9 month. There were two cases of artery thrombosis or occlusion, and the incidence was 2.7%. No arterial complications occurred in children using RGEA (follow‐up time 5.0 ± 3.4 months). Conclusion: In P‐LDLT for patients with metabolic diseases, the application of RGEA as an interposition vessel can solve caliber mismatch and short arteries problem and achieve good results. Compared with traditional arterial anastomosis, it may reduce the incidence of arterial complications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background/Aims: Because of the anatomical characteristics, pancreatic cancers (PC) can easily invade to visceral vessels such as celiac artery, superior mesenteric artery, common hepatic artery (CHA) and portal vein, which makes curative resection difficult. In this study, we report an R0 resection for locally advanced PC by total pancreatectomy, combined resection of CHA, and reconstruction of hepatic artery using autologous left inferior phrenic artery (IPA). Methods: A 47-year-old woman with complaints of low back pain was referred to our department. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed a hypo-attenuation tumor of the pancreatic body measuring 70 mm, which completely encased the CHA. When unresectable locally advanced PC was diagnosed, systematic chemotherapy was administrated. After downstaging, she underwent surgery with curative intent. The tumor completely infiltrated the peripheral part of the CHA and gastroduodenal artery. As the tumor also extended to the head of the pancreas, total pancreatectomy and combined resection of CHA were performed. Then the exposed left IPA and proper hepatic artery were anastomosed with a microvascular technique. Results: R0 resection was performed for restoring hepatic arterial flow and the postoperative course was uneventful without any postoperative morbidity. Conclusion: Hepatic artery reconstruction using IPA is a simple and safe procedure in selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection is one of the most aggressive approaches for the treatment of locally advanced pancreatic cancer with common hepatic artery and/or celiac axis invasion. However, ischemic complications such as ischemic gastropathy and liver failure are problematic. To avoid these complications, we developed left gastric artery-reconstructing distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection. We used the middle colic artery for reconstruction. We performed this procedure in 10 patients, using the middle colic artery in three different ways: left branch reconstruction, right branch reconstruction, and reverse reconstruction. On postoperative images, 90% of the reconstructed left gastric arteries were patent. No complications associated with arterial reconstruction occurred. No patients developed ischemic gastropathy or liver failure. The R0 resection rate was 70%. Nine patients underwent adjuvant chemotherapy and seven patients were able to start it within 90 days. Distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection combined with reconstruction of the left gastric artery using the middle colic artery is a feasible option and would enhance the safety for carefully selected patients. Multicenter validation is needed to clarify the benefits of this new procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recognition and management of aberrant hepatic arterial anatomy for patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) are critical to ensure safe completion of the operation. When the common hepatic artery (CHA) is noted to emanate from the superior mesenteric artery (Michels' type 9 variant), it is vulnerable to injury during the dissection required for PD. While this anatomy does not preclude an operation, care must be taken to avoid injury, often by identifying the CHA throughout its entire course before beginning the dissection of the portal venous structures. The oncologic principle that cautions against resection of a pancreatic cancer when it involves the CHA in its standard position may not universally apply to tumors that focally involve the CHA in the type 9 anatomic variant. In highly selected patients, surgical resection may be entertained as disease biology may be analogous to local involvement of the gastroduodenal artery in a patient with standard anatomy. Here, we review the indications, techniques, and outcomes associated with arterial resection and reconstruction during pancreatectomy among patients with a pancreatic tumor involving a common hepatic artery arising from the superior mesenteric artery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the indication of locally advanced pancreatic cancer with arterial involvement is controversial, the outcome of the patients with such disease treated by combined resection and reconstruction of the invaded artery has improved recently. For pancreatic body carcinoma invading the celiac axis, distal pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection has been