External support stent is a potential means for restricting the deformation and reducing wall stress of the vein graft, thereby improving the long-term patency of the graft in coronary artery bypass surgery. However, there still lacks a theoretical reference for choosing the size of stent based on the diameter of graft. Taking the VEST (venous external support) stent currently used in the clinical practice as the object of study, we constructed three models of VEST stents with different diameters and coupled them respectively to a model of the great saphenous vein graft, and numerically simulated the expansion-contraction process of the vein graft under the constraint of the stents to quantitatively evaluate the influence of stent size on the radial deformation and wall stress of the vein graft. The results showed that while the stent with a small diameter had a high restrictive effect in comparison with larger stents, it led to more severe concentration of wall stress and sharper changes in radial deformation along the axis of the graft, which may have adverse influence on the graft. In order to solve the aforementioned problems, we ameliorated the design of the stent by means of changing the cross-sectional shape of the thick and thin alloy wires from circle into rectangle and square, respectively, while keeping the cross-sectional areas of alloy wires and stent topology unchanged. Further numerical simulations demonstrated that the ameliorated stent evidently reduced the degrees of wall stress concentration and abrupt changes in radial deformation, which may help improve the biomechanical environment of the graft while maintaining the restrictive role of the stent.
Alloys ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Saphenous Vein/surgery* ; Stents

Objective: To compare clinical efficacy of interventional treatment with graft vessel and native coronary artery for patients with late saphenous vein grafts disease(SVGD) after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: A total of 1 608 patients underwent CABG in Tianjin Chest from March 2014 to December 2017 were screened. During the follow-up period, 165 hospitalized patients with recurrence of angina pectoris within one year after CABG, who had at least one narrow vein graft(≥50%) confirmed by the coronary angiography were enrolled. According to the results of angiography and surgeon's clinical experiences, the patients received interventional treatment to vein grafts(grafts group, n=53) or native coronary vessels(native group, n=112). The operation success rate, mortality and incidence of serious complications after interventional treatment in two groups at the time of hospitalization were compared.And the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE) in two groups at one year after discharge were also compared. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the cumulative event-free survival rates. The risk factors for the MACE in the patients with late SVGD and treated by interventional therapy were analyzed by Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 165 patients were included for analysis, including 98 males(59.4%). The age was (64.2±7.1) years old. The follow-up time was 12 (8, 12) months. In the grafts group, operation success rate was 90.57%(48/53), and 3 cases(5.66%) suffered from serious complications after interventional treatment, 2 cases(3.77%) died. For native group the operation success rate was 88.39%(99/112), and 7(6.25%) cases suffered from serious complications after interventional treatment, and no deaths. The operation success rate and the incidences of serious complications after interventional treatment in two groups had no statistically significant difference(both P>0.05). The mortality in hospital of native group was lower than that in grafts group(P<0.05). Within 12 months after discharge, there was no statistically significant difference in incidence of MACE of two groups (11.32%(6/53) vs. 10.71%(12/112), P>0.05). Survival analysis showed that the cumulative event-free survival rates in two groups were 73.58% (39/53) and 66.13%(74/112), and there was no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). Cox regression analysis showed acute coronary syndrome (HR=41.203, 95%CI 4.859-349.361, P<0.01), and peripheral vascular diseases (HR=2.808, 95%CI 1.067-7.393, P<0.05) were the risk factors of the MACE for the patients treated by interventional therapy with late SVGD. Conclusion: For the patients with late SVGD after CABG, the success rate of intervention with vein grafts and own coronary vessels are both high with satisfactory safety.The in-hospital mortality of interventional therapy in own coronary vessels is lower than in graft vessel. Patients with acute coronary syndrome and peripheral vascular disease have a poor prognosis.
Aged ; Coronary Angiography ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; Coronary Artery Disease/surgery* ; Coronary Vessels ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Saphenous Vein ; Time Factors ; Treatment Outcome

