EJVES Vascular Forum最新文献

Introduction

Report

Conclusion

Objective

To instantly stop life threatening abdominal bleeding (e.g., a ruptured abdominal aneurysm), every surgeon should be familiar with the principles of emergency laparotomy (EL) and aortic clamping. Simulation training in a safe environment can be used to rehearse these situations like other medical emergencies. Owing to the lack of a suitable commercial simulator, a homemade task trainer was constructed. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of an EL simulation training course among surgical residents using this low cost task trainer.

Methods

To enable simulation training for massive abdominal bleeding with subsequent EL and aortic clamping, a multiprofessional team developed an EL task trainer. A structured evaluation of the trainer and its applicability was performed by external consultants, who tested the trainer themselves. Instructions for constructing the trainer were created and costs were calculated. During the EL simulation course targeted for surgical trainees early in their careers, 34 participants familiarised themselves with EL. Their experiences of the feasibility of the course and increase in self assessed clinical competence in managing the situation were studied using a questionnaire. In a subgroup of trainees, the simulation was compared with a real life EL subsequent to the course.

Results

Participants found that the trainer was fit for its purpose (mean score, 4.7 out of 5). Their self assessed clinical competence increased in several domains: EL as a procedure (p < 0.01), handling of intra-abdominal tissues and organs during EL (p = 0.008), and emergency procedures in intra-abdominal haemorrhage (p < 0.001). The cost for the body of the trainer was €108 and there was an additional €42 for the disposables for one training scenario.

Conclusion

A low cost task trainer with pulsatile flow enabling surgical residents to rehearse EL with aortic clamping can be constructed from commonly available materials. Preliminary experience of its feasibility and effects on learning in a simulation training course have been positive.

Introduction

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) pose some challenges in their surgical management and are often treated by exclusion and bypass procedures. However, post-operative complications, such as endoleaks and sac growth, can occur, potentially leading to serious consequences. Endoleaks, characterised by persistent flow within the aneurysm sac after repair, can cause sac expansion, increasing the risk of adverse outcomes, including the formation of cutaneous fistulae, a rare but potentially severe complication.

Report

A 75 year old male with a history of previous bilateral PAA exclusion with a left femoropopliteal bypass using reversed great saphenous vein (GSV) graft in 2012 and a right femoropopliteal bypass using a PTFE prosthesis in 2017, both through medial approach, presented with pain and ulceration in the left popliteal region. Previous angiography had shown residual arterial flow through collateral vessels, requiring thrombin injection. Bilateral bypass thrombosis had also occurred after discontinuing anticoagulation. Computed tomography angiography confirmed a complicated excluded left popliteal aneurysm with superinfection. The patient underwent elective surgery, involving partial aneurysmectomy, endoaneurysmorrhaphy, and fistulectomy through a posterior approach. Post-operatively, the patient experienced resolution of symptoms and inflammatory signs.

Discussion

The optimal approach for treating PAAs remains a subject of debate, with some experts advocating the posterior approach to prevent sac growth. However, others support the medial approach, reporting satisfactory results. In this case, the medial approach resulted in incomplete exclusion, leading to sac expansion and a cutaneous fistula. Timely re-intervention through the posterior approach successfully resolved the complication. This report highlights a rare but serious complication of incomplete PAA exclusion. Vigilant post-operative surveillance and intervention are crucial to manage such cases effectively. Further research is warranted to determine the optimal approach for PAA repair and prevent associated complications.

Objective

To analyse case reports published on the latest generations of endograft (EG) and understand the mechanisms of type III endoleak (EL) development.

Methods

A literature review was undertaken of English language case reports and series that concerned modular junction or component disconnection (type IIIa EL) and fabric perforations (type IIIb EL) after endovascular aneurysm repair.

Results

Of the 2 785 studies, 56 full texts were chosen to review 73 cases. Type III EL was diagnosed with computed tomography angiography in 67.1% and digital subtraction angiography in 12.3%; the rest were identified during surgery. Of the 73 EG, 65 (89.0%) were made of polyethylene terephthalate and seven (9.6%) were polytetrafluoroethylene. The type of material was not mentioned in one (1.4%) case report. There were 25 (34.2%) type IIIa and 48 (65.8%) type IIIb EL. The most frequent were trunk–trunk in nine (12.3%) and trunk–limb overlap separations in 14 (19.2%). Type IIIb EL in the trunk area was identified in 27 (37.0%) cases, while 21 (28.8%) defects were found in the limbs. Stent fractures were recognised as an underlying mechanism of type IIIb EL development in one report. A combination of fabric lesions in the trunk and limb area was found in one case. Seven type IIIb EL were related to suture disruption or suture–fabric abrasions. Four cases were related to stent–fabric abrasions, and two developed as a result of fabric fatigue owing to kinking. Information on the mechanisms of degradation was only occasionally and scarcely presented. Given the small number of reports and lack of detailed analysis, no definitive conclusions could be drawn.

Conclusion

The available information is scarce and does not allow any definitive conclusions to be drawn on the mechanisms that lead to the development of type III EL. Further explant analyses would be beneficial.