Vertebroplasty and epiduroscopy as seen by interventional radiologist.

Two minimally-invasive techniques in the spinal region are introduced: vertebroplasty and epiduroscopy. Vertebroplasty is mostly used in the treatment of osteoporotic vertebral body fractures, as well as in the palliative treatment of spinal metastases or symptomatic hemangiomas. It is usually performed under fluoroscopic, and often also CT control under analgesic sedation. If correctly indicated an analgesic effect occurs in roughly 90 % of patients. Epiduroscopy is a new technique, which is promising especially in patients with failed back surgery syndrome; patients with clinically-symptomatic fibrous adhesions, generally after repeated surgery. If correctly indicated a positive effect occurs in roughly one third to one half of patients.

[Renal cell carcinoma in the coming era of robotic technology]. / Karcinom ledviny v ére nastupujících robotických technologií.

Renal cell carcinoma is the most malignant urological tumour and the incidence in the Czech Republic is currently highest in the world. Kidney cancer is associated with seven different genes and is characterized nowadays as metabolic disease. Authors present some current facts about advances in diagnosis and new treatment methods. Different findings required individual approach. Diagnosis improved with more sophisticated ultrasonography, computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging and positron emission tomography etc. Apart from standard surgery new alternative methods of minimally invasive procedures also assert (laparoscopy, robotic surgery, radiofrequency ablation, kryoablation) and are incorporated in current complex treatment strategies. Systemic therapy with new targeted antiangiogenics drugs is a new standard of treatment for metastatic kidney cancer Complex care with integration of local treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, selective embolization, radiosurgery, cementoplasty, vetrebroplasty etc.) and systemic medication with best supportive care is optimal for a metastatic kidney cancer. More accurate diagnostic methods and complex interdisciplinary approach with integration of systemic therapy with new targeted drugs and new minimally invasive procedures represent new possibilities for patients with kidney cancer.

Percutaneous transhepatic venous access for catheter ablation procedures in patients with interruption of the inferior vena cava.

BACKGROUND: Catheter ablation of left-sided atrial arrhythmias generally is performed using a transfemoral venous approach through the inferior vena cava (IVC). In this report, we assessed the feasibility of a percutaneous transhepatic approach to ablation of left-sided atrial arrhythmias in 2 patients with interruption of the IVC. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patient 1 had atrial flutter in the setting of complex congenital heart disease and prior Fontan for univentricular physiology and a single atrium. Patient 2 had atrial fibrillation. Percutaneous hepatic vein access was obtained with ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance. Transseptal catheterization was performed in patient 2. After the procedure, the hepatic tract in patient 1 was cauterized using a bipolar radiofrequency catheter, and an Amplatzer vascular plug was used in patient 2 to obtain hemostasis. Percutaneous hepatic vein access was achieved without complications. After electroanatomical mapping, a linear lesion was placed between the single atrioventricular valve and the confluence of the hepatic veins in patient 1; this terminated the flutter, and bidirectional block was achieved. In patient 2, the pulmonary veins were electrically isolated using an extraostial approach, isolating the ipsilateral veins in pairs. Additionally, ablation of right-side atrial flutter was achieved by obtaining bidirectional block across a linear lesion between the tricuspid valve and confluence of the hepatic veins. Hemostasis of the transhepatic tract was attained in both patients. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with interrupted IVCs, a percutaneous transhepatic approach is a feasible alternative for performing catheter ablation of complex left-sided arrhythmias.