Feasibility and Procedural Safety of alfapump System Implantation by IR: Experience from the MOSAIC Study, a Multicenter, Open-Label Prospective Study in Cirrhotic Patients with Refractory Ascites.

PURPOSE: To evaluate feasibility, procedural outcomes, and safety aspects of implantation of the alfapump system for management of refractory ascites by interventional radiology (IR) methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The multicenter open-label prospective MOSAIC study included 29 patients (mean age 60.0 y ± 9.9; range, 32-72 y, 17 [56.7%] male) with cirrhotic refractory ascites who received an alfapump system implanted by IR. The fully subcutaneous alfapump system consists of a pump and 2 silicone catheters, whose distal ends are inserted in the peritoneum and the bladder, respectively. The device moves ascites from the peritoneum to the bladder, reducing the requirement of paracentesis. Pumped volume and speed can be customized as required. The implant procedure was performed under general or local anesthesia. Both catheters were placed under ultrasound guidance. The pump was inserted in a subcutaneous pocket on the upper abdomen. Incidence and severity of procedure-related serious adverse events up to 3 months after implantation were recorded. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 29 (100%) IR implant procedures. The pump was usually implanted on the right abdomen (76.7%). In 5 patients, deviation from the Instructions for Use was required. Adverse events (requirement of additional incisions, postoperative bleed) occurred in 3 patients. At 3 months after implantation, 3 possibly procedure-related serious adverse events (ascites leakage, bacterial peritonitis, postoperative bleeding) had occurred. Two explantations (2/29; 6.8%) (cellulitis, pump pocket infection) and 4 reinterventions (pump or catheter replacement) were required, corresponding to an adverse event incidence rate of 9/29 (31.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Placement of the alfapump using IR methods is both feasible and technically successful.

Improvement in Quality of Life and Decrease in Large-Volume Paracentesis Requirements With the Automated Low-Flow Ascites Pump.

The automated low-flow ascites pump (alfapump) is an implantable device that drains ascites directly into the urinary bladder. We studied its safety (absence of serious complications) and efficacy (decreased large-volume paracentesis [LVP] requirement and improved quality of life [QoL]) in the management of ascites in a cohort of North American patients with cirrhosis and recurrent ascites ineligible for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). QoL was measured by the Chronic Liver Disease Questionnaire (CLDQ) and Ascites Questionnaire (Ascites Q). Following alfapump implantation, patients were monitored for ascites control, laboratory abnormalities, QoL, adverse events, and survival at 12 months. A total of 30 patients (60.0 ± 9.9 years; 57% male; Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score, 11.4 ± 2.7) received an alfapump, mostly by an interventional radiology approach (97%), followed by longterm prophylactic antibiotics. The alfapump removed a mean ascites volume of 230.6 ± 148.9 L/patient at 12 months, dramatically reducing the mean LVP frequency from 2.4 ± 1.4/patient/month before pump implantation to 0.2 ± 0.4/patient/month after pump implantation. All surviving patients had improved QoL (baseline versus 3 months; CLDQ, 3.9 ± 1.21 versus 5.0 ± 1.0; Ascites Q, 51.7 ± 21.9 versus 26.7 ± 18.6; P < 0.001 for both) and a better biochemical index of nutritional status (prealbumin 87.8 ± 37.5 versus 102.9 ± 45.3 mg/L at 3 months; P = 0.04). Bacterial infections (15 events in 13 patients), electrolyte abnormalities (11 events in 6 patients), and renal complications (11 events in 9 patients) were the most common severe adverse events. By 12 months, 4 patients died from complications of cirrhosis. Alfapump insertion may be a definitive treatment for refractory ascites in cirrhosis, especially in patients who are not TIPS candidates.

Intraarterial Lidocaine for Pain Control in Uterine Artery Embolization: A Prospective, Randomized Study.

