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Biomedical subjects

P Neglén

Publications and source records attributed to P Neglén.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Endovascular surgery in the treatment of chronic primary and post-thrombotic iliac vein obstruction.

OBJECTIVES: To compare the results and complications of endovascular surgery in limbs with post-thrombotic and non-thrombotic disease and to detail some technical aspects of the procedure. DESIGN: A single centre, prospective study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March 1997 and August 1999, 139 consecutive lower extremities with chronic iliac venous obstruction (61 limbs with primary disease [MTS] and 78 with post-thrombotic disease [PTS]) were treated by balloon dilation and stenting. History, clinical examination, procedure and follow-up data were recorded. RESULTS: Mortality was zero. Non-thrombotic complication rate was only 3%. Postoperative (8%, 6/78) and late occlusion (3%, 2/69) occurred only in post-thrombotic limbs. Primary, primary-assisted and secondary cumulative patency rates of the stented area at 2 years were 52%, 88% and 90%, respectively, in the PTS group as compared to 60%, 100% and 100% in the MTS group. Clinical improvement in pain and swelling was significant in both groups. Half of active venous ulcers healed after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Chronic iliac vein obstruction appears to be a symptomatic lesion that can be treated safely and effectively by endovascular surgery regardless of aetiology. Generous use of IVUS is suggested in both diagnosis and treatment since phlebography is unreliable. The clinical improvement was significant in both groups; however, more excessive neointimal hyperplasia and a higher early and late occlusion rate were observed in post-thrombotic disease. Stenting after balloon dilation is advised in all venoplasties; stents should be inserted well into the IVC when treating iliocaval junction stenosis. A wide-diameter (16 mm) stent is recommended. The stent should cover the entire lesion as outlined by the IVUS.

Adolescent↗

Differences in pressures of the popliteal, long saphenous, and dorsal foot veins.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship among pressures obtained simultaneously in the popliteal, long saphenous, and dorsal foot veins. METHOD: Eight limbs were studied. One limb had an isolated popliteal vein reflux, and two had moderate long saphenous vein incompetence. No perforator or short saphenous vein insufficiency was detected. Pressures and recovery times of the popliteal/tibial and long saphenous veins were obtained with cannulation at the ankle level and insertion of catheters with a pressure transducer tip. The dorsal foot vein pressure was measured with the insertion of a scalp needle (14-gauge) connected to an external transducer. During 10 toe stands, recordings were simultaneously made in the three veins at the level of the knee joint, in the middle third of the calf, and 5 to 7 cm above the ankle with all the transducers at the same level (ie, same reference point). RESULTS: In one limb the popliteal/tibial pressure increased at all calf levels, whereas pressures decreased in both saphenous and dorsal foot veins. The pressures decreased in all three systems in the remaining seven limbs. There was no statistical difference between the pressure drop in the long saphenous vein and the deep vein. However, the decrease of the dorsal foot venous pressure was significantly more marked compared with the other two veins at all levels. The recovery time was significantly increased in the long saphenous vein compared with the deep vein; recovery time was further prolonged in the dorsal foot vein. CONCLUSION: The dorsal foot, long saphenous, and popliteal/posterior tibial veins clearly exhibit different pressure waveforms in response to calf exercise. The postexercise pressure, the percentage pressure drop, and the recovery times are widely different, which indicates that the three veins behave hydraulically as separate compartments in limbs without significant venous insufficiency.

Adult↗

Transcommissural valvuloplasty: technique and results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the technique of a variation of closed external venous valve repair (transcommissural valvuloplasty), its complication rate, and duplex scan durability. METHODS: The "blind" transcommissural valve repair of the vein was performed by placing transluminal sutures along the valve attachment lines, which simultaneously closed the valve attachment angle and also tightened the valve cusps. A total of 179 successfully repaired valve sites of 141 limbs in 129 patients were followed up 1 to 42 months through clinical observation and with duplex Doppler ultrasound scan. RESULTS: Postoperative complications (< 30 days) occurred in 12 (9%) of 141 limbs: superficial (1) and deep (1) wound infection, large wound hematoma (4), seroma (1), and deep vein thrombosis (5), with associated pulmonary embolus in one patient. Seventy-eight percent (reflux time </= 0.5 seconds) and 81% (reflux time </= 1.0 seconds) of valve sites were competent. The cumulative competency rate at 30 months was 59% and 63%, respectively. The cumulative ulcer recurrence-free interval was 63% at 30 months (n = 92). The pain score and swelling grade substantially improved. CONCLUSION: Transcommissural valvuloplasty is a safe procedure with low morbidity. It is relatively rapid and simple to perform, and its competency rates are comparable to those of internal valvuloplasty. Advantages over the internal repair are that venotomy is not required, repair can be extended to small-caliber veins, and multiple valve stations can be repaired in a single stage.

