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Objectives: The aim of this study was to achieve initial experience with non-contrast-enhanced (ne) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) of the lower leg arteries in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) at 7 T., Materials and Methods: Seven patients with PAOD were examined on a 7-T whole-body magnetic resonance system. A custom-built 16-channel transmit/receive coil and a manually positionable AngioSURF table were used for multistation imaging. For ne-MRA, an axial T1-weighted Turbo-fast low angle shot sequence (repetition time, 700 milliseconds; echo time, 3.84 milliseconds; bandwidth, 930 Hz/pixel; voxel volume, 1 × 1 × 2 mm; matrix, 384 × 288) with phonocardiogram gating was acquired at 7 T. Acquisition time of an entire angiogram covering the vasculature from pelvis to feet amounted to approximately 30 minutes, depending on the patient's heart frequency. All patients underwent a contrast-enhanced MRA (ce-MRA) at 1.5 T as standard of reference. The presence of stenosis and occlusions was evaluated segment based and compared for both MRA techniques. The degree of stenosis was defined as low grade (<50%), high grade (50%-99%), and occlusion (100%). High-grade stenosis and occlusion were considered to be hemodynamically significant stenosis., Results: The 7-T ne-MRA enabled a homogenous, hyperintense artery signal and nearly total venous suppression with accurate delineation of arterial anatomy both proximal and distal to stenotic disease. A total of 154 artery segments were depicted with ce-MRA at 1.5 T. At 7 T, only 124 segments (80.5%) were displayed and involved for analysis, as the iliacal region was displayed incompletely in 4 patients because of the fact that the fixed coil diameter was too small to contain the lower abdomen and pelvis of these patients. In comparison with ce-MRA at 1.5 T as the reference standard, there was total agreement regarding the characterization of an artery segment as being normal or having any kind of stenosis. Of the 124 included segments, 28 segments (23%) had hemodynamically significant stenosis evaluated with 7-T ne-MRA and 26 segments (21%) assessed with 1.5-T ce-MRA. The sensitivity and specificity values of 7-T ne-MRA for detecting segments with hemodynamically significant stenosis were 93% and 98%, respectively., Conclusions: Non-contrast-enhanced MRA by means of T1-weighted Turbo-fast low angle shot imaging at 7 T in patients with PAOD is feasible and allowed for good visualization of stenosis and occlusions in all analyzed artery segments in this small patient group. However, this study also shows the challenges of ultrahigh-field body imaging, and more experience is required to determine the impact of 7-T ne-MRA in clinical practice.

Spontaneous recanalization of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is rarely observed. Mainly case reports are published. Most often early recanalization occurs within days or weeks and only a few cases of late recanalization months or years after detected occlusion are reported. Symptomatic bilateral ICA occlusion is regarded as an acceptable indication for extra-intracranial (EC-IC) bypass. The authors report on a case with bilateral symptomatic ICA occlusion and EC-IC bypass >2 years prior to detected spontaneous leftsided recanalization. Spontaneous recanalization unmasking a high degree ICA stenosis at the carotid bifurcation allowed a successful subsequent surgical recanalization in this patients. Mechanisms of early and late recanalization as well as treatment options are discussed.

Background: Thromboendarterectomy (TEA) and stenting are in competition for treatment of carotid artery lesions. Both treatment modalities have to improve significantly. The goal of the study was to evaluate the influence of routine intraoperative duplex ultrasound examination., Methods: In a continuous prospective study, 575 patients underwent 620 carotid operations. Intraoperative duplex ultrasound examination was performed prior to wound closure: 9.5% had significant contralateral ICA stenoses and 6.7% ICA occlusion; 8.5% presented special lesions. An eversion TEA was performed in 20.5% while 78.5% underwent conventional TEA with patch plasty and graft interposition in 1%. Intraoperative quality control revealed unexpected lesions in 10% requiring immediate repair., Results: The combined morbidity/mortality rate (MMR) of the total series was 2.6%. Women had an elevated risk (4.2%) in comparison to men (1.9%). The risk of elder patients (>75 years, n=151) was remarkably low. The neurological complication rate of the total series was 1.6% and the incidence of major strokes 1.1%., Conclusions: Routine intraoperative duplex ultrasound examination of the carotid reconstruction allows early diagnosis and immediate correction of morphologic as well as hemodynamic lesions. Competing with stent placement a further reduction of complications of carotid TEA seems to be possible and necessary.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate the safety and patency rate of bovine mesenterial vein grafts (BMVG) for vascular access (VA) in hemodialysis patients (HDP), compared to expanded polytetrafluorethylene (ePTFE grafts) over a mid- to long-term period., Methods: Patency and complication rate of 23 consecutive HDP with BMVG for VA were compared to a control group consisting of 23 similar HDP with ePTFE grafts. In both groups, the graft was placed preferably in a forearm loop configuration. The same surgeon performed all procedures. All patients were followed over a period of 4 yrs., Results: Graft placement was successful in all patients. Patency rates did not differ significantly in both groups. However, there were less severe complications in the BMVG group., Conclusion: The BMVG is a viable alternative for HD access in patients where autologous construction is not possible, and should be given priority in patients with a failed ePTFE graft or high risk for infection.

