Correction to: Percutaneous retrieval of migrated Viabahn stent from a segmental pulmonary artery.

In the published article [1] the statement under the subheading 'Consent for publication' is incorrect.

Percutaneous retrieval of migrated Viabahn stent from a segmental pulmonary artery.

BACKGROUND: With improving and aggressive endovascular venous and dialysis techniques there is increasing use of stent grafts with different platforms available on the market. Inappropriately sized stents may displace and potentially end up in the heart or lungs as potential dangerous foreign bodies. There is single published case of successful viabahn stent graft retrieval from the pulmonary circulation. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a patient who had successful safe percutaneous retrieval of a migrated Viabahn stent from a segmental Pulmonary artery and describe a different novel safe technique of successful stent graft retrieval from the pulmonary artery with very low risk to potential damage to the cardiac valve complex. CONCLUSION: This case report demonstrates that Viabahn stent grafts can be safely retrieved from the pulmonary arterial system using this endovascular technique that will significantly reduce the risk of damage to the cardiac valve complex therefore avoiding potential complex surgery.

Off label use of devices and drugs in interventional radiology.

AIM: To establish how often off-label device and drug use occurs in interventional radiology (IR) in a UK tertiary referral hospital and consider the wider implications for the interventional radiologist. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospective data were collected during interventional procedures for 1 working week in a university hospital. Out-of-hours procedures and procedures outside the department were excluded. Operators were asked to record the drugs and devices used, the indication, and method of use. The instructions for use/summary of product characteristics were then studied for each device/drug used to assess if the use was on or off-label. RESULTS: During the study period 52 cases were performed and data were available on 26 cases (50%). In 22 of the 26 cases (84%) there was evidence of off-label use of devices or drugs. Off-label use of drugs included treatment of venous malformations with Fibrovein(©) (sodium tetradecyl sulphate), which is licensed for the treatment of varicose veins in the leg, and intra-arterial injection of heparin, which is licensed for intravenous and subcutaneous use. Off-label device use included placing vascular sheaths in the urinary tract, using angiographic catheters to guide wires in the urinary tract, using sheaths for thrombosuction, reshaping of the tip of most guidewires, and using angioplasty balloons to dislodge the arterial plug at fistula thrombectomy. CONCLUSION: Off-label device and drugs use is common in a UK tertiary hospital IR department and literature suggests this is common in the wider IR community. There are important clinical and legal implications for off-label use for patients and physicians.