Ultrasound-guided genitofemoral nerve block for femoral arterial access gain and closure: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the analgesic efficacy and safety of the femoral branch block of the genitofemoral nerve (FBB) versus local infiltration anesthesia (LIA) for femoral arterial access gain and closure. METHODS: Eighty-two patients (age, 64.8 ± 10.9 years; female, 30.5%) undergoing endovascular procedures using 5-Fr femoral sheath were assigned to either FBB (n = 41) or LIA (n = 41). In both groups, 2% lidocaine HCL with 1:100,000 epinephrine was used as an anesthetic solution. Pain scores during access gain and closure were evaluated using a visual analog scale (score 0-10), patient satisfaction levels with the quality of anesthesia were scored on a 7-point Likert scale, and adverse events were recorded. RESULTS: The primary endpoint, pain scores during access closure, was significantly lower in the FBB group than in the LIA group (0.1 ± 0.37 vs 1.73 ± 0.92; p < 0.001). The FBB group also had significantly lower pain scores during access gain compared to the LIA group (0.83 ± 0.83 vs 2.78 ± 1.26; p < 0.001). There was an inverse relationship between pain scores and FBB after adjustment for age, gender, and body mass index (p < 0.001). FBB group reported significantly higher satisfaction with anesthesia quality compared to the LIA group (6.49 ± 0.64 vs 4.05 ± 1.05; p < 0.001). No complications were recognized in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound-guided genitofemoral nerve blocks offered better acute pain relief and higher patient satisfaction than LIA during femoral arterial access gain and closure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: In this prospective randomized controlled trial, ultrasound-guided genitofemoral nerve blocks offered better acute pain relief than local infiltration anesthesia, resulting in enhanced patient satisfaction. KEY POINTS: • FBB provided better pain relief during access gain and closure than LIA. • FBB offered higher patient satisfaction with the quality of anesthesia than LIA. • No anesthesia-related or access site complications were recognized in either treatment group.

Early versus delayed bronchial artery embolization for non-massive hemoptysis.

OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to compare clinical outcomes of early versus delayed bronchial artery embolization (BAE) for non-massive hemoptysis and to investigate predictors of recurrent hemoptysis. METHODS: From March 2018 to February 2021, 138 consecutive patients (age, 65.5 ± 12.4 years; male, 67.4%) with non-massive hemoptysis underwent BAE. The enrolled patients were divided into an early embolization (EE) group (within the first 24 h, n = 79) and a delayed embolization (DE) group (n = 59). RESULTS: The time to embolization ranged between 0 and 15 days and was shorter in the EE group (0.47 ± 0.5 days) than in the DE group (4.02 ± 2.8 days, p < 0.001). The in-hospital clinical outcomes were not different between the two groups, except for hospital stay and post-embolization hospital stay. The recurrence-free survival in the EE group was significantly better than that in the DE group (p = 0.018). The time to embolization (hazard ratio (HR), 1.21; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-1.42; p = 0.015) and aspergilloma (HR, 6.89; 95% CI, 2.08-22.86; p = 0.002) were predictive factors for recurrent hemoptysis. CONCLUSIONS: BAE is an effective and safe treatment modality for non-massive hemoptysis. An early interventional strategy should be considered in patients presenting with non-massive hemoptysis to reduce the length of hospital stay and early recurrence. A delayed time to embolization and the presence of aspergilloma were independent risk factors for recurrent hemoptysis. KEY POINTS: • Bronchial artery embolization afforded good clinical improvement for treating non-massive hemoptysis without significant complications. • An early interventional strategy should be considered in patients presenting with non-massive hemoptysis to reduce the length of hospital stay and early recurrence. • A delayed time to embolization and the presence of aspergilloma were independent risk factors for recurrent hemoptysis.

Value of multiphase computed tomography for gastrointestinal bleeding before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable patients.