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the efficacy of integrated minimally invasive surgery for iliac vein compression syndrome with varicose veins of lower extremities. METHODS: From January 2017 to January 2018, 11 patients with iliac vein compression syndrome accompanied by varicose veins of lower extremities underwent left iliac vein stent implantation and radiofrequency thermal ablation of lower extremity veins in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine. The left iliac vein stent was implanted through the puncture point approach of the main great saphenous vein, and then radiofrequency thermal ablation of the main saphenous vein was performed. Rivaroxaban and aspirin were administered from the day of surgery for 6 months and 12 months, respectively. After discharge, patients were followed up for more than 6 months. The lower extremity veins, iliac veins were reexamined by Doppler ultrasound or CT angiography at 2 weeks, 2 months and 6 months after surgery. RESULTS: The operations were successfully performed in 11 patients, and no complication was observed during the operation. The rates of soreness and swelling remission, pigmentation and skin quality improvement, and the iliac vein stent patency were 100%. No varicose vein recurrence, iliofemoral vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism were found. CONCLUSIONS Integrated minimally invasive surgery is safe, effective and less invasive for iliac vein compression syndrome with varicose veins of lower extremities.
Humans ; Lower Extremity ; surgery ; May-Thurner Syndrome ; complications ; surgery ; Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures ; standards ; Radiofrequency Ablation ; Saphenous Vein ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Varicose Veins ; complications ; surgery

Aged ; Atherosclerosis ; Case-Control Studies ; Coronary Artery Bypass ; methods ; Coronary Artery Disease ; surgery ; Female ; Hemodynamics ; physiology ; Humans ; Male ; Mammary Arteries ; physiology ; transplantation ; Middle Aged ; Pulsatile Flow ; Radial Artery ; physiology ; transplantation ; Rheology ; Saphenous Vein ; physiology ; transplantation ; Shear Strength ; Stress, Mechanical ; Vascular Patency ; physiology

In this study we present our experiences with the reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap to reconstruct the distal lower limb soft tissue defects caused by traumatic injuries. These flap graftings were carried out from Oct. 2010 to Dec. 2012 in our department. The series consisted of 36 patients, including 21 men and 15 women with an average age of 46.2 years (14-83 years) and with a medium follow-up period of 18 months (12-24 months). Of all the cases of acute trauma, there were 10 cases of trauma of distal tibia, 9 cases of trauma of perimalleolus, and 17 cases of trauma of midfoot and forefoot. Related risk factors in the patients were diabetes (2 cases), advanced age (>65 years, 3 cases) and cigarette smoking (6 cases). The reverse flow sural island flap irrigation depended on lower perforators of the peroneal artery. The fasciocutaneous pedicle was 3-4 cm in width and the anatomical structures consisted of the superficial and deep fascia, the sural nerve, short saphenous vein, superficial sural artery together with an islet of subcutaneous cellular tissue and skin. The most proximal border of the flap was only 1.5 cm away from the popliteal skin crease and the pivot point was 5-7 cm above the tip of the lateral malleolus. All the flaps survived. No arterial crisis occurred in any case. The venous congestion occurred in 2 cases and got better after raising the limbs and bloodletting. Only in an old man, 1.5 cm necrosis of distal margin of his flap occurred and finally healed after continuous dressing change. One-stage skin grafting was performed, and all the donor sites were sutured and successfully healed. It was concluded that the reverse sural fasciocutaneous flap is safe and reliable to extend to the proximal third even near the popliteal skin crease. We also concluded this flap can be safely and efficiently used to treat patients with large and far soft-tissue defects from the distal leg to the forefoot with more versatility and it is easier to reach the recipient sites.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Fascia ; transplantation ; Female ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Lower Extremity ; injuries ; surgery ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Reconstructive Surgical Procedures ; methods ; Saphenous Vein ; transplantation ; Skin Transplantation ; Soft Tissue Injuries ; surgery ; Sural Nerve ; transplantation ; Surgical Flaps ; Treatment Outcome ; Young Adult

