Safety and efficacy study of prourokinase injection during primary percutaneous coronary intervention in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intracoronary administration of prourokinase via balloon catheter during primary percutaneous coronary interventions in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. METHODS: Acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients underwent primary percutaneous coronary interventions were randomly divided into two groups: intracoronary prourokinase group (n = 125) and control group (n = 135). During primary percutaneous coronary interventions, prourokinase or saline was injected to the distal end of the culprit lesion via balloon catheter after balloon catheter dilatation. Demographic and clinical characteristics, infarct size, myocardial reperfusion, and cardiac functions were evaluated and compared between two groups. Hemorrhagic complications and major averse cardiovascular events (MACE) occurred in the 6-months follow-up were recorded. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between two groups with respect to baseline demographic, clinical, and thrombolysis in myocardial infarction grade (P > 0.05). In the intracoronary prourokinase group, more patients had ST-segment resolution (>50%) compared with control group (P < 0.05). Patients in the intracoronary prourokinase group showed lower levels of serum CK, creatine kinase-MB fraction, and troponin I than those in control group (P < 0.05). No significant differences in bleeding complications were observed between the two groups (P > 0.05). At 6-months follow-up, there was no statistically different of MACE between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Intracoronary administration of prourokinase via balloon catheter during primary percutaneous coronary interventions effectively improved myocardial perfusion and no increased bleeding in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction patients.

Automated carbon dioxide digital angiography for lower-limb arterial disease evaluation: safety assessment and comparison with standard iodinated contrast media angiography.

INTRODUCTION: Carbon dioxide (CO2) has been validated as a contrast agent in a large series of studies. A particular advantages of CO2 over iodinated contrast medium (ICM) is the absence of nephrotoxicity and allergic reactions. One of the limitations of CO2 angiography is the difficulty of CO2 manual injection due to its compressibility. The manual gas injection does not permit optimal control of the gas output. Development of an automated CO2 injector has overcome these problems. AIM: This study compares the feasibility, safety, and diagnostic accuracy of automated CO2 digital subtraction angiography (DSA) in comparison with ICM-DSA in the evaluation of critical limb ischemic (CLI) patients. METHODS: We performed DSA with both CO2 and ICM on 40 consecutive CLI patients and directly compared the two techniques. Sixteen females and 24 males participated in the study (mean age, 71.7 years). We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of CO2 in identifying arterial stenosis in the lower limb, with ICM-DSA used as the gold standard. RESULTS: The overall diagnostic accuracy of CO2-DSA was 96.9% (sensitivity, 99.0%; specificity, 96.1%; positive predictive value, 91.1%; negative predictive value, 99.6%). Tolerable minor symptoms occurred in 3 patients. No allergic reactions or significant decline in renal function were observed in patients receiving the CO2 injection. CONCLUSION: Carbon dioxide DSA is a valuable and safe alternative to traditional ICM-DSA for evaluating CLI patients. This modality should be considered as the standard choice for CLI patients undergoing angiographic evaluation who are known to have renal insufficiency or contrast allergy.

Selective intra-arterial drug administration in a model of large vessel ischemia.

With continuing disconnect between laboratory stroke treatment models and clinical stroke therapy, we propose a novel experimental model to study stroke and vessel recanalization that mirrors acute management of large vessel stroke, with concomitant directed pharmacotherapy. Using the tandem transient ipsilateral common carotid/middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model to induce stroke in mice we then added selective intra-arterial (IA) drug administration for directed pharmacotherapy. The IA model uses micro-angio tubing placed at the bifurcation of the CCA to selectively administer the drug to the internal carotid distribution. We have shown that delivery of pharmacotherapy agents selectively through an IA injection is feasible in a mouse model, which will permit studies involving pharmacotherapy, transgenic modification, and/or a combination. Our IA model has similarities to previously published models of IA injection but differs in that we do not leave an indwelling micro-port or catheter in our animals, which is not clinically relevant as it does not reflect the human condition or current clinical management. Furthermore, we optimized our model to selectively direct therapy to the ipsilateral, stroke affected hemisphere. By developing an IA drug delivery model that mirrors clinical conditions, we are bridging the gap between basic stroke research and what is standard practice in acute ischemic stroke intervention. The IA model of drug delivery can target agents directly to the site of injury while blunting systemic effects, dose penetration issues, and administration delay that have plagued the intraperitoneal and oral drug administration models.