BACKGROUND: There has been no practice-based study regarding the multiphase computed tomography (CT) before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) and concerns exist regarding the time delay. PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy of multiphase CT before endovascular treatment in hemodynamically unstable GIB and to investigate the predictors of angiographic localization and recurrent bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The multicenter retrospective study included 93 consecutive hemodynamically unstable patients who underwent conventional angiography for non-variceal GIB after failed endoscopic localization. Enrolled patients were divided into a CT group (n = 61) and a non-CT group (n = 32). RESULTS: The clinical characteristics did not differ between the two groups except for the time to angiography (CT group, 14.8±15.1 h; non-CT group, 9.2±11.7 h, P = 0.022). The rate of angiographic localization was significantly higher in the CT group than in the non-CT group only for lower GIB (P = 0.049). Indirect sign was significantly more frequent in the CT group than in the non-CT group (P = 0.014). CT localization was positive predictor (odd ratio [OR] = 7.66; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1-27.94; P = 0.002) and prolonged time to angiography was negative predictor (OR = 0.94; 95% CI = 0.9- 0.98; P = 0.001) for angiographic localization. A higher systolic blood pressure until index angiography (OR = 0.95; 95% CI = 0.91-1; P = 0.044) was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent bleeding. CONCLUSION: In hemodynamically unstable patients, multiphase CT is particularly useful for angiographic localization of lower GIB. It should be considered immediately after failed endoscopic hemostasis to reduce time to angiography.

Double-Pigtail Drainage Catheter: A New Design for Efficient Pleural Drainage.

Background and Objectives: The novel double-pigtail catheter (DPC) has an additional pigtail coiling at the mid-shaft with multiple centripetal side holes. The present study aimed to investigate the advantages and efficacy of DPC in overcoming the complications of conventional single-pigtail catheters (SPC) used to drain pleural effusion. Materials and Methods: Between July 2018 and December 2019, 382 pleural effusion drainage procedures were reviewed retrospectively (DPC, n = 156; SPC without multiple side holes, n = 110; SPC with multiple side holes (SPC + M), n = 116). All patients showed shifting pleural effusions in the decubitus view of the chest radiography. All catheters were 10.2 Fr in diameter. One interventional radiologist performed all procedures and used the same anchoring technique. Complications (dysfunctional retraction, complete dislodgement, blockage, and atraumatic pneumothorax) were compared among the catheters using chi-square and Fisher's exact tests. Clinical success was defined as an improvement in pleural effusion within three days without additional procedures. Survival analysis was performed to calculate the indwelling time. Results: The dysfunctional retraction rate of DPC was significantly lower than that of the other catheters (p < 0.001). Complete dislodgement did not occur in any of the DPC cases. The clinical success rate of DPC (90.1%) was the highest. The estimated indwelling times were nine (95% confidence interval (CI): 7.3-10.7), eight (95% CI: 6.6-9.4), and seven (95% CI: 6.3-7.7) days for SPC, SPC + M, and DPC, respectively, with DPC showing a significant difference (p < 0.05). Conclusions: DPC had a lower dysfunctional retraction rate compared to conventional drainage catheters. Furthermore, DPC was efficient for pleural effusion drainage with a shorter indwelling time.

