Objective To investigate the clinical feasibility of different types of the saphenous neuro-veno-fascial cutaneous flaps. Methods From June 1996 to October 2002, 18 cases of skin defects in the knee and the lower part of the limb were treated with proximally(4 cases) or distally(11 cases) based pedicles of saphenous neuro-venofascial cutaneous flap or crossleg flap (3 cases)according to the site of defects . The sizes of the flaps ranged from 4 cm×5 cm to 9 cm×20 cm. Results The flaps survived completely in 17 cases, distal 1/5 of the flap necrosed partially in 1 case because of vein drainage disturbance. The colour and texture of flaps were excellent, the appearance and function were satisfactory after a follow up of 6-24 months.Conclusion The saphenous neuro-veno-fascial cutaneous flap is an idea flap in repairing skin defects of the knee, the leg, the ankle and the foot because it is easy to be designed and dissected and it has reliable blood supply and preserved main artery. The relationship between the septal perforating branches of the tibial posteriorartery and survival size of flap need to be investigated further.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the changes of the flow parameters before and after the anastomotic port exploration and dredging during coronary artery bypass grafting by using the transit time flow measurement (TTFM).MethodsA total of 167 patients who underwent continuous coronary artery bypass grafting and anastomotic port exploration and dredging surgery in Beijing Anzhen Hospital from 2018 to 2019 were enrolled in this study. There were 136 male and 31 female patients aged 41-82 (58.35±17.26) years. If the probe entered and exited the anastomotic port smoothly, it was recorded as a non-resistance group; if the resistance existed but the probe could pass and exit, it was recorded as a resistance group; if the probe could not pass the anastomotic port for obvious resistance, it was recorded as the stenosis group. In the stenosis group, the grafts were re-anastomosed and the flow parameters were re-measured by TTFM.ResultsA total of 202 anastomotic ports were carried out by exploration and dredging. Among them, 87 anastomosis (43.1%) were in the non-resistance group, and there was no significant change in the blood flow volume (BFV) and pulsatility index (PI) before and after exploration and dredging (6.16±3.41 mL/min vs. 6.18±3.44 mL/min, P=0.90; 7.06±2.84 vs. 6.96±2.49, P=0.50). Sixty-four anastomosis (31.7%) were in the resistance group, the BFV was higher after exploration and dredging than that before exploration and dredging (17.11±7.52 mL/min vs. 4.96±3.32 mL/min, P<0.01), while the PI was significantly smaller (3.78±2.20 vs. 8.58±2.97, P<0.01). Fifty-one anastomosis (25.2%) were in the stenosis group, and there was no significant change in the BFV and PI before and after exploration and dredging (3.44±1.95 mL/min vs. 3.48±2.11 mL/min, P=0.84; 10.74±4.12 vs. 10.54±4.11, P=0.36). After re-anastomosis, the BFV was higher (16.48±7.67 mL/min, P<0.01) and the PI deceased (3.43±1.39, P<0.01) than that before exploration and dredging.ConclusionThe application of anastomotic exploration and dredging can reduce the occurrence of re-anastomosis, and promptly find and solve the stenosis of the distal coronary artery, improve the poor perfusion of distal coronary, and thus improves the prognosis of patients.
Objective To investigate the origin of small saphenous vein of distally-based of sural nerve nutrient vessels flap and its clinical application. Methods The origins of nutrient vessels of small saphenousvein and communicating branches of superficial-deep vein were observed on specimens of 30 adult cadaveric low limbs by perfusing red gelatin to dissect the artery. Results The nutrient vessels of small saphenous vein originated from the heel lateral artery, the terminal perforator branches of peroneal artery and intermuscular septum perforating branches of peroneal artery. There were 2 to 5 branches ofsuch distally-based perforating branches whose diameters ranged from 0.6 to 1.0 mm. Those perforating branches included fascia branches, cutaneous branches nerve and vein nutrient branches. Those nutrient vessels formed a longitudinalvessel chain of sural nerve shaft, vessel chain of vein side and vessel networkof deep superficial fascia. The small saphenous vein had 1 to 2 communicating branches of superficial-deep vein whose diameter was 1.7±0.5 mm， 3.4±0.9 cm to the level of cusp of lateral malleolus, and converged into the fibular vein. Conclusion Distally-based sural nerve, small saphenous vein, and nutrient vessles of fascia skin have the same region. The communicating branches of superficial-deep vein is 3 to 4 cm to the level of cusp lateral malleolus. These communicating branches could improve the venousdrainage of the flap.
ObjectiveTo investigate short-term outcomes and surgical techniques of endoscopic saphenous vein harvesting (ESVH) for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).
MethodsClinical data of 554 patients undergoing CABG with ESVH in General Hospital of Shenyang Military between July 2009 and August 2013 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 372 male and 182 female patients with their age of 38-84(61.3±9.0) years. Clinical outcomes, postoperative lower extremity pain and edema, wound infection and healing were analyzed.