safely performed. However, in case of pancreatic body carcinoma with involvement of the celiac axis, the common hepatic artery and the gastroduodenal artery, margin-negative resection requires total pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection and restoration of hepatic arterial flow. Here, we describe an interposition grafting technique using the splenic artery harvested from the resected specimen. This technique is effective and may widen the resectability of pancreatic cancer in selected patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pancreatic body and tail ductal adenocarcinomas are often diagnosed with local vascular invasion of the celiac axis (CA) and its various branches. With such involvement, these tumors have traditionally been considered unresectable. The modified Appleby procedure allows for margin negative resection of some such locally advanced tumors. This procedure involves distal pancreatectomy with en bloc splenectomy and CA resection and relies on the presence of collateral arterial circulation via an intact pancreaticoduodenal arcade and the gastroduodenal artery to maintain prograde hepatic arterial perfusion. When the resultant collateral circulation is inadequate to provide sufficient hepatic and gastric arterial inflow, arterial reconstruction (AR) is necessary to "supercharge" the inflow. Herein, we review all reported cases of AR with modified Appleby procedures that we have identified in the literature, and we report our experience of three recent cases with arterial reconstruction including two cases with arterial bypasses not requiring interposition grafting.Methods: Perioperative and oncologic outcomes from our Institutional Review Board-approved database of pancreatic resections at the Thomas Jefferson University were reviewed. Additionally, PubMed search for cases of distal or total pancreatectomy with celiac axis resection and concurrent AR was performed.Results: From the literature, 12 reports involving 28 patients were identified of distal and total pancreatectomy with AR after CA resection. The most common AR in the literature, performed in 12 patients, was a bypass from the aorta to the common hepatic artery (CHA) using a variety of interposition conduits. In our institutional experience, patient #1 had a primary side-to-end aorto-CHA bypass, patient #2 had a primary end-to-end bypass of the transected distal CHA to the left gastric artery in the setting a replaced left hepatic artery, and patient #3 required an aortic to proper hepatic artery bypass with saphenous vein graft and portal venous reconstruction. All patients recovered from their operations without ischemic complications, and they are currently 16, 15, and 13 months post-op, respectively.Conclusions: The criteria for resectability in patients with locally advanced pancreatic body and tail neoplasms are expanding due to increasing experience with AR in the setting of the modified Appleby procedure. When performing AR, primary arterial re-anastomosis may be considered preferable to interposition grafting as it decreases the potential for the infectious and thrombotic complications associated with conduits and it reduces the number of vascular anastomoses from two to one. Consideration must also be given to normal variant anatomy of the hepatic circulation during operative planning as the origin of the left gastric artery is resected with the CA. The modified Appleby procedure with AR, when used in appropriately selected patients, offers the potential for safe, margin negative resection of locally advanced pancreatic body and tail tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to report results of a consecutive series of kidney transplant patients in whom the renal artery was implanted on a prosthetic vascular graft (PVG). Methods: Between January 2011 and December 2014, 208 deceased donor renal transplantations (68 female, 140 male, mean age 52, SD 16 years) were performed. Medical charts and outpatient clinical records of patients who had undergone renal artery implantation on a PVG were reviewed. Extensive literature research added to our 4 patients further 170 published cases during 1989 and 2015 and was compared with regular transplanted patients. Data on patient characteristics, prior vascular procedures, postoperative and long-term outcome were collected. Results: Patients with transplant renal artery anastomosis on a PVG were 4 years older than the control group. Function of the graft was similar in these patients compared to regular renal transplant patients. Resistance indices assessed in our clinic over the entire follow-up period showed also no significant difference between the 2 groups. Thirty-day mortality was 6% (none in our group), which occurred mostly in combination when renal transplantation and PVG replacement was performed simultaneously. Conclusion: Grafting of the renal artery to a PVG is feasible and yields good results, despite the technical difficulties involved. © 2016 