Background: Early revascularization of ischemic limbs is an important step in the management of complex extremity vascular injuries (CEVIs). We present our experience of using a temporary intravascular shunt (TIVS) in the management of patients with limb-threatening vascular injuries.
Methods: Patients who had CEVIs at our institution from January 1996 to December 2000 were treated with early insertion of a TIVS at the initial phase of operations. The TIVSs were assembled from simple intravenous and extension tubes available in the operating room. Rigid stabilization of the injured bones and/or joints, debridement of the devitalized soft tissues, saphenous vein harvest for interposition grafts, and repair of any associated venous injuries were performed while the shunts were in place. Then, the shunts were removed and the injured arteries were repaired.
Results: There were five men and two women in this series. The preoperative time ranged from 120 to 450 minutes (median, 390 minutes). All TIVSs were inserted within the initial 30 minutes of operation. The injured arteries were popliteal (five patients), common femoral (one patient), and brachial arteries (one patient). Three patients also had associated venous injuries (i.e., two popliteal veins and one common femoral vein). Six injured arteries were repaired with reversed saphenous vein grafts and one (popliteal artery) was repaired by end-to-end anastomosis. The shunt time ranged from 60 to 180 minutes (median, 120 minutes). One patient had a TIVS inserted into both injured popliteal artery and vein. The operative time ranged from 225 to 360 minutes (median, 285 minutes). No complications related to shunt insertion were observed and all limbs could be salvaged.
Conclusion: A self-constructed shunt is inexpensive, safe, and convenient to insert. Early revascularization of the injured limb with a TIVS can eliminate the adverse effects of prolonged ischemia and enables the surgeons to manage other associated injuries in an unhurried manner. We recommend early insertion of TIVSs in CEVIs.