Minimally invasive surgery for esophagogastric junction cancer with Leriche's syndrome-induced ischemic enteritis in the rectum: A case report.

The incidence of esophagogastric junction cancer has been increasing, leading to growing interest in surgical treatment. Leriche syndrome, characterized by occlusion limited to the infrarenal aorta, has not been reported to be associated with ischemic enteritis, and there are no previous reports on the surgical approaches for esophagogastric junction cancer in this disease.We describe the case of a male patient in his fifties with lower abdominal pain and melena who was diagnosed with esophagogastric junction cancer, Leriche syndrome, and ischemic enteritis. Contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) showed a hemorrhage from the cancer, occlusion of the abdominal aorta beyond the renal artery branches, and rectal contrast deficiency. Three-dimensional (3D)-CT angiography revealed occlusion from the lumbar artery bifurcation to the distal portions of both common iliac arteries plus numerous collateral pathways, indicating a precarious rectal blood supply. Based on 3D-CT angiography, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) using laparoscopy and thoracoscopy for esophagogastric junction cancer was performed after whole-body control. The patient was discharged without any postoperative complications.Esophagogastric junction cancer with Leriche syndrome can be complicated by ischemic enteritis due to tumor bleeding and fragile collateral pathways. MIS using laparoscopy and thoracoscopy guided by 3D-CT angiography can be safely performed for this disease.

Impact of System-F in Delivering Vascular Plugs for Aortic Side Branch Embolization During Endovascular Aneurysm Repair.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to illustrate the utility of our original system to deliver vascular plugs into aortic side branches during endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). TECHNIQUE: Our device, which we named "System-F," consists of a 14 Fr sheath, a 12 Fr long sheath with a side hole, a stiff guidewire as a shaft, and a parallelly-inserted delivery catheter navigated through the side hole into the aneurysm sac. Vertical motion and horizontal rotation of the side hole allow multidimensional movement of the delivery catheter within the aneurysm. This system was applied in 7 cases undergoing EVAR; 4 inferior mesenteric arteries and 14 lumbar arteries were embolized using vascular plugs. Type II endoleak (T2EL) was not observed in the follow-up survey of any case. Conclusion: The applicability of System-F for vascular plug placement in the side branches of abdominal aortic aneurysms has the potential to achieve high delivery capability and be widely applied for the prevention of T2EL. CLINICAL IMPACT: System-F has potential to change the strategies of pre-EVAR embolization.

Comparison of Slow-Infusion Magnetic Resonance Angiography with Sequential K-Space Filling and Computed Tomography Angiography to Detect the Adamkiewicz Artery.

BACKGROUND: Radiographic detection of the Adamkiewicz artery (AKA) before aortic surgery helps to avoid spinal cord ischemia (SCI). We applied magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) using gadolinium enhancement (Gd-MRA) by means of the slow-infusion method with sequential k-space filling and compared AKA detectability with that of computed tomography angiography (CTA). METHODS: A total of 63 patients with thoracic or thoracoabdominal aortic disease (30 with aortic dissection [AD] and 33 with aortic aneurysm) who underwent both CTA and Gd-MRA to detect AKA were evaluated. The detectability of the AKA using Gd-MRA and CTA were compared among all patients and subgroups based on anatomical features. RESULTS: The detection rates of the AKAs using Gd-MRA and CTA were higher in all 63 patients (92.1% vs. 71.4%, P = 0.003). In AD cases, the detection rates using Gd-MRA and CTA were higher in all 30 patients (93.3% vs. 66.7%, P = 0.01) as well as in 7 patients whose AKA originated from false lumens (100% vs. 0%). In aneurysm cases, the detection rates using Gd-MRA and CTA were higher in 22 patients whose AKA originated from the nonaneurysmal parts (100% vs. 81.8%, P = 0.03). In clinical, SCI was observed in 1.8% of cases after open or endovascular repair. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the longer examination time and more complicated imaging techniques compared to those of CTA, the high spatial resolution of slow-infusion MRA may be preferable for detecting AKA before performing various thoracic and thoracoabdominal aortic surgeries.

Morphological changes in vertebral artery dissections observed on 4D flow magnetic resonance images: case report.