Purpose: To compare a standard protocol for contrast-enhanced three-dimensional magnetic resonance angiography (3D CE-MRA) of the lower extremities to a high spatial resolution protocol with venous compression (VENCO) at the mid-femoral level., Material and Methods: 12 patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (8-males; age range, 52 - 74 years; mean 67.1 years; 4 females; age range, 57 - 71 years; mean 62.1 years) were examined once with a standard MR angiography (MRA) protocol, and a second time with a high spatial resolution protocol in combination with mid-femoral venous compression (60 mm Hg) for the last two stations. All imaging was performed on a 1.5 T whole-body MR scanner (Magnetom Sonata, Siemens Medical Solutions, Erlangen, Germany) using a dedicated coil and paramagnetic contrast agent (gadodiamide, Omniscan, Amersham, Oslo, Norway). Signal-to-noise ratios (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were calculated and image quality as well as venous overlay were assessed on a five-point scale for both examinations. Statistical significance was established at p < 0.05., Results: Mean SNR and CNR values of the two lower stations with VENCO were statistically significantly higher in comparison to the standard protocol (66 +/- 8 vs. 52 +/- 11 and 53 +/- 9 vs. 41 +/- 8, respectively; p < 0.01). The same was true for overall image quality with VENCO (4.0 +/- 0.2 vs. 3.4 +/- 0.8; p < 0.05) and presence of venous overlay (3.5 +/- 0.4 vs. 4.1 +/- 0.9; p < 0.05), respectively., Conclusion: VENCO 3D CE-MRA is simple to put into practice and advances the performance of multi-station MRA strategies for assessment of the peripheral arterial vasculature.

Objectives: Surgery of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms is associated with a high mortality rate, mostly related to multi-organ-failure after a prolonged intensive care therapy. In a retrospective study attempts are made to identify individual organ-dysfunction risk profiles influencing the outcome., Methods: Fifty seven patients (53 men, 4 women, mean age 71.8 +/- 8.8 years) with ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms underwent graft replacement in a three year period. Fourty eight preoperative, 13 intraoperative and 34 postoperative variables were analyzed. A multi-organ dysfunction (MOD) score was used., Results: The perioperative mortality rate was 31%. Significance of pre-existing risk factors at admission was identified only for cardiovascular diseases. Multiple linear regression analysis indicated that hemoglobin < 90 g/l, systolic blood pressure < 80 mmHg and ECG signs of ischemia at admission are highly significant risk factors. Patients, who died later than 48 hours postoperatively, deceased mainly from MOD (93%) and required intensive care significantly longer than surviving patients (p < 0.0005). All patients with a MOD score > or = 4 died (n = 7). These patients required 26% of all ICU-days and 72% of the ICU-days of the nonsurvivors., Conclusion: Patients with ruptured aortic aneurysms should not be excluded from treatment. However, a physiological scoring system after 48 h appears justifiable in order to decide on the appropriateness of continued ICU support.

Introduction: Carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for prevention of strokes mandates a high amount of experience and a meticulous surgical technique. Intraoperative morphologic as well as hemodynamic monitoring of the endarterectomized arteries is rarely performed. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of intraoperative colour-coded-duplex-sonography to recognize eventual intraoperative technical problems that might result in serious cerebral damage., Methods: Prospective analysis of the medical data of all patients who underwent CEA for treatment of high-grade carotid stenosis between 1996 and 1999. Adequacy of the repair was assessed intraoperatively by duplexsonography., Results: Of 142 consecutive patients with a median age of 68 (43-84) years, 104 (73 %) were men and 38 (27 %) were women. 9 patients (6 %) had bilateral CEAs. Intraoperative duplexsonography revealed abnormalities during 11 (7 %) of 151 CEAs. 4 (3 %) were considered major and underwent immediate revision. There was one (0.7 %) temporary neurologic deficit (hyperperfusion syndrome) and 2 (1.3 %) cases of fatal intracerebral hemorrhage. 6 (4 %) postoperative surgical complications occurred, i. e. 3 cases of major wound hematoma (with revision) and 3 cases of temporary cranial nerve palsy. Median length of follow-up was 11 (3-35) months. No late neurologic event occurred during follow-up. 5 (3 %) patients developed asymptomatic restenosis., Discussion: Routine intraoperative duplexsonography is a valuable and reliable diagnostic tool to detect correctable technical problems during CEA that subsequently may lead to neurological deficits, fatal stroke or a high incidence of restenosis.

