Vascular Surgery 4 2 14
Vascular Surgery 4 2 14
Vascular Surgery 4 2 14
Introduction
Acute Limb Ischaemia Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms Chronic Limb Ischaemia Venous disease
Conclusion
Questions
PMH- T2DM, HTN, MI x 2 with 2 coronary stents, AF, COPD DH Metformin, Ramipril, Simvastatin, Digoxin, Atenolol, Seretide, Tiotropium FH- Father MI aged 50 SH- smokes 25/day, drinks 10 pints at weekends, lives with wife, independent ADLs.
Compartment syndrome
Caused by increased capillary permeability and oedema Calf muscles in tight fascial compartments Increasing interstitial pressure leads to muscle necrosis Clinical features- swelling and severe pain on palpation/movement Management- fasciotomy
Aneurysms
Definition = >150% dilation of the original diameter. True aneurysms = involve all 3 layers of the vessel wall. False aneurysms = collections of blood around the vessel wall in communication with the lumen. Common sites: aortic, iliac, femoral, popliteal Complications
Rupture Thrombosis Embolism Fistulae Extrinsic compression
Non-ruptured AAA
Bloods ABPI Chest xray ECG and Echo Pulmonary function tests/CPEX testing Imaging USS/CT
Unruptured AAA
Surgery offered when aneurysm >5.5cm Regular CT/USS follow up AAA screening programme Open AAA vs. EVAR
Complications of EVAR
Endoleak Sac expansion Stent graft failure/migration Late rupture
Fontane Classification
1- Asymptomatic 2- Intermittent claudication 3- Ischaemic rest pain 4- Ulceration/gangrene
Management
Conservative- exercise, weight loss, smoking cessation Medical- anti-platelet agents, optimise co-morbidities Surgical
Surgical reconstruction
For extensive atheromatous disease. Factors to consider- vessel inflow, vessel outflow, conduit. Vein grafts vs prosthetic grafts
Sympathectomy
For symptomatic relief Caution in diabetics
Amputation
To relieve intractable pain and reduce mortality from gangrene Following previous failed interventions
Case 4 - History
Jane 48, female Teacher 2 year history of tortuous swellings on her legs. Painful which are often worse at the end of the day becoming swollen. Intermittently itchy. PMH- Hyperlipidaemia, Gravida 4 Para 4 DH- Simvastatin, previously used the COCP. FH- Mother had varicose veins SH- Non-smoker, Drinks 8 units ETOH/week. Independent in ADLs
Case 4- Examination
Alert Obs: Temp 37.1, RR 14, Sats 98%, HR 78, BP 105/60 On inspection of the lower limbs
Varicose Veins
Definition: tortuous dilated segments of superficial veins associated with valvular incompetence. Affects up to 20% of the population F:M = 9:1 Causes
Primary (95%) unknown, congenital valve absence Secondary (5%)- obstruction, valve destruction, AVM, constipation
Risk factors: prolonged standing, obesity, pregnancy, family history, the Pill
Varicose Veins
Clinical features
Symptoms: unsightliness, pain, cramping, heaviness, itching, swelling. Signs: oedema, eczema, ulcers, discolouration (haemosiderin deposition), bleeding, phlebitis, atrophie blanche, lipodermatosclerosis, fat necrosis.
Investigation
Assessment predominantly clinical Doppler Colour duplex ultrasound
Varicose Veins
Indications for treatment- suggested by NICE
Symptomatic varicose veins Lower limb skin changes Current or healed venous leg ulcer Superficial vein thromboses
Management
Treatment of the underlying cause Conservative Medical Surgical
Varicose Veins
Conservative
Patient education- weight loss, regular walks, avoid prolonged standing
Medical
Compression stockings Sclerotherapy- laser/foam Laser coagulation/radiofrequency ablation
Surgical
Localised stab avulsions Subfascial endoscopic perforation ligation Long saphenous vein stripping Saphenofemoral/saphenopopliteal disconnection
Varicose Veins
Complications of varicose vein surgery
Bruising Recurrence 20% Haemorrhage Wound infection Saphenous nerve damage 8%
Superficial Thrombophlebitis
Definition = inflammation and thrombosis of superficial veins Pathogenesis: changes in Virchows triad Risk factors: Obesity, thrombophilia, smoking, OCP, pregnancy, IV drug abuse, IV infusion, trauma Clinical features: pain, oedema, erythema, palpable knot Investigations: Not required- clinical diagnosis
Management
Conservative: elastic support, exercise, limb elevation, hot compress Medical: analgesia, heparinoid creams, Fondaparinux, ?LMWH Surgical: recurrences associated with varicose veins
Conclusion
Acute limb ischaemia and ruptured AAAs are surgical emergencies. They both require prompt assessment, investigation where appropriate and management. The management of chronic limb ischaemia is based upon thorough work up to define disease extent and anatomy. Varicose veins are common and management is multifactorial so remember conservative, medical and surgical.
Questions
1. A 65 year old gentleman attends A+E with a 10 hour history of a pain right foot. On examination the foot is cold with a delayed capillary refill time of 6 seconds with fixed mottling of the skin. Q- What is the most appropriate definitive management? A- Embolectomy B- Thrombolysis C- Below knee amputation D- Femoral popliteal bypass E- Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
Questions
2- A 60 year old gentlemen who underwent open AAA repair for a 6.2cm infrarenal AAA 6 weeks ago presents to A&E with a 4 hour history of generalised abdominal pain. On examination his abdomen is soft with no localised peritonism. Within the following hour he becomes tachycardic at 115 and hypotensive with a BP of 75/40.
Questions
3- A 58 year old gentlemen with known peripheral vascular disease presents with a 6 month history of worsening leg cramps with a claudication distance of 80 yards. On examination, there is no ulceration or gangrene. ABPI is 0.7. Angiography demonstrates a 3cm superficial femoral artery stenosis with good vessel run off.
Questions
4- A 67 year old lady with known varicose veins is referred by her GP to the surgical assessment unit regarding a palpable lump in her groin. On examination, there is a small 4x4cm lump inferior and lateral to the pubic tubercle with a bluish tinge. It is non-tender, soft and compressible. It transmits a cough impulse.
Questions
5- A 68 year old gentleman is brought into A&E having collapsed at home. On examination he is hypotensive (BP 80/50), tachycardic (115) and cool peripherally. He is tender in his epigastrium and there is an expansile mass palpable. Q- What is the most appropriate initial action? A- Contact the vascular surgery team B- Get an urgent abdominal ultrasound C- Contact theatres D- Get IV access with 2 large bore cannulae and begin fluid resuscitation E- Secure airway and breathing