They comfort me. The history of nursing in Belfast.
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Biomedical subjects
Publications and source records attributed to R H Livingston.
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The results of treatment in 34 cases of penetrating injury to the popliteal vein are presented. In 26 cases there was associated damage to the popliteal artery. Satisfactory venous repair by lateral suture was achieved in 11 of 12 limbs. Autogenous vein grafts were used to repair the damaged popliteal vein in 10 limbs. In 4 the saphenous vein was anastomosed directly to the popliteal vein; in 6 cases it was used as a wide-bored panel or compilation graft. Three popliteal veins were ligated. Major postoperative limb oedema and chronic venous insufficiency were not a problem in those cases where the veins were repaired. Fasciotomy was performed in 19 of the 34 cases of venous injury. In 12 of these cases fasciotomy, performed as part of the original operation to repair the vascular injury, led to an excellent clinical result.
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Military experience has consistently emphasized the unacceptably high amputation rate associated with popliteal arterial trauma. In this group of patients there were 23 arterial injuries and 26 injuries involving both an artery and a vein. The loss of only 5 limbs in this series was directly related to the policy of repair of the artery by both single segment vein grafts and by 'panel' grafts. Panel grafts are prepared by removing the long saphenous vein at ankle level, splitting it longitudinally and then dividing it transversely at the midpoint. The two segments of vein are placed side by side and sutured along each side, a no. 14 or 16 Ch. Foley catheter being used as a stent. Fasciotomy, carried out at an early stage in the postoperative course, and prompt re-exploration of repair sites when suspicion arose as to the effectiveness of limb circulation, were also major factors in establishing a successful outcome in so many patients.
Seven cases of fistula developing between aortic or iliac aneurysms and adjacent major venous trunks are presented. The clinical diagnosis and principles of management of this exceptionally rare complication are discussed in the light of the literature on the subject.