ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Minimally invasive vein care procedures are less invasive than surgery and have a lower complication rate, are well tolerated by patients, and have good cosmetic results. Because radiologists have expertise in imaging-guided procedures, offering minimally invasive vein care is a logical step. CONCLUSION: Starting an effective outpatient vein care clinic involves decisions about space, equipment, and advertising. With proper staffing and rapport with patients and referring physicians, a varicose vein practice can be a profitable adjunct to any radiology practice.
Subject(s)
Ambulatory Care Facilities/organization & administration , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/instrumentation , Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures/methods , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/methods , Vascular Surgical Procedures/instrumentation , Vascular Surgical Procedures/methods , Venous Insufficiency/surgery , Humans , Surgery, Computer-Assisted/instrumentation , United States , Venous Insufficiency/diagnosisABSTRACT
Placement of retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters as prophylaxis for pulmonary embolism (PE) is an increasingly attractive option for patients who require temporary IVC filtration. However, experience thus far with retrievable filters in pregnant patients is limited. This report describes a suprarenally placed Recovery IVC filter in a pregnant woman with PE despite therapeutic anticoagulation. After failed induction of labor and uneventful cesarean section, the patient returned for filter retrieval 167 days after initial placement. Fracture and inferior migration of the filter was observed, and subsequent attempts at filter retrieval were unsuccessful.
Subject(s)
Equipment Failure , Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular/diagnostic imaging , Vena Cava Filters/adverse effects , Vena Cava, Inferior/diagnostic imaging , Adult , Coronary Angiography , Female , Humans , Image Processing, Computer-Assisted , Pregnancy , Tomography, X-Ray ComputedABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To compare median patency times after treatment of malfunctioning tunneled hemodialysis catheters by one of three techniques: over-the-wire catheter exchange (CE), fibrin sheath stripping (FSS) from a femoral vein approach, and over-the-wire catheter removal with balloon dilation of fibrin sheath (DFS) followed by catheter replacement with use of the same tract. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective study was conducted of 66 consecutive procedures performed over a period of 47 months for poor flow through tunneled hemodialysis catheters despite tissue plasminogen activator infusion trials (CE, n=33; FSS, n=18; DFS, n=15). Baseline parameters (time since initial catheter placement, number of previous catheter interventions, catheter access site, and patient age and sex) were recorded to identify possible pretreatment differences among groups. Outcome comparison was based on duration of adequate catheter function on dialysis during follow-up. RESULTS: No significant differences in baseline parameters were identified among the three groups (P>.05). Mean follow-up duration (67+/-89 days; range, 0-398 d) was similar among the three groups. The immediate technical success rate was 100%, and there were no complications. Cumulative catheter patency rates were 73% (CE), 72% (FSS), and 65% (DFS) at 1 month; 43% (CE), 60% (FSS), and 39% (DFS) at 3 months; and 28% (CE), 45% (FSS), and 39% (DFS) at 6 months. Median duration of patency was similar among groups (P=.60). CONCLUSIONS: All three therapies were equivalent in terms of immediate technical success, complication rates, and durability of catheter function during later follow-up. Hence, when one technique is chosen over another, factors other than the period of secondary patency should be considered, such as cost and patient and physician preference.
