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Ординатура / Хирургия / Библиотека им академика М.И. Перельмана / Книга_630_Библиотеки_им_академика_М_И_Перельмана

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24
Distended vein
25
Anastomosis
353
PLATE
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166
INCISION AND EXPOSURE  e gra is brought through the
previously made tunnel, with great care being taken to avoid kinking or twisting of the gra .  e leg must be straightened to ensure that the length of the gra is adequate and the tension appropriate (figure 26).  e com­mon femoral, super cial femoral, and profunda femoris arteries and any additional tributaries are now cross-clamped, and a common femoral arte­riotomy is performed in the usual manner (figure 27). Identi able disease at the origin of the profunda femoris artery suggested by arteriography or by direct inspection may require femoroprofunda endarterectomy or patch angioplasty with the performance of this anastomosis.  e proximal anas­tomosis is then performed in a similar fashion (figure 28). Upon comple­tion of the heel of the anastomosis, a No.  coronary dilator is passed distally to ensure that no stenosis has occurred at this location (figure 29). If the dilator cannot be passed, the anastomosis must be redone or a prosthetic gra procedure must be undertaken.  e anastomosis then is continued as previously described with careful  ushing maneuvers performed imme­diately before completion (figure 30).  e completed femoropopliteal reconstruction lies comfortably within its tunnel with no tension, twisting, or kinking (figure 31).
Careful palpation for pulsation of the vein gra distally and the artery distal to the popliteal anastomosis is performed to con rm patency. Com­pletion arteriography should be performed via an angiocatheter introduced through a side branch of the saphenous vein with injection of  to  mL of contrast over  seconds. Routine arteriography con rms a technically perfect reconstruction and provides accurate assessment of the gra runo .
F R
Any defects must be corrected if a successful outcome is to be expected. Intraoperative pulse volume recording may be used to assess the immediate hemodynamic improvement.
CLOSURE Meticulous hemostasis must be attained. Anticoagulation may
be reversed with protamine sulfate if required by continued oozing.  e incisions are then closed in layers in the usual fashion. Dry sterile dressings are employed.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE  e cardiopulmonary status must be observed
carefully and o en in an intensive care setting. Distal pulses should be pal­pated hourly for the  rst  hours and subsequently at regular intervals. Many surgeons use low-molecular-weight Dextran infusions of about  mL per hour for the  rst  hours, especially if a low popliteal or tibial vessel anastomosis was performed.  e patients begin ambulation on the day a er surgery and many can be discharged home within  days. Aspirin is given for its platelet e ects. Noninvasive vascular laboratory testing in the postopera­tive period is valuable to assess hemodynamic improvement and the success of the bypass procedure. Special attention is given to the care of the feet. All e orts should be directed to controlling risk factors, such as smoking, and careful postoperative follow-up is imperative to enhance long-term bene t. Early or late occlusion is the most frequent complication. Gra occlusion is manifest by loss of pulses, pallor, pain, paresthesias, and loss of function. Noninvasive vascular laboratory studies may be helpful, whereas repeat arte­riograms will verify the occlusion. If the occlusion occurs in the early period a er surgery, immediate exploration without arteriography is warranted.
354
26
Penrose drain
Vein graft
Anastomosis
27
Common femoral artery
29
Coronary dilator No. 4
Incision
Profunda femoris arerty
Supercial femoral artery
Graft
30
28
Initial suture
Cobra-head tailoring
Flushing
Vein graft
31
355
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167
INDICATIONS Infrainguinal arterial bypass procedures may be indicated
in patients with ischemic nocturnal rest pain, with impending tissue loss such as occurs with gangrene of the toes or ulceration of the foot or ankle, or with progressive, severe claudication. Compared to bypass procedures using either a synthetic gra or a reversed autogenous saphenous vein, the use of the in situ saphenous vein technique is preferred by some surgeons. Currently, there are no signi cant di erences in patency rates between in situ and reversed vein gra s. Hence, the choice is largely a matter of sur­geon preference. Additionally, this technique extends the level of the distal anastomosis especially into the tibial and peroneal arteries.  is is possible because the vein size tapers in the correct direction in contrast to reversed vein gra s.  e taper results in an easier anastomosis as the sizes are com­parable and in improved hemodynamic  ow. It is believed that all these fac­tors contribute to the improved results in a biologically living bypass gra whose natural lining is not thrombogenic.
PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION  e majority of the patients are older and
have generalized arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. A general medical assessment is necessary, with special attention being given to associated risk factors like diabetes and smoking. Cardiopulmonary function should be assessed with a chest x-ray, electrocardiography, and additional studies as indicated while the patient’s overall condition is optimized.
Segmental Doppler pressures and waveforms are useful in evaluating the extent of the arterial disease and serve as baseline for postoperative studies that document improvement. However, most surgeons believe that the best evaluation is obtained with detailed biplane contrast angiograms.  ese may require visualization from the aorta to the foot so as to evaluate any possible obstruction of in ow, the levels of occlusion, and the suitability for use of the arteries in the lower leg, ankle, or foot. Venous mapping with duplex ultrasound studies is the preferred method for assessment of the saphenous vein. It demonstrates the patency and anatomy of the saphen­ous vein, as it is prone to variation, double systems, or unexpectedly large perforating connectors.
Immediately prior to operation, systemic antibiotics are given. Catheters are placed to monitor the urinary output, arterial pressure and blood gases, and central venous pressure. A Swan-Ganz pulmonary artery catheter for measurement of the pulmonary artery wedge pressure and cardiac output may be indicated in high-risk patients. Finally, the course of the saphenous vein is marked with an indelible pen on the overlying skin using a Doppler instrument.
ANESTHESIA General or continuous epidural anesthesia may be used
while hemodynamic parameters are monitored carefully.
POSITION  e patient is placed supine on the operating table.
OPERATIVE PREPARATION  e lower abdomen and entire leg are pre-
pared with the usual antiseptic solutions.  e sterile drapes are applied so as to allow access to the entire leg. Gangrenous toes or a foot ulcer should be enclosed in a sterile, impervious plastic wrap or bag.
DETAILS OF PROCEDURE Most surgeons prefer a long, continuous inci-
sion beginning at the level of the inguinal ligament. It is placed just medial or posterior to the marked course of the saphenous vein, and it continues beyond the anticipated level for the distal anastomosis (figure 1). Alterna­tively, several isolated incisions with intervening skin bridges may be cre­ated, but this makes isolation of the saphenous branches and disruption of the venous valves more di cult. A two-team approach may be used to pre­pare both ends of the incision simultaneously, but a single-team procedure will be presented. Several intraluminal valve cutters are now commercially available.  ey allow the use of small distal incisions and have been associ­ated with fewer incisional site problems. Direct visualization with intra­luminal endoscopy may soon improve upon this technique.
 e entire course of the saphenous vein is exposed with the dissection approaching the anterior medial aspect of the vein (figure 2). A special e ort is made to expose only this surface of the saphenous vein such that
S V  S A B
its delicate blood supply is maintained over the greatest possible area for the entire length of the vein. All venous branches are searched for diligently and then doubly looped with  silk ligatures that are not tied.  is tech­nique allows any of these side branches to be used as an entrance site for the retrograde valvulotome.
 e proximal incision is deepened to expose the common femoral, super­ cial femoral, and profunda femoris arteries.  e region for proximal arterial takeo of the gra is chosen, and elastic loops are placed about each artery (figure 3).  e proximal saphenous vein is exposed, and  silk ligatures are tied about each branch, including the fairly large and constant super ­cial epigastric, super cial external pudendal, medial and lateral super cial circum ex iliac, and the medial super cial femoral cutaneous veins (see Plate , figure 2).  e super cial or Scarpa’s fascia of the fossa ovalis is incised to allow complete exposure of the saphenofemoral venous junction.  is junction is usually just at the level of the profunda artery. Additional venous length may be needed if the anastomosis is to be proximal on the common femoral artery.  is length can be obtained by excising a portion of the anterior common femoral vein in continuity with the saphenous bulb.  is technique can also be used to create a larger in ow anastomosis.  e common femoral vein is then repaired with a mono lament - vascular continuous suture. Ordinarily, however, the Satinsky curved vascular clamp is applied to the saphenous side of the junction. A small cu of saphen­ous vein is le above the clamp for closure with a running - mono la­ment vascular suture such that there will be no constriction of the common femoral vein when the vascular clamp is removed (figure 4).
