Technical success and associated economic implications of conventional re-entry devices in subintimal recanalization of femoro-popliteal chronic total occlusions.

PURPOSE: Re-entry devices contribute to the high success rate of subintimal recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTO). However, to date, there are no studies comparing the available conventional re-entry devices concerning the impact of their technical success on economic aspects, as these devices differ greatly in their acquisition costs. This prospective observational study intends to contribute to this question. METHODS: Prior to the start of the prospective study, all previous applications of the Outback® in femoro-popliteal CTO since its introduction to our hospital were analyzed retrospectively (n = 31). From June 2018 until January 2020, all patients with femoro-popliteal CTO treated with clear subintimal recanalization were included (n = 109). In the case of failed spontaneous re-entry, either the OffRoad® (study arm I, n = 20) or the Enteer® catheter (study arm II, n = 20) was used. If assisted re-entry failed, the Outback® device was used as a bailout. Baseline demographic and clinical data, morphologic characteristics, and technical success were documented. Additional per-patient costs due to the use of re-entry devices were analyzed. RESULTS: A retrospective evaluation of all Outback® applications revealed a technical success rate of 97% (30/31). In the prospective study, 63% (68/109) were successfully treated without using re-entry devices. The overall procedural success was 95% (103/109). In study arm I, the OffRoad® achieved a success rate of 45% (9/20), with a subsequent successful application of the Outback® in 80% (8/10) of the failed cases. In study arm II, the Enteer® was successfully employed in 60% (12/20) of cases, and the Outback® was then used successfully in a further 62% (5/8) of cases. Too large a distance between the device and the target lumen was a knockout criterion for all tested devices, leading to a subgroup analysis with the exclusion of three cases, resulting in a success rate of 47% for the OffRoad® and 67% for the Enteer® device. Furthermore, in severe calcification, only the Outback® reliably enabled revascularization. Significant savings of almost €600 were only achieved in study arm II according to German prices. CONCLUSION: With proper patient selection, a gradual approach with the Enteer® as the primarily used device, with the Outback® used additionally in case of failure, leads to significant savings and can be recommended. In severe calcification, the Outback® should be used as the primary device.

Non-operative management of blunt splenic trauma: The role of splenic artery embolization depending on the severity of parenchymal injury.

PURPOSE: To address the disagreement about the need for splenic artery embolization (SAE) in medium grade blunt splenic trauma this retrospective study evaluates the clinical outcome of non-operative management (NOM) and the possible impact of a more liberal indication for primary SAE. METHOD: From 01/2010 to 12/2019 186 patients presented with splenic injury on computed tomography (CT) after blunt abdominal trauma. The extent of splenic injuries according to Marmery, vascular pathologies, active bleeding as well as clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded and analyzed with regard to the success rates of NOM and SAE. Procedural complications and clinical outcome were noted. The number needed to treat (NNT) was determined for a possible extension of the indication for SAE to grade 3 injuries. RESULTS: Of 186 patients 126 were managed non-operatively, 47 underwent primary SAE and twelve splenectomy. NOM was successful in 119/126 (94 %) patients. Conversion rate was significantly higher in patients with active bleeding or vascular pathology. Patients with failed NOM had a significantly greater decrease in haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. Primary SAE was successful in 45/47 (96 %) cases. Major complications occurred in four cases (9%), all managed without sequela. The NNT in grade 3 splenic injuries equals 13. CONCLUSIONS: NOM of low to medium-grade blunt splenic trauma has a low failure rate. Presence of active haemorrhage is the most important predictor for failure of NOM. SAE should be reserved for high-grade injuries and visible vascular pathology or active bleeding to avoid a disproportionate increase in the NNT.

Correction to: Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Arising in the Setting of a Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (Abernethy Malformation).

Table 1, which appears below, was inadvertently left out of the published article.

Radioembolization for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Arising in the Setting of a Congenital Extrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (Abernethy Malformation).

In a 50-year-old male with an incidentally discovered hepatocellular carcinoma, a congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt with the absence of the portal vein (Abernethy syndrome) was diagnosed by imaging. This study aims to discuss the variant anatomy relevant to this splanchnic vascular malformation, review its association with the development of liver neoplasms, and report the safety and efficacy of TARE followed by resection for a HCC arising in this rare condition.

Visceral Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms: Retrospective Analysis of Interventional Endovascular Therapy of 43 Aneurysms.

Purpose To evaluate the results of interventional endovascular therapy of incidental and symptomatic visceral artery aneurysms in the elective and emergency situation. Materials and Methods 43 aneurysms in 38 patients (19 female, 19 male, mean age: 57 ±â€Š16 years [18 - 82]) were treated between 2011 and 2015. The characteristics of the aneurysms (true vs. false aneurysm, size, etiology, location, symptoms) were considered. Furthermore, we evaluated the intervention with respect to technical success, embolic/occlusive agents used, therapy-associated complications and post-interventional follow-up.  Results 23 true aneurysms (maximum diameter: 22 ±â€Š18 mm [11 - 67 mm]) and 20 false aneurysms (maximum diameter: 9 ±â€Š33 mm [3 - 150 mm]) were evaluated. The splenic (n = 14) and renal arteries (n = 18) were most frequently affected. The etiology was most commonly degenerative-atherosclerotic (47 %) or iatrogenic post-operative (19 %). 18/48 interventions were performed due to active bleeding. False aneurysms were associated significantly more often with active bleeding (63 vs. 25 %, p = 0.012). 41/48 treatments were technically successful. Re-intervention was necessary 6 times. In 2 cases the endovascular approach did not succeed. There was a complication rate of 10 %, whereby only 4 minor and 1 major complications occurred. No patient suffered from permanent sequelae. Aneurysms were primarily treated by using coils and if necessary additional embolic agents (liquid embolic agent or vascular plugs) (75 %). In the follow-up period, reperfusion of treated aneurysms occurred at a rate of 7 % (n = 3). Conclusion Interventional endovascular therapy of visceral artery aneurysms is safe and effective in the elective treatment of incidental aneurysms as well as in significantly more frequent hemorrhaging false aneurysms in the emergency situation. Key points · Interventional endovascular therapy of visceral artery aneurysms is safe and effective.. · In more than 60 % of cases visceral artery pseudoaneurysms are associated significantly more often with a history of bleeding or acute bleeding. Hence, there is a need for (interventional) therapy even in small pseudoaneurysms.. · Follow-up seems to be useful to detect reperfusion as manifestation of treatment failure.. Citation Format · Ruhnke H, Kröncke TJ, . Visceral Artery Aneurysms and Pseudoaneurysms: Retrospective Analysis of Interventional Endovascular Therapy of 43 Aneurysms. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2017; 189: 632 - 639.