Objective A prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted to study the effectiveness and safety of intravenous different doses tranexamic acid (TXA) in single-level unilateral minimally invasive transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (MIS-TLIF). Methods The patients treated with single-level unilateral MIS-TLIF between September 2019 and October 2020 were enrolled and randomly classified into low-dose TXA (LD) group (n=39), high-dose TXA (HD) group (n=39), and placebo-controlled (PC) group (n=38). The LD, HD, and PC groups received intravenous TXA 20 mg/kg, TXA 50 mg/kg, the same volume of normal saline at 30 minute before skin incision after general anesthesia, respectively. There was no significant difference on baseline characteristics and preoperative laboratory results among 3 groups (P>0.05), including age, gender, body mass index, surgical segments, hematocrit (HCT), hemoglobin (HGB), prothrombin time (PT), international normalized ratio (INR), D-dimer, fibrin degradation products (FDP), activated partial prothromboplastin time (APTT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine (Cr), urea. The intraoperative blood loss (IBL), postoperative drainage volume, operation time, total blood loss (TBL), hidden blood loss (HBL), blood transfusion, hematological examination indexes on the first day after operation, and the incidence of complications within 1 month were compared among the 3 groups. Results There were 3, 2, and 4 patients in the LD, HD, and PC groups who underwent autologous blood transfusion, respectively, and there was no allogeneic blood transfusion patients in the 3 groups. There was no significant difference in IBL, postoperative drainage volume, and operation time between groups (P>0.05). The TBL, HBL, and the decreased value of HGB in LD and HD groups were significantly lower than those in PC group (P<0.05), and TBL and HBL in HD group were significantly lower than those in LD group (P<0.05); the decreased value of HGB between LD group and HD group showed no significant difference (P>0.05). On the first day after operation, D-dimer in LD and HD groups were significantly lower than that in PC group (P<0.05); there was no significant difference between LD and HD groups (P>0.05). There was no significant difference in other hematological indexes between groups (P>0.05). All patients were followed up 1 month, and there was no TXA-related complication such as deep venous thrombosis of lower extremity, pulmonary embolism, and epilepsy in the 3 groups. ConclusionIntravenous administration of TXA in single-level unilateral MIS-TLIF is effective and safe in reducing postoperative TBL and HBL within 1 day in a dose-dependent manner. Also, TXA can reduce postoperative fibrinolysis markers and do not increase the risk of thrombotic events, including deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
ObjectiveTo summarize the research progress of tibial transverse transport (TTT) in treatment of chronic ischemic diseases of the lower extremities.MethodsThe related literature was systematically searched and the mechanisms, clinical treatment methods, clinical efficacy, indications, contraindications, and complications of TTT were discussed.ResultsBased on the law of tension-stress, TTT is a new method in the treatment of chronic ischemic diseases of the lower extremities. It can relieve the ischemic symptoms, promote the wound healing, and increase the limb salvage rate. The clinical application in recent years has shown good effectiveness, and the scope of application is expanding.ConclusionDue to the current limited clinical application, the sample size of the TTT for the chronic ischemic diseases of the lower extremities is relatively small, and the follow-up time is limited. So its validity, long-term effectiveness, and bone transport standards are need further research.
