Objective To investigate the value of color Doppler ultrasonography in the examination of perforating veins of the lower extremities by comparing with X-ray antegrade venography. Methods Fifty-three patients (60 lower extremities) clinically diagnosed with varicosis of the great saphenous vein from January 2014 to March 2016 were selected for color Doppler ultrasonography and X-ray antegrade venography. The results were compared and confirmed by surgery. Results Forty-seven lower extremities were diagnosed with perforating venous valve insufficiency by color Doppler ultrasonography, while 50 lower extremities by X-ray antegrade venography. There was no significant difference between the two methods (χ2=0.800, P=0.371). A total of 78 perforating veins were detected by color Doppler ultrasonography, with 1–4 perforating veins per one lower extremity. Among them, 66 perforating veins had an internal diameter of 2–5 mm, accounting for 84.6%. Except two perforating veins with an internal diameter <2 mm, the rest showed reflux. In addition, a total of 73 perforating veins presented distance to the pelma of 10–32 mm (foot-boot), accounting for 93.6%. Fifty-two lower extremities with varicosis of the great saphenous vein underwent laser ablation of the great saphenous vein with high ligation or + devascularization of perforating veins. Compared with operation findings, color Doppler ultrasonography in diagnosis of perforating venous valve insufficiency had 37 true positives, 2 false positives, 10 true negatives and 3 false negatives, and the sensitivity was 92.5% (37/40), the specificity was 83.3% (10/12), the accuracy rate was 90.4% (47/52). Conclusions Color Doppler ultrasonography can accurately localize perforating veins, measure the internal diameter and observe the degree of reflux. It is of high sensitivity and accuracy in the diagnosis of perforating venous valve insufficiency. Moreover, it is safe, simple and economical, and suitable for preoperative and intraoperative diagnosis and localization.
ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) with AngioJet mechanical thrombus aspiration system for the acute deep venous thrombosis (DVT) of lower extremities. MethodsThe clinical data of 72 patients (72 limbs) with acute DVT who underwent PMT with AngioJet system from December 2015 to June 2018 in our hospital were analyzed retrospectively. ResultsOf the 72 cases, 30 cases underwent PMT alone, while 42 cases underwent PMT combined with catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT). Thrombus clearance rate of grade Ⅲ was obtained in 49 cases (68.05%), grade Ⅱ in 20 cases (27.78%), and grade Ⅰ in 3 cases (4.17%). Thirty-five cases were found with May-Thurner syndrome, and 34 cases were treated with stenting while 1 case complicated with iliac bleeding. The rates of PTS were 1.41% (1/71), 3.57% (2/56), 4.55% (2/44), and 20.00% (3/15) at 3-month, 6-month, 1-year, and 2-year after intervention, respectively. The deep vein patency rates were 86.36% (38/44) and 80.00% (12/15) at 1-year and 2-year after intervention, respectively. The iliac stent patency rates were 100% (23/23) and 87.50% (7/8) at 1-year and 2-year after intervention, respectively. ConclusionThe effect of PMT assisted with CDT for the acute DVT of lower extremities is satisfactory, but its long-term efficacy needs to be further observed.
ObjectiveTo compare the efficacy of varicose great saphenous vein (GSV) treatment alone versus combined treatment with iliac vein compression (IVC) intervention in improving lower extremity symptoms and prognosis among the patients with varicose GSV complicated by IVC. MethodsBased on inclusion and exclusion criteria, the patients with varicose GSV complicated by IVC treated at the Day Service Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from May 2022 to January 2025 were retrospectively enrolled. The patients were assigned into two groups according to the treatment strategies: the varicose GSV treatment alone group (control group) and the combined treatment group for varicose GSV and IVC (observation group). The primary endpoints included the closure rate of the GSV trunk, venous clinical severity score (VCSS), and venous insufficiency epidemiological and economic study quality of life/symptom (VEINES-QOL/Sym) questionnaire score at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The significance level was set at α=0.05. ResultsA total of 264 patients with left lower extremity varicose GSV complicated by IVC were included. The observation group comprised 32 patients, while the remaining 232 patients underwent 1∶3 propensity score-matching, resulting in 96 matched patients in the control group. The baseline characteristics, including gender, age, and comorbidities, showed no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P>0.05). At 12 months postoperatively, the GSV trunk closure rate was 100% in both groups. Within-group comparisons revealed significant improvements in the VCSS and VEINES-QOL/Sym points at 6 and 12 months as compared with preoperative (on admission) values (P<0.05). Between-group comparisons showed that the observation group had greater improvement in the VEINES-QOL/Sym score at 6 months (P=0.028), but no significant difference in the VCSS (P=0.775); At 12 months, the observation group demonstrated significantly better the VCSS (P<0.001) and VEINES-QOL/Sym points (P<0.001) as compared with the control group. ConclusionsFor patients with left lower extremity GSV varicosities complicated by IVC, both treatment strategies significantly improve symptoms. Results of short-term follow-up (6 months) demonstrate early advantages in quality of life improvement with concurrent IVC intervention, while results of 12-month follow-up indicate superior efficacy in both symptom relief and quality of life enhancement. Therefore, concurrent IVC intervention may provide greater clinical benefits for mid- to long-term prognosis for patients with left lower extremity GSV varicosities complicated by IVC.