The morphology of vertebral artery (VA) dissections can change in the clinical course. A 58-year-old female with a 2-week headache was diagnosed with left VA dissection. Hemodynamic stress on the right VA detected on 4D flow MRI scans resulted in increased wall shear stress but the vessel was morphologically unchanged. Subsequent MRA revealed right VA dissection. Her bilateral dissections were treated conservatively and no neurological abnormality developed. Serial 4D flow MRI may be useful for observing morphological changes in VA dissections and help to clarify the mechanism(s) underlying VA dissections.

Endovascular treatment with Viabahn stent-grafts for arterial injury and bleeding at the visceral arteries: initial and midterm results.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the initial and midterm efficacy and safety of endovascular treatment (EVT) using Viabahn stent-graft (SG) for arterial injury and bleeding (AIB) at the visceral arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive patients with visceral AIB who underwent EVT using Viabahn between January 2017 and February 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. Technical success, clinical success, peripheral organ ischemia, peri-procedural complications, bleeding-related mortality, 30-day mortality, neck length, re-bleeding, endoleaks, and patency of the SGs at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were evaluated. RESULTS: EVT using Viabahn was performed in 14 patients (mean age: 68.6 years; 12 males) and 15 arteries. The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. The rates of peripheral organ ischemia, peri-procedural complications, bleeding-related mortality, and 30-day mortality were all 0%. The mean neck length was 9.9 mm. No endoleaks or re-bleeding occurred during the follow-up (mean: 732 days). The SG patency was confirmed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in 78.6%, 78.6%, 78.6%, and 56.1% of the patients, respectively. CONCLUSION: EVT using Viabahn for AIB at the visceral arteries was safe and effective. SG occlusions without ischemia often occurred after 12 months.

Emergency endovascular treatment using a Viabahn stent graft for upper and lower extremity arterial bleeding: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: A Viabahn stent graft (SG) is a heparin-coated self-expandable SG for lower extremity arterial disease that exhibits high flexibility and accuracy in the delivery system. This study aimed to evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of emergency endovascular treatment (EVT) using a Viabahn SG for upper and lower extremity arterial bleeding (ULEAB). METHODS: Consecutive patients with ULEAB who underwent emergency EVT using the Viabahn SG between January 2017 and August 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The indications for EVT, location of artery, technical success, clinical success, limb ischemia, periprocedural complications, bleeding-related mortality, 30-day mortality, diameter of the target artery, diameter of the SG, neck length, rebleeding, endoleaks, and patency of the SGs at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were evaluated. RESULTS: EVT using the Viabahn SG was performed in 22 patients (mean age, 72.0 ± 13.0 years; 11 men) and 23 arteries (upper, 6; lower, 17). The indications for EVT were pseudoaneurysm (n = 13, 59.1%), extravasation (n = 9, 39.1%), and inadvertent arterial cannulation (n = 1, 4.3%). The anatomical locations of the 23 ULEAB injuries were the brachiocephalic (1 [4.3%]), subclavian (3 [13.0%]), axillary (1 [4.3%]), brachial (1 [4.3%]), common iliac (4 [17.4%]), external iliac (8 [34.8%]), common femoral (2 [8.7%]), superficial femoral (2 [8.7%]), and popliteal (1 [4.3%]) arteries. The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. The rates of limb ischemia, periprocedural complications, and bleeding-related mortality were 0%, whereas the 30-day mortality rate was 22.7%. The mean diameters of the arteries and SGs were 7.7 ± 2.2 and 8.9 ± 2.3 mm, respectively. The mean neck length was 20.4 ± 11.3 mm. No endoleaks or rebleeding occurred during the follow-up period (mean, 169 ± 177 days). Two SG occlusions without limb ischemia occurred in the external iliac and brachial arteries after 1 and 4 months, respectively. Subsequently, cumulative SG patency was confirmed after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months in 91.7%, 91.7%, 81.5%, and 81.5% of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency EVT using the Viabahn SG for ULEAB was effective and safe according to short-term outcomes. Appropriate size selection and neck length are important for successful treatment. SG patency was good after 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.

Effects of temperature alteration on viscosity, polymerization, and in-vivo arterial distribution of N-butyl cyanoacrylate-iodized oil mixtures.