Adult↗

Balloon dilation and stenting of chronic iliac vein obstruction: technical aspects and early clinical outcome.

PURPOSE: To describe the technical aspects of percutaneous balloon dilation and stenting for the treatment of venous outflow obstruction in chronic venous insufficiency. METHODS: Between March 1997 and December 1998, 94 consecutive patients (median age 48 years, range 14 to 80) with suspected iliac vein obstruction in 102 limbs were studied prospectively with the intent to treat any venous occlusion or stenosis verified during femoral vein cannulation. Data from the history, clinical examination, procedure, and follow-up were recorded. Preoperative indicators of obstruction were venographic evidence of occlusion, stenosis, or pelvic collateral vessels; increased arm-foot venous pressure differential; and abnormal hyperemia-induced venous pressure elevation. RESULTS: Cannulation and technical success rates were 98% and 97%, respectively, with 118 Wallstents deployed in 77 veins. Primary, assisted primary, and secondary patency rates at 1 year were 82%, 91%, and 92%, respectively. Clinical improvement in pain and swelling was significant. CONCLUSIONS: Stenting of benign iliac vein obstruction is a safe method with good short-term results. Venous lesions should always be stented; when treating iliocaval junction lesions, stents should be inserted well into the inferior vena cava. Absence of collateral vessels does not exclude the existence of significant obstruction, and their presence may indicate an obstruction not visualized. No gold standard for accurate pre- or intraoperative patient selection is currently available.

Adolescent↗

Axillary vein transfer in trabeculated postthrombotic veins.

PURPOSE: This study assessed whether axillary vein transfer can be successfully performed in trabeculated veins and whether patients with this severe form of postthrombotic syndrome can be helped by an aggressive approach. METHODS: A total of 102 axillary vein transfer procedures were carried out in 83 limbs with trabeculated veins. More than one venous segment was repaired in 38 limbs with a second axillary valve in 19, and a different technique was used in the remainder. The superficial and deep femoral veins were the most common target sites. "Bench repair" of leaky axillary valves was performed before the transfer in 32 cases. Venous stasis dermatitis or ulceration was present in 90% of the limbs. The operability rate and chance of successful valve reconstruction was high, even in the presence of severe venographic appearance. RESULTS: The actuarial transplant patency rate was 83% at 10 years. The actuarial freedom from recurrent ulceration rate was more than 60% at 10 years, similar to the results obtained in a matched group of axillary vein transfers to nontrabeculated veins. Severe preoperative ambulatory venous hypertension (venous filling time [VFT] of less than 5 seconds), which was present in 67% of patients, did not adversely affect outcome, but short VFTs that persisted after surgery did. VFT and VFI90 (venous filling index, air plethysmography) improved after valve transfer. Swelling disappeared or was significantly reduced in 55% of patients (11 of 20 patients) who had moderate or severe preoperative swelling. In 82% of patients (31 of 37 patients) who had mild or no preoperative swelling, the swelling remained stable after surgery, and in 18% of patients (6 of 37 patients), it became worse. Pain was significantly diminished in 70% of patients; 23% of patients with severe pain had complete resolution. CONCLUSION: Axillary vein transfer, in combination with other antirefluxive procedures when indicated, is safe, effective, and durable in patients with trabeculated veins and severe forms of postthrombotic syndrome. It may be considered as an option when conservative therapy or other types of surgery fail.

Axillary Vein↗

Studies in calf venous pump function utilizing a two-valve experimental model.

OBJECTIVES: to explore the hydrodynamic mechanisms involved in the regulation of ambulatory venous pressure. DESIGN: an experimental model of calf venous pump was constructed with collapsible tubes and valves. MATERIAL: the model consisted of a conduit and a pump with an intervening competent valve. Another valve that could allow reflux into the pump was mounted above the pump. METHODS: conduit pressure and recovery times were monitored under conditions of different degrees of ejection fraction and reflux into the pump. Model variables included using poorly compliant tubes for the pump, the conduit and for both the pump and conduit. RESULTS: the latex tube exhibited a non-linear volume-pressure relationship and a bi-modal regimen of compliance. This bestowed pressure-buffering properties. Ambulatory venous hypertension resulted when reflux beyond buffering capacity occurred. Substituting less compliant PTFE for latex at the pump had a relatively minor effect on post-ejection pressure and recovery times. Using PTFE at the conduit had a profound but divergent effect on both of these parameters. Conduit capacitance reduction had a similar effect. CONCLUSION: conduit elastance plays a significant role in the regulation of ambulatory venous pressure in this experimental model. The hydrodynamic principles illustrated by the model may enhance our understanding of the human calf venous pump.