S. Karger AG, Basel [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extended resections in the upper GI tract, especially for pancreatic malignancies, can require resection of the hepatic or superior mesenteric artery. Besides venous or allogenous grafting, the splenic artery can be used for reconstruction in both positions. Purpose: We hereby describe the different technical possibilities of interposition or transposition to use the splenic artery for restoration of arterial perfusion of the liver or the small bowel following resection of the hepatic or superior mesenteric artery, respectively. Conclusion: The use of the splenic artery is a convenient and appropriate possibility to reconstruct the hepatic or superior mesenteric artery in pancreatic resection with regard to interposition and especially transposition of this vessel. It should be considered in patients suitable to undergo these procedures to extend resectability in pancreatic cancer surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Vascular prosthesis infection constitutes one of the most serious complications in vascular surgery and is associated with a high risk of extremity amputation or death. Possibilities of conservative treatment are limited. The only radical procedure effecting the regression of inflammation is the removal of the infected prosthesis. This usually necessitates vascular reconstruction in the involved extremities. An ideal way to reconstruct blood flow in the lower extremities does not exist. Aim: This work aimed at presenting possibilities for managing complications in a patient with an aortobifemoral prosthesis. Case study: The described patient developed symptoms of intermittent claudication at the age of 38 years. When he was 39 years old he had a myocardial infarction, and afterwards problems concerning his lower extremities exacerbated. This necessitated the implantation of aortobifemoral prosthesis. After 5 years, the patient was operated on due to an anastomotic pseudoaneurysm in the left groin area, and then due to hemorrhage from the anastomotic pseudoaneurysm in the right groin area with symptoms of prosthesis infection. In January 2000, the infected prosthesis was removed surgically and a bypass polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft to both femoral arteries was implanted with a good result. In 2005, the patient was operated on due to a cerebral aneurysm. Results and discussion: The bypass graft has been functional in the described patient for 11 years, despite progressive atherosclerosis, smoking, three surgeries due to a graft thrombosis and an anastomotic pseudoaneurysm. Conclusions: Despite the enumerated complications and progressive atherosclerosis, the patient did not manage to give up his addiction (smoking). His case illustrates various difficulties in the course of treating an infected prosthesis, even when bacteria are very sensitive to antibiotics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In general, with large mesenteric tumors it may be rather difficult to determine whether infiltration into adjacent large vessels occurred. We wish to stress the importance of preparation for microsurgery when a huge lesion appears close to a large artery in preoperative images, based on our experience of successful microscopical reconstruction of a superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and marked improvement of blocked vascular flow to the small intestine during the surgery. We have experienced a case of mesenteric fibromatosis (MF) invading the SMA and vein, contrary to preoperative expectation. The patient underwent extirpation of a MF, 21 cm in size, with reconstruction of the SMA by microsurgery. The sacrificed small intestine was only 80 cm of the distal ileum with the benefit of microscopic anastomosis between the SMA and a major jejunal artery. Preparations for microscopic surgery must be made with resection of large lesions, because involvement of mesenteric large vessels may be expected. It is possible for microsurgery to extend indications for surgical resection of huge mesenteric tumors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wakiya T, Sanada Y, Mizuta K, Umehara M, Urahashi T, Egami S, Hishikawa S, Nakata M, Hakamada K, Yasuda Y, Kawarasaki H. Hepatic artery reconstruction with the jejunal artery of the Roux-en-Y limb in pediatric living donor liver re-transplantation. Abstract: When re-anastomosis and re-transplantation becomes necessary after LDLT, arterial reconstruction can be extremely difficult because of severe inflammation and lack of an adequate artery for reconstruction. Frequently, the recipient's HA is not in good condition, necessitating an alternative to the HA. In such cases, the recipient's splenic artery, right gastroepiploic artery or another vessel can be safely used for arterial reconstruction. There have, however, been few reports on using the jejunal artery. Herein, we report our experience with arterial reconstruction using