ResultsDuring ESVH, 13 patients with very little subcutaneous fat received transition to skin bridge technology or partially open incision. Average number of harvested vein grafts was 1-4 (2.0±0.6), and the quality of the vein grafts was satisfactory. Postoperative lower extremity pain and edema were significantly reduced, and there was no delayed wound healing or infection. Seven patients died postoperatively, including 2 patients with perioperative myocardial infarction, 2 patients with pneumonia, 1 patient with ventricular fibrillation, 1 patient with massive cerebral infarction, and 1 patient with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. A total of 452 patients were followed up for 120-1 460 (742.6±188.5) days. There was no late death or reintervention during follow-up.
ConclusionESVH is a safe and efficacious procedure with less postoperative lower extremity pain and edema, satisfactory vein graft quality, better postoperative recovery and cosmetic results, compared with traditional fully or intermittently open wound for saphenous vein harvesting.
Objective To explore perioperative outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting （CABG） using the radialartery as the second arterial graft. Methods Clinical data of 175 consecutive patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting （OPCAB） in General Hospital of Shenyang Military Command from August 2011 to April 2012 were retrospectively analyzed. All the 175 patients were divided into two groups. There were 75 patients including 49 male and 26 female patients with their age of 56.8±8.2 years in group 1，who received radial artery as a graft vessel. There were 100patients including 66 male and 34 female patients with their age of 57.7±8.1 years in group 2，who received great saphenousvein but not radial artery as the graft vessel. The use of left internal mammary artery as a graft vessel was 100% in both groups. Perioperative cardiovascular events and other clinical results were compared between the two groups. Results All the patients survived OPCAB and there was no 30-day death. There was no statistical difference in operation time，thoracic drainage within the first 24 hours after surgery or postoperative hospital stay between the two groups（P＞0.05）. Length of postoperative ICU stay and mechanical ventilation time of group 1 were shorter than those of group 2，although the differencewas not statistically significant. The percentage of patients receiving prolonged postoperative inotropic therapy of group 2 was higher than that of group 1 ［16% （16/100） vs. 12% （9/75）］，although the difference was not statistically significant. Postoperatively，there was no patient in group 1 who had new-onset myocardial ischemia or received intra-aortic balloon pump （IABP） support for hemodynamic instability. In group 2，3 patients had new-onset myocardial ischemia and 2 patientsreceived IABP support after OPCAB. Conclusion Radial artery can partly replace great saphenous vein as a graft vesselfor OPCAB，which does not increase the risk of perioperative cardiovascular events but is beneficial for postoperativerecovery to some degree. Radial artery can be more extensively used in CABG.
The choice of the graft conduit for coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) has significant implications both in the short-and long-term. The patency of a coronary conduit is closely associated with an uneventful postoperative course, better long-term patient survival and superior freedom from re-intervention. The internal mammary artery is regarded as the primary conduit for CABG patients, given its association with long-term patency and survival. However, long saphenous vein (LSV) continues to be utilized universally as patients presenting for CABG often have multiple coronary territories requiring revascularization. Traditionally, the LSV has been harvested by creating incisions from the ankle up to the groin termed open vein harvesting (OVH). However, such harvesting methods are associated with incisional pain and leg wound infections. In addition, patients find such large incisions to be cosmetically unappealing. These concerns regarding wound morbidity and patient satisfaction led to the emergence of endoscopic vein harvesting (EVH). Published experience comparing OVH with EVH suggests decreased wound related complications, improved patient satisfaction, shorter hospital stay, and reduced postoperative pain at the harvest site following EVH. Despite these reported advantages concerns regarding risk of injury at the time of harvest with its potential detrimental effect on vein graft patency and clinical outcomes have prevented universal adoption of EVH. This review article provides a detailed insight into the technical aspects, outcomes, concerns, and controversies associated with EVH.
Abstract: Coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is one of the conventional treatments of coronary artery disease. Though the artery grafts have its own superiority, autologous great saphenous vein is still commonly used. Ten years after operation, half of the vein grafts will be occluded and half of the remainder will often undergo severe pathological conditions. The poor long term patency of vein grafts has become the bottleneck of the efficiency of CABG. The restenosis of vein grafts resulting from neointima and atherosclerosis has become an urgent problem waiting to be resolved. As the study on the molecular mechanism and pathophysiology of the vein grafts disease develops, many therapeutic schedules have been made, including drug therapy, external stent, expanding solution and gene therapy. By contrast, gene therapy has a broader prospect. This article will have a review on the prevention of restenosis of the vein grafts after CABG.
