A new hope for vascular access, modifying a new technique: The Surfacer® Inside-Out Access Catheter System and sharp recanalization.

Vascular access (VA) for hemodialysis (HD) continues to be the keystone of the technique's success. The first option should be an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or arteriovenous graft (AVG), although in some scenarios the only possibility available is a central venous catheter, which could lead to an increase in vascular complications such as thoracic central vein occlusion (TCVO), becoming a challenge for physicians. If conventional therapies cannot be performed, a new device called the Surfacer® Inside-Out® Access Catheter System (IOA) (Bluegrass Vascular Technologies, San Antonio, TX, USA) arises as a promising alternative. Here we describe the case of a patient in which we performed a combination of two techniques: sharp recanalization plus Surfacer® Inside-Out® Access Catheter System.

Venting percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy in malignant bowel obstruction: safety and effectiveness in a comprehensive cancer centre.

OBJECTIVE: Approximately 20% of established malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) patients do not respond to pharmacological treatment. In these cases, venting percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (VPRG) may be useful. Existing evidence is based on retrospective studies with methodological limitations. The purpose of this study is to describe safety and effectiveness for symptom control after VPRG placement in a prospective cohort of MBO patients. METHODS: Complications of VPRG placement, symptom control, destination on discharge and survival were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were included, 13 (61.9%) of whom were women. Mean age was 62.7 years (36-85). Local pain (n=8, 38.1%) and peristomal leakage (n=4, 19%) were the most frequent minor complications. No major complications occurred. Nausea and vomiting were relieved in most patients (n=20, 95.2%) after VPRG, and small quantities of liquid diet were introduced to these patients. Median time to death after VPRG was 13 days (IQR 8.6-17.4). Thirteen patients (61.9%) were discharged, with seven of them (33.3%) returning home. CONCLUSIONS: When pharmacological treatment fails, the use of VPRG in MBO patients may be feasible, safe and effective.

Catheter-Directed Therapies in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism: Predictive Factors of In-Hospital Mortality and Long-Term Follow-Up.

(1) Background: Catheter-directed therapies (CDT) may be considered for selected patients with pulmonary embolism (PE); (2) Methods: Retrospective observational study including all consecutive patients with acute PE undergoing CDT (mechanical or pharmacomechanical) from January 2010 through December 2020. The aim was to evaluate in-hospital and long-term mortality and its predictive factors; (3) Results: We included 63 patients, 43 (68.3%) with high-risk PE. All patients underwent mechanical CDT and, additionally, 27 (43%) underwent catheter-directed thrombolysis. Twelve (19%) patients received failed systemic thrombolysis (ST) prior to CDT, and an inferior vena cava (IVC) filter was inserted in 28 (44.5%) patients. In-hospital PE-related and all-cause mortality rates were 31.7%; 95% CI 20.6-44.7% and 42.9%; 95% CI 30.5-56%, respectively. In multivariate analysis, age > 70 years and previous ST were strongly associated with PE-related and all-cause mortality, while IVC filter insertion during the CDT was associated with lower mortality rates. After a median follow-up of 40 (12-60) months, 11 more patients died (mortality rate of 60.3%; 95% CI 47.2-72.4%). Long-term survival was significantly higher in patients who received an IVC filter; (4) Conclusions: Age > 70 years and failure of previous ST were associated with mortality in acute PE patients treated with CDT. In-hospital and long-term mortality were lower in patients who received IVC filter insertion.

Non-retrieved inferior vena cava filters: causes and long-term follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Temporary inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are not always retrieved. Information about long-term outcomes of patients with indwelling filters is scarce. Aims of our study were to assess reasons that preclude retrieval of temporary IVC filters and long-term outcomes and causes of death in patients with indwelling filters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective observational study including all consecutive patients undergoing IVC filter insertion from January 2009 through December 2018. Patients with permanent filters and those with temporary filters not retrieved were followed from insertion until June 2020. RESULTS: We included 271 patients with a mean age of 63.8 years. The main indication for filter insertion was acute venous thromboembolism and contraindication for anticoagulation (83%). The filter was deemed as permanent in 24.4% of patients and temporary in 75.6%. Sixty six percent of temporary filters were retrieved; the main cause of non-retrieval was lack of planning / follow-up (57.9%). One hundred twelve patients (41.3%) remained with indwelling filters. After follow-up, 54.5% were alive and 45.5% had died, with a median survival time of 6.19 (95% CI, 2.63-9.75) years. The most frequent cause of death during follow-up was cancer (49%). The frequency of anticoagulant therapy was similar in both groups (57.4%% versus 54.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The main preventable cause of non-retrieval of temporary IVC filters was lack of planning / follow-up. Structured follow-up programs should be implemented to increase retrieval rates. In patients with indwelling filters, the main cause of death was cancer and extended anticoagulation was not associated with survival.