Vascular Surgery Flashcards
What CXR findings would you expect to see for an aortic dissection?
Widened mediastinum
What findings would you expect to see in a CT angiogram for aortic dissection?
False lumen
List the indications for a limb amputation
- Severe infection.
- Gangrene (from PAD).
- Serious trauma.
- Deformed limb with limited function.
- Complications from diabetes.
Describe the process of a limb amputation
- Removal of section of limb.
Then, EITHER:
- Shorten and smooth the bone in your remaining limb so that it’s covered by enough soft tissue and muscle.
- Stitch the remaining muscle to the bones to strengthen the remaining limb (myodesis).
List the possible complications of limb amputation
- Heart complications.
- DVT.
- Slow wound healing and infection.
- Pneumonia.
- Phantom limb pain.
Discuss rehabilitation for patients following limb amputation
Physiotherapy.
Occupation therapy.
Describe function of valves in veins
Valves allow blood flow in one direction towards the heart. Leg muscles contract to squeeze blood upwards against gravity.
List some complications of varicose veins
- Prolonged and heavy bleeding after trauma.
- Superficial thrombophlebitis (thrombosis and inflammation in the superficial veins).
- Deep vein thrombosis.
- All the issues of chronic venous insufficiency (e.g., skin changes and ulcers).
Describe the features of a DVT
Unilateral symptoms:
- Calf or leg swelling.
- Dilated superficial veins.
- Tenderness to the calf (particularly over the site of the deep veins).
- Oedema.
- Colour changes to the leg e.g. redness.
How much is a significant difference in calf circumference between legs in a suspected DVT?
> 3cm
How would you diagnose a DVT?
- Doppler ultrasound of the leg.
- NICE recommends repeating negative ultrasound scans after 6-8 days if a positive D-dimer and the Wells score suggest a DVT is likely.
Describe the management of a DVT
- DOAC (apixaban or rivaroxaban) first line.
- Catheter-directed thrombolysis in patients with a symptomatic iliofemoral DVT and symptoms lasting less than 14 days.
- Long-term anticoagulation: DOAC, warfarin (target INR 2-3, first line in antiphospholipid syndrome), or LMWH (first line in pregnancy).
Name an intervention that can be used for patients with recurrent PEs or those unsuitable for anticoagulation
Inferior vena cava filter to filter any blood clots travelling from venous system towards heart and lungs.
What would you be investigating for in an unprovoked DVT/PE?
- Cancer.
- Antiphospholipid syndrome - check antiphospholipid Abs (after anticoagulation).
- Hereditary thrombophilias (only if they have a first-degree relative also affected by a DVT or PE, and after anticoagulation).
Define lymphoedema
A chronic condition caused by impaired lymphatic drainage, resulting in areas of the body being swollen with excess, protein-rich fluid.