Introduction: Isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IAA) are rare. The rupture risk, however, is high and the diagnosis can be difficult. The aim of this study was to report the frequency, morphology and outcome of these lesions., Methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical data of all patients treated for IAA from 1990 to 1999., Results: Fifty-nine consecutive patients, 55 (93%) male and 4 (7%) female, were included in the study. The median age was 68 (48-86) years. During the same time period, 741 consecutive patients with aortoiliac aneurysms were treated; thus the frequency of IAA was 8%. The median diameter of the IAA was 7 (3-12) cm. Most patients had at least one risk factor. IAA were unilateral in 40 (68%) or bilateral in 19 (32%) patients and affected the common iliac artery in 25 (19%), the internal iliac artery in 11 (19%) and simultaneously the common and internal iliac artery in 21 (36%) patients. Additional involvement of the external iliac artery was noted in 2 (3%) patients. Thirty-six (61%) patients with IAA underwent elective treatment while 23 (39%) patients had to be treated on an emergency basis. Endovascular stent grafts were inserted in 2 patients. Overall mortality was 10% (n = 6), 2.8% (n = 1) in asymptomatic and 22% (n = 5) in symptomatic or ruptured IAA. Overall morbidity in this study was 30%. The median follow-up of the patients was 36 (2-120) months., Discussion: Surgical therapy in patients with asymptomatic IAA can be performed with a reasonable mortality. However, mortality and morbidity in patients with symptomatic or ruptured IAA remains high. Postoperative long-term results are excellent. The value of endovascular therapy for IAA has yet to be determined.

Introduction: Surgery for symptomatic aortic abdominal aneurysms (sAAA) is associated with an increased mortality and morbidity compared to asymptomatic aortic aneurysms (aAAA). With the advent of endovascular therapy, an alternative therapeutic modality has become available. Endovascular therapy, however, depends on certain morphologic criteria, whereas open surgery can be performed on any type of AAA. The purpose of this study was to analyse our data of surgical treatment of non ruptured AAA and to identify the amount of patients in whom endovascular therapy would have been possible., Methods: Retrospective analysis of the medical data of all patients operated upon non ruptured AAA in our department by 3 responsible vascular surgeons from 1995-1999., Results: 225 consecutive patients with a median age of 65 (42-95) years were included in the study. There were 184 (82%) male and 41 (18%) female patients with 143 (63.5%) aAAA and 82 (36.5%) sAAA. Patients with sAAA underwent emergency aneurysm repair and had a significantly increased aneurysm diameter compared to the aAAA, who underwent elective surgical aneurysm repair (6.9 +/- 1.6 cm vs. 6 +/- 1.2 cm; p = 0.002). A total of 11 (4.9%) patients had an inflammatory AAA. Smoking was found to be the only significant increased preoperative risk factor in the group of sAAA compared to aAAA (91 vs. 35 patients; p = 0.008). Morbidity was significantly increased in the patients with sAAA compared to the aAAA (55% vs. 31.5%; p = 0.041) The mortality however did not differ significantly in the two groups (2 vs. 3 patients; p = 0.691). Considering morphological criteria of the AAA, endovascular therapy would have been possible in 59 (26%) patients. However, in 24 (11%) of the 59 patients, endovascular therapy was not feasible because of aortic kinking, heavy calcification of the aneurysm neck, a patent inferior mesenteric artery or atherosclerotic diseased iliac arteries. Consequently, only 35 (15%) patients would have qualified for an endovascular therapy., Discussion: Surgical therapy can be performed in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic AAA with an equal low mortality. This finding underlines the fact, that surgical therapy still remains the standard therapy for AAA. In addition, in our study only a relative small amount of patients would have qualified for an endovascular therapy.

Objectives: ischaemia of the colon is an important complication of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair. The aim of this animal study was to investigate the effect of sequential ischaemia and reperfusion on sigmoid mucosal pO2 and its association with local ET-1 release., Material and Methods: twelve pigs underwent colonic ischaemia followed by complete reperfusion. Six other animals were sham controls. A Clark-type microcatheter was used for continuous mucosal pO2 measurements. Serial systemic and inferior mesenteric vein blood samples were obtained for determination of ET-1 concentration. Neutrophil extravasation was assessed by tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity., Results: arterial occlusion was associated with a gradual decrease of mucosal pO2 and local release of ET-1. After restoration of blood flow, mucosal pO2 returned to near baseline values, whereas ET-1 reached its maximum concentration during the reperfusion period. MPO activity was significantly increased., Conclusions: colonic ischaemia and reperfusion causes neutrophil extravasation and local ET-1., (Copyright 2001 Harcourt Publishers Limited.)