 e proximal  to  cm of the saphenous vein is mobilized as its major tributaries are ligated and divided. Using Potts scissors, the  rst valve, about  cm into the saphenous bulb, is excised in the translucent central portion of each valve under direct vision (figure 5).  e second valve is typically  to  cm farther distal.  e remainder of the saphenous vein valves are cut and rendered incompetent using either the in situ valve cutter instrument for large thigh valves only or the retrograde valvulotome for all of the valves.
VALVE CUTTER METHOD If a good single saphenous vein of  mm or
greater in diameter is present, some surgeons prefer to use a valve cutting instrument (see Plate , figure 10). A guide catheter is introduced into the cut end of the saphenous vein at the ankle. It is passed cephalad and through the open proximal saphenous bulb.  e system is attached to a heparinized saline solution delivery system and an elastic loop is snugged about the saphenous bulb. Infusion of the heparinized solution in ates the proximal vein and delineates the next valve assuming all side branches have been occluded with the simple silk loops.  e valve cutter should  oat freely within the larger vein. It is rotated such that the cutting edges are at  degrees to the plane of the valve lea ets.  at is to say, the blades should be perpendicular to the skin as the lea ets lie parallel to it.  e cutter cath­eter assembly is slowly pulled distally. Resistance is felt as the cutter engages each valve. A “popping” sensation is noted or felt as the lea ets are cut and the vein immediately distends downward to the level of the next valve.
Alternatively, some surgeons prefer to make several small incisions for division of the saphenous branches rather than the long continuous inci­sion illustrated. In these cases, an on-the-table venogram beginning at the ankle site will show the major side branches. Individual incisions are made a er the branches are located precisely with a Doppler.  e branches are then ligated or clipped.  e same Doppler search is performed again a er the arterial anastomoses are completed. Any missed branches are found with the Doppler and ligated.
RETROGRADE VALVULOTOME METHOD Alternatively, the valves may
be divided using a retrograde valvulotome. In this technique the proximal saphenous vein may be in ated with heparinized saline via the cut open bulb (proximal) end. However, the usual method is to in ate the saphenous vein with the patient’s own heparinized blood.  e patient is given systemic hepa­rin, and several minutes later the proximal arterial in ow site is isolated and opened at about the level of the profunda branch (figure 6).  is allows inspection of the profunda stoma and possible endarterectomy.
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168
RETROGRADE VALVULOTOME METHOD  e open proxi-
mal end of the saphenous vein is tailored to match the arteriotomy.  e edges of the tip may be removed to create a more oval taper and the vein may be opened in a longitudinal direction posteriorly to create a larger opening if needed.  e anastomosis is performed with a - mono lament polypropylene suture that is double-ended with a needle at each end. As shown in figure 7A, the course of each stitch in this running suture begins by entering the vein from the outside to lumen and proceeds from lumen to outside on the artery.  is avoids raising an intimal  ap in the artery, since the point of the needle is always pressing the intima onto rather than o the arterial wall.  e suture line is begun with a mattress-type suture at the “heel” end of the vein (figure 7).  e lateral or far side is run  rst and brought around the tip or “toe” end to join the medial or near-side suture in the midportion (figure 8).  e anastomosis is  ushed with heparinized saline, and the sutures are tied.
 e arterial vessel loops are released, and the proximal saphenous vein will dilate with a pulsatile arterial in ow that stops at the next venous valve about  to  cm downstream. A retrograde valvulotome is introduced into the saphenous vein via a venotomy in a small side branch (figure 9).  e blunt-tip valvulotome is positioned above (proximal to) each competent valve in the in ated proximal section and then rotated and withdrawn sep­arately through each anterior and posterior valve. It is important that the valve be in ated and that the retrograde valvulotome be positioned to cut perpendicularly to the plane of the skin as the valve lea et lies parallel to the skin surface (figure 10). Several passes are o en needed. When the valve is successfully cut, the proximal in ation will proceed distally to the next valve.  e distal vein is marked longitudinally with ink to ensure against rotation.