PURPOSE: Temperature alteration can modify the polymerization of n-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA)-iodized oil mixtures during vascular embolization; its effects on viscosity, polymerization time, and intra-arterial distribution of the NBCA-iodized oil mixture were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro, the viscosities of NBCA, iodized oil, and NBCA-iodized oil mixtures (ratio, 1:1-8) were measured at 4-60 ºC using a rotational rheometer. The polymerization times (from contact with blood plasma to stasis) were recorded at 0-60 ºC using a high-speed video camera. In vivo, the 1:2 mixture was injected into rabbit renal arteries at 0, 20, and 60 ºC; intra-arterial distribution of the mixture was pathologically evaluated. RESULTS: The mixtures' viscosities decreased as temperature increased; those at 60 ºC were almost four to five times lower than those at 4 ºC. The polymerization time of NBCA and the 1:1-4 mixtures increased as temperature decreased in the 0-30 ºC range; the degree of time prolongation increased as the percentage of iodized oil decreased. The 0 ºC group demonstrated distributions of the mixture within more peripheral arterial branches than the 20 and 60 ºC groups. CONCLUSION: Warming reduces the mixture's viscosity; cooling prolongs polymerization. Both can be potential factors to improve the handling of NBCA-iodized oil mixtures for lesions requiring peripheral delivery. Temperature alteration influences the polymerization time, viscosity, and intra-arterial distribution of NBCA-iodized oil mixtures. Warming reduces the viscosity of the mixture, while cooling prolongs polymerization.

New technique for false lumen coiling of spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous isolated visceral artery dissection is rarely encountered. Endovascular intervention with good outcomes has become popular for patients with persistent symptoms or developing ischemia. We could perform life-saving treatment for a spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection with a unique endovascular intervention. CASE PRESENTATION: We describe the case of an 80-year-old man who presented with acute abdominal pain and a spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection measuring 35 mm in major diameter and 6.6 mm in minor diameter on abdominal contrast-enhanced computed tomography. After admission, abdominal pain was progressive, and a repeated scan revealed progression of the dissection. As an endovascular intervention, via the bilateral femoral approach, detachable coils were placed in the false lumen of the superior mesenteric artery dissection through the false lumen under the micro-balloon occlusion at the point of re-entry and entry through the true lumen to prevent coil migration. Technical and clinical success was achieved without serious adverse events. CONCLUSION: Coil embolization using micro-balloon assistance combined with the double-catheter technique for a large entry and re-entry false lumen of a spontaneous isolated superior mesenteric artery dissection was useful and feasible.

A Comparison of Outcomes Based on Vessel Type (Native Artery vs. Bypass Graft) and Artery Location (Below-Knee Artery vs. Non-Below-Knee Artery) Using a Combination of Multiple Endovascular Techniques for Acute Lower Limb Ischemia.

BACKGROUND: To evaluate outcomes of endovascular treatment (EVT) using a combination of multiple endovascular techniques for acute lower limb ischemia (ALLI) and to compare outcomes based on vessel type and artery location. METHODS: A total of 95 consecutive patients with ALLI (mean age, 72.0 years; 65 males; 104 lower limbs) who received emergency EVT using a combination of multiple endovascular techniques including thrombolysis, aspiration thrombectomy, stenting, and balloon angioplasty with or without surgical thromboembolectomy, between January 2005 and December 2017 were included. Vessel type was classified into native artery occlusion (native occlusion) and bypass graft occlusion (graft occlusion), including prosthetic and vein graft. Additionally, native arteries were categorized into below-knee occlusion and non-below-knee occlusion. Technical success, perioperative death (POD), ALLI-related death, amputation, amputation-free survival (AFS), and complications were compared according to vessel type (native occlusion vs. graft occlusion) and artery location (below-knee occlusion vs. non-below-knee occlusion). RESULTS: Of all patients with ALLI, 16.8% underwent a single endovascular technique, whereas 83.2% underwent a combination of multiple endovascular techniques. The technicalsuccess, POD, and ALLI-related death rates in the total number of patients were 94.7%, 11.6%, and 4.2%, respectively. A total of 67 patients (75 limbs) and 28 patients (29 limbs) were classified as having native occlusion and graft occlusion (prosthetic, 24 limbs; vein, 5 limbs), respectively. No significant differences in technical success (native occlusion: 92.5% vs. graft occlusion: 100%), POD (14.9% vs. 3.6%), and ALLI-related death (6.0% vs. 0%) were noted between native occlusion and graft occlusion. However, the 30-day AFS rate of native occlusion was significantly lower than that of graft occlusion (75.2% vs. 96.3%, P=0.01). The amputation rate (P=0.03) and AFS rate (P=0.03) of below-knee occlusion were significantly worse for below-knee occlusion patients than for non-below-knee occlusion patients. CONCLUSIONS: EVT using multiple endovascular techniques for ALLI is effective and safe. A combination of multiple endovascular techniques is crucial for successful treatment. However, native occlusion may have a lower AFS rate than graft occlusion, and below-knee occlusion may have a higher risk of amputation than non-below-knee occlusion.