PURPOSE: To assess efficacy of two different techniques of lidocaine injection in the uterine arteries to reduce pain following uterine artery embolization (UAE) for leiomyomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective randomized single-blinded study was performed with 60 patients enrolled between November 2014 and December 2015 equally randomized to 3 arms. Group A received 10 mL lidocaine 1% (100 mg) mixed with polyvinyl alcohol particles (355-500 µm). Group B received the same dose of lidocaine injected after embolization. Group C was a control group. Pain was assessed on a 100-point visual analog scale at 4, 7, and 24 hours after the procedure. Narcotic agent dose to 24 hours was recorded. Outcomes were examined by analysis of variance and pairwise comparison. Leiomyoma infarction was assessed with magnetic resonance imaging 3 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Technical success rate of UAE was 100%. Mean pain score at 4 hours was significantly lower in the lidocaine groups (group A, 28.6; group B, 35.8) compared with the control group (59.4; P = .001). Pain scores at 7 and 24 hours were not statistically different among the 3 arms. The mean in-hospital narcotic agent dose was significantly lower in both lidocaine groups than in the control group (group A, 8.5 mg [P = .002]; group B, 11.1 mg [P = .03]; group C, 17.4 mg). There were no adverse events related to the use of lidocaine. The number of patients with complete infarction of leiomyomas at 3 months was significantly lower in group A at 38.9% (group B, 77.8%; group C, 75%; P = .0451). CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine injected in the uterine arteries reduced postprocedural pain and narcotic agent dose after UAE. There were more cases of incomplete necrosis when lidocaine was mixed with the particles.

Temporary inferior vena cava filter indications, retrieval rates, and follow-up management at a multicenter tertiary care institution.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the practice pattern of inferior vena cava (IVC) filters and to determine factors predictive of filter retrievals at a multicenter, tertiary care institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of all IVC filter procedures performed between January 2001 and July 2013 was conducted. Data collected included demographics, venous thromboembolism risk factors, medical comorbidities, insertional and retrieval characteristics, referring services, complications, discharge, and follow-up management. RESULTS: During the study period, 1123 IVC filter procedures were performed; 69% (n = 810) were insertions and 31% (n = 313) were retrievals. Of the patients receiving filters, the average age was 61.4 years, and 53.3% were male. Overall, 408 filters (51.5%) were placed with absolute indications, 214 (27.0%) for relative indications, 138 (17.4%) prophylactically, and 32 (4.0%) for reasons outside the established guidelines. Of the 663 retrievable filters, successful removal rate was 41.6% (n = 276); the mean time to first retrieval attempt was 76.4 days (standard deviation = 110.5). Documentation of the filter was present in 342 (43.1%) discharge summaries, and outlined instructions for filter management were seen in 129 (16.3%) cases. Significant predictors of filter removal were thrombosis follow-up (odds ratio [OR], 6.7; P < .01) and the ordering service as filters ordered by medical specialties were less likely to be retrieved than filters ordered by surgical specialties (OR, 0.53; P = .04). Compared with discharge summaries without filter management instructions, those with plans had higher filter retrieval rates (OR, 3.74; P < .00). Filter-related complications was observed in 57 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Given the established complications relating to long indwelling times and recent Food and Drug Administration guidelines, a multidisciplinary and systematic follow-up protocol needs to be implemented to optimize filter retrieval rates and to ensure exemplary quality of care.

Elastic Recoil after Balloon Angioplasty in Hemodialysis Accesses: Does It Actually Occur and Is It Clinically Relevant?

Purpose To qualify and quantify elastic recoil and determine its effect on access patency. Materials and Methods Research ethics board approval was obtained and all patients signed an informed consent form. This was a prospective, nonrandomized study of mature accesses that underwent balloon percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) between January 2009 and December 2012. After PTA, completion fistulography was performed at 0-, 5-, 10-, and 15-minute intervals. From Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine images, percentage of lesion stenosis before and after PTA was measured at each time point. A total of 76 patients (44 men, 32 women; mean age, 59.6 years) were enrolled and underwent 154 PTAs in 56 grafts and 98 fistulas. Venous elastic recoil was defined as recurrent luminal narrowing greater than 50% within 15 minutes after full effacement of the stenosis by the angioplasty balloon. Data collected included sex, age, access type and location, lesion location, length, and time to next intervention. Access patency was estimated by using Kaplan-Meier survival method, association of variables with the risk of loss of patency was assessed by using a Cox proportional hazards model, and a multiple variable model was examined by considering all variables. Results Technical success of PTA with less than 30% residual stenosis was 78%. By 15 minutes, 15.6% (24 of 154) of treated lesions recurrently narrowed by more than 50%, with a majority observed at 5 minutes (15 of 24). Technical failure of PTA was predictive of elastic recoil (P < .001), as was cephalic arch stenosis in fistulas (P = .047) and autogenous fistulas (P = .04). Elastic recoil, when it did occur, did not influence patency. Six-month primary patency was 34.8% in grafts and 47.1% in fistulas. Conclusion Venous elastic recoil after PTA of stenoses in hemodialysis access circuits is common, but its occurrence does not influence access primary patency after PTA. (©) RSNA, 2015.

