title: New Surgical Drapes for Observation of the Lower Extremities during Abdominal Aortic Repair.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  For the early diagnosis and therapy of peripheral thromboembolism (TE) as a complication of abdominal aortic repair (AAR), we developed and evaluated the usefulness of surgical drapes that permit observation of the lower extremities during AAR.
  
  
  METHODS
  Between January 2007 and June 2009, the handling, durability, and usefulness of new surgical drapes were evaluated during AAR in 157 patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms and 9 patients with peripheral arterial disease. The drapes are manufactured by Hogy Medical Co. Ltd. and made of a water-repellent, spun lace, non-woven fabric, including a transparent polyethylene film that covers the patients' legs. This transparent film enables inspection and palpation of the lower extremities during surgery for early diagnosis and therapy of peripheral TE.
  
  
  RESULTS
  As a peripheral complication, 1 patient had right lower extremity TE. This was diagnosed immediately after anastomosis, thrombectomy was performed, and the remaining clinical course was uneventful. In all patients, the drapes permitted observation of the lower extremities , and the dorsal arteries were palpable. There were no problems with durability.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  New surgical drapes permit observation of the lower extremities during AAR for early diagnosis and treatment of peripheral TE.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vascular Surgery, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
authors.forename: Yukio
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Obitsu
authors.forename: Hiroshi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Shigematsu
authors.forename: Kazuhiro
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Satou
authors.forename: Yoshiko
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.forename: Naozumi
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Saiki
authors.forename: Nobusato
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Koizumii
keywords: abdominal aortic aneurysms; peripheral artery disease; surgical drapes
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