Factors affecting the geometry variations of surgical clips in radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

Objective:To investigate the variations and related influencing factors of the volumes, positions, and morphologies of geometries formed by surgical clips in intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for whole breasts after breast-conserving surgery.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 18 patients treated with IMRT from October 2021 to September 2022 after breast-conserving surgery. Set-up errors were obtained by reading the coordinate information of tumor bed surgical clips according to the cone beam CT (CBCT) images at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 Gy sequentially. Geometries were constructed using the convex hull program, and the volumes ( Vct and V0-5) of geometries were then calculated based on the localization CT images and the six CBCT images, respectively. The centroid displacements ( D0-5) and degrees of inclusion ( DI0-5) of these geometries were compared. The t-test or rank-sum test was used to analyze the effects of radiation doses on V0-5, D0-5, and DI0-5. The Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to analyze the correlations between D0-5 and corresponding set-up errors in three-dimensional directions, and the correlations of average V0-5 variation ( AV), average D0-5 ( AD), and average DI0-5 ( ADI) with the body mass index (BMI), the volume of a breast ( VB), the breast axial height ( H), and the time interval from surgery to radiotherapy ( T) each. The influences of quadrants ( Q) where geometries are located and states ( S) of geometries adhering to or away from the chest walls on AV, AD, and ADI were analyzed through one-way ANOVA. Results:The differences between D5 and D0, between D5 and D1, and between D5 and D2 were statistically significant ( t = -3.27, -4.52, -3.38, P < 0.05), respectively. The differences between DI5 and DI0, between DI5 and DI1, between DI5 and DI2 were statistically significant ( t = 2.53, 2.70, 2.64, P < 0.05), respectively. D1 and D4 correlated with the set-up errors in the superior-inferior dimension, and D3 correlated with the set-up errors in the left-right dimension ( r = 0.50, 0.56, 0.53, P < 0.05). The AD was related to BMI, VB, and H ( r = 0.54, 0.48, 0.50, P < 0.05). There were statistically significant differences in AV and ADI of geometries away from ( S3) and near ( S2) chest walls ( F = 2.66, 3.83, P < 0.05). The AD differences of geometries between S3 and the state adhering to chest walls ( S1) and between S3 and S2 were statistically significant ( F = 7.46, P < 0.05), respectively. Conclusions:The geometries are relatively constant volumes during whole-breast radiotherapy. However, their positions and morphologies vary greatly in the late course. The volume variation ratios, centroid displacements, and degrees of inclusion of geometries are all affected by the states of their attachments to the chest walls. The centroid displacements correlate with breast morphologies and BMI. The radiotherapy plan modification can be individualized.

Comparison of breast tissue markers for tumor localization in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the visibility of breast tissue markers in cases of breast cancer on ultrasonography (US) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) and to analyze whether the type of marker affected the choice of localization method after NAC. METHODS: We included 153 tissue markers inserted within breast cancers that showed pathologically complete response (pCR) after NAC from January 2012 to April 2017. One of three types of markers (a surgical clip, Cormark, or UltraClip) was inserted. Medical records and imaging findings were retrospectively reviewed. We compared the visibility of the different types of tissue markers on US after NAC, and also compared the imaging modalities used in the preoperative localization. The chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and multiple logistic regression were used for analysis. RESULTS: Of the 153 tissue markers, 56 were surgical clips, 61 Cormark, and 36 UltraClip. After NAC, residual lesions were not seen on US in 42 cases (27.5%). In multivariate analysis, the visibility of the surgical clips and Cormark markers was better than that of the UltraClip markers (odds ratio [OR], 5.467; 95% confidence interal [CI], 1.717 to 17.410; P=0.004 and OR, 3.045; 95% CI, 1.074 to 8.628; P=0.036, respectively). Among the 131 cases where localization targeting the marker was required, the proportion of US-guided localizations was significantly higher when a surgical clip was used than when an UltraClip marker was used (OR, 5.566; 95% CI, 1.610 to 19.246; P=0.007) in the multivariate analysis. CONCLUSION: The type of breast tissue marker affected its visibility on US in cases with pCR after NAC, which in turn affected the localization methodology.

Aneurysmal Neck Clipping as the Primary Treatment Option for Both Ruptured and Unruptured Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: Although middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms are less amenable to coil embolization, an increasing number of studies support favorable endovascular treatment for them. The purpose of this study is to compare the outcomes of two different treatments (surgery versus coiling) and evaluate the benefits of surgical clipping for MCA aneurysms. METHODS: Here we retrospectively analyzed the outcomes of 178 ruptured and unruptured MCA aneurysms treated in patients between September 2008 and April 2012. Parameters assessing treatment outcomes include degree of aneurysm occlusion, presence of regrowth, clinical status, and complications. RESULTS: Among 178 MCA aneurysms, 153 were treated surgically. After a mean follow-up of 12 months, the surgery group showed a clinically significant complete occlusion rate (98%) compared with the coiling group (56%) (p<0.001). Follow-up radiologic evaluation showed a higher regrowth rate (four of 16 cases) in the coiling group than in the surgery group (one of 49 cases) (p=0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in favorable clinical outcome rate between the two groups. The procedure-related permanent morbidity and mortality rates were 2% (three of 153 cases) in the surgery group and 0% (0 of 25 cases) in the coiling group. CONCLUSION: Compared to endovascular treatment, surgical neck clipping for both ruptured and unruptured MCA aneurysms results in a significantly higher complete obliteration rate and less regrowth. Therefore, even in this endovascular era, we still recommend surgical clipping as the primary treatment option for MCA aneurysms rather than coil embolization.