Efficacy of Ovarian Artery Embolization for Uterine Fibroids: Clinical and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Evaluations.

PURPOSE: The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of ovarian artery embolization (OAE) treatment for symptomatic uterine leiomyomas. METHODS: A retrospective review of 17 patients who underwent OAE in conjunction with uterine artery embolization in a 6-year period (2006-2012) was performed. Ten patients had previous failed embolization, while 7 had not received any embolization therapy before. Percent uterine volume change, percent dominant fibroid volume change, and percent dominant fibroid infarction were assessed with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Resolution of menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea/pain, and bulk and/or pressure symptoms including urinary frequency were evaluated clinically. Change in menopausal state was also an outcome of interest. RESULTS: Mean MR imaging follow-up was performed 3 months post-OAE. MR images showed complete infarction in the majority of cases (64.7%; n = 11), with infarction rates of 90%-100% in 3 cases, 1 case with 30%-50% infarction, and 2 cases with 0%-10% infarction. Average uterine size reduction on MR was 32.3% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 22.5%-42.2%; P < .001). The average size reduction for the dominant fibroid was 42.4% (95% CI: 27.7%-57.0%; P = .01). The mean time to final follow-up visit was 11 months. At this point complete symptom resolution (menorrhagia, dysmenorrhea and bulk-related) was achieved in 82.4% (n = 14) of cases. At the final follow-up 11.8% (n = 2) of cases reported menopause. CONCLUSIONS: We observed OAE to be an effective and safe adjunct to uterine artery embolization when hypertrophic ovarian artery(ies) require intervention. However, incomplete fibroid infarction of 23% remains a concern with a potential for long-term treatment failure. In addition, long-term effect on ovarian function is uncertain.

Long-term clinical outcome of patients with cirrhosis and refractory ascites treated with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt insertion.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is indicated for the treatment of refractory ascites in cirrhosis. The long-term outcome of TIPS for refractory ascites is unknown. The aim of this study is to describe the natural history of patients with refractory ascites post-TIPS, and compare between polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered versus bare stents. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who had TIPS for refractory ascites was conducted. Prospectively collected data include demographics, angiographic data, blood work, and urinary sodium excretion. RESULTS: There were 136 patients who received TIPS (bare = 104, covered = 32) for over 22 years. Patients with PTFE stents had lower international normalized ratio and model for end-stage liver disease score. More patients with bare stents developed shunt dysfunction (74.0% vs 24.1%, P < 0.0001) and required more TIPS revisions (1.6 ± 0.2/patient vs 0.2 ± 0.1, P < 0.0001). Urinary sodium excretion increased significantly from first month and progressed to 98 ± 9 mmol/day at 12th month post-TIPS (P < 0.001 vs baseline), concurrent with improved renal function. Most patients (77.6%) completely cleared the ascites without diuretics, but many achieved this beyond 2 years. Number of TIPS revision was predictive of complete response at 12 months (odds ratio [OR] 0.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5-0.9, P < 0.05). Age (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.05 [95% CI 1.02-1.08], P < 0.01), complete response (HR = 0.22 [95% CI 0.12-0.40], P < 0.0001) and polytetrafluoroethylene stents (HR = 0.23 [95% CI 0.05-0.97], P < 0.05) were predictive of survival. CONCLUSION: TIPS is an effective treatment for cirrhotic refractory ascites. Ascites clearance is dependent on number of TIPS revision, whereas survival is predicted by younger age, complete response, and covered stent use, although era effect likely contributed to improved survival with covered stent use.