Blood Pressure Determination↗

Axial transformation of the profunda femoris vein.

PURPOSE: To highlight a special subset of cases of venous stasis in which the profunda femoris vein enlarges to a variable extent (axial transformation) to compensate for severe postthrombotic changes in the accompanying superficial femoral vein. METHODS: Among 500 consecutively treated patients with severe venous stasis, 57 patients had axial transformation of the profunda femoris vein. Venous obstruction and reflux were assessed by means of arm-foot pressure differential, ambulatory venous pressure measurement, air plethysmography, and duplex examination. Ascending and descending venograms also were obtained. A variety of valve reconstruction techniques were useful in correcting reflux in the enlarged profunda femoris vein and the companion postthrombotic superficial femoral vein. RESULTS: In 55% of patients the profunda femoris vein was larger than normal and provided partial outflow from the leg through a profunda-popliteal connection, but the superficial femoral vein was still the dominant outflow tract (grades I and II). In 36% of patients the profunda femoris was the dominant outflow tract from the leg, and in another 9% it was the sole axial outflow tract (grades III and IV). The skin changes of advanced venous stasis were present among 92% of patients and frank ulceration among 88%. Antireflux operations on the profunda femoris vein and companion superficial femoral vein, including ligation and division in some instances, were well tolerated. Despite a postthrombotic cause, obstruction did not worsen after surgical treatment, and reflux improved according to most laboratory measurements. Complete ulcer healing was obtained with the surgical techniques described. The actuarial recurrence-free survival rates were 90% 1 year and 66% 5 years after treatment. CONCLUSION: Axial transformation of the profunda femoris vein is present in a subset of instances in which severe postthrombotic changes are present in the companion superficial femoral vein. Profunda femoris reflux is invariably present in these instances because of compensatory dilatation and enlargement of this vessel. Simultaneous valve repair of the axially transformed profunda femoris vein and companion superficial femoral vein to abolish reflux yields excellent long-term results and healing of stasis ulceration.

Actuarial Analysis↗

The pressure/volume relationship of the calf: a measurement of vein compliance?

OBJECTIVES: The role of compliance changes in the patho-physiology of venous disease is not well known mainly because of difficulty to measure compliance of veins in situ. This study suggests a method to determine the calf pressure/volume relationship by utilizing venous occlusion plethysmography combined with dorsal vein pressure. DESIGN: Comparison between two techniques of measuring calf pressure/volume relationship using air plethysmography with validation against popliteal vein diameter changes detected by duplex ultrasound. SETTING Vascular laboratory. MATERIALS: In 6 normal and 6 radiographically confirmed post-thrombotic lower limbs, the calf pressure/volume relationship was determined. The dorsal vein pressure was continuously recorded. Simultaneously calf volume changes were obtained by an air plethysmograph during venous occlusion plethysmography (outflow slope coefficient) and fractionated tilting of the subject from erect to supine position (volume at 40 mmHg). During the tilt, sagittal diameter of the popliteal vein was measured (% change/mmHg = distensibility). RESULTS: The outflow pressure/volume slope coefficient correlated significantly with the volume at 40 mmHg during tilt maneuver (r = 0.92) and the popliteal vein distensibility (r = 0.86). Variations in arterial inflow, venous outflow obstruction, or reflux did not affect the occlusion plethysmographic method. Plethysmographic changes related directly to venous volume changes, i.e. vein expansion suggesting that the pressure/volume relationship described vein compliance. CONCLUSION: The result show a direct relationship between the pressure/volume curve of the calf and deep vein distention. Shifts of the pressure/volume curve are likely to be mainly caused by vein wall changes, but other factors (e.g. condition of surrounding tissue, reduced venous volume) may also contribute and this needs further investigation.

Blood Volume↗

Compliance of the normal and post-thrombotic calf.