With the increase of long-term survivors following renal transplantation, aorto-iliac aneurysms requiring surgical management may be encountered more often. Our experience with temporary shunts for renal transplant protection during aorto-iliac aneurysm repair is presented along with a literature review of all cases on the subject. Three male patients with a median age of 56 (range 50-61) years were operated on for a dissecting aneurysm of the common iliac artery in one, respectively abdominal aortic aneurysm in the two remaining patients. All patients had impaired transplant function preoperatively with a median serum creatinine level of 167 (range 134-202) micromol/L and a median blood urea nitrogen concentration of 15 (range 9-23) pmol/L. The intra- and postoperative course was uneventful in all patients. Median postoperative serum creatinine level and blood urea nitrogen concentration were 135 (range 123-151) micromol/L and 10 (range 9-11) pmol/L, respectively. Aorto-iliac surgery in renal transplant recipients can be performed without transplant protection. However, in patients with a deteriorated transplant function or if a prolonged aortic cross-clamp time is anticipated, renal allograft protection measures may be beneficial to prevent possible ischemic damage.

Carotid stenting is increasingly considered as treatment for carotid artery disease. A reliable noninvasive method is desirable for assessing the safety of the procedure. Diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI) is sensitive to early brain ischaemia which becoming widely available and might therefore serve this purpose. We prospectively studied 19 patients referred for investigation of carotid artery disease by echo-planar whole-brain DWI before and within 24 h of stenting. The images obtained at a high b value were examined by two independent blinded reviewers for new high-signal areas consistent with ischaemia. We found that 15 patients had no new changes after stenting. One patient showed enlargement of a posterior watershed lesion after the procedure, which correlated with an increase in neurological deficit. Three other patients had presumed small embolic infarcts on DWI; two were asymptomatic and one had weakness at the hand that corresponded to an embolic infarct with a lesion on DWI in the hand notch. There were no false- positive or -negative results on DWI, when compared to clinical findings. DWI is thus a new method that can demonstrate neurologically silent or asymptomatic infants. It can be used to help to assess the safety and efficacy of neurovascular intervention.

Objectives: in a retrospective study, attempts have been made to identify individual organ-dysfunction risk profiles influencing the outcome after surgery for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms., Methods: out of 235 patients undergoing graft replacement for abdominal aortic aneurysms, 57 (53 men, four women, mean age 72 years [s.d. 8.8]) were treated for ruptured aneurysms in a 3-year period. Forty-eight preoperative, 13 intraoperative and 34 postoperative variables were evaluated statistically. A simple multi-organ dysfunction (MOD) score was adopted., Results: the perioperative mortality was 32%. Three patients died intraoperatively, four within 48 h and 11 died later. A significant influence for pre-existing risk factors was identified only for cardiovascular diseases. Multiple linear-regression analysis indicated that a haemoglobin <90 g/l, systolic blood pressure <80 mmHg and ECG signs of ischaemia at admission were highly significant risk factors. The cause of death for patients, who died more than 48 h postoperatively, was mainly MOD. All patients with a MOD score >/=4 died (n=7). These patients required 27% of the intensive-care unit (ICU) days of all patients and 72% of the ICU days of the non-survivors., Conclusion: patients with ruptured aortic aneurysms from treatment should not be excluded. However, a physiological scoring system after 48 h appears justifiable in order to decide on the appropriateness of continual ICU support., (Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.)

The compartment syndrome is an extremely rare complication after varicose vein surgery. If the early symptoms are not recognized and a treatment is not performed immediately most patients lose sensomotory function. Three cases with compartment syndrome after varicose vein stripping were the reason to point out the anatomy and pathophysiology of this complication and to explain the surgical technique.

Purpose: Arterial thromboembolism in patients with an unknown source of embolization is still associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The advent of transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and the more frequent use of computed tomography (CT) have led to the identification of mural aortic thrombi (MAT) as a source of distal embolization in a much higher proportion of patients than previously appreciated. The incidence, diagnosis, and treatment of patients with MAT is reported., Methods: In a prospective study, from January 1996 to December 1998, 89 patients with acute embolic events underwent an extensive diagnostic workup, consisting of TEE, CT, or MRI, to detect the source of embolization. Patients in whom the heart (n = 51), occlusive aortoiliac disease (n = 16), or aortic aneurysms (n = 12) was identified as the source of embolization were excluded., Results: Five female and three male patients, with a median age of 63 years (range, 35 to 76 years), with bilateral or repetitive embolic events resulting from MAT were identified, representing 9% of all patients with arterial thrombembolism. All patients had several risk factors for atherosclerosis, but only one young patient had a single risk factor that promoted thrombosis. Successful percutaneous catheter aspiration embolectomy was performed in six patients. The remaining two patients underwent surgical thromboembolectomy. A below-knee amputation had to be performed in two patients, thus representing a morbidity of the primary treatment of 25%. MAT of equal value were detected in the ascending (n = 1) and thoracic aorta (n = 3) by means of TEE, CT, or MRI. MAT in the abdominal aorta (n = 4) were identified by means of CT and MRI. Surgical removal of MAT was performed in seven patients by means of graft replacement of the ascending aorta (n = 1), open thrombectomy of the descending aorta (n = 2), and thrombendarterectomy of the abdominal aorta (n = 4), without intraoperative or postoperative complications. No recurrence of MAT occurred during a median follow-up period of 13 months (range, 4 to 24 months)., Conclusion: MAT represent an important source of arterial thrombembolism. A diagnostic workup of the aorta, preferably by means of CT or MRI, should be performed in all patients in whom other sources of embolization have been ruled out. The ideal therapeutic approach to these patients still awaits prospective evaluation. However, based on our experience, MAT can be successfully treated with a definitive surgical procedure in selected patients, with low mortality and morbidity.