ObjectiveThis study was aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of mechanical thrombectomy using the AngioJet System for the treatment of lower extremity acute arterial embolism and thrombosis.MethodsThe clinical data of 20 patients with acute lower extremity arterial embolism and thrombosis admitted to the Department of Vascular Surgery in the People’s Hospital in Gansu Province where the author worked from September 2016 to March 2017, were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were treated with the AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy system. Clinical data of the patients were retrospectively collected. The clinical efficacy of AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy wasanalyzed.ResultsEighteen (90.0%) of the 20 patients successfully completed the mechanical thrombectomy by using the AngioJet System. The mean time for hospital stay and operation was (4.2±1.4) d and (1.3±0.4) h, respectively. The average doses of urokinase and heparin during operation were (35.80±12.30) ×104 U and (45.10±8.30) mg, respectively. Two patients received a complementary treatment of incision for removing the thrombus. Two patients received catheter-directed thrombolysis after the mechanical thrombectomy, 5 patients received bare-metal stent implantation after balloon expansion. Clinical success was in 16 cases. According to the Cooley standard, 10 patients were in excellent condition,6 in good condition, 2 in fair condition, and 2 in poor condition. There were 2 cases of distal arterial embolization,2 cases of antecardial discomfort of bradycardia, and 4 cases of bleeding at the puncture point, but no serious bleeding complications such as gastrointestinal and intracranial hemorrhage occurred. A total of 16 patients presented myoglobinuria during and after operation. All patients were followed up for 6–12 months. The results of ultrasound examination showed that the artery was patency in 15 cases. One patient died of myocardial infarction in 9 months after surgery,2 patients developed lower extremity ischemia symptoms again after surgery, and 2 patients had lower extremity ulcer caused by lower extremity ischemia symptoms. During the follow-up period, no lower limb necrosis, amputation, and death occurred in the remaining patients.ConclusionsThe AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy system is safe and effective. Combined with the use of catheter-directed thrombolysis and stent implantation, the AngioJet mechanical thrombectomy could lead to quick recovery of the perfusion of the lower extremity and improve the limb salvage rates, exhibiting excellent clinical value.
The diagnostic and therapeutic paradigm for lower extremity arteriosclerosis obliterans (ASO) is undergoing a fundamental shift from conventional morphology-based assessment toward functional evaluation and predictive medicine. Numerical simulation techniques that integrate computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and finite element analysis (FEA), grounded in patient-specific imaging data, have emerged as a central driving force of this transformation. This review systematically elucidates how these approaches enable the construction of vascular “digital twins” to achieve precise quantification of the hemodynamic environment associated with ASO lesions, virtual monitoring of disease progression, and preoperative optimization of therapeutic strategies. Particular emphasis is placed on the critical role of numerical simulation in supporting clinical decision-making, such as evaluating the necessity of interventional treatment and predicting the mechanical responses of endovascular devices. Furthermore, the potential, current challenges, and future directions of numerical simulation in advancing personalized and precision management of ASO are comprehensively discussed.
Objective To explore the feasibility and effectiveness of perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique in repair of soft tissue defect of distal lower extremity. Methods Between July 2015 and July 2021, 10 patients with soft tissue defect of distal lower extremity were treated with perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique. There were 8 males and 2 females, with a median age of 47 years (range, 6-71 years). The etiologies included malignant tumor in 5 cases, trauma in 3 cases, postburn scar contracture in 1 case, and diabetic foot ulcer in 1 case. The defects were located at the pretibial area in 1 case, the distal lower extremity and Achilles tendon in 3 cases, the dorsum of foot and lateral malleolar area in 4 cases, the heel in 1 case, and the plantar foot in 1 case. The size of the defect ranged from 5 cm×3 cm to 8 cm×8 cm. Peroneal artery perforator propellor flaps (the 1st flap) in size of 14 cm×4 cm to 29 cm×8 cm were used to repair the defects of distal lower extremity. The donor site defects were repaired with the other perforator propeller flaps (the 2nd flap) in size of 7 cm×3 cm to 19 cm×7 cm. The donor site of the 2nd flap was directly closed. ResultsAll the operations were successfully completed and all of the 2nd flaps were elevated within 1 hour. Eight the 1st flaps survived completely; 2 had venous congestion. Among the 2 patients with venous congestion, 1 had necrosis of the distal end of the flap, and the secondary wound was repaired by skin grafting; 1 recovered spontaneously after 7 days. The 2nd flaps totally survived. No complication such as hematoma or infection occurred. Primary closure was achieved in all the recipient and donor sites. All patients were followed up 2-39 months, with a median of 15.5 months. The color, texture, and thickness of the flaps matched well with those of recipient sites. The normal contour of the leg was preserved. During follow-up, no recurrence of malignance or ulcer was observed. The scar contracture was completely released. All patients were satisfied with the reconstructive outcomes. Conclusion The application of the perforator propeller flap sequential transfer technique can improve the repair ability of the lower extremity perforator propeller flap while ensuring the first-stage closure of the donor site, thereby improving the effectiveness.
ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility of the anterolateral thigh free flap with the oblique branch in reconstructing the soft tissue defects of lower extremity. MethodsBetween June 2009 and February 2013,12 patients (including 7 males and 5 females) with soft tissue defects of lower extremity were treated with the anterolateral thigh free flap with the oblique branch,aged from 8 to 42 years (median,32 years).The locations of soft tissue defect were the dorsum of the foot in 5 cases,the ankle and foot in 4 cases,the lower leg in 2 cases,and the distal foot in 1 case.All defects were associated with exposure of tendon and bone.The size of the wound was from 15 cm×7 cm to 27 cm×12 cm.The interval of injury and operation was 1 to 7 days (mean,3.7 days).The anterolateral thigh flap was pedicled with only the oblique branch in 7 patients,and with the both descending branch and oblique branch in 5 patients,and the size of flap was from 17 cm×9 cm to 30 cm×15 cm.The donor sites were repaired by suture in 3 patients,and by skin graft in 9 patients. ResultsDistal skin flap necrosis occurred in 1 case,and was cured after dressing change and skin graft.The other flaps survived,and the donor site healed primarily.The follow-up time was from 10 months to 2 years (mean,18 months).Thinning operation was performed in 3 cases,and the other flaps recovered pain and warm sensation with good appearance. ConclusionIt is a safe and effective method to reconstruct soft tissue defects of the lower extremity with the anterolateral thigh flap pedicled with the oblique branch.
This review systematically elaborates on the application of innovative devices and combined techniques for the endovascular treatment of lower extremity arterial calcified lesions, focusing on their use tailored to the depth of calcification. It details the technical principles and current application status of four atherectomy techniques (directional, rotational, orbital, and laser) targeted at intimal calcification. Furthermore, it provides an in-depth discussion on the mechanism of action and clinical evidence for intravascular lithotripsy (IVL) as a transformative technology capable of addressing deep medial layer calcification. The review also highlights the advances and value of combining intravascular imaging techniques, such as optical coherence tomography, with atherectomy for precision therapy. It shows that the application of these various innovative devices and combined techniques provides effective treatment options for lower extremity arterial calcified lesions. However, future research should focus on personalized treatment strategy selection, optimization of IVL technology, and long-term efficacy validation of new devices.
Lower extremity atherosclerotic disease (LEAD) is one of the serious chronic diseases globally. In recent years, medical advancements have led to significant progress in LEAD treatment, yet certain challenges remain. Within the diagnostic and therapeutic process for LEAD, a shift from the traditional open surgical model to an endovascular treatment approach has yielded marked success. However, it is necessary to guard against an oversimplified diagnostic and therapeutic mindset. Personalized diagnosis and treatment should be administered based on the patient’s condition and the nature of the lesions. In real-world practice, there is often a disproportionate emphasis on revascularization procedures, overlooking comprehensive assessment and holistic management. Consequently, a recent trend has emerged, shifting the focus from mere revascularization to integrated, full-process management. This paper provides a comprehensive exposition on preoperative diagnosis and holistic assessment, the rational selection of primary treatment methods and surgical techniques, and the optimization of treatment strategies across the full life cycle, while underscoring the importance of whole-process management. It further explores the implications of this transition and its potential for future development.
