Annals of vascular surgery
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The short-term effectiveness and safety placement of superior vena cava (SVC) filter in the treatment of upper extremity deep venous thrombosis in patients with contraindication to anticoagulation have been well documented. However, as opposed to the numerous reported experiences with inferior vena cava filter placement and its complications, there has been no documented long-term follow-up on SVC filter placement. We, therefore, reviewed our experience with SVC filter placement. ⋯ SVC filter placement is associated with a low incidence of complications with long-term follow-up. These data help to reaffirm the safety and effectiveness of SVC filter placement. However, SVC perforation in young males remains a significant issue.
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We assessed the long-term clinical outcome of 33 patients treated for arterial trauma of the upper extremity at the Regensburg University Medical Center between 1996 and 2004. Along with clinical parameters, the Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score and the Short Form-36 Health Survey (SF-36) score of each patient were collected at the time of follow-up. Findings of the clinical assessment were compared to results obtained with the DASH score and the SF-36 questionnaire. ⋯ Both the DASH and the SF-36 scores correlated with the clinical assessment of the severity of functional deficits. Upper extremity vascular trauma is almost always associated with severe concomitant orthopedic and/or neural injuries. The involvement of the brachial plexus and the peripheral nerves of the upper extremity is a predictor of worse long-term functional outcome.