Transcholecystic management of extrahepatic duct stones in poor candidates for endoscopic or transhepatic approaches.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate transcholecystic management of extrahepatic duct (EHD) stones using balloon ampulloplasty in patients who are poor candidates for endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and assess its efficacy and safety. METHODS: Forty-one patients who were unable to undergo ERCP or had failed ERCP with non-dilated intrahepatic ducts (IHD) between February 2019 and October 2020 were retrospectively enrolled. After clinical improvement with percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC), EHD stones were managed through cystic duct passage, guidewire unwinding, sheath insertion, and EHD stone removal using balloon ampulloplasty. If the transcholecystic route failed, a transhepatic approach was used according to the pre-existing cholangiogram obtained via PC. We evaluated the technical success rate and complications of each step. RESULTS: The technical success rate for the transcholecystic-only approach was 80.5%. The remaining cases were successfully managed with transhepatic conversion. Multiple stone removal sessions were required in 22% of the cases. One patient with combined IHD stones was initially converted to a transhepatic approach without any transcholecystic removal trial. The technical success rates for each step were as follows: cystic duct passage (38/40, 95%), guidewire unwinding (36/38, 94.7%), sheath insertion (36/36, 100%), and stone removal using balloon ampulloplasty (33/36, 91.7%). The overall clinical success was 97.6% (40/41) without major procedure-related complications. Thereafter, cholecystectomy was successfully performed in patients with concomitant gallstones (n = 20). No postprocedural complications occurred during the follow-up (1-70 days). CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous EHD stone removal through transcholecystic and transhepatic routes after PC is effective and safe in poor candidates for PTBD or ERCP. KEY POINTS: • This study shows the safety and efficacy of extrahepatic duct (EHD) stones in patients who are poor candidates for initial percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. • The overall technical success for the transcholecystic-only approach was 80.5% (33/41). Including transhepatic conversions, it was 100% (41/41). Stone removal was successful in one session in 78% (32/41) of the patients and in multiple sessions in 28.1% (9/41) of the patients. • Balloon ampulloplasty with stone expulsion using an occlusion balloon catheter is also a safe and effective method for removing EHD stones.

Imaging-Guided Deployment of a Balloon-Based Vascular Closure Device in Routine Clinical Practice.

This study evaluated the feasibility and safety of imaging-guided deployment of a Mynx Control device (Cordis, Miami Lakes, Florida) at the femoral access. A total of 201 Mynx devices were used under imaging guidance in 137 patients (mean age, 64.18 years ± 13.8; male, 68.6%) between June 2020 and February 2022. A 5-F sheath was used in 176 (87.6%) procedures, a 6-F sheath was used in 17 (8.5%) procedures, and a 7-F sheath was used in 8 (4%) procedures. Indicator errors occurred in 9 (4.5%) procedures. However, technical success was achieved via manipulation under imaging guidance in all procedures. The mean time to hemostasis was 3.3 minutes ± 0.5, and the clinical success rate was 100%. The mean length of hospital stay was 7 days ± 7.5. After 4 (2%) procedures, small hematomas reabsorbed spontaneously. Imaging-guided deployment of a Mynx Control device is a feasible and safe option for access site closure. Even after an indicator error, successful hemostasis was achieved via real-time interaction.

Modified Surgical Drain-Guided Percutaneous Catheter Drainage of Postoperative Fluid Collection in Inaccessible Locations.

PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and safety of a modified surgical drain-guided percutaneous catheter drainage technique for postoperative fluid collection in inaccessible locations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The modified technique was used in 24 patients (age, 58.6 years ± 11.3; men, 58.3%) from September 2015 to March 2021. All fluid collections had no safe access route on preprocedural computed tomography (CT) images. Every patient had a long (>20 cm) and tortuous surgical drain, which prevented the use of conventional surgical drain exchange. A favorable midpoint of the surgical drain tract was punctured under either ultrasound or fluoroscopic guidance, and a guide wire was advanced into the fluid collection. Technical success was defined as the successful placement of a drainage catheter, and clinical success was defined as the complete evacuation of fluid collection without recurrence. Follow-up was performed using CT images and a chart review. Adverse events within 30 days of the procedure were evaluated. RESULTS: Target fluid collections in the pelvic cavity (n = 9); subphrenic (n = 7), peripancreatic (n = 4), and subhepatic spaces (n = 3); and abdominal cavity (n = 1) were drained using catheters measuring 7-10.2 F in diameter and 25-30 cm in length. The technical success rate was 91.7% (22/24), and the clinical success rate was 90.9% (20/22). No procedure-related or catheter-related adverse events were observed. The median follow-up period was 8.2 months (range, 10-1,721 days). CONCLUSIONS: The modified surgical drain-guided percutaneous catheter drainage technique is a useful alternative when conventional exchange techniques cannot be used because of long and tortuous surgical drain paths.