Background: Combined vascular and skeletal injuries are associated with a high limb loss rate. One of the major factors resulting in amputation is frequently because the allowable warm ischemia time for skeletal muscle is exceeded before adequate revascularization., Methods: Temporary vascular shunting has been used in selected patients with complete ischemia to minimize the ischemic time of the injured limb, allowing identification of vital structures, thorough debridement, and rigid internal fixation before definitive vascular repair., Results: Five male and two female patients with a median age of 46 years (range, 27-76 years) admitted with combined orthopedic and vascular injuries of the upper limbs in four and the lower limbs in three patients underwent primary vascular shunting. The median ischemic time for all patients was 180 minutes (range, 120-210 minutes). Shunt insertion was accomplished in all cases within 30 minutes. Median dwell time for the shunt was 185 minutes (range, 90-390 minutes). No shunt-related complications or limb loss occurred. During follow-up ranging from 2 to 24 months, all vascular repairs remained patent. All fractures healed primarily, except for one patient in whom a necrosis of the humeral head occurred. Five patients had an excellent and two patients a good result., Conclusion: Initial temporary vascular shunting in selected patients with combined skeletal and vascular injury of the upper or lower limb may reduce the complications resulting from prolonged ischemia and permits an unhurried and reasonable sequence of treatment.

Deep wound infection or prosthetic vascular graft infection is one of the most challenging complications in vascular surgery with a substantial early and late morbidity and mortality. Surgical treatment usually consists of complete removal of infected vessels or prosthetic vascular grafts followed by extraanatomic bypass procedures. However, this method is associated with significant mortality and amputation rates. Herein, we report two patients with deep wound and prosthetic vascular graft infection who underwent successful in situ reconstruction with cryopreserved arterial homografts. Although the long-term results are missing, this approach may offer a possible treatment alternative for this potentially life-threatening complication.

Leg ulcers comprise a problem with various contributing factors requiring selective therapy adapted to the underlying cause. The majority can be classified as arterial (approx. 20%) or venous (approx. 80%) ulcers. Arterial ulcers as well as most mixed (arterial-venous) ulcers can be treated by arterial reconstruction and subsequent skin grafting, with additional ligation of perforator veins or (segmental) stripping of the saphenous vein. Leg ulcers due to chronic insufficiency of the deep venous system are most often the result of previous deep venous thrombosis followed by recanalization and development of a postthrombotic syndrome. Compression regimens remain standard therapy with emphasis on preventing ulcer formation. Ulcer healing can be achieved by compression therapy although recurrence rates are high. Surgery is not the treatment of first choice for leg ulcers, however, in selected cases surgical therapy is indicated. To prevent recurrence, continued consistent compression, keeping the patient well-informed and offering supportive guidance are imperative.

Anomalies of the inferior vena cava result from failures of regression during embryogenesis. Although occurring relatively infrequently, they can pose serious hazards to the surgeon during aortic aneurysm repair. Based on 2 recent cases, embryologic origins, incidence and clinical presentation of these anomalies are discussed. Different suggestions are proposed that might aid the surgeon in dealing with these anomalous structures during operations on the abdominal aorta.

The treatment of acute mesenteric infarction is a therpeutical challenge. The mortality rate of these, mainly beyond 70 year old patients has remained extraordinary high despite diagnostic and therapeutic efforts and progress in intensive care medicine. Additionally to the initial hypoxaemia of the bowel a more severe tissue damage is induced via the "reperfusion injury", with increase of the vital risk. Besides the detection of occlusive vascular lesions of different etiology, which have to be treated immediately, "non occlusive mesenteric ischemia" can be identified. Visceral biplane angiography is the diagnostic tool of choice, giving basic informations on concomitant lesions, for a rational vascular surgical intervention and additionally the opportunity to administer vasoactive drugs. Despite increasing treatment modalities influencing the severity of the "reperfusion injury" the most important criteria for the patients' survival is the early diagnosis and immediate treatment. Therefore, close cooperation of general practitioners, internists, radiologists, angiologists, general surgeons and vascular surgeons is required. The support of a vascular surgeon is necessary for complex arterial reconstructions as success and patency rate are significantly influenced by experience. Reocclusion and "redo"-surgery increase the risk substantially.