Venous aneurysms in autogenous hemodialysis fistulas: is there an association with venous outflow stenosis.

PURPOSE: To determine whether patients with venous aneurysms in their arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) have associated venous outflow stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed, which included all patients presenting with dysfunction and had venous aneurysms in their AVFs. Patient's medical records and imaging studies were examined and data collected including access characteristics, patient demographics and imaging findings. Data were analyzed using Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: A total of 89 patients (58 men, 31 women; mean age 60) presented for intervention related to access dysfunction with incident venous aneurysms over the study period. Of the 89 patients with venous aneurysms (mean diameter 2.3 cm) of their AVF's, 69 (78%) patients had an associated venous outflow stenosis. The stenoses were present most commonly in the outflow cephalic vein (57%), followed by the cephalic arch (20%), brachiocephalic vein (10%) and subclavian vein (6%). Outflow stenoses in AVFs with venous aneurysms were observed in 87% of brachiocephalic AVFs, 60% of radiocephalic AVFs and 80% of brachiobasilic AVFs. Brachiocephalic AVFs with venous aneurysms were significantly more likely to have an associated outflow stenosis than radiocephalic AVFs with venous aneurysms (P=0.007). AVFs with outflow stenosis were on average 1502 days old while AVFs without outflow stenosis were on average 2351 days old, which was a statistically significant difference (P=0.031). No statistically significant differences were observed for sex and side of the fistula. CONCLUSIONS: Outflow stenosis was observed to be associated with venous aneurysms in AVFs with a more statistically significant association in brachiocephalic AVFs compared to other AVFs.

Central venous stenosis associated with pacemaker leads: short-term results of endovascular interventions.

PURPOSE: To determine the safety and outcomes of performing endovascular interventions across pacemaker (PM) lead-related central vein stenosis/occlusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and imaging records from April 2002 to August 2010 were reviewed for patients presenting with clinically significant central venous stenosis or central venous obstruction with indwelling PM leads and were evaluated to determine if any lead dysfunction or complications occurred following intervention. Thirteen patients were identified who underwent 14 interventions. Outcomes were assessed based on recurrent clinical symptoms and repeat venograms, and patency was determined with Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS: All procedures were technically successful (100%) with no procedural complications. All patients underwent balloon angioplasty; two patients also underwent stent placement for persistent flow-limiting stenosis within the superior vena cava. No incidence of PM or lead dysfunction, infection, or need for PM intervention was identified in any patient at the time of the index procedure and at 30 or 90 days. In the two patients who received stents across PM leads, no manifestations of PM or lead dysfunction or infection, or need for intervention, were identified at 1 year after stent placement in one patient and at 3 years in the other patient. For eight patients, sufficient follow-up studies were available, with 30-, 60-, and 120-day primary patency rates of 87.5%, 75%, and 50%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular interventions across PM leads resulted in no adverse clinical cardiac or PM sequelae, but with limited primary patency compared with historical outcomes for central venous interventions in the absence of PM leads.

Patency of femoral tunneled hemodialysis catheters and factors predictive of patency failure.

PURPOSE: To determine the patency rates of and factors associated with increased risk of patency failure in patients with femoral vein tunneled hemodialysis catheters. METHODS: All femoral tunneled catheter insertions from 1996 to 2006 were reviewed, during which time 123 catheters were inserted. Of these, 66 were exchanges. Patients with femoral catheter failure versus those with femoral catheter patency were compared. Confounding factors, such as demographic and procedural factors, were incorporated and assessed using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. RESULTS: Mean catheter primary patency failure time was 96.3 days (SE 17.9 days). Primary patency at 30, 60, 90, and 180 days was 53.8%, 45.4%, 32.1%, and 27.1% respectively. Crude rates of risk of catheter failure did not suggest a benefit for patients receiving catheters introduced from one side versus the other, but more cephalad location of catheter tip was associated with improved patency. Multivariate analysis showed that patients whose catheters were on the left side (p = 0.009), were of increasing age at the time of insertion (p = 0.002) and that those who had diabetes (p = 0.001) were at significantly greater risk of catheter failure. The catheter infection rate was 1.4/1000 catheter days. CONCLUSION: Patients who were of a more advanced age and had diabetes were at greater risk of femoral catheter failure, whereas those who received femoral catheters from the right side were less at risk of catheter failure.