A Case of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Positive Patient Diagnosed during the Treatment of Right Internal Iliac Pseudoaneurysm.

Isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms are rare, and there are no reports of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related vasculitis in Japan. We report our experience with a 51-year-old man diagnosed with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, discovered during the postoperative course when the patient exhibited remittent fever and susceptibility to infection after emergency interventional radiology therapy for a right isolated internal iliac artery aneurysm. The patient had positive treponema pallidum particle agglutination test result before admission, and tests for sexually transmitted disease showed positive results for HIV H-1 antibodies. The repeated fevers were attributed to HIV infection-related susceptibility.

Total endovascular repair for a persistent sciatic artery aneurysm with widespread limb-threatening arterial occlusion.

In the present report, we have described the case of a 79-year-old woman who presented with acute right lower limb ischemia and was diagnosed with bilateral persistent sciatic arteries and a right persistent sciatic artery aneurysm. Concomitant widespread thrombotic occlusion was present, extending from the orifice of the right internal and external iliac arteries to the below-the-knee popliteal artery. These complicated lesions were successfully treated using only percutaneous endovascular procedures, including stent-graft placement, bare metal stent implantation, and thrombolysis. Our report illustrates how a combination of techniques can achieve total endovascular repair of a persistent sciatic artery aneurysm accompanied by occlusion of the internal and external iliac arteries.

Late clinical outcomes of manual aspiration thrombectomy for a massive acute pulmonary thromboembolism.

PURPOSE: We investigated the late outcomes of patients who underwent manual aspiration thrombectomy for acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients underwent manual aspiration thrombectomy between December 1995 and June 2002. All patients were discharged after the procedure. Patients' statuses were checked by medical record examinations and telephone interviews. The median follow-up was 162 months (116-208 months). RESULTS: Five patients died during follow-up; two for malignancy, one for septic shock, one for cerebral infarction, and in one patient the cause of death was unknown. There were no pulmonary thromboembolism-related deaths during the period and no recurrence. The 1-year survival rate was 100%, the 5-year survival rate was 75.0 ± 12.5%, and the 10-year survival rate was 75.0 ± 12.5%. CONCLUSION: Patients who undergo manual aspiration thrombectomy for acute massive pulmonary thromboembolism show acceptable outcomes.

Embolization using warmed glue via the triaxial microballoon occlusion system for various vascular disorders.

PURPOSE: We aimed to illustrate the benefits of using warmed glue for viscosity reduction via the triaxial microballoon system for the treatment of various vascular disorders. METHODS: Seven patients who underwent 10 treatment sessions for hemoptysis, type II endoleak, post-pancreatic surgical bleeding, spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding, or ovarian tumor bleeding were evaluated based on technical and clinical outcomes. In the procedure, the triaxial system, consisting of a 4.5-Fr guiding catheter, a 2.8-Fr microballoon catheter, and a 1.9-Fr no-taper microcatheter, was advanced into the target lesion. Glue (33% n-butyl cyanoacrylate mixed with Lipiodol) warmed to 40°C was injected under balloon occlusion. RESULTS: The common hepatic, right bronchial, intercostals, internal mammary, costocervical, lateral thoracic, superior thoracic, thoracoacromial, inferior thyroid, iliolumbar, lumbar, internal pudendal arteries, and branch of the inferior mesenteric artery were successfully embolized; 100% technical success and 100% clinical success were obtained after each session. CONCLUSION: Our modified balloon-occluded glue embolization may lead to better handling with more distal glue penetration capability.