the jejunal artery of the Roux-en-Y limb as an alternative to the HA. A three-yr-old girl who had developed graft failure due to early HA thrombosis after LDLT required re-transplantation. At re-transplantation, an adequate artery for reconstruction was lacking. We reconstructed the artery by using the jejunal artery of the Roux-en-Y limb, as we judged it to be the most appropriate alternative. After surgery, stent was deployed because hepatic blood flow had reduced due to kinking of the anastomosed site, and a favorable outcome was obtained. In conclusion, when an alternative to the HA is required, using the jejunal artery is a feasible alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Computational modeling is an effective approach for simulating and predicting the development and remodeling of biological systems. Here, we propose to integrate a probabilistic mathematical modeling approach into an emerging bioengineering area known as molecular regenerative engineering. This experimental–computational framework can be used to simulate and predict the efficacy of molecular engineering in controlling and enhancing the regenerative processes of pathologically disordered cells, tissues and organs. We demonstrate the significance and principles of this approach by using a special case as an example: enhancement of endothelial cell adhesion to arterial constructs by siRNA-mediated modulation of an adhesion-inhibiting factor known as Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP)-1. A continuum approach is used to model endothelial cell adhesion at the cellular level, while the Kramers reaction-rate theory is used to model cell adhesion at the subcellular and molecular levels. We show that the proposed computational model can potentially be used to simulate the processes and alterations of endothelial cell adhesion at the molecular and cellular levels under shear flow and to predict the effectiveness of siRNA-mediated SHP-1 knockdown in enhancing endothelial cell adhesion in arterial constructs. These preliminary investigations suggest that this integrated experimental–computational approach may be used for the simulation and prediction of regenerative processes in response to molecular engineering. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

We report a 19-year-old woman with Behcet’s disease who suffered a subarachnoid hemorrhage and had bilateral peripheral middle cerebral artery aneurysms. After steroid therapy for 3 days, the smaller aneurysm disappeared. The larger aneurysm was excised and the artery reconstructed using a superficial temporary artery graft. Histological examination showed vasculitis restricted to the wall of the aneurysm. This is the first report of arterial reconstruction for an aneurysm associated with Behcet’s disease. Steroid therapy before the operation may facilitate repair of the arterial wall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although an accurate anatomical understanding of the hepatic arteries is the most and essential step in living-related liver transplantation (LRLT), the need to reduce the burden place on the donor should be considered in imaging diagnosis. The present study examined the reliability of intravenously enhanced three-dimensional (3D) angiography from multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT) in evaluating the anatomical configuration of the hepatic arteries comparing with those from conventional angiography by Seldinger method. A total of 109 patients underwent MDCT and 3D images were reconstructed on arterial phase using the volume rendering (VR) method. In the case of 3D angiography, at an infusion rate of 4 ml/s, the extrahepatic hepatic arteries were visualized successfully in all cases (the right, left and middle hepatic artery). The aberrant hepatic arteries were successfully visualized in 23 of 24 cases. The 3D angiography is a reliable method of visualizing the extrahepatic and aberrant hepatic arteries. This minimally invasive examination procedure is useful in individual operative planning and is help to increase the safety of surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Moon JI, Ciancio G, Burke GW. Arterial reconstruction with donor iliac vessels during pancreas transplantation: an intraoperative approach to arterial injury or inadequate flow.Clin Transplant 2005 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-0012.2005.00339.x© Blackwell Munksgaard, 2005Outcome of pancreas transplantation (PTX) has improved because of use of novel immunosuppression and advances in surgical technique. It is not uncommon for severe atherosclerosis in patients with type 1 insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or the presence of a previously transplanted organ to limit the options for vascular anastomosis. Herein we report the novel application of donor iliac arterial interposition grafts for arterial reconstruction in patients with severe iliac artery arteriosclerosis, and/or previous transplant who