Iliac branch graft in the treatment of complex aortoiliac aneurysms: early results from a North American institution.

PURPOSE: To describe early experience with the use of iliac branch grafts (IBGs) in aortoiliac aneurysm repair. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From July 2007 to August 2009 (25 months), 14 patients (13 men, one woman) with a mean age of 70.1 years (range, 59.3-80.0 y) were treated with IBGs. Indications were abdominal aneurysm with common iliac artery (CIA) involvement (n = 11), juxtarenal aortic aneurysm with CIA involvement (n = 1), and bilateral CIA and internal iliac artery (IIA) aneurysms (n = 1). Postoperative endoleaks and patency rate were determined with computed tomography within 1 month of implantation and 1 year thereafter, with concurrent clinical evaluation for pelvic ischemia. Mean follow-up period was 18.7 months (range, 6-35 mo). RESULTS: Technical success rate, as defined by successful implantation of IBG with no intraprocedural type I or type III endoleak, was 86% (12 of 14). A total of 14 IBGs were successfully deployed in 12 patients. Two cases of technical failure were related to excessive iliac tortuosity. The mean hospitalization duration was 6.5 days (range, 3-14 d), with zero mortality at 30 days. There were two cases of type II endoleak treated conservatively and a single case of IBG-related type III endoleak that required repeat intervention. The rest of the stent-implanted aortic and iliac aneurysms remained stable in size, with no aneurysm rupture or death recorded. All stent-implanted iliac branches remained patent on follow-up. None of the patients who received IBGs had new symptoms of pelvic ischemia. CONCLUSIONS: Iliac branch graft placement is a feasible technique with excellent short-term results in the treatment of aortoiliac aneurysms.

Effectiveness of stent-graft placement for salvage of dysfunctional arteriovenous hemodialysis fistulas.

PURPOSE: To determine the clinical effectiveness of stent-graft placement in dysfunctional autogenous hemodialysis fistulas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between September 2006 and June 2008, 24 Fluency Plus stent-grafts were inserted in 17 patients with failing autogenous hemodialysis fistulas (two radiocephalic, 12 brachiocephalic, and three brachiobasilic). Six fistulas were thrombosed at presentation. Indications for stent-graft insertion included 10 residual stenoses, six pseudoaneurysms, and one fistuloplasty-induced rupture. Fistula function before and after intervention was assessed with ultrasound dilution technique. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%, as were the anatomic and clinical success rates. Via Kaplan-Meier method, the primary access patency rates were 94.1% at 3 months (95% CI, 0.461-0.995) and 88.2% at 6 and 12 months (95% CI, 0.468-0.980). The primary lesion patency rate was 94.1% (95% CI, 0.650-0.992) at 3, 6, and 12 months. The secondary access patency rate had a point estimate of 100% at 3 months, and was 93.8% (95% CI, 0.632-0.991) at 6 and 12 months. Univariate analysis suggested that male sex and left-sided accesses were associated with a longer primary access patency rate (P = .02). The binary restenosis rate at 6 months was 5.9%. Mean transonic flow rates were 667.5 mL/min before intervention and 2,076.0 mL/min after intervention (P = .03, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). No patients were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Stent-graft placement in dysfunctional autogenous hemodialysis fistulas is technically feasible and effective in preserving function and preventing access abandonment, with patency rates that exceed historical patency rates with angioplasty and/or uncovered stents.