OBJECTIVE: In addition to degree of outflow obstruction and reflux and poor calf muscle pump function, vein wall compliance changes are important in understanding pathophysiology of venous disease. This study compares the pressure/volume relationship in post-thrombotic and healthy legs. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Prospective and comparative study. SETTING: Vascular laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Investigations were performed on 24 apparently normal legs and 30 post-thrombotic limbs as confirmed by phlebography. METHOD: Dorsal vein pressure and absolute calf volume decrease were recorded simultaneously during outflow form the leg after release of the cuff during venous occlusion air-plethysmography with and without reactive hyperemia. The slope of the pressure/volume outflow curve was calculated. In addition, the distensibility (= collapsibility) was determined as % volume decrease/mmHg. The popliteal and femoral vein diameters were measured in supine and erect position by ultrasound. RESULTS: With and without induced hyperemia the mean slope coefficients of post-thrombotic legs were significantly higher (0.52 +/- 0.22 and 0.53 +/- 0.18) than in normal (0.15 +/- 0.10 and 0.29 +/- 0.11), i.e., the curve steeper since the calf was stiffer, less compliant. The degree of outflow obstruction and severity of skin changes did not affect the slope measurement substantially. Collapsibility during venous outflow was significantly less in post-thrombotic legs. The post-thrombotic veins were less distended on standing. CONCLUSIONS: Post-thrombotic calves are less compliant than normal legs mainly due to less compliance of the vein wall, although theoretically reduced venous volume may contribute.

Blood Volume↗

Detection of outflow obstruction in chronic venous insufficiency.

PURPOSE: This study compares three different modes for measuring hemodynamically significant outflow obstruction in chronic venous insufficiency: (1) arm-foot venous pressure differential combined with foot venous pressure elevation to reactive hyperemia, (2) outflow fraction determination with plethysmography, and (3) calculation of resistance from simultaneously obtained foot venous pressure and calf volume curves. METHODS: The three techniques were compared in 15 normal limbs and 19 limbs with documented previous deep venous thrombosis. Outflow fraction and resistance were also measured after reactive hyperemia was induced. RESULTS: The arm-foot venous pressure measurements delineated patients with grades 1 through 4 obstruction (Raju's grading). Resistance calculations correlated well with this grading except in patients with severe grade 4 obstruction, in whom low resistance was found. Outflow fraction determinations had marked overlapping between the different obstruction grades, substantially decreasing sensitivity to detect hemodynamically important outflow obstructions. No correlation with the resistance calculations was shown. Inducing reactive hyperemia did not alleviate these findings. The failure of the outflow fraction and resistance methods to detect significant obstruction is probably attributable to the use of plethysmographic techniques for volume measurement, which appears to give false-negative results as a result of a regional volume shift within the lower limb. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of the arm-foot vein pressure differential and the foot vein pressure elevation after reactive hyperemia seems to be the only reliable test currently available for detecting and grading global chronic obstruction.

Blood Flow Velocity↗

The functional long-term value of different types of treatment for saphenous vein incompetence.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the long-term value of different forms of treatment for primary varicose veins with saphenous vein insufficiency. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: A prospective, partially randomized study with 5-year follow-up. SETTING: Ambulatory day-case care. PATIENTS AND INTERVENTIONS: The study includes 211 patients (214 lower limbs), who received compression sclerotherapy (CST; n = 78), radical operation (OP; n = 74) or CST combined with high tie under local anesthesia (HT + CST; n = 63). MEASURES: The patient's subjective opinion, objective finding by the surgeon and functional (foot-volumetric) assessment were obtained just after treatment and 6 months, 1, 3 and 5 years later. RESULTS: Subjectively the result started to deteriorate in both the CST and HT + CST groups after one year. The patient satisfaction was greatest in the OP group throughout the study period. Objectively the CST group cure rate fell markedly after 6 months and at 5 year follow-up the failure rate reached 51%, while the OP group still had a high rate of cured (60%) and improved (35%) patients. The HT + CST treatment seemed to hold well for three years followed by increasing failure rate with only 16% objectively cured after 5 years. The foot-volumetric parameters expelled volume (= calf pump function) and refilling flow ratio (= venous reflux) increased 51-79% respectively decreased 8-29% post-treatment in all groups. After 5 years these parameters had returned to pre-treatment levels in the CST and HT + CST groups, while the OP group was still significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS: Radical surgery is superior to compression sclerotherapy alone or in combination with high tie in the treatment of varicose veins with saphenous vein incompetence. The foot-volumetric assessment correlated well with and supported objective findings as a whole but could not replace the clinical examination of each individual patient.