Inserción de balones intraarteriales ilíacos previa a la realización de cesárea ante la sospecha de acretismo placentario / Iliac artery occlusion balloons for suspected placenta accreta during cesarean section

La hemorragia masiva obstétrica continúa siendo una de las causas principales de morbimortalidad materna. Deben identificarse cuáles son los factores de riesgo asociados a esta enfermedad para adoptar un correcto plan terapéutico y disponer de los recursos necesarios. Se presenta un caso en el que se insertaron balones intraarteriales ilíacos previamente a la realización de la cesárea ante la sospecha de un acretismo placentario. Se describe el tratamiento perioperatorio y se analizan las distintas opciones terapéuticas con sus ventajas e inconvenientes, desde el uso de protocolos de administración de hemoderivados y factores procoagulantes y otras maniobras de control de la hemorragia, hasta la realización de histerectomía (AU)

Massive obstetric hemorrhage still remains a major cause of maternal mortality and morbidity. The risk factors associated with this pathology must be identified in order to schedule the appropriate delivery with the necessary resources. A case is presented of an iliac artery occlusion with intravascular balloons for suspected placenta accreta during cesarean section. The perioperative treatment, as well as an analysis of the treatment options is described, along with their advantages and disadvantages, from the use of postpartum hemorrhage protocols, blood transfusion and procoagulant factors, and other maneuvers to control bleeding, until the hysterectomy (AU)

Contrast volume use in manual vs automated contrast injection systems for diagnostic coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary interventions.

BACKGROUND: Contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) is an important cause of iatrogenic morbidity and mortality. The amount of contrast delivered has a major effect on CIN and is operator-dependent. A few studies suggested that the use of automated contrast injection systems is associated with reduced contrast volume. It is unknown whether this is true when smaller amounts of contrast are used and how this is affected by training. METHODS: Volume of contrast media was measured in 1358 consecutive patients undergoing diagnostic catheterization and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) from January 31 to May 31, 2011. Patients were allocated to manual stopcock-manifold contrast injection (1052 patients) or automated contrast injection (306 patients). RESULTS: No significant difference in contrast volume use was found between manual and automated contrast injection systems, respectively: diagnostic catheterization, 72 ± 40 mL vs 96 ± 63 mL (P = 0.08); diagnostic catheterization with left ventricular angiography, 98 ± 40 mL vs 95 ± 35 mL (P = 0.51); PCI, 206 ± 82 mL vs 205 ± 90 mL (P = 0.84); diagnostic catheterization and PCI, 264 ± 83 mL vs 253 ± 93 mL (P = 0.51). No significant difference in CIN incidence, according to contrast injection systems, was found among patients receiving PCI (manual 9.8% vs automated 7.4%, P = 0.43). Using smaller sized catheters during diagnostic procedures was associated with injection of smaller amounts of contrast (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The use of automated contrast injection for diagnostic catheterization and PCI is not associated with reduced contrast volume as compared with manual injection. The use of smaller calibre catheters might reduce contrast volume.

A comparison of the use of traditional hand injection versus automated contrast injectors during cardiac catheterization.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) and vascular complications in patients undergoing cardiac catheterization using traditional manual contrast injection techniques with those in which an automated contrast injector device was used. BACKGROUND: It has been suggested that use of automated contrast injectors in coronary interventions could reduce complications by reducing contrast volume usage and allowing the use of smaller sheaths. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study with review of patient's electronic medical charts and the Heartbase registry. Complete data were available for 13107 patients between 1999 and 2009. Of those patients, 5137 procedures were performed with traditional manual contrast injection and 7970 procedures used automated contrast injection. The CIN event rate and vascular complication rates were compared between patients who underwent catheterization using these differing techniques. RESULTS: Overall, the incidence of CIN was comparable in traditional and automated contrast injector assisted catheterizations (9.07% vs 8.73%; P=.5). However, for the subgroup of patients that had a diagnostic cardiac catheterization and went on to have an ad hoc angioplasty, incidence of CIN was much lower in the automated contrast injector group (7.04% vs 5.50%; P=.007). The incidence of vascular complications was lower in the automated contrast injector group vs the traditional method (2.85% vs 2.17%; P=.02), irrespective of an ad hoc angioplasty. CONCLUSION: Use of automated contrast injectors resulted in a significant decrease in vascular complications across all cardiac catheterizations. Additionally, there was a significant decrease in CIN when the automated contrast injector was used for catheterizations that included a percutaneous coronary intervention.