Objective To evaluate the efficiency and safety of combinative use of radiofrequency and transilluminated powered phlebectomy for treatment of varicose veins of lower extremity. Methods Three hundred and twenty-one cases of varicose veins of lower extremity were randomly divided into three groups: group A (102 cases)： endovenouser whole range closure in situ for great saphenous vein by radiofrequency and transilluminated powered phlebectomy for varicose veins of leg; group B (97 cases)： endovenouser whole range closure in situ for upper leg part of great saphenous vein by radiofrequency and transilluminated powered phlebectomy for varicose veins of leg; 122 conventional treatment cases, which high ligation and stripping of great saphenous vein, blood vessel branches and communicating branches resection and ligation were used, were selected as controlled group (group C). Consequences and complications of operation were checked. Results In all cases, the symptoms of swelling in lower extremity, soreness and infirmity disappeared within one month after operation, skin pigmentation was alleviated within one month after operation, and disappeared gradually within three months. Contrasting three groups in complications of skin numbness of legs, ecchymosis of upper leg, wound hematoma, and swelling below ankle, there was no statistical difference between group A and B, and there was statistical difference between group A and C, and B and C. There were more complications in conventional group than those in mini-invasive groups. There was no statistical difference in leg ecchymosisa between group B and C. No deep vein thrombosis of lower extremity and incision infection was detected in all cases. Conclusion It is simple and definitely efficient to combine radiofrequency with transilluminated powered phlebectomy for treatment of varicose veins of lower extremity. Powered phlebectomy is efficient in removal of varicose vein, but not suitable for phlebectomy for trunk of great saphenous vein.
Objective To evaluate improved effect for deep venous valve function after superficial vein surgery of lower extremity in the intermediate stage. Methods Totally 43 patients (55 limbs) with varicose veins of lower extremity were enrolled to accept surgical management of vein systems in our department from March 2006 to October 2006. All patients were respectively followed up after 6 months and 4 years about the changes of deep venous valve function with color Doppler ultrasonography. Results Thirty-nine patients’ deep venous valve function kept well up to now, and there was no significant difference between the two results. Four patients without proximal saphenous vein ligation recurred, and there was reflux in deep venous. Conclusion Endovenous laser treatment and ablation of varicose veins of lower extremity with deep venous insufficiency could improve deep venous valve function effectively. Proximal great saphenous vein ligation is important for successful operation.
ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of Keystone flap in the repair of soft tissue defect of lower extremity.MethodsThe clinical data of 27 cases with soft tissue defects of lower extremity treated by Keystone flap between January 2018 and June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 9 females, with an average age of 43.9 years (range, 8-63 years). The cause of soft tissue defects included skin tumor in 3 cases, ulcer in 2 cases, soft-tissue infection in 8 cases, trauma in 7 cases, and donor site defect after free or pedicled flap transplantation in 7 cases. Defect size ranged from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 15.0 cm×9.5 cm. The types of Keystone flaps included type Ⅰ in 2 cases, type Ⅱa in 16 cases, type Ⅱb in 1 case, type Ⅲ in 6 cases, and Moncrieff modified type in 2 cases. The area of flap ranged from 3.0 cm×1.5 cm to 20.0 cm×10.0 cm. The donor site was directly sutured (26 cases) or repaired with skin grafting (1 case).ResultsThe operation time was 45-100 minutes, with an average of 67.5 minutes; the hospitalization stay was 3-12 days, with an average of 8.5 days. Postoperative incision dehiscence occurred in 1 case, and flap marginal necrosis occurred in 2 cases, all of which were completely healed after dressing change; 1 case of incision was swollen and congested with tension blisters, which resolved spontaneously at 7 days after operation. The other flaps and the skin grafting survived and healed successfully, the wounds of recipient and donor sites healed by first intention. The healing time was 2-3 weeks (mean, 2.2 weeks). No pain occurred in all patients. All 27 cases were followed up 3-26 months (mean, 11.5 months). No obvious scar contracture and bloated skin flap were found. The texture and color of the skin in the recipient area were similar to those of the surrounding tissues and feel existed.ConclusionThe Keystone flap is a feasible and efficient way to repair soft tissue defect of lower extremity. Furthermore, the skin color and texture is similar to the surrounding tissue after healing.