Arterial embolization for primary postpartum hemorrhage.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of arterial embolization (AE) for treatment of primary postpartum hemorrhage (PPH), and the factors associated with clinical success. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of all patients undergoing AE for primary PPH at three institutions (N = 43) from 1996 through 2007 was conducted. Patients with an antepartum diagnosis of invasive placenta were excluded from the study. Mean patient age was 31 years +/- 5 (range, 21-40 y). Eighteen women (42%) were primiparous. Delivery details, transfusion requirements, hematology and coagulation results, embolization details, and clinical outcomes were collected. Clinical success was defined as cessation of bleeding without the need for repeat embolization, laparotomy, or hysterectomy after embolization; or death. The Fisher exact test was used to analyze nonparametric data. RESULTS: The clinical success rate was 79% (n = 34). Four patients underwent successful repeat embolization. Two of 35 patients who had not undergone hysterectomy before embolization underwent hysterectomy for continued bleeding (without repeat embolization). One underwent hysterectomy 2 weeks after AE for uterine necrosis. One of eight patients who had undergone hysterectomy before AE required a laparotomy for a large retroperitoneal hematoma, and one patient died from cerebral anoxia secondary to hypotension despite repeat embolization. Clinical success was not related to mode of delivery, cause of PPH, transfusion requirements, time from delivery to embolization, or hysterectomy before AE (P > .05). Patients with active extravasation visualized angiographically were more likely to require repeat embolization (five of 13 [38%] vs 0 of 30 without extravasation; P < .01). CONCLUSIONS: AE for primary PPH is safe and effective. Repeat embolization may be necessary in patients with active extravasation on angiography.

Use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene-covered nitinol stents for the salvage of dysfunctional autogenous hemodialysis fistulas.

The use of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE)-covered nitinol stents for salvage of hemodialysis fistulas was retrospectively examined. Seven covered stents were placed in five patients with failing fistulas considered unsalvageable. Indications included recurrent stenoses, thrombosis, and pseudoaneurysm formation. Before intervention, all patients required multiple interventions. The technical success rate was 100%. The primary patency rate was 80%, with secondary patency and lesion patency rates of 100% at 9 months. The incidence of follow-up repeat intervention was 0.3 per year. There were no complications. The use of ePTFE-covered stent placement in dysfunctional autogenous fistulas is technically feasible and, in this small series, was effective in preserving function and preventing access abandonment.

Outcomes after uterine artery embolization for pedunculated subserosal leiomyomas.

PURPOSE: To assess the safety and efficacy of uterine artery embolization (UAE) treatment of pedunculated subserosal leiomyomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of patients undergoing UAE in a 30-month period (July 2004 to December 2006) was performed. Cases in which a pedunculated subserosal tumor (volume>or=4 cm3) was embolized were analyzed. The preprocedural volumes of the pedunculated tumor and uterus and the diameter and vascularity of the tumor and stalk were recorded. Posttreatment sizes of the pedunculated leiomyoma, stalk, and uterus were recorded, as was the presence or absence of complication(s). RESULTS: A total of 240 patients underwent embolization. Pedunculated subserosal leiomyomas were treated in 16 women, with a technical success rate of 100%. Preprocedural mean tumor and uterine volumes were 372 cm3 and 789 cm3, respectively. The mean stalk diameter was 2.7 cm (range, 0.8-7.8 cm). All pedunculated leiomyomas exhibited enhancement on contrast agent-enhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging (n=13) or vascularity on Doppler ultrasonography (US; n=3). Stalk vascularity was noted on MR imaging in 13 patients and was not assessed in the remaining three, who underwent US imaging. Imaging follow-up (mean, 5.9 months after UAE) demonstrated mean tumor volume reduction of 39.3% (95% confidence interval [CI], 28.2%-50.5%) and mean uterine volume reduction of 37.6% (95% CI, 26%-49.3%). There were no cases of continued tumor perfusion and no major complications. There was one minor complication of prolonged hospital stay (36 hours) for pain control. CONCLUSION: UAE was successfully and safely performed for pedunculated subserosal leiomyomas, with a tumor volume reduction of 39% and no unique complications related to these lesions.

Clinical failure after uterine artery embolization: evaluation of patient and MR imaging characteristics.