Qualitative comparison of coronary angiograms between 4 French catheters with an advanced cardiovascular injection system and 6 French catheters with manual injection.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to test whether advanced cardiovascular injection (ACI) via 4 French (Fr) catheters is more advantageous than manual injection with 6 Fr catheters. BACKGROUND: For coronary angiography, proponents of contrast media ACI believe it utilizes smaller-diameter catheters when compared with manual injection, without compromising the quality of the angiogram, and has the potential to reduce the amount of contrast used and lessen the use of closure devices. METHODS: In a prospective study, 200 consecutive patients referred for elective coronary angiography were randomized to standard 6 Fr catheters with manual injection versus 4 Fr catheters with ACI. The study's primary endpoint is the quality of the coronary angiogram. Secondary endpoints include groin complications, utilization of closure devices, and volume of contrast media. Thirty-six patients who underwent ad hoc percutaneous coronary intervention were excluded from the analysis. RESULTS: The final analysis included 80 patients treated with 4 Fr catheters with ACI and 84 patients treated with 6 Fr catheters with manual injection. The groups had similar demographic and clinical characteristics. The quality of the angiogram was similar between groups with the exception of more left coronary sinus flush with 4 Fr catheters (3.57 ± 1.1 vs. 2.98 ± 0.9, P < 0.001) and less closure device use with 4 Fr (25 vs. 71.4%, P < 0.01) compared to 6 Fr catheters. The procedure duration, volume of contrast used, vascular complications, and time to ambulation were similar between groups (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: 4 Fr diagnostic catheters with ACI offer similar quality coronary angiograms, similar rates of vascular complications, procedure duration, contrast used, and time to ambulation, but have a significantly lesser need for closure devices compared to the 6 Fr system with manual injection.

[Treatment of pseudoaneurysms by thrombin injection]. / Perkutane Thrombininjektion bei Aneurysma Spurium.

The incidence of pseudoaneurysms after percutaneus arterial procedures is a quite common complication. Ultrasound-guided thrombin injection is an effective and elegant therapy with a low procedural risk, when the physician is trained in the technique. This paper provides a tutorial for physicians including tips and pitfalls.

[Capacities of angiography in the imaging of abnormal changes in the cerebral arteries].

The study was based on the angiographic examination of 233 patients with prior subarachnoidal hemorrhage. Angiographic study was performed using the Seldinger technique by contrasting both carotid and vertebral arteries. Twenty-three patients in whom arterial aneurysm had been detected by digital subtraction angiography underwent 3D angiography. The authors improved a procedure during which a contrast agent was manually injected into the internal carotid or vertebral artery, by using a 20-ml disposal syringe with controlled maximum developed pressure and flow increase rate up to 2.0 ml/sec for 4-5 sec during rotary scanning and the administration of the radiocontrast medium was stopped when an image appeared on the monitor at 190 degrees (190.0, 200.0) C-arm rotation. This procedure could decrease significantly the volume of the administered contrast agent from 18 to 8 (8.0, 10.0) ml and reduce the time of radiation exposure from 6 to 4 (4.0, 5.0) sec. The improved angiographic modes for the right vertebral and right carotid artery could visualize pathological changes in these arteries and establish a relationship, namely: due to degenerative dystrophic processes of the cervical spine there is a tendency for higher pathological changes in the vertebral arteries with an increased stage of osteochondrosis in the cervical spine (R = 0.95; p = 0.014).