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and adverse effects of endovenous foam sclerotherapy (EFS) and liquid sclerotherapy (ELS) using a microcatheter for the treatment of varicose tributaries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From December 2007 to January 2009, patients with venous reflux in the saphenous vein were enrolled. The foam or liquid sclerosant was injected through a microcatheter just before endovenous laser ablation (EVLA). Patients were evaluated for the technical success, clinical success, and procedure-related complications during the procedure and follow-up visits. RESULTS: A total of 94 limbs were included: 48 limbs (great saphenous vein [GSV], 35; small saphenous vein [SSV], 13) were managed using EFS and EVLA (foam group; FG), and 46 limbs (GSV, 37; SSV, 9) were treated by ELS and EVLA (liquid group; LG). Varicose tributaries demonstrated complete sclerosis in 92.7% with FG and in 71.8% with LG (p = 0.014). Bruising (78.7% in FG vs. 73.2% in LG, p > 0.05), pain or tenderness (75.6% in FG vs. 51.2% in LG, p = 0.0237) were noted. Hyperpigmentation (51.2% in FG vs. 46.2% in LG, p > 0.05) was found. CONCLUSION: Endovenous foam sclerotherapy using a microcatheter is more effective than ELS for eliminating remnant varicose tributaries prior to EVLA. However, EFS is more commonly associated with local complications such as pain or tenderness than ELS. Furthermore, both techniques seem to prolong the duration of hyperpigmentation along with higher costs.
Catheters/adverse effects ; Femoral Vein ; Fluoroscopy/methods ; Humans ; Laser Therapy/methods ; Radiography, Interventional/methods ; *Saphenous Vein/radiography/surgery ; Sclerosing Solutions/*administration & dosage/chemistry ; Sclerotherapy/adverse effects/instrumentation/*methods ; Treatment Outcome ; Varicose Veins/radiography/*therapy ; Venous Insufficiency/surgery

BACKGROUNDEndovenous laser ablation (EVLA) is an improved method to treat varicose great saphenous veins (GSV) with a high satisfactory rate. This study aimed to evaluate the efficiency and safety of treatment by EVLA procedures with ultrasound-guided perivenous tumescence.

METHODSThirty-one patients (31 limbs) with symptomatic varicose vein primary to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) treated with EVLA were prospectively studied. The entire procedure was performed under ultrasound-guided tumescent local anesthesia. The patients were evaluated with a 18 month follow-up postoperation using clinical examination and venous duplex ultrasonography. Pain scores and quality of life (QOL) were recorded using visual analog scale (VAS) and the chronic venous insufficiency questionnaire (CIVIQ) at 1 week, 1 month, and 12 months after operation.

RESULTSAll patients tolerated EVLA procedure well. The overall success occlusion rates of GSV were 92%, 94%, and 94% at 1, 12, and 18 months follow-up, respectively. The score of CIVIQ one week preoperation was 69.14 ± 11.44 while that of CIVIQ one month postoperation was 85.32 ± 4.89. The life quality has significantly improved after the operation of EVLA (t = 12.71, P < 0.05). The VAS one month after treatment was lower than 1 week before therapy (t = 8.048, P < 0.05). Major complications such as deep vein thrombosis and skin burns were not found. Most of the complications were minor and improved quickly.

CONCLUSIONSThis refinement type of EVLA procedure is a safe and effective treatment with a high satisfaction rate; it displayed noteworthy features including shortening hospitalization, early ambulant activity, and preferable occlusion rates.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Laser Therapy ; methods ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Saphenous Vein ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Ultrasonography ; Varicose Veins ; diagnostic imaging ; surgery

BACKGROUNDConventional high ligation and stripping of the great saphenous vein (GSV) has a good curative effect but is highly traumatic with a considerable relapse rate. Subfascial endoscopic perforator surgery (SEPS) plus endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) could be applied as individual therapy. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of performing combined SEPS and EVLT without impacting GSV in the management of valvular insufficiency of the lower-limb venous perforators.

METHODSPlacement of lower-limb venous perforator insufficiency was marked by ascending phlebography in 83 affected limbs from September 2010 to June 2011. After randomization, SEPS was performed on 41 limbs to address the insufficiency of the venous perforators under the deep fascia, in combination with EVLT to close the superficial varicose veins without impacting the GSV. The remaining 42 limbs were treated using traditional GSV phlebectomy as controls.

RESULTSPostoperatively, all varicose veins were resolved, with lightening of the pigmentation and healing of the ulcer. Within a follow-up period of 5 - 11 months, no symptoms had recurred. Compared with the control group, the operation time, the number of incisions sutured, and the in-hospital time decreased on average by 1.5 hours, 4.7, and 6.8 days, respectively (P < 0.01 in all cases).