Objectives: Occluded internal carotid arteries imply a high risk of ischaemic complications, but an "occluded" carotid artery is not always totally occluded. Pseudo- and segmental occlusions can be detected angiographically, and increasingly non-invasively, and include a variety of morphologic findings., Methods and Materials: 128 patients with pseudo- or segmental occlusion were treated in a 13 year period. Three different types of pseudo- or segmental occlusion were identified. In most cases a subtotal stenosis (near-occlusion) at the carotid bifurcation is the underlying lesion (type I). In approximately 35% the internal carotid artery is totally occluded at the bifurcation, but collaterals prevent downstream occlusion (type II), or retrograde flow from the circle of Willis and ophthalmic artery preserves a patent petrous part and siphon (type III)., Results: In 79% patency of the arteries could be restored. Three patients (2.3%) died perioperatively, nine (7%) developed ischaemic stroke (7 ipsilateral, 2 contralateral), one intracerebral haemorrhage. The combined stroke-mortality rate was 8.6%. During follow-up (41 +/- 29.9 months) four patients (4.5%) experienced a stroke (3 ipsilateral, 1 contralateral), one an intracranial (1.1%) haemorrhage and six transient ischaemic attacks (6.7%). The annual ipsilateral stroke rate was 0.9%, the cumulative patency rate of the entire series 78% after 73 months., Conclusions: Although the surgical management carries an increased risk of complications (stroke, transient ischaemic attacks) compared to conventional carotid endarterectomy it is likely that the stroke risk can be reduced at least for symptomatic patients. Symptomatic internal carotid artery occlusion diagnosed non-invasively should be confirmed angiographically to exclude pseudo- or segmental occlusion.

Venous thrombectomy as a treatment of deep venous thrombosis is discussed extremely controversial. Occasionally, however, surgical technique, goal of the therapy, indications and limitations are not really known. Indication for surgical treatment is an extensive acute deep vein thrombosis with clinical symptoms of less than 7 days. Goal of the therapy is the preservation of valve function and prevention of a postphlebitic syndrome. Further indications are an embolizing venous thrombosis, a floating thrombus and an ischemic thrombosis. In these cases the single goal of the treatment is to reduce the individual risk of the patient. The best long term results can be achieved in young patients (below 40 years of age) with no preexisting venous lesion and an acute iliofemoral thrombosis. Advantages, drawbacks and results of venous thrombectomy are discussed.

Purpose: Pathoanatomic studies suggest that plaque surface disruption, particularly ulceration, plays a key role in the destabilization of internal carotid artery stenosis. Until now, the validity of color-flow Doppler-assisted duplex imaging in detecting such pathoanatomically defined plaque surface abnormalities is unclear., Methods: We prospectively determined the interobserver reliability and validity of detecting plaque ulceration by means of preoperative color-flow Doppler-assisted duplex imaging in 43 consecutive patients with high-grade (> or = 70%) internal carotid artery stenosis, comparing these ultrasonographic findings with pathoanatomic evaluations of the corresponding endarterectomy specimens., Results: Interobserver reliabilities for detecting carotid plaque ulceration were kappa= 0.57 for ultrasonography and kappa = 0.82 for the pathologic reference method. Color-flow Doppler-assisted duplex imaging (observer consensus) failed to detect pathoanatomically defined ulceration (chi square = 0.43; p = 0.51). Likewise, sensitivity, specificity, overall accuracy, and positive predictive value were poor (33%, 67%, 56%, and 46%, respectively)., Conclusions: We conclude from our data that color-flow Doppler-assisted duplex imaging is not a reliable or valid means to identify plaque ulceration in high-grade carotid artery lesions.

Unlabelled: A 15-year-old boy developed deep vein thrombosis of the right leg 9 days after appendectomy. In spite of three courses of thrombolysis with streptokinase and effective heparinization the thrombosis progressed with additional occlusion of the left iliac vein. Although platelet counts were constantly normal, heparin-associated thrombocytopenia was suspected as the cause of the new venous occlusions. This diagnosis was confirmed by detecting heparin-associated antibodies with the heparin-induced platelet activation test. Therapy was instituted replacing heparin by the low molecular weight heparinoid Orgaran. Bilateral recanalization occurred within 6 days., Conclusion: Heparin-associated thrombocytopenia must be considered if thrombosis occurs or progresses despite effective heparinization even in the absence of thrombocytopenia.