In vitro study assessing the technical feasibility of using 3-F inner dilators for imaging.

PURPOSE: The 3-F inner dilators from three brands of micropuncture kits with slightly different designs were studied to identify the maximal flow rate of contrast medium infusion in hopes of identifying a safe range for the delivery of contrast media. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The inner dilators from three micropuncture kit manufacturers were tested. To assess maximum flow rates, each inner dilator was subjected to repeated contrast medium infusions at sequentially higher flow rates until it failed or reached maximal rate limits of the autoinjector. After a thorough inspection of each failed dilator, results for flow rates and pressures at failure were collected. RESULTS: All inner dilators were capable of achieving flow rates of at least 6 mL/sec at an average pressure of 258 psi. None of the inner dilators ruptured or resulted in a distal embolic event in our vessel model. Two dilators from the same manufacturer reached maximal rate limits of the autoinjector and did not fail. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the inner dilators from these micropuncture kits for nonselective angiography at rates at or less than 6 mL/sec appears technically feasible. Although it appears to offer angiographers and patients a quicker and perhaps safer alternative than conventional upsizing to catheters with larger lumens, additional experimental and clinical trials are necessary to fully endorse this in clinical practice.

Novel microcatheters for selective intra-arterial injection of fluid in the rat brain.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The internal carotid artery (ICA) in the rat has a single extracranial branch, which supplies the muscles of mastication. The rat ICA also has multiple intracranial branches including (from proximal to distal): multiple small perforating arteries which supply the hypothalamus and the anterior choroidal artery which supplies the choroid plexus and part of the basal ganglia. At the ICA terminus, the vessel bifurcates into the anterior and middle cerebral arteries. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate selective injection of ICA branches in the rat. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Microcatheters (mucath1 and mucath2) were fabricated by plugging the tip of 169-mum outer diameter polyimide tubing and perforating the sidewalls. A 450-mum polydimethyl-siloxane cylinder was affixed to the distal tip of mucath2 but not mucath1. We evaluated the territory of mucath1 injection ex vivo using magnetization-prepared rapid acquisition of gradient echo MR imaging of brain specimens injected at necropsy. Territories of mucath1 and mucath2 injection were evaluated in vivo with dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast-enhanced MR imaging. The territory of mucath2 also was evaluated in vivo with fused static microPET/T1 MR images performed after [(18)F] fluorodeoxyglucose ((18)FDG) injection. We evaluated additional catheterized and injected animals at 48 hours using physical examination, T2 MR images, and postmortem brain histologic specimens. RESULTS: Gadolinium-diethylene-triamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-DTPA) and (18)FDG injected through mucath1 selectively opacified the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere, with no contralateral opacification. Gd-DTPA injected through mucath2 selectively opacified the territories of the hypothalamic perforating arteries, and anterior choroidal artery. There was no iatrogenic complication 48 hours after 20- to 25-minute injections performed with mucath1 or mucath2. CONCLUSIONS: We have developed 2 microcatheters which can be placed in the ICA for selective injection of its branches. One microcatheter selectively injects the ipsilateral cerebral hemisphere. The other selectively injects only the hypothalamus and lateral thalamus.

Transarterial embolization with microspheres in the treatment of monofocal HCC.

BACKGROUND: Transarterial embolization using one permanent embolic agent alone enhances tumour ischaemia and spares patients with hepatocellular carcinoma form toxic chemotherapeutic drugs. PURPOSE: We assessed feasibility, tolerability and efficacy of transarterial embolization with microspheres in patients with a single node hepatocellular carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen consecutive patients with compensated cirrhosis, hypervascularized single hepatocellular carcinoma, in whom liver transplantation was indicated (no.=3), or excluded from radical therapies (no.=15), received selective transarterial embolization with microspheres. Treatment was repeated every other month until complete devascularitazion was demonstrated by computed tomography, for a maximum of 3 cycles. RESULTS: Fifty transarterial embolization courses (mean: 2.8 courses, range 1-6) were administered, corresponding to a 100% applicability rates. Initial complete response was achieved in 16 (89%) patients and confirmed by histology in 2 transplanted patients. During 21-month follow-up (range 8-36), hepatocellular carcinoma recurred in 10 (62%) patients who achieved initial complete response, and de novo tumour nodes developed in 10 (56%). No patient required analgesics and none had liver function deteriorated following transarterial embolization. CONCLUSIONS: Transarterial embolization is a well-tolerated treatment for patients with early or intermediate hepatocellular carcinoma who are not suitable for radical treatment or await liver transplantation, but it allows to achieve a sustained complete response in a minority of patients.

