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Extraanatomic lateral reconstruction to the popliteal vessels
P Stierli1, R Rosenthal, F Hefti
1Centre of Vascular Surgery, Aarau, Switzerland. peter.stierli@ksa.ch
Summary
This study presents a lateral approach for popliteal artery reconstruction in thigh soft tissue sarcoma patients. The technique achieved 100% arterial graft patency, offering a viable solution for complex vascular repairs.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Surgical Oncology
- Reconstructive Surgery
Background:
- Soft tissue sarcomas in the thigh often necessitate resection of major vessels, including the popliteal artery.
- Vascular reconstruction is crucial to maintain limb viability after tumor removal.
Observation:
- This case series describes an extraanatomic lateral approach for popliteal artery and femoral vein reconstruction.
- Vessel reconstruction preceded tumor resection to prevent limb ischemia.
Findings:
- Contralateral saphenous vein grafts were used for all arterial reconstructions, achieving 100% primary patency at 1-7 years.
- Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) grafts were used for femoral vein reconstruction in two patients.
- Complications included lymphatic collection and deep wound infection; venous graft patency was 0%.
Implications:
- The lateral extraanatomic approach is an effective strategy for challenging vascular reconstructions in the thigh.
- This method is suitable for post-soft tissue sarcoma resection or debridement of deep vascular infections.
- Successful arterial reconstruction ensures long-term limb salvage in oncologic cases.