Endovascular management of portal vein obstruction in hepatobiliary cancer patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this article is to describe the procedural safety, technical success, and clinical success of endovascular management of portal and mesenteric venous obstruction in patients with hepatobiliary neoplasms. METHODS: Institutional Review Board (IRB)-approved HIPAA compliant retrospective review of 21 consecutive patients with hepatobiliary malignancies who underwent endovascular portal vein recanalization and stent placement between January 2012 and March 2020. Clinical diagnoses were pancreatic cancer (n = 19), colon cancer metastatic to the liver (n = 1), and cholangiocarcinoma (n = 1). Presenting signs and symptoms included: ascites, abdominal pain, abnormal liver function tests, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal bleeding. Stent patency and patient survival are presented with Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. A transhepatic approach was used in 20 cases (95.2%); trans-splenic access in one. Primary stent patency was 95.2%, 84%, and 68% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. All stent occlusions were caused by tumor progression. A total of 80% of patients reported symptomatic improvement. Patient survival at 10 months was 40%. The early death rate was 4.76%. There were no bleeding complications from the percutaneous tracts. CONCLUSION: Endovascular recanalization with stent placement is safe with high technical and clinical success.

Transjugular Liver Biopsy with Hemodynamic Evaluation: Correlation between Hepatic Venous Pressure Gradient and Histologic Diagnosis of Cirrhosis.

OBJECTIVES: Measurement of hepatic vein pressures is the accepted gold standard for the evaluation of portal hypertension. This study was conducted to evaluate the correlation between hepatic vein pressure measurements and histologic findings from transjugular liver biopsies. The hypothesis was that higher hepatic venous pressure gradients would correlate with a histologic diagnosis of cirrhosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We identified all patients who underwent transjugular liver biopsies at our institution between January 2015 and December 2019. Of these, 178 patients who had undergone hemodynamic evaluations during the biopsy procedure were included in the study. Demographic information and laboratory data were extracted from the patients' electronic medical records. The hepatic vein pressure gradient (HVPG) was determined by subtracting the free hepatic venous pressure from the wedged hepatic venous pressure (WHVP), and the portosystemic gradient (PSG) was determined by subtracting the right atrial pressure from the WHVP. HVPG and PSG were compared by linear regression analysis and by calculating their receiver operating characteristics (ROC). RESULTS: HVPG and PSG measurements were significantly associated with cirrhosis, with area under the ROC curve of 0.79 and 0.78, respectively. At the optimal cutoff of 9 mmHg, sensitivity and specificity for HVPG were 71% and 83% for HVPG and 67 % and 81% for PSG, respectively. No statistical difference was observed between the two measurements. CONCLUSION: A transhepatic venous pressure gradient above a cutoff of 9 mmHg is predictive of histologic cirrhosis, regardless of whether it is expressed as HVPG or PSG, with acceptable to excellent performance characteristics.

Transjugular Venous Approach for Endovascular Interventions in Hemodialysis Grafts and Fistulas of the Upper Extremities.

OBJECTIVE: This article describes the use of a transjugular venous access for interventions in upper extremity hemodialysis arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and grafts. This access is used in selected patients in whom direct puncture of the hemodialysis access is considered to be difficult or cumbersome. Technical success was achieved in 96.7% of patients. If an intervention is unsuccessful, the transjugular access offers the possibility of placement of a dialysis catheter for temporary or long-term hemodialysis. CONCLUSION: The transjugular approach for hemodialysis access endovascular interventions is technically successful and safe. Initially described as an intervention to treat malfunctioning arteriovenous grafts, we have used it successfully in AVF interventions. In our opinion, this approach is a safe and effective alternative that may prove useful in selected patients.

Transjugular venous approach for endovascular intervention in upper-extremity dialysis access fistulae and grafts.

A transjugular venous access is an alternative approach for endovascular intervention in upper-extremity dialysis arteriovenous fistulae and grafts. The transjugular access is recommended for patients who have an unfavorable anatomy for the direct arm access approach. Ultrasound evaluation of the arteriovenous access is essential before intervention and includes evaluation of the inflow artery and outflow vein diameters, arteriovenous anastomosis, and the entire outflow vein, specifically looking into potential problem areas. Patency of the ipsilateral internal jugular vein needs to be assessed. If patency of the ipsilateral internal jugular vein is confirmed, it can be used for access. Retrograde access into the outflow vein is obtained with a reverse-curve catheter and a Glidewire. In some cases, puncture of the outflow vein is necessary along with the use of snares to direct the catheter system into the outflow vein. The techniques for intervention are described. Successful access into the outflow vein is possible in >95% of cases. The technique is useful for fistula maturation, declotting procedure, and arteriovenous fistula and graft maintenance. If intervention is unsuccessful, the transjugular access offers the possibility of placement of a dialysis catheter for temporary or long-term dialysis.