Safer arterial access.

Intra-arterial injection of drugs intended for intravenous delivery is a frequent and potentially devastating consequence of placing an arterial line in a patient. A system is described here that prevents this complication from occurring and its use is advocated in intensive care and operating theatre settings.

A cone-beam volume CT using a 3D angiography system with a flat panel detector of direct conversion type: usefulness for superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy for head and neck tumors.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The development of flat panel detectors (FPDs) has made cone-beam CT feasible for practical use in a clinical setting. Our purpose was to assess the usefulness of cone-beam CT using the FPD in conjunction with conventional digital subtraction angiography (DSA) for performing superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy for head and neck tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-three consecutive patients (43 feeding arteries) were prospectively examined. All of the patients underwent intra-arterial rotational angiography using an FPD system, and the cone-beam CT was reconstructed from the volume dataset. Two radiologists evaluated the quality of the cone-beam CT and then evaluated whether the additional information provided by the cone-beam CT was useful for the interventional procedures. RESULTS: In 41 (95%) of 43 arteries, the extent of contrast material perfusion was sufficiently visualized on cone-beam CT. In 20 (47%) of 43 arteries, the DSA plus cone-beam CT was superior to the DSA alone regarding the precise understanding of vascular territory of each artery. This information was helpful for predicting the drug delivery for superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy, especially in deeply invasive tumors with multiple feeding arteries. CONCLUSION: In superselective intra-arterial chemotherapy for head and neck tumors, cone-beam CT with FPD provides useful additional information, which allows interventional radiologists to determine the feeders, as well as the dose of antitumor agent for each feeder.

Traditional versus automated injection contrast system in diagnostic and percutaneous coronary interventional procedures: comparison of the contrast volume delivered.

UNLABELLED: Contrast injection with a manual stopcock-manifold system is the standard technique during diagnostic coronary angiography or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). The ACIST Injection System is a new automatic injection device that allows online hemodynamic monitoring, as well as control of injection rate and amount of contrast to be delivered. The aim of the study was to compare the amount of contrast media delivered using the two methods, i.e., the traditional (manual injection plus standard power injection for the left ventriculography using the ANGIOMAT-6000) versus the ACIST System programmed injector. A total of 453 consecutive patients underwent diagnostic cardiac catheterization and/or PCI at our institution. Patients were randomly assigned to either automated contrast injection with the ACIST device (n = 253) or to conventional contrast injection using a stopcock-manifold system and contrast injection by hand syringe (n = 200). In the diagnostic catheterization group, the mean quantity of contrast volume was significantly lower in the ACIST group compared to the control group (130 +/- 60 ml versus 257 +/- 64 ml, respectively; 97.4% more contrast media; p < 0.001). When the data were analyzed for patients who underwent diagnostic catheterization plus PCI, the mean quantity of contrast volume was 228 +/- 90 ml versus 350 +/- 94 ml, respectively (53.8% more contrast media; p < 0.001). For patients who underwent PCI alone, the mean quantity of contrast volume was 175 +/- 76 ml versus 275 +/- 100 ml, respectively (57.3% more contrast media; p = 0.009). When only the total volume of contrast media delivered to the patient was considered (not including the contrast wasted outside), the results were very similar. CONCLUSION: There was a significant reduction in the total volume of contrast media used (amount injected to the patient as well as the amount wasted) and in the net amount of contrast delivered to the patient with the ACIST power device when compared to the traditional method of manual contrast injection.

Safe radiation exposure of medical personnel by using simple methods of radioprotection while administering 131I-lipiodol therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma.