ObjectiveTo study the effectiveness of Keystone flap in the repair of soft tissue defect of lower extremity.MethodsThe clinical data of 27 cases with soft tissue defects of lower extremity treated by Keystone flap between January 2018 and June 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 18 males and 9 females, with an average age of 43.9 years (range, 8-63 years). The cause of soft tissue defects included skin tumor in 3 cases, ulcer in 2 cases, soft-tissue infection in 8 cases, trauma in 7 cases, and donor site defect after free or pedicled flap transplantation in 7 cases. Defect size ranged from 2.0 cm×1.5 cm to 15.0 cm×9.5 cm. The types of Keystone flaps included type Ⅰ in 2 cases, type Ⅱa in 16 cases, type Ⅱb in 1 case, type Ⅲ in 6 cases, and Moncrieff modified type in 2 cases. The area of flap ranged from 3.0 cm×1.5 cm to 20.0 cm×10.0 cm. The donor site was directly sutured (26 cases) or repaired with skin grafting (1 case).ResultsThe operation time was 45-100 minutes, with an average of 67.5 minutes; the hospitalization stay was 3-12 days, with an average of 8.5 days. Postoperative incision dehiscence occurred in 1 case, and flap marginal necrosis occurred in 2 cases, all of which were completely healed after dressing change; 1 case of incision was swollen and congested with tension blisters, which resolved spontaneously at 7 days after operation. The other flaps and the skin grafting survived and healed successfully, the wounds of recipient and donor sites healed by first intention. The healing time was 2-3 weeks (mean, 2.2 weeks). No pain occurred in all patients. All 27 cases were followed up 3-26 months (mean, 11.5 months). No obvious scar contracture and bloated skin flap were found. The texture and color of the skin in the recipient area were similar to those of the surrounding tissues and feel existed.ConclusionThe Keystone flap is a feasible and efficient way to repair soft tissue defect of lower extremity. Furthermore, the skin color and texture is similar to the surrounding tissue after healing.
ObjectiveTo investigate the relationship between the nucleotide binding oligomerization domain like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and inflammatory reaction of venous ulcer of lower extremity.MethodsTwenty-four patients with active venous ulcer of lower extremity (active ulcer group), 24 patients with non exudative venous ulcer of lower extremity as positive control (non-active ulcer group), and 24 patients with traumatic wound as negative control (traumatic-wound group) were enrolled. The clinical data of the three groups were compared, the tissue samples around the wound were harvested, and the expressions of NLRP3 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry among the three groups. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect the IL-1β and IL-18 protein levels, RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions of apoptosis associated speck like protein containing CARD (ASC), caspase-1, c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, nuclear factor (NF)-κB p65 and NF-κB inhibitor alpha (NF-κB IkBα), and Western blotting was performed to evaluate the level of NLRP3 inflammasome in wound tissues.ResultsThe inflammatory response in the non-active ulcer group and trauma-wound group were milder than that in the active ulcer group. The levels of IL-1β and IL-18 proteins in the active ulcer group were higher than those in the non-active ulcer group and the traumatic-wound group [IL-1β: (146.621±11.597) ng/L vs. (80.967±14.213) ng/L vs. (84.962±19.484) ng/L, F=136.200, P<0.001; IL-18: (119.814±12.788) ng/L vs. (72.899±17.220) ng/L vs. (48.131±10.407) ng/L, F=167.910, P<0.001]. The results of RT-PCR showed that the mRNA expressions of ASC [(0.030±0.012) ng/L vs. (0.021±0.005) ng/L vs. (0.016±0.004) ng/L, F=18.106, P<0.001], caspase-1 [(0.054±0.012) ng/L vs. (0.013±0.009) ng/L vs. (0.018±0.006) ng/L, F=130.372, P<0.001], NF-κB p65 [(0.093±0.015) ng/L vs. (0.038±0.013) ng/L vs. (0.043±0.014) ng/L, F=110.950, P<0.001], NF-κB IkB-α [(0.085±0.015) ng/L vs. (0.078±0.015) ng/L vs. (0.041±0.016) ng/L, F=53.070, P<0.001], and JNK [(0.075±0.018) ng/L vs. (0.042±0.013) ng/L vs. (0.039±0.014) ng/L, F=41.271, P<0.001] in the wound tissues of the active ulcer group were higher than those in the non-active ulcer group and the traumatic-wound group. And the mRNA expression of p38 in the wound tissues of the active ulcer group was lower than that in the non-active ulcer group [(0.050±0.008) ng/L vs. (0.064±0.014) ng/L, P<0.05]. The result of Western blotting showed that the relative expression level of NLRP3 protein in the wound tissues of the active ulcer group was higher than that in the trauma-wound group and non-active ulcer group (0.767±0.272 vs. 0.605±0.212 vs. 0.556±0.183, F=4.804, P=0.012).ConclusionNLRP3 inflammasome is closely related to the wound in venous ulcer of lower extremity and provides a new target to the therapy of venous ulcer of lower extremity.