When all the valves have been successfully cut, the valvulotome is removed via the side branch, which is doubly ligated and divided between  silk sutures.  is technique is repeated sequentially down the saphen­ous vein to the level chosen for the distal anastomosis. A strong pulsatile arterial  ow should eject from this distal end of the in situ saphenous vein. Care must be taken not to hook the valvulotome into a posterior branch ori ce as a disastrous tear may result.
 e choice of site for the distal bypass anastomosis is determined accord­ing to the preoperative studies. It is important that the vein have a clear path without angulation. Also, the vein must be of su cient length for it to reach the anastomotic site without tension when the leg is straightened. An anastomosis to the posterior tibial artery is shown.  e peroneal artery may be approached in a similar manner, whereas the anterior tibial artery is approached by tunneling through the interosseous membrane in its upper two-thirds or by tunneling around the anterior tibia in its lower one-third.  e appropriate arterial segment has been previously dissected over a ­to -cm zone and isolated with Bulldog vascular clamps (figure 11). An advantage of the in situ vein bypass technique is now apparent as the sizes of the two vessels (distal artery and bypass vein) are nearly the same. Most surgeons use magnifying loops or glasses for the end-of-vein-to-side-of-
S V  S A B
artery anastomosis, which is performed in a manner similar to the proximal anastomosis.
 e vein may be incised longitudinally and tapered to create a larger stoma. All vessels are occluded with the elastic loops or small Bulldog vas­cular clamps.  e artery is opened longitudinally (figure 12). A double- ended - or - mono lament vascular suture is placed through the vein and artery in a mattress-suture manner at the proximal angle with the knots and free ends on the outside. A continuous, running suture is placed such that it enters through the vein and exits through the artery.  is prevents the raising of an intimal  ap as the needle point is pressed from the lumen outward on the artery.  e posterior suture line is run  rst and usually car­ried around the distal angle to the midportion of the anterior line.  is allows better visualization in the placement of the completed anterior line suture.  e artery and vein are  ushed with heparinized solutions and the loops and clamps are transiently released to  ush all segments clear of clot or air (figure 13).  e two suture ends are tied.
Pulsations within the in situ vein and artery are palpated or veri ed with a Doppler instrument. An intraoperative on-the-table angiogram should be performed.  e leg is  exed and straightened to be certain that the vein does not kink. A careful search is made along the entire vein to reveal any arteriovenous  stulas in the venous branches that were not recognized and ligated.  ese  stulas may be visualized or may be palpated as a hum or thrill, which can be localized with a Doppler instrument. Simple division between  silk ligatures is su cient.
 e super cial fascia is approximated with interrupted absorbable  sutures, and the skin is closed in the routine manner.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE  e hemodynamic status of the patient is moni-
tored carefully in the recovery or intensive care setting. Cardiac output and tissue perfusion are maximized, while pulmonary function is monitored with arterial blood gases. A record of distal pulses obtained by palpation or Doppler is made hourly for the  rst day and at sequentially regular intervals therea er.  e patient is usually not anticoagulated but is kept well hydrated.
Many surgeons use low-molecular-weight Dextran infusions of about  mL per hour for the  rst  hours, especially if a low anastomosis was performed.  e patients begin ambulation on the day a er surgery. Many can be discharged home within  days. Aspirin is given for its platelet e ects. Distal lesions such as gangrenous toes or ischemic ulcers will need contin­ued local care. Patients may experience dependent edema in the treated leg for several months. Patients are studied with duplex ultrasound scans at  weeks,  months, and  months to detect areas of stenosis, which predict gra failure. Early bypass occlusion usually results from a mechanical or technical defect in either anastomosis.  is event may be signaled by loss of pulses or a cool, pale extremity with pain, paresthesia, or loss of motor func­tion. Doppler studies followed by angiography are useful in preparation for urgent reoperation. Late occlusions occur less frequently when compared with synthetic gra s or reversed saphenous vein bypass gra s.
