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Axillary artery thrombosis: a complication of axillo-femoral bypass grafts
Insights
Late axillary artery thrombosis can occur after axillofemoral bypass grafting due to graft-induced arterial angulation. Prompt exploration of the upper anastomosis is crucial for limb salvage.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Axillofemoral bypass grafting is a surgical procedure used to restore blood flow to the upper extremities.
- Late complications following bypass grafting require careful monitoring and management.
Observation:
- Three cases of late axillary artery thrombosis were identified after axillofemoral bypass grafting.
- In these cases, the axillary artery was angulated sharply due to being pulled down by the graft.
Findings:
- Graft-induced angulation of the axillary artery is a significant cause of late thrombosis.
- This complication can lead to severe consequences, including limb loss.
Implications:
- Early exploration of the upper anastomosis is recommended for patients experiencing symptoms of axillary artery thrombosis.
- Anticoagulation or distal thrombus removal are generally ineffective and delay necessary surgical intervention.
Abstract:
We report three cases of late axillary artery thrombosis after axillofemoral bypass grafting. In each patient the artery was found to have been pulled down by the graft and angulated sharply. This is an important complication, which resulted in the loss of a limb in one patient. It is recommended that the upper anastomosis must be explored without delay. Anticoagulation or attempts to clear the thrombus with the more distal branchial artery approach are unlikely to be successful and serve only to delay definitive management.
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