Arterial intimal flaps: a comparison of primary repair, aspirin, and endovascular excision in an experimental model

J Trauma. 1993 Apr;34(4):565-9; discussion 569-70.

Abstract

The optimal management for traumatic arterial intimal injuries is unresolved. Three therapeutic options were compared in an experimental model employing a standard intimal flap created in 51 canine superficial femoral arteries. Group 1 (14 arteries) underwent resection with end-to-end repair. Group 2 (19 arteries) received acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and observation only. Group 3 (21 arteries) underwent endovascular excision of the flap with angioscopic guidance. Control intimal flaps (18 arteries) were created and observed without further intervention. Patency in group 1 (primary repair) and group 2 (ASA) was 100%; the patency in both was significantly (p < 0.05) greater than in the controls, which was 67%. Patency in group 3 (endovascular excision) was 79%. Residual luminal defects were observed in only 8% of the arteries repaired primarily, but in 76% of the aspirin-treated arteries. Residual luminal defects following endovascular excision were present in 53% of the arteries remaining patent. Although resection and primary repair (group 1) provided better results than observation alone (control), addition of ASA (group 2) also sustained patency. However, a high incidence of residual intimal defects occurred, the natural history of which is unknown. While endovascular excision (group 3) may become a feasible alternative, current technology provided inferior patency with frequent residual intimal defects. These results suggest that observation alone supplemented with antiplatelet medication (ASA) may be adequate treatment, but longer follow-up is necessary for confirmation.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Angioscopy
  • Animals
  • Arteries / injuries*
  • Arteries / surgery
  • Aspirin / therapeutic use*
  • Dogs
  • Endothelium, Vascular / surgery*
  • Evaluation Studies as Topic
  • Female
  • Femoral Artery / injuries
  • Femoral Artery / surgery
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Tunica Intima / injuries*
  • Tunica Intima / surgery
  • Vascular Patency
  • Wounds and Injuries / drug therapy
  • Wounds and Injuries / surgery

Substances

  • Aspirin