Adult↗

Observations on the calf venous pump mechanism: determinants of postexercise pressure.

PURPOSE: We investigated the factors determining postexercise pressure and the relationship of venous valve closure and venous column segmentation to ambulatory venous pressure changes. METHODS: Valve closure and venous segmentation were observed during dynamic ascending phlebography in 40 nonrefluxive limbs and by duplex imaging in 25 normal limbs in healthy volunteers. Simultaneous volume (air plethysmography) and pressure studies during calf exercise were also carried out. Some studies used a simple mechanical model comprised of a collapsible latex tube ("calf pump") and a graduated "popliteal" valve. RESULTS: The femoropopliteal venous column above the popliteal valve remains unsegmented and continuous during ambulatory venous pressure changes in response to calf muscle contraction. Therefore ambulatory venous pressure changes cannot be explained purely on the basis of hydrostatic column pressure changes. Postexercise pressure appears to be determined by a complex set of factors: (1) physical segmentation of the venous column below the popliteal valve (i.e., tibial valve closure); (2) tube collapse below the closed valve, which further aids in the breakup of the hydrostatic column pressure and dampens the effect of any reflux through or around the closed valve; (3) ejection fraction, which influences the degree of tube collapse; and (4) the interaction of the resultant pressure forces with the wall properties of the venous pump. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanism of ambulatory venous pressure reduction is complex and multifactorial. The importance of venous wall characteristics as a determinant of postexercise pressure has not been previously appreciated. Changes in venous wall property after a thrombotic process, for example, could conceivably influence ambulatory venous pressure and recovery time in the absence of reflux.

Exercise↗

A rational approach to detection of significant reflux with duplex Doppler scanning and air plethysmography.

PURPOSE: Several techniques are currently available for the detection of venous reflux. We have attempted to determine the relative value and accuracy of available techniques to develop a logical strategy of investigation in reflux venous insufficiency. METHODS: The morphologic distribution of venous incompetence (erect duplex and descending venography); the results of ambulatory venous pressure measurement, venous refilling time, the Valsalva test, and air-plethysmography (venous refilling index, VFI); and the clinical severity were described in 118 consecutive limbs. In an attempt to validate the tests, results were correlated with the clinical severity classification (class 0, n = 34; class 1, n = 42; class 2, n = 11; class 3, n = 31) and with a standardized quantification of reflux (multisegment score) as seen on standing duplex Doppler scanning with rapid deflation cuffs. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent of limbs with severe venous disease (class 2/3) had pure deep insufficiency, only 6% had pure superficial disease, and the remainder had a combination. A history of previous thrombosis and the presence of posterior tibial vein incompetence were markedly common with ulcer disease (84% and 42%, respectively). The duplex Doppler multisegment score correlated strongly with clinical severity classification (r = 0.97). The venous refilling time and VFI had the highest sensitivity in identifying severe venous disease (class 2/3), and the ambulatory venous pressure had excellent specificity. CONCLUSIONS: For noninvasive determination of reflux, the combination of VFI and duplex scanning not only localized reflux but also separated severe clinical vein disease from mild, with high sensitivity and specificity. Air plethysmography may also provide valuable information regarding calf muscle pump and outflow obstruction.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

Surgical removal of an inferior vena cava thrombus.

Studies on the management of inferior vena cava (IVC) thrombosis have rarely focused upon the risk of later development of post-thrombotic syndrome of the lower limbs. From 1983-1989, 52 patients with ilio-femoral thrombosis with an extension of thrombus into the IVC were treated. In addition to lower limb pain and swelling, 12 (23%) patients had symptomatic pulmonary embolism on admission. Perfusion/ventilation pulmonary scans were positive in 63%. Twelve patients received only anti-coagulant treatment. Thrombectomy was attempted in 40 patients, but failed in 13 patients due to old thrombi. Twenty-seven patients had surgical removal of thrombus combined with anti-coagulation [temporary arterio-venous fistula (AVF) and IVC interruption (n = 15); AVF alone (n = 9); and without fistula n = 3)]. The mortality and morbidity were low and hospital stay was not prolonged. Thirty-eight legs were examined at 7-66 months (mean: 23 +/- 3) after initial treatment. The limbs in which the IVC thrombus could not be removed (n = 20) were symptomatic in 25% of patients, venous ulcer developed in 4 of 20 limbs. The ilio-femoral segment was patent in only 35%. The thrombectomised limbs (n = 18) were asymptomatic in 56%; none had developed ulcer and iliac patency was 72%. Doppler investigations and refilling times were normal in 39% of the thrombectomised limbs. All patients without surgical IVC thrombus removal developed contralateral deep venous thrombosis during the follow-up period. This study shows that femoro-ilio-caval thrombectomy is successful only in patients with a short history and fresh clot, and can be safely performed with low morbidity and mortality.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adolescent↗

Iliofemoral venous thrombectomy followed by percutaneous closure of the temporary arteriovenous fistula.