Incomplete Clipping Resulting from Scissoring of the Clip Blades during Treatment of a Large Atheromatous Aneurysm

The cerebral aneurysm 'clip scissoring' phenomenon resulting from clip blade twisting is an unpredictable surgical complication. Additionally, incomplete clipping resulting from the presence of an atherosclerotic wall in the neck of the aneurysm can also cause unforeseen problems. Here, the authors present an unusual case of incomplete clipping of a large, atheromatous aneurysm resulting from clip scissoring, which was treated with additional endovascular coiling.

Multiple visceral artery aneurysms managed by Yasargil aneurysm clips

Here, we present the case of a 37-year-old woman with multiple visceral artery aneurysms in the pancreaticoduodenal, inferior pancreatic and splenic arteries associated with celiac trunk stenosis. An aneurysmectomy and end-to-end anastomosis was performed for two adjacent aneurysms, while clipping with intracranial aneurysm clips were performed for the other three aneurysms. During 36-month follow-up, no recurrence or newly developed lesions were noted, and the celiac artery had been reconstituted spontaneously. We believe that using intracranial aneurysm clips in the treatment of visceral artery aneurysms is feasible and safe and can be considered when endovascular procedures are unlikely to be successful.

Surgical Treatment of Unruptured Intracranial Middle Cerebral Artery Aneurysms: Angiographic and Clinical Outcomes in 143 Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the outcomes of surgical clipping in patients with unruptured middle cerebral artery (MCA) aneurysms. METHODS: A retrospective single-center database of 125 consecutive patients with 143 small MCA aneurysms (< 10 mm) who underwent surgical clipping was reviewed from January 2007 to December 2010. Clinical outcomes were assessed based on surgery-related complications and follow-up (mean: 17 months) using the modified Rankin scale (mRS). Angiographic outcomes were evaluated by conventional angiography (N = 96) or computed tomography angiography (N = 29) at postoperative weeks 1 and 6. RESULTS: There were no cases of mortality. There were three surgery-related complications (intracranial hemorrhage, meningitis and wound infection, respectively). The hemorrhagic event caused transient neurological deficits. All patients showed good clinical outcomes during follow-up (mRS 0-1). There was angiographic evidence of complete occlusion in 137 aneurysms (95.8%), a small residual neck in three aneurysms (2.2%) and partial for three aneurysms. In the three cases with partial clipping, the decision was made preoperatively to leave the residual sac to maintain distal flow, and muscular wrapping was performed. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that surgical clipping of unruptured small MCA aneurysms yields favorable clinical and angiographic outcomes. Aneurysmal clipping can be safely recommended for patients with small unruptured MCA aneurysms.

Comparison of Endo-GIA Stapler and Hem-o-lok Clip for the Vascular Control during Laparoscopic Nephrectomy / 대한비뇨기과학회지

PURPOSE: Vascular control is an important step during a laparoscopic nephrectomy. The application of an endovascular gastrointestinal anastomosis (endo-GIA) stapler has become a standard method for control of the renal vein during a laparoscopic nephrectomy. However, the device is expensive, and malfunctions resulting in significant complications have been reported. Recently, another stapling device (Hem-o-lok clip) has been developed and used for the management of the renal hilum during a laparoscopic nephrectomy. Herein, the uses of an endo-GIA stapler and Hem-o-lok clip were compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between August 2002 and April 2006, 288 laparoscopic nephrectomies (68 simple, 115 radical, 70 live donor nephrectomies, 35 nephroureterectomies) were performed via transperitoneal (n= 211), retroperitoneal (n=11) or hand-assisted (n=66) approaches. All patients were evaluated by detailed history taking, physical examination and laboratory investigations. Renal vein control was achieved solely using either an endo-GIA stapler (n=146) or Hem-o-lok clip (n=142), and renal artery control was obtained using Hem-o-lok clips alone or in combination with metal clips. The technical difficulty in obtaining vascular control, and the safety, cost, transfusion requirement and clinical outcomes were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no statistically differences in the mean operation times and hospitalization stays between the two groups. No perioperative or postoperative complications occurred in the Hem-o-lok group. In contrast, two cases of inferior vena caval injury requiring open conversion, and one of postoperative rebleeding resulting in a reoperation, occurred in the endo-GIA group. Postoperative transfusions were required 17 and 7 cases in the endo-GIA and Hem-o-lok groups, respectively. CONCLISIONS: The Hem-o-lok technique is easy, safe and cost-effective compared to the endo-GIA stapler for vascular control during a laparoscopic nephrectomy.

Migração de clipe metálico para úlcera duodenal após colecistectomia videolaparoscópica / Ligaclip migration into a duodenal ulcer following laparoscopic cholecystectomy

We report a rare cause of pyloric stenosis caused by migration of surgical clips into a duodenal ulcer following laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Even after endoscopic removal of the clips the inflammatory reaction during the healing process caused a stenosis of the pylorus that eventually required a truncal vagotomy and gastroenterostomy.