ObjectiveTo explore the safety and effectiveness of Taylor spatial frame (TSF) in the treatment of medial compartmental osteoarthritis (MCOA) of the knee and the adjustment of the lower extremity force line at the same time.MethodsThe clinical data of 30 patients with MCOA who underwent high tibial osteotomy (HTO) between October 2016 and April 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the different fixation methods, they were divided into external fixation group (TSF external fixation, 16 cases) and internal fixation group (locking steel plate internal fixation, 14 cases). There was no significant difference between the two groups in gender, age, side, disease duration, mechanical femur tibia angle (MFTA), and other general data (P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss of the two groups were recorded and compared; MFTA was used to evaluate the recovery of the lower extremity force line at last follow-up; Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score was used to evaluate the clinical effecacy before operation and at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months after operation.ResultsThe operation time and intraoperative blood loss of external fixation group were significantly less than those of internal fixation group (P<0.05). All patients were followed up 9-16 months, with an average of 12 months. There were 2 cases of delayed healing in the internal fixation group and 1 case of delayed healing in the external fixation group, and all healed after symptomatic treatment. All patients in the two groups had no complication such as needle infection, nonunion at osteotomy, osteomyelitis, and so on. At last follow-up, MFTA standard was used to evaluate the recovery of force line. The results of external fixation group were all excellent, while the results of internal fixation group were excellent in 10 cases and good in 4 cases. The difference between the two groups was significant (Z=–2.258, P=0.024). The HSS scores in the two groups were significantly improved at each time point after operation, and gradually improved with time after operation (P<0.05). The HSS score of the external fixation group was significantly higher than that of the internal fixation group (t=2.425, P=0.022) at 3 months after operation; and there was no significant difference between the two groups at other time points (P>0.05).ConclusionTSF has unique advantages in HTO treatment of MCOA patients and correction of lower extremity force line, such as shorter operation time, less bleeding, firm fixation, and less complications. It can accurately adjust the lower extremity force line after operation and has good effectiveness. It is an effective and safe fixation method.
Objective To investigate the effectiveness and safety of low molecular weight heparin combined with aspirin for perioperative prophylactic anticoagulation in patients with lower extremity fracture after splenectomy. MethodsThe clinical data of 50 patients with splenic rupture combined with lower extremity fracture between January 2009 and June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were given enoxaparin sodium at 48 hours after splenectomy, and stopped at 24 hours before fracture surgery. After fracture surgery, the patients were divided into aspirin group (group A, 15 cases), low molecular weight heparin group (group B, 16 cases), and low molecular weight heparin combined with aspirin group (group C, 19 cases) according to different anticoagulation regimens. The treatment course was 28 days. There was no significant difference in gender, age, body mass index, cause of injury, fracture site, time from injury to operation, complications, and other general data between groups (P>0.05). The occurrence of venous thromboembolism (VTE) was observed; hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (PLT), D-D dimer, and fibrinogen degradation product (FDP) were recorded before operation and at 1, 3, and 7 days after operation, and the effect of anticoagulation regimen on coagulation function was observed. The incidences of wound complications and bleeding related complications were recorded, and the total perioperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, and overt blood loss were calculated. Results The incidences of VTE in groups A, B, and C were 13.33% (2/15), 12.50% (2/16), and 5.26% (1/19), respectively, and there was no significant difference between groups (χ2=0.770, P=0.680). There was no portal vein thrombosis and no VTE-related death in the 3 groups. There was no significant difference in the levels of Hb, PLT, D-D dimer, and FDP between groups before and after operation (P>0.05); and there was no significant difference in total perioperative blood loss, hidden blood loss, and overt blood loss between groups (P>0.05). No local skin necrosis was found in all patients. In group A, 1 case occurred redness and swelling of incision; in group B, 1 case had incision discharge, redness, and swelling, and 1 case had fat liquefaction; in group C, 1 case had repeated incision exudation accompanied by local tissue redness and swelling, and 1 case had local hematoma. The incidences of adverse incision in groups A, B, and C were 6.66% (1/15), 12.50% (2/16), and 11.76% (2/19), respectively, with no significant difference (χ2=0.302, P=0.860). There were 4 cases of bleeding related complications, including 1 case of incision ecchymosis in groups A and B respectively, with the incidence of 6.66% and 6.25%, respectively; there was 1 case of incision hematoma and 1 case of bleeding in group C, with the incidence of 11.76%; showing no significant difference in the incidence of bleeding related complications between groups (χ2=0.268, P=0.875). Conclusion Perioperative combined use of low molecular weight heparin and aspirin for prevention of anticoagulation in patients with splenic rupture and lower extremity fracture can effectively prevent the occurrence of VTE without increasing the incidence of complications, which is an effective and safe treatment method. However, whether the incidence of VTE can be reduced needs to be further studied by expanding the sample size.