Abstract： Objective To compare minimally invasive technique with multiple short incisions and traditional open technique for great saphenous vein (GSV) harvesting in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods Fortyseven patients underwent first time CABG between November 2007 to January 2009. These patients included 37 males and 10 females with their age ranged from 43 to 78 years and their average age was 61.3±84 years old. The patients were prospectively randomized into the minimally invasive harvesting group (group A,n=21) and the traditional open harvesting group (group B, n=26). For group A, we adopted the method of minimally invasive technique with multiple short incisions, while for group B, the traditional long incisions were adopted. The incision length, GSV harvesting time, lower limbs suture time and incision complications were compared between the two groups. Results During harvesting, no injury to the saphenous vein trunk or complications related to the quality of venous grafts occurred in both groups. There were no significantly differences in the number of venous grafts and the GSV length between the two groups. Group A had significantly longer GSV harvesting time than group B (51.9±11.5 min vs. 40.3±7.6 min,P=0.000). However, incision length (16.1±4.1 cm vs. 49.2±7.2 cm, P=0.000), incision suture time (11.0±3.0 min vs. 33.6±4.8 min,P=0.000) and lower limbs total operation time (62.6±14.9 min vs.73.8±11.6 min,P=0.006) in group A were much shorter than those in group B. Fortyseven patients were followed up (100%) and the followup time ranged from 3 to 26 months. The rate of leg wound complications such as serous exudates, hematomas and wound infection was 4.8% (1/21) in Group A and 34.6% (9/26) in Group B. These complications were all cured with additional treatments. Group A had lower leg wound complication rate than Group B (Plt;0.05). Conclusion Our study demonstrates that minimally invasive technique for GSV harvesting can be performed at a satisfactory speed and helpful in decreasing the lower limb incision complication rate.
Objective
To investigate the function of a self-designed bilayered negative pressure wound therapy (b-NPWT) in reducing the occurrence of these complications through a clinical randomized controlled trial.
Methods
We included 72 coronary heart disease patients in our hospital from December 2013 through March 2014. There were 48 males and 24 females aged 38.4±18.6 years undergoing coronary artery bypass graft(CABG) surgery, and great saphenous veins were chosen as grafts. Patients were equally randomized into a trial group and a control group. The patients in the trial group underwent 5 d of b-NPWT for thigh incision and interrupted suture for shank incision after the harvesting of great saphenous veins. Patients in the control group received an interrupted suture for both thigh incision and shank incision after the harvesting of great saphenous veins. We evaluated the function of b-NPWT by reducing the complications arising from the harvesting of great saphenous veins in CABG patients.
Results
The incidences of early complications, such as lymphedema, incision infection, non-union, and skin flap necrosis of the vascular zone in the trial group were significantly lower than those of the control group. There was no death or new problem in heart or deep venous thrombosis in both groups. No complication occurred in long term. The incidence of lower limb edema was lower in the trial group than that in the control group at the end of 3 months follow-up.
Conclusion
B-NPWT can effectively prevent lymphorrhagia in CABG patients who underwent the harvesting of great saphenous veins. It can also reduce the incidence of complications and discomfort of the patients.
Objective To provide the anatomic basis for defect repair of the knee, leg, foot and ankle with great saphenous venosaphenous neurocutaneous vascular island flaps. Methods The origin, diameter, branches, distribution and anatomoses of the saphenous artery and saphenous neurocutaneous vascular were observed on 20 sides of adult leg specimens and 4 fresh cadaver voluntary legs. Another4 fresh cadaver voluntary legs were radiogeaphed with a soft X-ray system afterthe intravenous injection of Vermilion and cross-sections under profound fascial, otherhand, micro-anatomic examination was also performed in these 4 fresh cadaver legs. The soft tissue defects in lower extremity,upper extremity, heel or Hucou in handwere repaired with the proximal or distal pedicle flaps or free flaps in 18 patients(12 males and 6 females,aging from 7 to 3 years). The defect was caused by trauma, tumour, ulcer and scar.The locations were Hucou (1 case), upper leg(3 cases), lower extremity and heal (14 cases). Of then, 7 cases were complicatedby bone exposure, 3 cases by tendon exposure and 1 case by steel expouse. the defect size were 4 cm×4 cm to 7 cm×13 cm. The flap sizes were 4 cm×6 cm to 8 cm×15 cm, which pedicle length was 8-11 cm with 2.-4.0 cm fascia and 12 cm skin at width. Results Genus descending genicular artery began from 9.33±0.81 cm away from upper the condylus medialis, it branched saphenous artery accompanying saphenous nerve descendent. And saphenous artery reached the surface of the skin 7.21±0.82 cm away from lower the condylus medialis,and anastomosed with the branches of tibialis posterior artery, like “Y” or “T” pattern. The chain linking system of arteries were found accompanying along the great saphenous vein as saphenous nerve, and then a axis blood vessel was formed. The small artery of only 00-0.10 mm in diameter, distributed around the great saphenousvein within 58 mm and arranged parallelly along the vein like water wave in soft X-ray film. All proximal flaps,distal pedicle flaps and free flaps survived well. The appearance, sensation and function were satisfactory in 14 patientsafter a follow-up of 6-12 months. Conclusion The great saphenous vein as well as saphenous neurocutaneous has a chain linking system vascular net. A flap with the vascular net can be transplanted by free, by reversed pedicle, or by direct pedicle to repair the wound of upper leg and foot. A superficial vein-superficial neurocutaneous vascular flap with abundance blood supply and without sacrificing a main artery is a favouriate method in repair of soft tissue defects in foot and lower extremity.
