Aortic injuries represent a rare but life-threatening complication of spinal surgery. Perforation of the aorta due to pedicle screw penetration or misplacement can lead to immediate bleeding with hemodynamic instability or to pseudoaneurysm development with delayed risk of rupture, which can occur weeks to months later. Recently, thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) in aortic trauma has contributed to a reduction of both mortality and morbidity. The literature on this subject is reviewed.

No abstract

Central venous thrombosis may often arise following central venous cannulation for temporary haemodialysis access. Venous thrombosis may be clinically asymptomatic due to the presence of collateral circulation. However, if an arteriovenous (AV) fistula is prepared below the obstructed venous segment, then symptoms may occur. Central venous hypertension interferes with dialysis, compromises limb function and threatens its safety. Percutaneous treatment is mostly used. However, in some cases endovascular treatment may not be as easy and long term patency uncertain. We report our experience on 3 patients on chronic hemodialysis treatment presenting with a patent AV fistula and ipsilateral subclavian vein chronic fibrotic obstruction. They were treated by ipsilateral internal jugular to distal subclavian vein transposition. Two separate surgical incisions were performed to expose the subclavian vein distally to the occlusion and the jugular vein that was distally ligated and transposed. There was no mortality nor significant postoperative complications. Resolution of hypertensive symptoms was achieved within 3-4 weeks in all patients. The AV fistula was used for dialysis treatment starting from the first postoperative day. At follow-up (mean 13 months), there was no recurrence of upper limb venous hypertension. In patients with subclavian occlusion and ipsilateral low flow, patent AV fistula, jugular to distal subclavian vein transposition may prove useful in cases when percutaneous angioplasty is technically not feasible or long term patency is not expected.