"Squid-Capture" Modified In Situ Stent-Graft Fenestration Technique for Recurrent Abdominal Aortic Occlusive Disease after Collapse of Balloon-Expandable Stent.

We present a case of an 85-year-old woman with bilateral limb-threatening ischemia caused by acute-on-chronic occlusion of the infrarenal aorta. The patient once underwent endovascular recanalization using nitinol and stainless-steel bare-metal stent implantation; however, the stainless-steel stent collapsed 3 months later. In the second endovascular therapy, "Squid-Capture" modified in situ stent-graft fenestration technique followed by stent-in-stent implantation with stent graft and bare-metal stent was successfully applied, and it can be regarded as a promising treatment option for the repair of abdominal aortic occlusive disease in some limited anatomical conditions.

Long-term outcomes of endovascular aortic aneurysm repair with the Zenith AAA endovascular graft: a single-center study.

PURPOSE: To present long-term results obtained with endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair (EVAR) using the Zenith AAA endovascular graft from a single institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2007 and 2013, 95 consecutive patients (median age 77 years) underwent EVAR using Zenith. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed until 2019. Primary outcomes were overall survival, freedom from AAA rupture, and freedom from AAA-related death. Secondary outcomes were freedom from late (> 30 days) re-intervention and surgical conversion, and freedom from aneurysm sac growth (> 5 mm). RESULTS: The initial technical success rate was 96.8%. There were no deaths or intraoperative conversions. Overall survival at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 90.8%, 81.7%. 74.3%, and 57.2%, respectively. AAA rupture occurred in one patient (1.1%). Freedom from AAA-related death was 100% during the follow-up period. Freedom from aneurysm sac growth at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 98.8%, 86.4%, 76.9%, 53.0%, respectively. Freedom from late re-intervention and open surgical conversion at 1, 3, 5, and 10 years was 98.9%, 88.9%, 86.7, and 57.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: EVAR with Zenith endografts represents a safe and durable means of AAA repair, and risk of rupture and aneurysm-related death are low.

Changes in Aortic Wall Thickness at a Site of Entry Tear on Computed Tomography before Development of Acute Aortic Dissection.

Objective: To determine if there are changes in the aortic wall before acute aortic dissection (AD) that can be observed on contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CECT). Materials and Methods: Twenty-two patients with AD who underwent CECT before developing AD were retrospectively identified and enrolled as the AD group. Twenty-five consecutive patients who underwent CECT and did not develop AD were enrolled as the control group. In the AD group, the site of entry tear was detected on CECT images; the aortic wall thickness at this site, defined as the dissection-related wall thickness (D-T), was then measured on CECT images acquired before AD. Moreover, the mean thickness of the ascending, thoracic descending, and abdominal aortic walls before AD was defined as the non-dissection-related wall thickness (non-D-T). In the control group, the aortic wall thickness was measured similarly and defined as the control wall thickness (C-T). The D-T, non-D-T, and C-T values were compared using one-way analysis of variance with the Games-Howell pairwise comparison test. Results: The D-T (2.17±0.75 mm) was significantly greater than the non-D-T (1.58±0.22 mm; P<.01) and C-T (1.53±0.15 mm; P<.01). Conclusion: The aortic wall may have become thicker prior to the onset of AD.

Internal biliary drainage for isolated posterior segmental biliary obstruction: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Biliary system anatomical abnormalities can be preoperatively detected on magnetic resonance imaging; therefore, some presume that the number of bile duct injuries should decline. However, once a bile duct injury occurs, repair may be difficult. There are various ways to repair bile duct injuries, but successful repair may be exceptionally difficult. CASE PRESENTATION: A 72-year-old Japanese man underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy due to a diagnosis of middle bile duct cancer. We had a complication of an isolated posterior segmental biliary obstruction when pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. We conducted a drip infusion cholecystocholangiography-computed tomography test to determine the positional relationship between his bile duct and elevated jejunum. To secure the bile duct we punctured the bile duct under computed tomography guidance, and the hepaticojejunal anastomosis site was visualized by inserting an endoscope. We vibrated the bile duct wall by inserting a guide wire through a puncture needle and verified the vibrations with the endoscope. We observed a partially compressed elevated jejunal wall upon guide wire insertion; therefore, we could verify a puncture needle penetration into the elevated jejunum by endoscope on insertion. We also successfully inserted an 8.5-Fr pigtail catheter into the elevated jejunum. We removed all drains after percutaneously inserting an uncovered metallic stent. Our patient's subsequent clinical course was unremarkable. He visits our institution as an out-patient and has had no stent occlusion even after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: When repairing bile duct injuries, it is important to accurately determine the positional relationships between the injured bile duct and the surrounding organs.