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169
H L  S   S V
INDICATIONS Stripping of the greater saphenous trunk and its varicose
tributaries is indicated in symptomatic patients who have valvular incom­petence, incompetent communicating veins, or resulting complications.  e lesser saphenous system is unilaterally or bilaterally involved in  percent of these patients and, if a ected, should also be stripped. Otherwise, this fre­quently causes recurrence. Before consideration of stripping, these patients must have a complete peripheral vascular examination to determine whether the varicosities are primary or secondary, to evaluate the status of the deep venous system, and to ascertain the adequacy of arterial circulation. Stig­mata, history, suspicion, or other evidence of deep venous involvement sug­gesting that the varicosities may be secondary mandates the performance of impedance venous plethysmography or venography for objective evidence.
CONTRAINDICATIONS Incompetence or obstruction of the deep venous
system to such an extent that the super cial venous system is necessary for return  ow contraindicates complete saphenous system stripping. How­ever, in selected cases in which the varicosities are a major contributor to disabling complications, stripping up to knee level may be safe a er careful assessment and critical judgment by the surgeon.
Stasis dermatitis, cutaneous infections, or varicose ulcers result in a high incidence of postoperative wound infections. Pregnancy, advanced age, and systemic diseases constituting signi cant operative risks are relative con­traindications, except in unusual circumstances.
PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION Healing of varicose ulcers and elimina-
tion of stasis eczema can almost always be achieved by use of local treat­ment, compression dressings, and elevation when at rest. If such lesions are healed at least  weeks before operation, the incidence of postoperative infections will be minimized and wound healing will be normal.
 e patient is instructed to take two cleansing hexachlorophene show­ers within  hours before operation. A er the groin and extremity have been shaved, the involved saphenous trunks, major varicose tributaries, and location of suspected incompetent communicating veins—which can be detected by walking with a tourniquet applied at various levels or, bet­ter, yet with a Doppler—are then marked with indelible skin dye (Bonnie’s blue or brilliant cresyl green). It is imperative that the surgeon understand that incompetent communicating veins o en connect with major varicose tributaries, which must also be stripped to ensure a good result and to min­imize necessary postoperative injections with sclerosing solutions.
ANESTHESIA General anesthesia is usually preferred, although epidural
or spinal anesthesia is acceptable.
POSITION  e patient is supine with the thigh and knee in slight exter-
nal rotation and  exion. A er the high ligation, division of the primary tributaries below the medial malleolus, and passage of the stripper through the entire length of the greater saphenous vein, moderate Trendelenburg position is used during segmental resection of the varicose tributaries and before the stripping.  is lowers venous pressure and decreases bleeding during and a er the procedure.
OPERATIVE PREPARATION  e skin of the foot, lower extremity, and
groin is prepared in the usual manner.  e forefoot is covered by a rubber glove, and usual draping is used (figure 1). Specially designed holders may be used to suspend the leg at  to  degrees to facilitate skin preparation.  e holder is adjustable and, as an alternative, may be used for positioning throughout the procedure.
DETAILS OF PROCEDURE A -cm oblique incision is made in the femo-
ral skin crease with its lateral end over the femoral pulse (figure 1). A er the super cial fascia is incised, the proximal part of the saphenous trunk, one or more of its tributaries, and occasionally an accessory saphenous vein will be exposed at the center of the incision.