Objective To explore the methods of early diagnosis of arteriosclerosis obliterans of lower extremity (ASOLE). Methods The related literatures on ASOLE detection means adopted clinically were reviewed, and their advantages and disadvantages were compared.Results Asymptomatic ASOLE could be discovered by determination of ankle brachial index (ABI) and toe brachial index (TBI), which was a good index for arterial function assessment of lower extremity. Pulse wave velocity (PWV) was more vulnerable and less sensitive than ABI, and therefore more suitable for screening of a large sample. ASI was an index to assess arterial structure and function, and it had a good correlation with PWV. Flow-mediated dilation (FMD) was a measurement evaluating the function of endothelial cell; Pulse wave measurement was simple, sensitive, and its result was reliable. Color Doppler ultrasonography could localizate the lesion and determine the degree of stenosis at the same time. Multiple-slice CT angiography (MSCTA) was more accurate than color Doppler ultrasonography, but its inherent shortcomings, such as nephrotoxicity of contrast agent, was still need to be resolved. 3D-contrast enhancement magnetic resonance angiography (CEMRA) had little nephrotoxicity, but a combination of other imaging methods was necessary. Microcirculation detections required high consistency of the measurement environment, but they were simple, sensitive and noninvasive, and therefore could be used for screening of ASO. Conclusion Publicity and education of highrisk groups, and reasonable selection of all kinds of detection means, are helpful to improve the early diagnosis of ASOLE.
ObjectiveTo explore the vascular conditions and the necessity of vascular reconstruction in the treatment of chronic ischemic diseases of lower extremities with tibial transverse transport (TTT) from the perspective of vascular surgery.MethodsA clinical data of 59 patients with chronic ischemic disease of lower extremities treated by TTT between February 2014 and July 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. Among them, there were 41 patients with diabetic foot (DF), including Wagner grade 3-4, Texas grade 2-3, and stage B-D lesions; the disease duration ranged from 0.7 to 2.4 years, with an average of 1.5 years, and 5 cases complicated with arteriosclerosis obliteran (ASO). There were 14 patients with ASO (Fontaine stage Ⅳ and Rutherford stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ) with an average disease duration of 10.8 months (range, 1.5-23.4 months). There were 4 patients with thromboangiitis obliteran (TAO) with an average disease duration of 12.3 months (range, 2.1-18.2 months), and the clinical stages were all in the third stage. In 18 patients that ankle brachial index (ABI) of anterior or posterior tibial artery was less than 0.6 before operation, or the blood flow of the three branches of inferior anterior tibial artery did not reach the ankle by imaging examination, vascular reconstruction was performed before TTT (5 cases of DF combined with ASO, 12 of ASO, 1 of TAO). After operation, the effectiveness was evaluated by ulcer wound healing, skin temperature, pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score, ABI, and CT angiography (CTA) examination.ResultsThe patients with DF were followed up 8-16 months (mean, 12.2 months); the ulcer wounds healed with a healing time of 5.1-9.2 weeks (mean, 6.8 weeks); CTA examination showed that the branches of inferior anterior tibial artery were opened in 5 patients after revascularization; and the tibial osteotomy healed for 5-14 weeks (mean, 8.3 weeks). The patients with ASO were followed up 13-25 months (mean, 16.8 months); the ulcer wounds healed with a healing time of 6.2-9.7 weeks (mean, 7.4 weeks). CTA examination showed that the branches of inferior anterior tibial artery were opened in 12 patients after revascularization; all tibial osteotomy healed, and the healing time was 4.5-14.4 weeks (mean, 10.2 weeks). The patients with TAO were followed up 12-23 months with an average of 12.3 months, and toe/limb amputation was performed after ineffective treatment. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether they were combined with revascularization or not. The ABI, VAS score, and skin temperature in the combined revascularization group significantly improved at 6 months after operation (P<0.05); while there was no significant difference in ABI at 6 months after operation in the TTT group (P>0.05), but the skin temperature and VAS scores significantly improved when compared with those before operation (P<0.05).ConclusionThe ABI of anterior or posterior tibial artery is more than 0.6, radiological examination shows that at least one of the three branches of inferior anterior tibial artery leads to ankle artery, which is a prerequisite for successful TTT in the treatment of chronic ischemic disease of lower extremities. DF is the indication of TTT. ASO can choose TTT, and TAO should use this technique cautiously.