develop an arterial injury or stenosis during surgery.In five patients undergoing PTX, the external iliac artery was severely atherosclerotic and/or occupied by a previous vascular anastomosis. In four of the five patients, an arterial intimal dissection became apparent. The external iliac artery was excised and reconstructed with donor iliac artery interposition graft (end-to-end anastomosis). Pancreas or kidney was engrafted onto this arterial interposition graft (end-to-side anastomosis).There was no operative morbidity related to this surgical approach. All grafts functioned well after transplantation. Distal lower extremities have no evidence of vascular insufficiency with mean follow-up of 26 months (7–45 months).This surgical technique is an acceptable option during PTX for the patient with severe iliac artery arteriosclerosis with intraoperative intimal dissection or stenosis, or perhaps those with challenging arterial access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Autogenous veins are the materials of choice for arterial reconstruction. In the absence of autogenous material, prosthetic materials are used. However, vascular prostheses of less than 0.4 cm in diameter have low long-term patency. This study was designed to determine if cells would infiltrate an engineered xenogeneic biomaterial used as a smalldiameter arterial graft in dogs and, if so, to determine the phenotype of the infiltrating cells. Nine acellular xenogeneic grafts (0.4 cm in diameter, 5 cm long), composed of porcine collagen derived from the submucosa of the small intestine and type I bovine collagen, were implanted as end-to-end interposition grafts in femoral arteries of five male mongrel dogs (total of nine grafts). All dogs received daily aspirin (325 mg). Patency of implanted grafts was monitored weekly by Duplex ultrasonography. After 9 weeks, or earlier in case of blood flow reduction by at least 75%, grafts were explanted and prepared for light or electron microscopy to evaluate cellularization. Eight of nine grafts remained patent up to 9 weeks. At explant, diameters were 0.31 ± 0.02 cm at the midgraft, and 0.14 ± 0.01 and 0.19 ± 0.01 cm at the proximal and distal anastomoses. At explant, cells of mesenchymal origin (endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, myofibroblasts) were embedded in the extracellular matrix of the graft scaffold. Minimal evidence of cellular inflammatory reaction and no aneurysmal dilatation or thrombus formation was detected. Variable degrees of hyperplasia were present at proximal and distal anastomoses. This preliminary study demonstrates that a collagen-based xenogeneic biomaterial provides a scaffold for cellularization when used for arterial reconstruction in dogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the cause of immediate occlusions (those occurring during the first month postoperatively) of infrainguinal reconstruction using in situ saphenous vein. Design: Retrospective clinical study. Setting: University hospital, Finland. Subjects: 329 in situ saphenous vein bypasses done during the period 1988–1995. Main outcome measures: Immediate result, and causes of occlusion during the first month postoperatively. Results: 65 of the reconstructions (20%) failed within 1 month, 46 of which were reoperated on, 25 successfully, giving a 1-month secondary patency of 88% (289/329). The cause of the occlusion was related to the vein graft in 29 (45%) and the result of inadequate run-off in 19 (29%). Conclusion: Many immediate occlusions of in situ saphenous vein bypass are graft-related or the result of technical problems, necessitating aggressive intraoperative evaluation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our case involves a 67-year-old man with a  post lung transplantation status for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, who was initially referred to our institution for treatment of left hip septic arthritis due to Pseudallescheria boydii infection. One month following total hip arthroplasty, he noticed left upper thigh swelling with duplex imaging consistent with a 7-cm mid-superficial femoral artery aneurysm with popliteal vein compression and associated deep venous thrombosis. During operative resection, exploration of his contralateral saphenous vein showed inadequate conduit for use. Therefore, we proceeded with proximal and distal clamp control with intraoperative arterial shunting followed by cryoarterial reconstruction after complete aneurysm sac resection and debridement. Intraoperative arterial wall cultures remained negative for bacterial pathogens; however, final operative fungal cultures once again grew Pseudallescheria boydii. Our case highlights the complexity of adequate source control with effective arterial reconstruction in these immunosuppressed patient populations, particularly with fungal organisms that historically have poor therapeutic response to medical therapy alone. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]