 e adventitial sheath of the proximal saphenous trunk is incised lon­gitudinally, and circumferentially separated from the vein. High early transection of the trunk greatly facilitates dissection proximally to the saphenofemoral junction as well as exposure of various tributaries. During this dissection the medial and lateral super cial circum ex iliac (figure 2, a and b), the super cial epigastric (c), the super cial external pudendal (d), the medial super cial femoral cutaneous (e), and occa­sional deep muscular venous branches (f) must be meticulously divided and ligated to avoid later development of collaterals that would result in recurrences of the varices.  e medial circum ex iliac artery lies at the lower margin of the fossa ovalis and consequently is a reliable anatomic reference to the saphenofemoral junction just above it (figure 3).  e proximal stump of the saphenous trunk is doubly ligated with a proxi­mal free tie and then a trans xed nonabsorbable suture (figure 3).  e other end of the saphenous trunk is dissected distally until a large medial tributary, the medial super cial femoral cutaneous, is exposed, divided, and ligated (figure 4).  is avoids postoperative hematomas and exces­sive extravasation and ecchymosis of the medial thigh.
A -cm transverse incision, placed one fingerbreadth below and just anterior to the tip of the medial malleolus, and downward retraction will expose the trifurcated origin of the saphenous vein (figure 5). Each of the three primary tributaries is divided and ligated. The saphenous vein is then dissected proximally above the malleolus for  cm. Sizable ante­rior and posterior tributaries are usually exposed, divided, and ligated (figure 6). The edges of the transected lower end of the saphenous trunk are grasped between two mosquito hemostats and slit  cm to enhance the insertion of the probe end of the stripper (figure 7). The instrument is then passed gently proximally with guidance by palpat­ing, advancing fingers. The stripper can usually be passed through the entire length of the vein but may be arrested by large varices, tributaries, communicating veins, or by stenosis resulting from previous phlebitis. At these points an additional small transverse incision may be made to expose the vein and the tip of the stripper. The tip may then be manu­ally guided proximally, or the vein may be transected to allow introduc­tion of an additional stripper through the proximal end. Alternatively, a second stripper may be inserted into the proximal end of the divided saphenous trunk through the femoral incision and passed distally till it contacts the instrument inserted from the ankle. The end of the saphen­ous trunk is then securely tied to the stripper with two encircling liga­tures of  silk, about  cm apart, to prevent inversion of the vein over the stripper (figure 8).
At this point the surgeon may choose to strip the lesser saphenous vein if indicated. Approximately  percent of patients with varicose veins have involvement of one or both lesser saphenous systems, which should also be stripped. Adequate positioning can be achieved by  exing the knee  degrees, placing the sole of the foot  at on the operating table, and slightly internally rotating the hip (figure 9).  e primary tributaries converging on the lateral side of the ankle to form the lesser saphenous trunk can be exposed through a -cm transverse incision between the posterior tip of the lateral malleolus and the lateral edge of the Achilles tendon. Careful atten­tion is given to identify and avoid damage to the sural nerve (figure 9).  e branches are divided and ligated, and a short stripper is inserted and passed proximally in the lesser saphenous trunk up to the popliteal skin crease (figure 10). A small transverse incision is made over the palpable stripper probe, and the vein is isolated and divided, and the proximal end is ligated. Major varicose tributaries identi ed and marked before opera­tion are segmentally stripped, as described below for the greater saphen­ous stripping. A large varicose tributary connecting the greater and lesser saphenous trunks is o en present at the level of the upper medial bulge of the calf and requires similar resection.
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360
1
Incision
Greater saphenous vein
3
Greater saphenous vein
a
2
c
Femoral vein
Incision
d
b
f
e
Sphenous vein
4
Medial supercial femoral cutaneous tributary
5
7
Lateral leg position
Medial malleolus
6
8
Stripper
Lesser
9
saphenous vein
Stripper
Sural nerve
10
Lesser saphenous vein
361
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H L  S   S V—V C I
DETAILS OF PROCEDURE With the greater and perhaps the
lesser saphenous trunks traversed by strippers, attention is then turned to the varicose tributaries and suspected sites of incompetent communicating veins of the greater saphenous system ( to the saphenous trunk, at the junction of the middle third with the lower and upper thirds of the leg below the knee. Small and medium-sized major varicose tributaries that were marked preoperatively are removed with the stab avul­sion technique. A No.  scalpel makes a - to -mm stab in the skin. Using blunt dissection with a hemostat, the venous tributary is isolated, clamped, and removed by avulsion. Larger tributaries are dissected free, ligated, and divided between ligatures.  e veins are exposed, doubly clamped, and divided between hemostats. Subcutaneous dissection with tonsil hemostats in the plane between the vein and skin will mobilize and permit segmental stripping of these tributaries ( be encountered, divided, and ligated. Other suspected sites of incompetent communicating veins located by a preoperative walking tourniquet test or venogram should be explored to allow appropriate ligation.