From January 1, 1980 to December 31, 1992, 7970 vascular prostheses have been implanted at the Department for Vascular Surgery and Kidney Transplantation of the University of Düsseldorf. In the same period of time, 99 patients had to be reoperated for (type Szilagyi III [14]) graft infection (1,2%), out of which 70 patients have had their previous operation in our institution (0,9%). The infection became apparent within 30 days in 14 cases, within one year in 54 cases, and in 31 cases within a maximum of 8 years postoperatively. Localisation of the infection was the groin in 70 patients, abdominal aortic prostheses were involved in 16, crural or extraanatomic prostheses in 13 cases. Treatment consisted in most cases of axillofemoral bypass (n = 23) and obturator-bypass (n = 21). In-situ-implantation of vascular prostheses was performed in 8 cases, 4 of these prostheses were intraoperatively soaked with an antibiotic. 47 patients had various reconstructions, such as cross-over bypasses, atypical reconstructions or local treatment. Postoperatively 27 amputations were necessary. 30-days mortality rate was 12%. At the end of the follow-up (May 1994) we found a 54% total mortality rate (mean follow-up: 4.6 +/- 4.59 years). Main cause of death in the first year was sepsis. In only 67% of patients discharged from hospital, the peripheral arterial conditions were described as "good" by angiography, ankle-brachial index or clinical examination. We conclude, that vascular graft sepsis threatens the patient in the early phase because of limb loss or death, and during the first year after the operation for the sequelae of sepsis or recurrence. Revascularisation with antibiotic-soaked grafts in a limited number of cases showed good results in preserving limbs and lives of our patients. Future experience will show, whether antibiotic-soaked grafts should be used more generously in vascular surgery.

Aortic replacement for thoraco-abdominal aneurysms remains a major challenge in vascular surgery. Related symptoms, maximal diameter > 6 cm, progression, aneurysm sac containing none or excentric thrombi and uncontrollable hypertension are factors in favour of surgery, if the general condition of the patient allows the operation. Patients with aneurysms < 5 cm maximal diameter, tube-size aneurysms, heavy calcification of the aortic wall, concentric thrombi within the aneurysmal sac and significant cardiopulmonary risks should be treated conservatively. Patients in good general condition with aneurysms around 5 cm maximal diameter should be controlled by computed tomography in 6 to 12 months intervals and in the case of progression surgery can be recommended despite missing symptoms. Crawford developed the 'graft-inclusion-technique', which combines the 'ingraft'-technique with reattachment of renal, visceral and segmental arteries. The 'clamp and repair' principle is used in patients with sufficient cardiac function. Otherwise shunt or left sided heart bypass are used to reduce cardiac afterload. According to the literature local cooling (flush perfusion), cytoprotective drugs and numerous methods to maintain or ameliorate distal aortic perfusion during clamping ischemia have been used in patients successfully for prevention of ischemic spinal complications. In physiological settings these methods may prove valuable, but under pathophysiological conditions of TAAA-repair one must doubt the efficacy, because the individual risk is difficult to assess. In our hands flush perfusion and cooling of the kidneys proved to be helpful. In animal experiments we have shown prolongation of ischemia tolerance time using eicosanoides to protect the kidneys and the spinal cord. If shunt or left-sided heart bypass can protect the spinal cord during clamping, is unknown, because the risk of paraplegia in the individual patient can be known only, if the function of the spinal cord is monitored. We have developed a spinal neuromonitoring system and found, that only one third of all TAAA-patients is at high risk to develop paraplegia during aortic clamping. The surgeon is guided by continuous recording of spinal evoked somatosensory potentials and can adapt the operative technique by early reimplantation and eventually subsequent separate reimplantation of segmental arteries supplying blood to the spinal cord, in order to reduce spinal ischemia time. Our results in 260 TAAA-patients are presented. In a high-risk population of patients with aneurysms type I-III (Crawford's classification) it was possible, to reduce the paraplegia rate from 7 to 3.5%, the risk of paraparesis from 15 to 6%, while the operative mortality was only reduced from 19 to 10%.

Background: Septic deep venous thrombosis (SDVT) is an uncommon but occasionally lethal disease caused by systemic complications. In most cases reported in the literature SDVT is caused by intravenous drug abuse or transvenous catheter lines. Conservative management with antibiotic drugs and systemic anticoagulation is usually successful, and the surgical approach is regarded as not indicated or unnecessary. Occasionally, however, conservative management fails, thrombosis progresses, and septic embolism develops., Methods: In a 7-year period five patients (three male and two female; mean age, 21.2 years), three with severe systemic complications of SDVT (femoropopliteal, 1; iliofemoral, 1; iliofemoral+vena cava, 3), were treated by venous thrombectomy in addition to intravenous antibiotic administration. Simultaneous transabdominal caval thrombectomy was performed twice., Results: Two patients suffered from respiratory failure caused by previous septic embolization. One patient had experienced multiorgan failure before thrombectomy was performed. Intensive care was necessary for all patients (mean, 28 days). All patients survived., Conclusions: In complicated cases of SDVT without improvement or even impairment after conservative management, venous thrombectomy is a lifesaving treatment.