A Stepwise Embolization Strategy for a Bronchial Arterial Aneurysm: Proximal Coil and Distal Glue with the Optional Use of a Microballoon Occlusion System.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to demonstrate a transcatheter embolization strategy for bronchial artery aneurysms (BAAs) using coils for the proximal lesion and glue (n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate [NBCA]) embolization for the distal lesion with or without the use of a microballoon occlusion catheter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five patients with BAAs presenting with hemoptysis were enrolled in this study. A bronchial angiogram indicated a mediastinal BAA near the orifice, accompanied by dilated distal branches with or without intrapulmonary BAA. A stepwise procedure was performed. First, the intrapulmonary branches were embolized with glue, with or without the use of a microballoon catheter depending upon the anatomical and local flow hemodynamic conditions. Second, the mediastinal BAA was tightly packed with detachable coils. RESULTS: Glue embolization of intrapulmonary abnormal branches successfully controlled hemoptysis in all patients; microballoon catheters were used in five of the 10 arteries. The volume embolization ratio of coils within the mediastinal BAA ranged from 28 to 59%, and neither coil compaction nor signs of recanalization were observed during follow-up. CONCLUSION: The stepwise embolization procedure with the sequential use of glue (with or without a microballoon occlusion system) and detachable coils may represent a possible endovascular strategy for the treatment of complex BAAs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Level 4: Case Series.

Feasibility and Safety of Repeated Transarterial Chemoembolization Using Miriplatin-Lipiodol Suspension for Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the feasibility and safety of repeated transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) three or more times using miriplatin-lipiodol (M-LPD) suspension (repeated M-LPD TACE) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients who underwent repeated M-LPD TACE were examined. Total dose of miriplatin, lipiodol and porous gelatin sponge particles and adverse events of the first and last M-LPD TACE were evaluated. RESULTS: The mean±standard deviation (SD) of the total number of M-LPD TACE per patient was 3.7±1.1. The mean±SD dose of total miriplatin, lipiodol and porous gelatin sponge particles per patient was 303±103 mg, 21±7.3 ml and 84±57 mg, respectively. There were no significant differences in any adverse events between the first and last M-LPD TACE. CONCLUSION: Repeated M-LPD TACE for HCC is feasible and safe in selected patients.

CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Transsacral Intervertebral Drainage for Pyogenic Spondylodiscitis at the Lumbosacral Junction.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively describe the feasibility and efficacy of CT fluoroscopy-guided transsacral intervertebral drainage for pyogenic spondylodiscitis at the lumbosacral junction with a combination of two interventional radiological techniques-CT-guided bone biopsy and abscess drainage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three patients with pyogenic spondylodiscitis at the lumbosacral junction were enrolled in this study between July 2013 and December 2015. The procedure of CT fluoroscopy-guided transsacral intervertebral drainage for pyogenic spondylodiscitis at the lumbosacral junction was as follows: the sacrum at S1 pedicle was penetrated with an 11-gauge (G) bone biopsy needle to create a path for an 8-French (F) pigtail drainage catheter. The bone biopsy needle was withdrawn, and an 18-G needle was inserted into the intervertebral space of the lumbosacral junction. Then, a 0.038-inch guidewire was inserted into the intervertebral space. Finally, the 8-F pigtail drainage catheter was inserted over the guidewire until its tip reached the intervertebral space. All patients received six-week antibiotics treatment. RESULTS: Successful placement of the drainage catheter was achieved for each patient without procedural complications. The duration of drainage was 17-33 days. For two patients, specific organisms were isolated; thus, definitive medical therapy was possible. All patients responded well to the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: CT fluoroscopy-guided transsacral intervertebral drainage for pyogenic spondylodiscitis at the lumbosacral junction is feasible and can be effective with a combination of two interventional techniques-CT fluoroscopy-guided bone biopsy and abscess drainage.