Iliofemoral venous thrombosis treated by anticoagulants alone almost invariably results in postthrombotic sequelae with deep venous reflux alone or combined with an outflow obstruction. This study evaluates the result of iliofemoral venous thrombectomy with temporary proximal arteriovenous fistula (AVF) performed on 48 consecutive patients. In 10 patients the thrombus extended in the inferior vena cava, and the thrombectomy was combined with inferior vena cava interruption. The AVF closed spontaneously in 8 of 48 patients (patency rate, 84%). An attempt to close the AVF by placing a detachable balloon percutaneously under radiographic control was made 6 to 12 weeks later (success rate, 87%; complications, rare). A preclosure arteriovenography of the femoro-iliaco-caval segment revealed 34 of 38 segments open (patency rate, 89%). Four patients had severe stenosis of the iliac segment, and a transvenous percutaneous dilatation was successfully performed in three of the four patients, keeping the fistula. At AVF closure 4 weeks later the arteriovenography showed sustained dilatation in only two patients. Thirty-seven patients were followed for 3 to 48 months (median, 24 months) and 30 of 37 patients (81%) who had no symptoms were not using compression stockings. Doppler investigation revealed patent and competent femoral and popliteal veins and normal photoplethysmography in 56% of the patients. Four iliac veins were occluded (patency rate, 88%). No recurrence of fistula had occurred. Venous iliofemoral thrombectomy seems to better preserve valve function. The percutaneous balloon closure of the AVF has decreased the complication rate, facilitated venographic evaluation of the result, and made possible the performance of percutaneous interventions under the protection of the AVF.

Adolescent↗

Primary closure or secondary granulation after excision of pilonidal sinus?

Two methods for treatment of chronic pilonidal disease were compared in a randomised trial of 100 patients with a mean follow-up of 29 months. Four patients were excluded from the excision and closure group, leaving 96 patients for analysis. Initial primary healing was significantly more frequent after excision and primary closure (45/46; 98%) compared with excision and healing by secondary granulation (36/50; 72%). The mean healing time was significantly shorter in the excision and closure group (10.3 days) compared to the excision and granulation group (13 weeks). There was, however, no significant difference between the two groups in cure rate after the first operation. The recurrence rate in the excision and granulation group was 12% and after primary closure 20%. The presence of stiff hair and anaerobic bacteria were related to the failure of primary healing, but not associated with recurrence. Although the cure rate was the same regardless which operation was done, the primary healing was quicker and the healing time and duration of sick-leave were shorter after primary closure. Excision with primary closure therefore seems to be the preferable method.

Adolescent↗

Plasma metabolic disturbances and reperfusion injury following partial limb ischaemia in man.

Despite efficient revascularisation procedures for vascular disease, the limb can occasionally be lost following reperfusion. One contributing factor might be the formation of oxygen free radicals. This study attempts to describe the conditions necessary for oxy-radical formation from adenine nucleotide breakdown products and the role of plasma creatine content as a marker of cellular injury. Twelve patients undergoing aortic reconstructive surgery were studied. Only partial ischaemia of the lower limbs was induced by the aortic clamping, since varying degrees of collateral circulation existed. Radial arterial and external iliac venous blood was obtained simultaneously before, during and after cross-clamping of the aorta, and plasma levels of ATP, ADP, hypoxanthine, phosphocreatine, creatine, creatinine and lactate measured using luminescence and spectrophotometry. Venous creatine content increased during ischaemia and was doubled 30 min after recirculation. This increase was possibly due to leakage following cellular injury agreeing with a previously observed decrease in muscle tissue creatine content. The iliac arterio-venous difference of hypoxanthine and lactate markedly increased immediately post-ischaemia, while the phosphocreatine difference decreased. Plasma hypoxanthine was abundant in the leg on reoxygenation. The existence of a xanthine oxidase system in skeletal muscle could produce favourable conditions for oxy-radical formation through hypoxanthine degradation, which may contribute to the known muscle tissue injury.

Adenosine Diphosphate↗