Background and Purpose: Previous work has shown that rates of cerebral microemboli downstream of high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis are higher in recently symptomatic compared with asymptomatic patients. In addition, microembolic rates decline after carotid endarterectomy. We conducted a prospective investigation of 40 consecutive asymptomatic or recently symptomatic patients undergoing carotid endarterectomy for 70% to 95% internal carotid artery stenosis to determine the relationship between microembolic rate and pathoanatomic features of the carotid plaque., Methods: Transcranial Doppler monitoring including automated emboli detection was performed preoperatively to assess the rate of cerebral microemboli of the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery. The corresponding endarterectomy specimens were evaluated histologically with respect to the occurrence of plaque fissuring, intraplaque hemorrhage, plaque ulceration, or intraluminal thrombosis., Results: There were strong associations between plaque ulceration, intraluminal thrombosis, and downstream cerebral microemboli (P < or = .005, respectively). There were no correlations of microembolism with plaque fissuring or intraplaque hemorrhage (P = .82 and P = .28, respectively)., Conclusions: We conclude that ulceration and luminal thrombosis of the atheromatous plaque are the main sources of downstream cerebral microemboli in patients with high-grade internal carotid artery stenosis. Our data support the view that these pathoanatomic features may also play a key role in symptom development.

Objective: To investigate whether infusing prostacyclin (PGI2) in patients with septic shock improves splanchnic oxygenation as assessed by gastric intramucosal pH (pHi)., Design: Interventional clinical study., Setting: Surgical ICU in a university hospital., Patients: 16 consecutive patients with septic shock according to the criteria of the ACCP/SCCM consensus conference all requiring norepinephrine to maintain arterial blood pressure., Interventions: All patients received PGI2 (10 ng/kg x min) after no further increase in oxygen delivery could be obtained by volume expansion, red cell transfusion and dobutamine infusion. The results were compared with those before and after conventional resuscitation. The patients received continuous PGI2 infusion for 33-32 days., Measurements and Results: O2 uptake was measured directly in the respiratory gases, pHi was determined by tonometry. Baseline O2 delivery, O2 uptake and pHi were 466 +/- 122 ml/min.m2, 158 +/- 38 ml/min.m2, and 7.29 +/- 0.09, respectively. While O2 uptake remained unchanged, infusing PGI2 increased O2 delivery (from 610 +/- 140 to 682 +/- 155 ml/min.m2, p < 0.01) and pHi (from 7.32 +/- 0.09 to 7.38 +/- 0.08, p < 0.001) beyond the values obtained by conventional resuscitation. While 9 of 11 patients with final pHi > 7.35 survived, all patients with final pHi < 7.35 died (p < 0.01)., Conclusions: Infusing PGI2 in patients with septic shock increases pHi probably by enhancing blood flow to the splanchnic bed and thereby improves splanchnic oxygenation even when conventional resuscitation goals have been achieved.

Hemodynamically relevant lesions of the innominate artery can be treated either by extraanatomic bypass or by intrathoracic repair. 32 patients were retrospectively evaluated after ascending aorta to innominate artery interposition graft. In all except 6 cases additional bypass-procedures to extracranial vessels were necessary for complete revascularisation. The patency rate was 100% after a mean follow up period of 871 days. Only one patient suffered from a perioperative stroke with upper extremity paresis which resolved after 2 weeks. There were 3 wound complications which required reoperation. In conclusion we believe that direct intrathoracic repair for innominate artery occlusion can be recommended as a treatment of choice with a high long-term patency rate.

Caval interruption is widely regarded as the treatment of choice for the prevention of recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE). The safety, ease of insertion and "convenience" of the devices are the main arguments for filter placement. Today many filters are placed for prophylactic reasons, sometimes without an established diagnosis of pulmonary embolism or underlying deep venous thrombosis. Early and late complications have been published but the rate is reported to be low, although only limited numbers of patients have been followed. In an 18-year period 11 patients with problems following caval interruption were treated, 10 with acute complications, one with chronic caval occlusion. Six were treated conservatively, five underwent venous thrombectomy and a.v.-fistula. The device was removed in four. During the same period only three permanent filters were placed in our hospital (two with complications). Caval interruption is useful in selected high-risk patients and is the least invasive but not necessarily the best treatment. Provided stringent criteria are applied, the early and late complications can be accepted in order to prevent sudden death in patients with threatening massive PE. Extended or more liberal indications for caval interruption are neither necessary nor justified.