Effectiveness of a Biological Prosthesis in the Treatment of Traumatic Femoral Artery Injuries

Abstract

HighlightsThe prevalence of vascular injuries during military engagements can reach 20%. In the thigh, vascular injuries are the second most frequent type of injury. Vascular replacement using a graft is required in case of a femoral artery injury with length of more than 10 cm. If autologous blood vessels are not available for replacement, specialists resort to using a synthetic prosthesis. Selection of an appropriate prosthesis remains a priority for vascular surgeons. Aim. To evaluate the outcome of vascular replacement using a biological prosthesis derived from bovine internal thoracic arteries for the treatment of femoral artery injuries.Material and methods. The study involved 30 patients with femoral artery injuries. The analysis focused on the indicators of comprehensive examination and treatment of these patients, who were divided into 2 statistically homogeneous groups of 15 people each. In the first group, a biological prosthesis derived from bovine internal thoracic artery was used to replace the artery, and in the second group, a large subcutaneous vein was used. The results of treatment were evaluated by the number of postoperative complications, the durability of grafts and the quality of life of patients.Results. There were no fatal cases. In the first group, 6 (40%) patients suffered postoperative complications, and in the second group – in 5 (33.3%) patients. After 5 years, 12 (80%) grafts remained functioning in the first group, and 13 (86.7%) grafts in the second group. The physical component of the health of patients in the first group was equal to 60.6 ± 3.2, in the second group – 62.5 ± 3.4, and the psychological component of health 58.7 ± 2.8, and 59.5 ± 3.1, respectively. There was no statistical reliability between the indicators of the groups (p > 0.05).Conclusion. Biological prosthesis derived from bovine internal thoracic arteries for the treatment of femoral artery injuries is quite effective.