PURPOSE: To investigate the patient and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging characteristics associated with clinical failure after uterine artery embolization (UAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-eight consecutive patients who underwent UAE were examined. Contrast-enhanced MR imaging was performed before and 4 months after the procedure, and clinical follow-up was performed at 15 months. Patients were divided into success and failure groups strictly on the basis of their clinical outcomes. Clinical follow-up included evaluation of fibroid symptoms and the need for further treatment after UAE. Findings at pre- and postprocedural MR imaging were compared, and data collected included changes in uterine and fibroid volumes, fibroid location, and fibroid perfusion. RESULTS: Fifty-eight patients were placed into the success group and 20 into the failure group. There were no differences between the baseline characteristics of the two groups. The reduction in uterine and dominant fibroid volumes was greater in the success group compared with the failure group; however, the difference was not statistically significant (success group: [295/845] 34.9% vs [80/282.5] 28.3%, respectively, P=.18; failure group: [317/733] 43.2% vs [114/337.6] 33.9%, P=.32). The reduction in total fibroid volume was greater in the success group than the failure group ([189.6/393.5] 48.2% vs [148.7/439.9] 33.8%, respectively; P=.02) despite the fact that the percentage of fibroids completely infarcted was similar between the two groups ([136/172] 79% vs [41/50] 82%, P=.77). Pedunculated subserosal fibroids were more common in the failure group than in the success group (P<.03) and did not reduce in volume as significantly (53.8% vs 14.7%, respectively; P=.02). CONCLUSIONS: In general, the reduction in total fibroid volume after embolization is smaller in patients with poor clinical improvement. In addition, these patients have a higher number of pedunculated subserosal fibroids, and these fibroids tend to reduce in volume to a lesser extent.

Ultrahigh-pressure versus high-pressure angioplasty for treatment of venous anastomotic stenosis in hemodialysis grafts: is there a difference in patency?

PURPOSE: Ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) balloon catheters were compared with high-pressure (HP) balloon catheters to determine if there was a difference in patency after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of venous anastomotic stenoses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted from January 2001 to September 2005 that included 22 patients with synthetic hemodialysis grafts who underwent 110 PTA procedures for venous anastomotic stenoses. Data collected included graft configuration and location, percent stenosis, balloon type used, residual stenosis, and total access blood flow before and after intervention. Patency from time of initial PTA to the next intervention was estimated with the Kaplan-Meier technique, with initial failures included in the analysis. RESULTS: A total of 55 PTAs were performed in each group. Technical success rate was 96% (n = 106) and clinical success rate was 100%. Median survival times were 4.6 months for the UHP cohort and 5.4 months for the HP group. When each event was considered independent, the difference was significant (P = .014). However, when each PTA event was considered dependent on earlier PTA events, no significant difference in patency was observed (P = .64). The mean increases in access blood flow rate by ultrasound dilution (available for 71 events) after PTA were 264 mL/min with UHP and 524 mL/min with HP (P = .14, Student t test). One minor complication (0.9%) of focal extravasation after PTA occurred and resolved with prolonged balloon inflation. CONCLUSION: Routine use of UHP for PTA of venous anastomotic stenoses in synthetic hemodialysis grafts was not associated with any significant change in patency compared with routine HP balloon angioplasty.

Patency of endovascular treatment for central venous stenosis: is there a difference between dialysis fistulas and grafts?

PURPOSE: To determine if there is a difference in intervention patency for central venous stenosis (CVS) and occlusion between patients with autogenous hemodialysis fistulas and those with grafts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective study was performed from March 1998 to September 2005 identifying all patients with autogenous fistulas and synthetic grafts who underwent percutaneous angioplasty and/or stent placement for CVS. This study cohort consisted of 38 patients (22 with fistulas and 16 with grafts). Age, sex, type of access, location and side of the access, location and side of the CVS, presence of diabetes, previous hemodialysis catheter placement, date and type of interventions, and outcomes were recorded. The patency of each intervention was estimated by using the Kaplan-Meier survival curves. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the variables were performed. RESULTS: Eighty-nine interventions were performed; 83 were angioplasties and six were stent placements. Previous catheter placement on the side of the CVS occurred in 29 of the 38 patients (76%). Technical and clinical success of the interventions were 93.3% and 94.4% respectively. The intervention or primary patency rates +/- standard errors at 3, 6, and 9 months in the fistula group were 88.5% +/- 4.8, 59.4% +/- 7.6, and 46% +/- 7.9, respectively. In the graft group, the rates were 78.1% +/- 7.3, 40.7% +/- 9, and 16% +/- 7.3, respectively. With multivariate analysis, intervention patency remained significantly longer for fistulas (P .014) and in patients who did not have a previous catheter (P .001). CONCLUSION: Longer intervention-free survival for CVS was observed in patients with autogenous fistulas compared with grafts and in patients who did not previously undergo hemodialysis catheter insertion.