CONCLUSIONCombined SEPS and EVLT for treatment of valvular insufficiency of the lower-limb venous perforators offer the advantages of microtrauma and rapid cure.

Adult ; Aged ; Endovascular Procedures ; methods ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Saphenous Vein ; surgery ; Varicose Ulcer ; surgery ; Varicose Veins ; surgery ; Vascular Surgical Procedures ; methods

OBJECTIVETo investigate the surgical technique of skeletonization of the great saphenous vein (GSV) at the saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) in surgical intervention of primary varicosity and evaluate the outcomes one year after the operation.

METHODSA total of 624 cases (774 limbs) of primary varicosity of the GSV were prospectively divided into skeletonization group (265 cases, 325 limbs) and control group (359 cases, 449 limbs). In the skeletonization group, skeletonization of the GSV at the SFJ, its branches and other aberrantly joined superficial veins was performed, and in the control group, routine high ligation of the GSV was performed, after which laser-ablation of the GSV, GSV stripping, Muller's operation, mutilation of the perforators and ulcer-related operations were performed in both groups.

RESULTSTwenty cases in the skeletonization group were found to have superficial veins directly joining into the femoral vein or into the GSV in different tissue layers. In 14 cases in the control group, the superficial veins of the internal femoris or lateral femoris were mistaken for the GSV. No difference was found in the operating time between the two groups (t=0.68, P>0.05), but the skeletonization group had a significantly less bleeding volume (t=1.75, P<0.05). Statistical differences were found between the two groups in intraoperative bleeding rate in the inguinal regions, venous clinical severity scores (2.1∓0.5 vs 4.6∓0.9, t=1.96, P<0.05), and residual varicosity and recurrences (3/325 vs 13/449, V=1.25, P<0.05) at the one year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONSkeletonization of the GSV and its branches and other aberrantly joined superficial veins at the SFJ can decrease the postoperative residual varicosity and recurrence due to blood reflux.

Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Groin ; blood supply ; surgery ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Saphenous Vein ; pathology ; surgery ; Treatment Outcome ; Varicose Veins ; pathology ; surgery

OBJECTIVE: To compare the blood flow in sequential and individual saphenous vein grafts (SVGs) and to analyze the influence of the location of the target vessel in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). METHODS: A total of 464 SVGs in 412 patients receiving OPCAB were nested into individual SVG (n=206), double (n=241) or triple sequential SVG (n=15), and analyzed. RESULTS: The blood flow in double and triple SVGs was significantly higher than in individual SVGs [(43.4±22.5), (43.7±19.2) and (28.9±18.7) mL/min, respectively, P<0.001, P=0.047]. There were no differences between flow in double and triple SVGs (P=0.96). Pulsatility index (PI) of the three groups were similar (2.6±1.2, 2.5±1.6, 2.8±0.9, respectively, P=0.49, P=0.49). In individual SVGs to right coronary artery, the blood flow was higher than in the posterior descending branch (PDA) (P=0.047) and posterior branch of left ventricle (PBLV), the flow-time in systole period was longer than diagonals (P=0.003), obtuse marginal (OM) (P=0.013) and PDA (P=0.002), PI was significantly lower than PDA (P=0.033) and PBLV (P=0.032). The blood flow in individual SVGs to diagonals was significantly lower than in other target vessels except for PBLV (P<0.05). Flow in double SVGs to PDA-PBLV was significantly lower than in PDA-OM. CONCLUSION The mean blood flow in double and triple sequential SVGs is about 1.5 times higher than in individual SVGs. Individual, double, and triple SVGs have similar pI. Flow in individual SVGs to diagonals was significantly lower than in other target vessels except for PBLV.
Adult ; Aged ; Angina, Unstable ; surgery ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Coronary Artery Bypass, Off-Pump ; methods ; Coronary Circulation ; Coronary Disease ; surgery ; Female ; Graft Survival ; Humans ; Male ; Mammary Arteries ; transplantation ; Middle Aged ; Saphenous Vein ; physiopathology ; transplantation