The intra-arterial administration of 131I-lipiodol is a therapeutic approach increasingly used for the treatment of inoperable hepatocellular carcinomas. This technique has even become the reference treatment for hepatocellular carcinomas with portal thrombosis and is the only effective treatment to reduce the risk of recurrence among patients who could benefit from surgical operation. Currently, few data have been published concerning the levels of exposure for personnel carrying out this type of treatment. We undertook a dosimetric study targeted mainly on the exposure of the person performing the injection of 131I-lipiodol to show that this treatment can be carried out with an exposure at the extremities distinctly lower than the regulatory annual threshold by using simple means of radioprotection. The point of puncture was carried out at the level of left femoral artery, the preparation and injection of the therapeutic dose was carried out extemporaneously by the nuclear medicine specialist using a 10 ml syringe (for an injected volume of 4 ml) fitted with an adapted syringe protector. The injection was carried out as rapidly as possible under scopic control while avoiding reflux, with compression carried out by the radiologist. This study comprises 52 intra-arterial injections of 131I-lipiodol (2016+/-92 MBq). For the nuclear medicine specialists, 52 measurements were carried out at the level of the thorax and 41 on the fingers. For the radiologists, 22 measurements were carried out at the level of the thorax and six on their index fingers; nine measurements were carried out at the level of the thorax for the technologist and four at the level of the thorax for the stretcher bearer. For the nuclear medicine specialists, the average dose received at the level of the fingers varies between 140 and 443 microSv (according to the fingers) and the average dose at the thorax is 17 microSv. For the radiologists, the average dose received is 215 microSv at the level of the fingers and 15 microSv at the thorax. These results show that the administration of high therapeutic activities of 131I-lipiodol can be carried out for the exposed personnel with a dose at the level of the fingers much lower than the European regulatory limit of 500 mSv.

Optimum iodine concentration of contrast material through microcatheters: hydrodynamic analysis of experimental results.

It is important to increase the iodine delivery rate (I), that is the iodine concentration of the contrast material (C) x the flow rate of the contrast material (Q), through a catheter to obtain high quality arteriograms. The iodine delivery rate varies depending on the iodine concentration of the contrast material. The purpose of this study is to estimate the optimum iodine concentration (Copt) of contrast material (i.e. the iodine concentration at which I becomes maximum) through a microcatheter of a given length (L), inner diameter (D) and injection pressure (P). Iohexol, ioversol and iopamidol of 11-12 iodine concentrations (140-350, 160-350 or 160-370 mg cm(-3)) at 37 degrees C are used. I and Reynolds number (Re) of the flow of each contrast material through four microcatheters (0.49-0.68 mm in inner diameter, 1000-1500 mm in length) at injection pressures of 1.38, 2.76, 4.14 and 5.52 x 10(6) Pa (200, 400, 600 and 800 pounds per square inch) are obtained experimentally. The relationships between I and C and between I and Re are examined for each catheter and injection pressure. Copt is 160-280 mg cm(-3) for iohexol, 180-280 mg cm(-3) for ioversol and 200-300 mg cm(-3) for iopamidol. I becomes maximum when Re approximates the critical Reynolds number (Re approximately 2300). Utilizing this principle, we can estimate Copt and its flow rate through a microcatheter of a given L, D and P.

Radiation exposure and radiation protection of the physician in iodine-131 Lipiodol therapy of liver tumours.