Diaphragmatic perforation after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma via inferior phrenic artery: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) via the inferior phrenic artery has been recognized to have its own therapeutic role without causing serious procedural complications. We report a case of diaphragmatic perforation after repeated TACE sessions conducted via the right inferior phrenic artery. CASE PRESENTATION: A 43-year-old man diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma was admitted to the hospital with a chief complaint of cough. The patient underwent TACE via the right inferior phrenic artery 3 months prior and was discharged without specific complications. Physical examination revealed decreased breathing sounds in the right lower lung zone. Chest radiograph demonstrated a small right pleural effusion. Chest CT scan revealed a small diaphragmatic perforation. The patient was unable to undergo surgical exploration, and a follow-up CT scan after 2 months revealed progression of the right diaphragmatic perforation with massive herniation of omental fat into the thoracic cavity. CONCLUSIONS: Although TACE via the inferior phrenic artery is a relatively safe procedure, it can be associated with rare but serious complications after repeated procedures. This is a rare case report of diaphragmatic perforation after TACE via the right inferior phrenic artery. Early recognition and prompt surgical management are essential to prevent catastrophic outcomes.

Ultrasound-Guided Deployment of a Plug-Based Vascular Closure Device in Femoral Arteries with Calcified Plaque or Stenosis.

From January 2019 to January 2020, 106 patients (age, 64.8 ± 14.1 years; male, 63.2%) were included to retrospectively investigate the feasibility and safety of ultrasound-guided deployment of ExoSeal after femoral artery access. Baseline characteristics were not different except for age (P = .022), body mass index (P = .009), and diameter (P < .001) between the calcified plaque or stenosis (CS) group (n = 49) and non-CS group (n = 57). The overall technical and clinical success rates were 96.2% and 100%, respectively. The technical (CS group, 48/49; non-CS group, 54/57) and clinical success rates (100%), time to hemostasis (CS group, 3.21 ± 0.54 min; non-CS group, 3.39 ± 0.71 min), and complication rates (CS group, 1/49; non-CS group, 0/57) were not different between the 2 groups. ExoSeal seems to be safe to use under ultrasound guidance in the femoral arteries with CS.

Combined therapy with bronchial artery embolization and tranexamic acid for hemoptysis.

BACKGROUND: While most previous studies have viewed tranexamic acid as a bridging or temporary therapy, our preliminary study offers insights into the combined therapy of antifibrinolytic agent with endovascular treatment for hemoptysis. PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility and safety of combined therapy, to analyze factors affecting the outcomes of combined therapy, and to compare the effectiveness of combined therapy between groups with different etiologies. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between January 2011 and December 2014, 64 patients (33 men, mean age 64.6 years) underwent combined therapy for hemoptysis. The median follow-up time was 14.7 months (range 174-2435 days). Patients were divided into a tuberculosis group (GroupTB, n=37) and a non-tuberculosis group (Groupnon-TB, n=27). RESULTS: Embolotherapy was technically successful in 62/64 (96.9%) cases. The immediate clinical success rate was 96.8% (60/62). The short-term and long-term recurrence rates were 12.9% (n=8) and 19.4% (n=12), respectively. The one-, two-, and four-year recurrence-free survival rates were 61%, 49%, and 32%, respectively. There was no significant survival difference between the two groups. Suboptimal embolization was a significant risk factor for immediate clinical failure (odds ratio 29.624, P = 0.023). Optimal embolization (hazard ratio [HR] 0.199, P = 0.023) and older age (HR 0.956, P = 0.013) were significantly associated with lower recurrence risk. CONCLUSION: Combined therapy is an effective and safe treatment modality for hemoptysis of various etiologies, with potential benefits for short-term recurrence vis-a-vis current literature evidence. Suboptimal embolization was the most important modifiable risk factor for treatment failure and recurrence after combined therapy.

CT findings after left renal vein division during abdominal aortic surgery.

