Compartment-syndrome of the lower extremity after CABG

F A van den Wildenberg1, P F Houben, J G Maessen

  • 1Department of Surgery, University Hospital Maastricht, The Netherlands.

Insights

Compartment syndrome in the lower extremity can occur after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). This report details three cases, discussing contributing factors and diagnostic and treatment guidelines for this rare complication.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Critical Care Medicine

Background:

  • Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting (CABG) is a common surgical procedure.
  • Compartment syndrome is a serious condition characterized by increased pressure within a muscle compartment.
  • Lower extremity complications after CABG are infrequent but can be severe.

Observation:

  • Three cases of lower extremity compartment syndrome following CABG are presented.
  • The donor leg, often used for saphenous vein harvesting, is the affected site.
  • Patients presented with symptoms indicative of acute compartment syndrome.

Findings:

  • Specific factors contributing to compartment syndrome in the donor leg post-CABG were identified.
  • These factors may include fluid shifts, prolonged immobility, and surgical technique.
  • Early diagnosis is crucial for limb salvage.

Implications:

  • Highlights a rare but significant complication associated with CABG.
  • Provides essential guidelines for the diagnosis and management of lower extremity compartment syndrome in this context.
  • Emphasizes the need for vigilance among surgical and critical care teams managing post-CABG patients.

Related Concept Videos

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation01:27

Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation

Palpation involves feeling the body to evaluate texture, size, consistency, and tenderness for assessing cardiovascular health. The following steps are organized in a head-to-toe order:
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care01:27

Peripheral Artery Disease III: Interprofessional Care

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is characterized by narrowed arteries that diminish blood flow to the extremities. Effective management of PAD requires an interprofessional approach involving various healthcare professionals. The critical aspects of interprofessional care for PAD patients focus on risk factor modification, drug therapy, exercise therapy, nutrition therapy, critical limb ischemia care, and interventional radiology and surgical procedures.The primary treatment goal for PAD...
Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management01:26

Peripheral Artery Disease IV: Nursing Management

The nursing management of a patient with peripheral artery disease (PAD) begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s health history and clinical manifestations.AssessmentHealth History: Evaluate the patient’s history of hypertension, hyperlipidemia, family history of cardiovascular issues, and lifestyle factors such as dietary patterns, smoking, and physical activity.Physical Examination:Assess the affected extremity for decreased or absent peripheral pulses, temperature changes,...
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management01:23

Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management

During the postoperative period, it is crucial to focus on maintaining circulation, identifying and managing potential complications, and planning for discharge.Nursing AssessmentVital signs monitoring: Regularly monitor vital signs, including blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, and temperature, to detect early signs of complications such as bleeding and infection.Circulation assessment: Monitor pulses, perform Doppler assessments, and check capillary refill, color, temperature, and...