Clinical evaluation of bare metal stent-assisted endovascular repair in upper extremity arterial trauma.

BACKGROUND: Limb arterial trauma is a common yet clinically challenging condition often encountered in trauma surgery emergencies. Early accurate diagnosis and effective repair are crucial for patient survival and functional recovery. AIM: To report a brand new technique to promote the recovery of limb arterial trauma. METHODS: This study retrospectively analyzed data from patients treated for limb arterial trauma at our hospital between 2014 and 2023. A total of 79 patients met the inclusion criteria, including 56 males and 23 females, with an average age of 45 years. All patients underwent surgical repair methods like bare metal support arterial reconstruction. Follow-up evaluations were conducted for at least 36 months postoperatively, documenting surgical outcomes and complications. RESULTS: Building upon the "end-to-end anastomosis" technique, establishing a "working track" for the two severed ends of the vessel provides crucial technical support for subsequent intravascular stent alignment. Simultaneously, the implantation of bare metal stents (BMS) not only enhances the strength of the connection between severed arteries but also reduces the stent lumen's effective diameter by overlapping, thereby minimizing opportunities for intra-stent blood flow attachment and lowering stent thrombosis formation. This approach maximizes the preservation of arterial supply to organs and essential vascular branches, utilizing intravascular intervention techniques to restore the original anatomical stat. The study revealed that patients with BMS graft achieved more successful limb function recovery postoperatively, compared with patients receiving another surgery. CONCLUSION: Bare metal stent support arterial reconstruction could significantly improve upper limb arterial trauma to improve patient quality of life.