BACKGROUND: The rationale behind left renal vein division (LRVD) is the assumption that adequate collateral draining channels will develop. PURPOSE: To describe computed tomography (CT) findings after LRVD during aortic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Among 61 consecutive patients who underwent LRVD during aneurysm repair or revascularization for aortic occlusive disease between January 2003 and December 2017, 51 patients (40 men, mean age 71.4 ± 8.4 years) were enrolled. Contrast-enhanced CT images were analyzed to evaluate collateral drainage, patency, left renal vein diameter, and left renal parenchymal thickness. A total of 115 radiologic reports were reviewed to check whether these findings were accurately mentioned. RESULTS: The median time period of the first postoperative follow-up CT was 36 days (range 7-1351 days). The gonadal vein (n = 47) was the most common collateral draining channel, followed by the retroperitoneal veins (n = 42) and adrenal vein (n = 33). Thrombosis occurred in five patients between postoperative days 7 and 17 in the remnant renal vein (n = 3), remnant renal vein plus gonadal and adrenal veins (n = 1), and gonadal vein (n = 1). There was a significant decrease in renal vein diameter (-0.48 ± 2.12 mm, P = 0.006). There was no significant difference in parenchymal thickness (-0.25 ± 1.27 mm, P = 0.193). Neither LRVD nor any associated findings were correctly stated on radiologic reports. CONCLUSION: Postoperative contrast-enhanced CT can delineate collateral draining channels and complications following LRVD. However, these findings tend to be either missed or misinterpreted.

Anatomical Variations Encountered during Adrenal Venous Sampling: A Report of Three Case Series and Review of Literature.

Primary aldosteronism is a group of disorders in which the autonomous secretion of aldosterone is associated with hypertension and hypokalemia. It is crucial to determine the laterality of aldosterone hypersecretion because treatment options differ accordingly. Adrenal venous sampling (AVS) is considered the most reliable method for assessing the laterality of primary aldosteronism. This procedure is often technically challenging because of the small size and varied locations of the adrenal veins. A better understanding of anatomical variations and careful review of imaging studies would improve sampling success. This report presents three cases of anatomical variations encountered during AVS.

DHPLC is a highly sensitive and rapid screening method to detect BRAF(V600E) mutation in papillary thyroid carcinoma.

The BRAF(V600E) mutation has been reported to occur in 30% to 80% of papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). Although direct sequencing is the method most commonly used to identify mutations, this technique is not sensitive enough to accurately detect low level mutation. To determine the optimal diagnostic method for detecting the BRAF(V600E) mutation in PTC, we compared the diagnostic efficacy of four representative detection methods in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded thyroid tissues obtained from 40 patients diagnosed with PTC. To detect the BRAF(V600E) mutation, we amplified exon 15 of the BRAF gene and performed mutational analysis with direct sequencing, denaturing high-performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC), pyrosequencing and colorimetric assay. The BRAF mutation was detected in 33 cases (82.5%) by DHPLC, 23 cases (57.5%) by direct sequencing, 22 cases (55.0%) by pyrosequencing, and 37 cases (92.5%) by colorimetric assay. The sensitivity, negative predictive value and accuracy of DHPLC were 100%. The specificity and positive predictive values for DHPLC, direct sequencing and pyrosequencing were 100%, and for colorimetric assay they were 14.3% and 83.8%, respectively. The kappa value for DHPLC was a perfect 1.0, which was superior to the other methods. In conclusion, DHPLC is a sensitive, specific and accurate method for detecting the BRAF(V600E) mutation, especially low level mutation, in PTC.

Complications Related to Transarterial Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Comprehensive Review.

Currently, various types of transarterial treatments are performed for hepatocellular carcinoma from the early to advanced stages. Its indications and efficacy have been widely investigated. However, procedure-related complications have not been updated in the literature, although new types of transarterial treatments, such as drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization and transarterial radioembolization, are common in daily practice. Herein, a comprehensive literature review was carried out, and complications were organized according to the organs affected and treatment modalities.