 e distal end of the stripper is pulled upward about  cm to a subcuta­neous position, and all the distal incisions are closed carefully and accurately with vertical mattress sutures of  nonabsorbable suture ( greater saphenous trunk then is removed by pulling the stripper from distally out through the femoral incision. Very slow stripping of the saphenous trunks extending over  to  minutes while the surgical assistants apply advancing,  rm pressure behind the instrument will minimize intraoperative bleeding and postoperative ecchymosis.  e lesser saphenous vein may be similarly stripped. Stripping proximally is more e ective in avulsing longer segments of undi­vided tributaries and is less likely to result in tearing the saphenous trunk and inverting it over the stripper. Free blood then is milked and extruded from the saphenous channel.  e femoral incision is approximated in two layers with  interrupted absorbable sutures in the super cial fascia and a continuous subcuticular stitch. All other incisions are closed with a single layer of similar subcuticular suture.  e operated extremities are snugly wrapped with a layer of elastic cotton gauze and compression elastic bandages from the base of the toes to the groin.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE  e extremities are elevated  to  degrees until
the patient becomes ambulatory, which should be as early as possible. Once ambulatory, the patient should not stand still for long periods or sit in a chair without elevating the legs. A er  hours the original dressings are removed, and hospital elastic stockings are applied up to the knee.  e patient may begin showering. Except at night, the stockings are worn for two or three weeks until all discoloration, edema, and tenderness have disappeared.  e patient should be reexamined at -month intervals, at which time any residual or recurrent varicosities can be obliterated by injection with sodium tetradecyl sulfate.
figure 12). During this dissection, communicating veins may
VENA CAVAL INTERRUPTION
INDICATIONS Life-threatening pulmonary embolism is a frequent complica-
tion of many medical illnesses and surgical procedures when antecedent venous thrombosis is associated with low- ow states, venous injuries, obesity, prolonged immobilization, hypercoagulability, and the poorly understood e ects of certain malignant tumors.
Heparin is generally accepted as the primary therapy for thromboembolic disease. Venous interruption, proximal to the site of venous thrombosis, is usu­ally reserved for patients who have recurrent, documented pulmonary emboli despite well-controlled, adequate heparinization who have a large, life-threatening embolus such that an additional one might be fatal; who cannot be anticoagulated because of potential bleeding problems; or who are developing progressive pulmo­nary hypertension from repeated emboli.
Super cial femoral ligation has been largely abandoned because of the inability to precisely localize the proximal extent of the process and the likelihood of unde­tected thrombus in the opposite extremity or deep pelvic veins. Inferior vena caval ligation avoids these uncertainties and is indicated primarily for recurrent small septic emboli usually associated with pelvic infections.
Caval  lters (e.g., Green eld) placed via the jugular vein are the most com­monly used today for prophylaxis against recurrent emboli. If these devices are not available, then caval partitioning using a serrated external clip should be considered. Vena caval interruption by partially occlusive serrated clips has the advantage of maintaining caval  ow with a minimal increase in downstream venous pressure, arresting all but the smallest thrombi, and minimizing the resultant edema of the lower extremities.  e vena cava remains intact, the new channels are uniform in size, and there are no intraluminal sutures for poten­tial thrombosis as in the sieve technique. Alternatively, the use of a Green- eld  lter may be considered.
figure 11).  e latter most o en occur adjacent
figure 13).  e
PREOPERATIVE PREPARATION Most patients are heparinized when the deci-
sion for vena caval interruption is made. Since heparin is usually administered intravenously and its duration of anticoagulation e ect is limited, there should be little delay beyond  hours a er the last injection. Protamine sulfate should be available during the procedure for heparin reversal, but this is rarely needed.  ese patients may have impaired cardiac function and abnormal ventilation/ perfusion of the lung, requiring vigorous cardiac and pulmonary support.