The Emprint™ Ablation System with Thermosphere™ Technology: One of the Newer Next-Generation Microwave Ablation Technologies.

Microwave ablation is a recent development in the field of tumor ablation that uses electromagnetic waves to establish a microwave near-field with direct tissue heating. Some of the limitations of the earlier generation devices had been unpredictable size and shape of the ablation zones with changes in the surrounding tissue environment as well as differences across various different tissue types. The Emprint Ablation System with Thermosphere Technology (Covidien, Boulder, CO) is the most recent generation ablation system that attempts to produce predictable large spherical zones of ablation despite varying tissue environments across different tissue types such as liver, lung, and bone to name a few. This article will discuss these recent device developments as well as review some basic microwave characteristics.

Percutaneous transhepatic placement of a stent-graft to treat a delayed mesoportal hemorrhage after pancreaticoduodenectomy.

Postoperative hemorrhage is one of the most severe complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy. While detection of bleeding from adjacent arteries via conventional angiography and treatment with endovascular arterial coil embolization has been well established, to date no reports of percutaneous therapy for mesoportal hemorrhage have been published. This article describes an unusual case of delayed post-pancreaticoduodenectomy hemorrhage detected on a fluoroscopic drain check and treated with percutaneous transhepatic covered stent placement.

Comprehensive review of the diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract cancer 2012. Part II: multidisciplinary management.

Biliary tract cancers (gallbladder cancer, intra- and extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma and selected periampullary cancers) accounted for 12,760 new cases of cancer in the USA in 2010. These tumors have a dismal prognosis with most patients presenting with advanced disease. Early, accurate diagnosis is essential, both for potential cure where possible and for optimal palliative therapy in all others. This review examines the currently available and emerging technologies for diagnosis and treatment of this group of diseases.

Comprehensive review of the diagnosis and treatment of biliary tract cancer 2012. Part I: diagnosis-clinical staging and pathology.

Biliary tract cancers (gallbladder cancer, intra- and extra-hepatic cholangiocarcinoma, and selected periampullary cancers) accounted for 12,760 new cases of cancer in the USA in 2010. These tumors have a dismal prognosis with most patients presenting with advanced disease. Early, accurate diagnosis is essential, both for potential cure where possible and for optimal palliative therapy in all others. This review examines the currently available and emerging technologies for diagnosis and treatment of this group of diseases.

Results with Viabahn-assisted subintimal recanalization for TASC C and TASC D superficial femoral artery occlusive disease.

OBJECTIVES: Many investigators including TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) recommend against primary endovascular treatment for severe (TASC C and D) superficial femoral artery (SFA) disease. Vein bypass is preferable but may not be appropriate due to comorbidities or lack of suitable vein. This study reviews our results with Viabahn stent graft-assisted subintimal recanalization (VASIR) for TASC C and D SFA atherosclerosis. METHODS: In all, 13 males and 14 females, mean age 72 ± 11 years underwent 28 VASIR for severe (TASC C 8 of 28, TASC D 20 of 28, and 5 of 28 no continuous infrapopliteal runoff artery) SFA disease. Indications were claudication (14 of 28 limbs), ischemic rest pain (6 of 28), and tissue loss (8 of 28). Viabahn stent graft-assisted subintimal recanalization was chosen instead of bypass due to comorbidities or lack of vein. Patients received aspirin and, if not already taking warfarin, they also received clopidogrel. Patients were examined with Ankle-brachial Index (ABI) and duplex scan at 1 month, then every 3 months after VASIR. RESULTS: Viabahn stent graft-assisted subintimal recanalization was technically successful in all. Ankle-brachial Index averaged 0.47 ± 0.17 preprocedure, 0.89 ± 0.20 postprocedure, and increased by 0.15 or more in every case. Median follow-up is 20 months. There were 3 perioperative (<30 days) and 7 later failures including revision prior to any thrombosis. One patient required amputation. Four have died, 2 with patent grafts, none from causes related to VASIR, all more than 30 days post-VASIR. Estimated 1-year primary and secondary patency were 70% ± 11% and 73% ± 10%. Failure was not significantly associated with indications, comorbidities, or runoff status. There was a clear distinction between patients with early failure and the rest of the patients. None of the 8 patients with failure in the first 8 months after surgery has a patent graft. However, of 17 grafts primarily patent at 8 months, only 2 have failed (1 thrombosed and 1 required preemptive balloon angioplasty). There was a strong trend toward better patency with 6 and 7 mm diameter compared to 5 mm diameter stent grafts. Furthermore, although warfarin was not prescribed as part of the protocol, no patient taking warfarin before and who resumed warfarin after VASIR (n=4) suffered failure. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant early failures, we found VASIR to be durable in those who did not have early failure. Viabahn stent graft-assisted subintimal recanalization is an acceptable alternative to vein bypass in selected patients with severe SFA disease. Smaller arterial or stent graft diameter may be associated with poorer results. Warfarin may be valuable to reduce the risk of failure after VASIR.