SUPERA stent placement for salvaging early recurrent arteriovenous graft thrombosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty: A single-center study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the patency of the helical interwoven SUPERA stent for salvaging prosthetic arteriovenous (AV) grafts with rapidly recurrent thrombotic occlusion developed within a short time period after successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. METHODS: From December 2019 to September 2021, the data of 20 patients with AV graft who had the SUPERA stent inserted satisfying the following conditions were consecutively collected. (1) More than 1 year has passed since the AV access operation; (2) Thrombotic re-occlusion of AV graft occurred within 3 months after previous successful endovascular treatment; (3) Residual stenosis is greater than 30% after full effacement of balloon angioplasty in the primary lesion. Post-interventional target lesion primary patency (TLPP), access circuit primary patency (ACPP), and secondary patency (SP) were calculated. RESULTS: Primary lesions of early recurrent arteriovenous graft thrombosis were found in 13 patients with graft-vein anastomosis, six patients with intra-graft stenosis, and one patient with outflow vein complications. The lesions showed residual stenosis in 47.4% (interquartile range: 44.1%-55.3%) of patients despite full-effacement balloon angioplasty. Clinical success was achieved in all patients with full-expansion of the stents at the 1-month follow-up. The TLPP was 70.7% and 32% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, and ACPP was 47.5% and 6.8% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. The SP was 76.1% and 57.1% at 6 and 12 months, respectively. No cannulation complications occurred in the six patients with installation inside the graft. No hemodialysis or stent fracture occurred in any patient during the follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: The SUPERA stent may have a role in salvaging AV grafts with early recurrent thrombosis due to its greater radial force and its conformability and can be useful in treating stenosis involving the elbow or axilla, with fair patency and low complication rates.

Single-Session Percutaneous Mechanical Thrombectomy for Acute and Subacute Deep Vein Thrombosis: Clinical Outcomes and Predictive Factors of Recurrence.

Objectives: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of single-session percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy (PMT) for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), to compare clinical outcomes and recurrences between acute and subacute DVT, and to identify factors predicting recurrence. Materials and Methods: From January 2018 to March 2021, 100 consecutive patients (age: 64.64 ± 17.28 years; male, 42%) with symptomatic DVT who underwent single-session PMT were enrolled for this study. These patients were divided into an acute DVT group (< 14 days, n = 75) and a subacute DVT group (15-28 days, n = 25). Results: A large-bore aspiration thrombectomy was used in 80 (80%) cases, Angiojet (Boston Scientific, Marlborough, MA, USA) device in one (1%) case, and a combination of both techniques in 19 (19%) cases. The anatomic success rate was 97% and the clinical success rate was 95%. There were no major complications. Clinical outcomes were not different between the two groups. The recurrence-free survival rate in the acute DVT group was significantly (p = 0.015) better than that in the subacute DVT group. The anatomic success (HR, 52.3; 95% CI, 3.82-715.21; p = 0.003) and symptom duration (HR, 17.58; 95% CI, 1.89-163.34; p = 0.012) were predictive factors associated with recurrence. Conclusions: Single-session PMT is safe and effective for immediate symptom relief in acute and subacute DVT patients. However, recurrence occurred more frequently in patients with subacute DVT than in those with acute DVT. Anatomic success of the procedure and duration of symptoms were independent predictors of DVT recurrence.

Isolated Gastric Varix Bleeding Caused by Splenic Vein Obstruction: Two Case Reports.

Isolated left-sided portal hypertension is a rare clinical syndrome caused by splenic veno-occlusive disease. Splenic vein thrombosis and extrinsic compression causes proximal splenic vein hypertension, and the splenic blood flows into the superior mesenteric or portal vein through the upper stomach's collateral vessels, such as the short gastric, coronary, and gastroepiploic veins. Open splenectomy is recommended to treat gastrointestinal bleeding caused by isolated left-sided portal hypertension. Interventional management could be a clinically useful option for selected patients who want to avoid surgical corrections. The report presents two cases of left-sided portal hypertension with gastric variceal bleeding.