ANESTHESIA Epidural or general anesthesia is favored. Airway maintenance
for increased oxygenation must be anticipated, and a secure intravenous cath­eter for medications or transfusions is essential.
POSITION  e patient is supine with the right  ank slightly elevated with a
pillow or pads under the opposite  ank.  e operative site should be at the break level of the operating table, as hyperextension may improve the opera­tive exposure. If the patient has been receiving heparin, coagulation parameters should be obtained immediately before operation to ensure that clotting is nor­mal. Both lower extremities should be wrapped  rmly with elastic bandages from ankles to groins, and electrodes should be placed to allow electrocardio­graphic monitoring.  e operative site is widely prepped and draped as usual.
INCISION AND EXPOSURE  e transperitoneal approach is used when con-
current ligation of the gonadal veins is indicated, as in pelvic thrombophlebitis; otherwise, the extraperitoneal method is preferred.  is approach is tolerated better and is performed more easily. A transverse incision is made just above the level of the umbilicus ( right rectus muscle to midway between the costal margin and the iliac crest at the level of the midaxillary line.  e incision must not be placed too low, as proper exposure of the infrarenal vena cava is di cult.
DETAILS OF PROCEDURE  e incision is extended down to the external
oblique aponeurosis, which is incised lateral to the border of the rectus muscle. If necessary, the incision is extended laterally to expose more internal oblique. If the tenth and eleventh intercostal nerves are encountered, they are retracted to avoid injury.  e internal oblique and transversus muscles are split down to the peritoneum.  e ureter is identi ed and is retracted medially with the peritoneum.  e peritoneum is freed posteriorly and medially with blunt dis­section to expose the vena cava. Care must be taken not to dissect beneath the psoas muscle, which is in a somewhat anterior position at the depth of the dis­section. If di culty in exposure because of obesity or if ascites is anticipated, the muscles should be incised and the incision extended.  e right renal vein and upper right lumbar veins are exposed ( bifurcation is a useful point of reference.
Circumferential dissection of the vena cava immediately below the renal vein but above a major lumbar vein allows passage of the ligature and the lower half of the Adams–DeWeese clip around the vessel ( should be palpated gently to determine whether there is proximal extension of the thrombus to this level. If a thrombus is found, the patient is placed in a reverse Trendelenburg position.  e vena cava is temporarily occluded above the clot, and the vein is opened through a purse-string suture.  e thrombus may then be removed before completion of the interruption. A er its place­ment, the clip is closed and its ligature is securely tied ( should be exercised to avoid tearing or avulsion of the lumbar veins and to apply the clip just below the renal vein; these ensure good collaterals should the lower vena cava become occluded.
Patients who have had multiple small emboli resulting in pulmonary hyper­tension should have ligature of the vena cava with heavy nonabsorbable sutures instead of partial occlusion with a clip.
CLOSURE A er hemostasis is ensured, the patient is returned to an un exed
position, and the incision is closed in layers as usual.
POSTOPERATIVE CARE In the event of intraoperative arrhythmia or other
overt evidence of a new pulmonary embolus, heparin should be administered soon and continued. Otherwise, heparinization is reinstituted  hours a er oper­ation.  is is indicated to control and limit extension of the distal thrombus as well as to prevent thrombosis at the site of the clip or ligation and to improve collateral  ow. Anticoagulation should continue until all pain and tenderness and most of the edema have disappeared in the lower extremities. In general, the patient will receive  to  days of in-hospital heparinization followed by several months of oral anticoagulant therapy. In the meantime, the legs should be encased in elastic bandages or elastic stockings, which may be necessary for several months.
Any necessary respiratory support and general postoperative care are main­tained as a er other major operations. Cardiac disease or complications that o en accompany thromboembolic phenomena may require special attention and management.
figure 1). It is carried from the lateral border of the
figure 2). Palpation of the aortic
figure 3).  e vena cava
figure 4). Great care
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