Retrieval of TRAPEASE and OPTEASE Inferior Vena Cava Filters with Extended Dwell Times.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate that OPTEASE and TRAPEASE filters can be removed after dwell times greater than 60 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of patients who underwent an attempted removal of a TRAPEASE or OPTEASE filter with a greater than 60-day dwell time between 2009 and 2015 at a single institution. Eleven patients within that time span were identified, and 10 were included in the review. One patient was excluded from the study because the date of filter placement was unknown. RESULTS: All filters were successfully retrieved. The average dwell time for removed TRAPEASE filters was 1,273 days (range, 129-3,582 d), with a median of 492 days (n = 5). The average dwell time for OPTEASE filters was 977 days (range, 123-2,584 d), with a median of 661 days (n = 5). The average dwell time of all filters was 1,125 days (range, 123-3,582 d), with a median of 577 days (n = 10). All patients exhibited inferior vena cava (IVC) stenosis after filter retrieval. An IVC pseudoaneurysm was present following retrieval in one case and resolved. In one case, a fractured filter strut was left completely embedded in the caval wall. Two patients reported unilateral leg swelling on clinical follow-up, and the remainder reported no leg swelling or tightness. CONCLUSIONS: Initial experience suggests that TRAPEASE and OPTEASE filters can be removed after extended dwell times.

Use of the 8-F angio-seal vascular closure device in large-caliber arteriotomies.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of using the 8-F Angio-Seal vascular closure device (VCD) to seal large-caliber (>8-F) access sites during percutaneous endovascular interventions. METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken of 42 consecutive patients (34 men; mean age 67.8 years, range 36-94) undergoing percutaneous peripheral interventions with sheaths ranging from 9-F to 12-F and subsequent closure using 8-F Angio-Seal VCDs. Single-wall puncture (n = 48) of the common femoral artery was guided by ultrasound in 46 cases and palpation in 2. Forty procedures required therapeutic heparinization during the interventional procedure; protamine was administered in only 5. Per protocol, manual pressure was held for 15 minutes. Clinical and/or imaging follow-up was available in all cases within 3 months after the procedure. RESULTS: Immediate technical success was achieved in all cases, with hemostasis obtained within 5 minutes (no oozing or hematoma). The overall complication rate was 4.1% (2/48); one hematoma requiring surgical repair occurred 10 hours after VCD deployment. An asymptomatic pseudoaneurysm was discovered on follow-up imaging and was treated with ultrasound-guided thrombin injection with complete resolution. CONCLUSION: The use of the 8-F Angio-Seal VCD to close large-caliber arteriotomies ranging from 9-F to 12-F is feasible and safe, with a low complication rate.

Retrograde migration and endovascular retrieval of a venous bullet embolus.

Venous bullet embolism is a rare and complicated occurrence reported in approximately 0.3% of penetrating trauma. The management of bullet emboli is decided on a case-by-case basis, balancing the risk of the embolus itself against those associated with extraction. We report a case of a 19-year-old man who sustained a gunshot wound to the anterior chest, which migrated to the left internal iliac vein in a retrograde fashion. We were able to successfully retrieve the missile using an endovascular approach, thereby minimizing the morbidity associated with an open procedure.

Correction to: Radiofrequency wire 'power wire' recanalization of calcified chronically occluded inferior vena cava.

'In the published article (Salaskar et al. 2018) the statement under the subheading 'Consent for publication' is incorrect.

Radiofrequency wire 'power wire' recanalization of calcified chronically occluded inferior vena cava.

BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency (RF) wire recanalization of short segments of central venous obstruction has been considered safe; however its use for recanalization of long segments of inferior vena cava (IVC) has not been reported. CASE PRESENTATION: A 55-year-old female with recurrent massive hematemesis was found to have systemic venous upper esophageal varices on endoscopy and an extensive chronic IVC occlusion on CT. Using both a percutaneous transhepatic and transfemoral approach IVC recanalization was performed. A snare was advanced to the cavo-atrial junction via transhepatic venous access. From the groin utilizing RF wire steerable guide sheaths, endovascular reconstruction of the IVC was performed. Post recanalization venography demonstrated patent stented IVC and marked decrease in the intraabdominal-pelvic collaterals. No recurrence of hematemesis was noted. After 6 months, patient remained asymptomatic and had functioning right femoral arteriovenous hemodialysis graft. CONCLUSIONS: Using appropriate techniques, Power wire recanalization of long occlusive segments of IVC can be safe and effective.

