Lymphatic Injury Visualization in Vascular Surgery

Gaining arterial access in the groin is a very common surgical procedure for vascular surgeons. To reach the femoral artery, invisible lymphatic vessels are often harmed and in turn lymphatic injuries are created. Due to their transparent color and small size, these injuries remain unseen during surgery and are therefore untreated. These small lymphatic injuries can lead to wound complications including lymphoceles, lymphatic fistulas and surgical site infections (SSI) that are associated with higher morbidity and prolonged hospital stay, even mandating re-interventions in some cases. The investigators hope to reduce wound complication rates by visualizing and directly treating these lymphatic injuries. To be able to detect the injuries, PatentBlau V (E131) will be applied, a blue dye with Swissmedic approval for visualization of lymphatic vessels. Sex differences will be noted and analyzed, gender as a dimension is not relevant.