ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) is a uniquely objective but underutilized imaging modality in the interventional treatment of peripheral arterial disease treatment. IVUS has been shown to improve device size selection and diagnose occult pathology difficult to see with routine angiography. We hypothesize that the use of IVUS in lower extremity endovascular intervention improves accuracy in stent and balloon size selection and minimizes contrast use. METHODS: This is a retrospective case series performed at a single-institution outpatient center by two vascular surgeons from July 2016 through July 2017. We identified 94 total IVUS-assisted procedures. We collected data regarding demographics, balloon and stent size, IVUS-determined vessel diameter, pre-procedure and post-procedure ABI values, and contrast used during the procedure. An independent core laboratory was further utilized to characterize all IVUS and angiographic size vessel measurements. RESULTS: For the 94 lower extremity IVUS-assisted interventions, the average patient age was 70±9 years old, with an average contrast use of 37.1 mL of Omnipaque 300. There was substantial improvement in pre- and post-procedure ABI (0.7±0.23 to 0.94±0.21). On analysis of average intraluminal IVUS vessel diameter to balloon angioplasty used, we had a correlation in size of 0.96±0.16 in our series. Additionally, in eight instances IVUS allowed for identification of a flow-limiting dissection with subsequent stenting. CONCLUSIONS: Routine use of IVUS offers a powerful diagnostic paradigm that has the potential to significantly decrease contrast use and to improve objectivity in choosing appropriate vascular tools to maximize intra-procedural efficacy. The discovery of adverse findings not initially noticed on angiography further reinforces the value of IVUS utilization.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Transarterial embolization (TAE) remains a common treatment option in unresectable patients with hepatocellular cancer (HCC); however there are no standard protocols for post procedure care in these patients who often have extensive disease, marginal liver function, and multiple comorbidities. The aim of this study was to examine antibiotics use in HCC undergoing TAE. METHODS: A prospective review of our center's 1109 hepato-pancreatico-biliary patients, from 1/99 to 7/07, was performed to identify all HCC patients. RESULTS: Two hundred one patients with HCC, of whom 59 (29.4%) underwent bland, TAE, or Yttrium-90 therapy. All embolizations were performed by experienced interventional radiologists and were admitted to the surgical oncology service for post-procedure care. There were 46 men and 13 women, with a median age of 61 y. The mean MELD score was 10.9 (8.5-17) with 25 of 59 having <25% liver involvement. The lesion size ranged from 2 to 12 cm with a mean of 4.88 cm; 24 patients (41%) received a single pre-procedural dose of an antibiotic, 7 (12%) a dose of an antibiotic pre- and post-procedurally, and 28 (47%) did not receive any form of antibiotic. The mean length of stay was 1 (0-5) d depending on adjuvant procedures performed during the same hospital admission. No immediate or long term infectious complications were noted, including liver abscess, cholangitis, pneumonia, or sepsis with a median follow up of 28 mo. CONCLUSION: The current practice of pre- or post-procedure antibiotics is variable and no evidence can support giving or not giving antibiotics for hepatic arterial therapy. The uses are not indicated as prophylaxis against hepatic infectious complications in patients undergoing transarterial embolization for the treatment of hepatocellular cancer.