Could there be light at the end of the tunnel? Mesocaval shunting for refractory esophageal varices in patients with contraindications to transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt.

Cirrhotic patients with recurrent variceal bleeds who have failed prior medical and endoscopic therapies and are not transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt candidates face a grim prognosis with limited options. We propose that mesocaval shunting be offered to this group of patients as it has the potential to decrease portal pressures and thus decrease the risk of recurrent variceal bleeding. Mesocaval shunts are stent grafts placed by interventional radiologists between the mesenteric system, most often the superior mesenteric vein, and the inferior vena cava. This allows flow to bypass the congested hepatic system, reducing portal pressures. This technique avoids the general anesthesia and morbidity associated with surgical shunt placement and has been successful in several case reports. In this paper we review the technique, candidate selection, potential pitfalls and benefits of mesocaval shunt placement.

Radiologic techniques and effectiveness of angiography to diagnose and treat acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding.

The use of catheter-based techniques to treat upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage has evolved considerably over the past few decades. At present, the state-of-the-art interventional suites provide optimal imaging. Coupled with advanced catheter technology, the two may be used to manage and treat the patient with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage. This article summarizes these techniques and, when possible, compares them with other methods such as surgery and endoscopy. The specific role of transcatheter embolotherapy is highlighted, alongside an additional discussion on pharmacologic infusion of vasopressin.

Prophylactic inferior vena cava filters in high-risk bariatric surgery.

BACKGROUND: Bariatric patients are at significant risk for venous thromboembolism (VTE) and a subset may benefit from retrievable inferior vena cava filters (rIVCFs). Optimal VTE prophylaxis and a consensus on factors which make bariatric patients high risk have not been established. This study describes our experience with the use of rIVCFs in combination with chemoprophylaxis for high-risk bariatric surgery patients. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of high-risk patients bariatric surgery patients. Patients with a hypercoaguable condition, prior history of VTE, body mass index (BMI) > 55 kg/m(2), and severe immobility were considered high risk. Patients underwent rIVCF placement and standard chemoprophylaxis. A venogram was performed at retrieval. RESULTS: Forty-four patients, age of 48 ± 12 years and BMI of 58.4 ± 9.4 kg/m(2) underwent gastric bypass with rIVCF placement. Follow-up was 204 days. One patient had a preoperative deep venous thrombosis (DVT). All patients received chemoprophylaxis and rIVCF placement. Indications for rIVCF were BMI (68%), prior VTE (30%), and immobility (2%). The operation was performed laparoscopically in all patients, and the mean operative time was 106.1 ± 21.6 min and length of stay was 3.1 ± 1.2 days. Postoperative venous duplex revealed two DVTs (5%). Retrieval was successful in 28 patients. No significant thrombus was found on venogram. Two minor complications of filter placement occurred. One mortality occurred due to MI, and no pulmonary emboli were clinically evident. CONCLUSIONS: rIVCFs in our cohort of high-risk bariatric surgery patients was associated with an acceptably low incidence of DVT (5%) and no clinically evident PE. Despite safe removal after long dwell times, previous data suggest that rIVCFs are associated with a higher incidence of VTE. Thus, filters, if placed, should be removed once the risk of VTE has passed. Larger multicenter studies are needed to truly identify long-term safety and efficacy of rIVCFs.

Loop-snare technique for difficult inferior vena cava filter retrievals.

Retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters are generally retrieved without difficulties. However, when filters are tilted against the IVC wall, engaging the tip or hook of the filter can be difficult with the use of standard techniques. This report describes an alternative method of successful IVC filter retrieval by creating a wire loop between the filter legs, including the tip of the filter. This loop snare was successfully applied in eight cases after filter retrieval failed with the Recovery Cone or simple snare technique.