Percutaneous Viabahn-assisted subintimal recanalization for severe superficial femoral artery occlusive disease.

PURPOSE: To evaluate Viabahn-assisted subintimal recanalization (VASIR) in long recanalizations of the superficial femoral artery (SFA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-eight patients (15 men, 13 women; mean age, 70.6 years +/- 11.2) were studied. Comorbidities were hypertension (n = 24), coronary disease (n = 16), and diabetes (n = 11). Presenting symptoms were disabling claudication (n = 14), rest pain (n = 6), and tissue loss (n = 8). Lesions were angiographically severe (TransAtlantic Intersociety Consensus [TASC] class D, n = 18; TASC class C, n = 8; TASC class B, n = 2); four of the 28 patients had no continuous run-off vessels. The SFA was recanalized percutaneously with standard subintimal techniques and then repaved with Viabahn stent-grafts. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) was obtained and duplex imaging performed at 1 month and then every 3 months. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all 28 patients without complications. The mean ABI of 0.47 +/- 0.18 before the procedure increased to 0.88 +/- 0.20 after the procedure. Seventeen of the 28 patients developed palpable foot pulses. The mean follow-up was 8.2 months +/- 3.6 (range, 1-13 months). Twelve recanalizations failed 1 day to 8 months after the procedure. Four patients underwent successful salvage, five underwent bypass, two chose no further therapy, and one required amputation. Thus, life-table primary patency is only 44% +/- 16 but secondary patency is 57% +/- 17. There was no correlation between failure and symptoms, lesion severity, or run-off status, but in eight of 12 failures, in which stents went from the adductor canal to just short of the SFA origin, stenosis occurred at the ends of the stent-grafts, which suggests that deformational forces from knee flexion may play an important role. CONCLUSIONS: VASIR shows considerable promise as a primary treatment for SFA occlusions, with diligent follow-up and aggressive repeat intervention. When failure mechanisms are better understood, VASIR may be considered as a substitute for vein bypass in suitable patients.

Ectopic pregnancy in a cesarean section scar treated with intramuscular methotrexate and bilateral uterine artery embolization.

We report a case of an ectopic pregnancy implanted in the myometrium at the site of a scar from a previous cesarean section that presented with vaginal bleeding and was successfully treated with bilateral uterine artery embolization and intramuscular administration of methotrexate. The combination of minimally invasive interventional techniques and medical therapies can preserve fertility.

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst: report of a case on fine-needle aspiration.

Ciliated hepatic foregut cyst (CHFC) is a rare, benign, solitary cyst consisting of ciliated columnar epithelium. They are lined by a layer of ciliated columnar cells and contain mucoid material and debris. It is the ciliated epithelium that distinguishes them from other hepatic cysts. The cyst is generally found incidentally on radiologic imaging or during surgical exploration. There has been an increase in the number of reports of CHFC during the past 15 years in the surgical pathology literature, presumably because of increased availability of various radiologic imaging modalities. Although it is rare, CHFC should be included in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the liver and is important to consider in aspirates obtained for the evaluation of possible neoplastic disease. We report a case diagnosed by fine-needle aspiration for a liver cyst discovered incidentally during the evaluation of acute pancreatitis.

Successful endovascular management of an acute iliac venous injury during lumbar discectomy and anterior spinal fusion.

A 61-year-old woman experienced laceration of the left common iliac vein with significant hemorrhage during lumbar discectomy. An endovascular approach using stent grafts provided a minimally invasive and successful solution to the problem.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt-related complications and practical solutions.

Despite the clinical complexity of patients with severe liver disease and the technical demands associated with the creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS), the major complication rate of this procedure is less than 5%. Delayed recognition and treatment of complications related to TIPS can have life-threatening consequences. This article provides an overview of the spectrum of periprocedural and delayed complications related to the performance of TIPS and offers the reader pearls for both avoiding and managing those complications.