The elimination of anastomosis in open trauma vascular reconstruction: A novel technique using an animal model.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

The standard approach to vascular trauma involves arterial exposure and reconstruction using either a vein or polytetrafluoroethylene graft. We have developed a novel technique to repairing arterial injuries by deploying commercially available vascular stents through an open approach, thus eliminating the need for suture anastomosis. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility, stent deployment time (SDT), and stent patency of this technique in a ewe vascular injury model.

METHODS:

After proximal and distal control, a 2-cm superficial femoral arterial segment was resected in 8 Dorper ewes to simulate an arterial injury. Two stay sutures were placed in the 3- and 9-o'clock positions of the transected arterial ends to prevent further retraction. Ten milliliters of 10-IU/mL heparinized saline was flushed proximally and distally. An arteriotomy was then created 2.5 cm from the transected distal end through which we deployed Gore Viabahn stents with a 20% oversize and at least 1-cm overlap with the native vessel on either end. The arteriotomy was then closed with 3 (1) interrupted 6-0 Prolene sutures. The ewes were fed acetylsalicylic acid 325 mg daily. Duplex was performed at 2 months postoperatively to evaluate stent patency. SDT was defined as time from stay suture placement to arteriotomy closure.

RESULTS:

The 8 ewes weighed a mean (SD) of 34.4 (4.3) kg. The mean (SD) superficial femoral arterial was 4.3 (0.6) mm. Six 5 mm × 5 cm and two 6 mm × 5 cm Gore Viabahn stents were deployed. The mean (SD) SDT was 34 (19) minutes, with a trend toward less time with increasing experience (SDTmax, 60 minutes; SDTmin, 10 minutes). Duplex performed at 2 months postoperatively showed stent patency in five of eight stents. There was an association between increasing SDT and stent thrombosis.

CONCLUSION:

Open deployment of commercially available vascular stents to treat vascular injuries is a conceptually sound and technically feasible alternative to standard open repair. Larger studies are needed to refine this technique and minimize stent complications, which are likely technical in nature.

• Authors: Andrew L Tang, Conrad Diven, Bardiya Zangbar, Dafney Lubin, Bellal Joseph, Donald J Green, Narong Kulvatunyou, Gary Vercruysse, Randall S Friese, Terence O'Keeffe, Peter Rhee
• Journal: The journal of trauma and acute care surgery (J Trauma Acute Care Surg) Vol. 79 Issue 6 Pg. 937-42 (Dec 2015) ISSN: 2163-0763 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 26488321 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Anastomosis, Surgical
• Animals
• Disease Models, Animal
• Feasibility Studies
• Female
• Femoral Artery (diagnostic imaging, injuries, surgery)
• Sheep, Domestic
• Stents
• Suture Techniques
• Ultrasonography
• Vascular Patency
• Vascular Surgical Procedures
• Vascular System Injuries (diagnostic imaging, surgery)