Intra-arterial iodine-131 labelled Lipiodol therapy for liver cancer has been investigated for safety and efficacy over a number of years, but data on radiation exposure of personnel have remained unavailable to date. The aim of this study was to assess the radiation exposure of the physician during intra-arterial 131I-Lipiodol therapy for liver malignancies and to develop appropriate radiation protection measures and equipment. During 20 intra-arterial administrations of 131I-Lipiodol (1110-1924 MBq), radiation dose equivalents (RDE) to the whole body, fingers and eyes of the physician were determined for (a) conventional manual administration through a shielded syringe, (b) administration with an automatic injector and (c) administration with a lead container developed in-house. Administration by syringe resulted in a finger RDE of 19.5 mSv, an eye RDE of 130-140 microSv, and a whole-body RDE of 108-119 microSv. The injector reduced the finger RDE to 5 mSv. With both technique (a) and technique (b), contamination of angiography materials was observed. The container allowed safe transport and administration of the radiopharmaceutical from 4 m distance and reduced the finger RDE to <3 microSv and the eye RDE to <1 microSv during injection. During femoral artery compression, radiation exposure to the fingers reached 170 microSv, but the whole-body dose could be reduced from a mean RDE of 114 microSv to 14 microSv. No more contamination occurred. In conclusion, radiation exposure was high when 131I-Lipiodol was administered by syringe or injector, but was significantly reduced with the lead container.

Hepatic artery access ports: recognizing and avoiding the problems.

BACKGROUND: Regional approaches to the management of hepatic tumours are appropriate in some clinical situations and include hepatic arterial chemotherapy (HAC) and selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT). Both require access to the hepatic artery, which is conveniently achieved with a subcutaneously placed port. Placement and use of these ports may be associated with a variety of technical problems which can impact adversely on the outcome of the treatment. The present paper outlines the problems related to port usage for regional hepatic therapies, with emphasis on the technical aspects of insertion and interpretation and management of subsequent problems. METHODS: Hepatic artery port placement was attempted in 129 patients for use with either SIRT and/or HAC. Ports were used or flushed at monthly intervals. RESULTS: Successful port insertion was achieved in 127 patients, of whom 87 received HAC alone, seven received SIRT alone, 28 patients received both and in five patients the port was never used. Methylene blue injection was used to identify anomalous arterial anatomy, which was found in 26 of 95 patients (27%), and significant extrahepatic 'access', which was seen in 25 patients (26%) after initial placement. Forty-six instances of technical problems preventing continued use of the port occurred in 43 patients after a median of 4 (0-36) cycles of chemotherapy, including hepatic artery thrombosis (n = 26), catheter blockage (n = 4), duodenal fistula (n = 3), gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding (n = 3), side-effects (n = 3), access problems (n = 3), extravasation (n = 3) and infection (n = 1). CONCLUSION: Methods used to identify, manage and in some instances prevent the occurrence of these problems are discussed.

Safety and efficacy of a multicenter study using intraarterial chemotherapy in conjunction with osmotic opening of the blood-brain barrier for the treatment of patients with malignant brain tumors.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the safety and efficacy of intraarterial chemotherapy with osmotic opening of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) for the treatment of malignant brain tumors when administered across multiple centers. METHODS: Patients with primary central nervous system lymphoma (PCNSL), primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET), germ cell tumor, cancer metastasis to the brain, or low or high grade glioma were eligible. Prior to entry, magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography brain scan, medical history, neurologic status, and Karnofsky performance status were reviewed at the coordinating center. Standardized anesthesia and intraarterial catheterization guidelines were followed by a multidisciplinary team at each center. Between March 1994 and November 1997, 5 universities treated 221 adult patients with intraarterial chemotherapy with or without osmotic opening of the BBB (2464 procedures). RESULTS: Of evaluable patients with PCNSL, 40 of 53 (75%) achieved complete response (CR). All evaluable patients with PNET (n = 17), metastatic disease (n = 12), or germ cell tumor (n = 4) achieved stable disease (SD) or better. Of 57 evaluable patients with glioblastoma multiforme, 45 (79%) achieved SD or better. Asymptomatic subintimal tear occurred in 11 of 221 patients (5%), pulmonary embolism in 6 of 221 (2.7%), and renal toxicity in 4 of 221 (1.8%). One patient with extensive glioma expired within 48 hours after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Using standard guidelines and protocols, intraarterial chemotherapy with or without osmotic opening of the BBB is feasible across multiple centers with a low incidence of catheter-related complications. In patients with chemotherapy-sensitive tumors, such as PCNSL, PNET, germ cell tumor, and cancer metastasis to the central nervous system, enhanced delivery results in a high degree of tumor response, with an efficacy profile that is reproducible across multiple centers.