Endoscopic ultrasound-guided vascular interventions.

ABSTRACT

With the recent development of interventional endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), EUS-guided vascular interventions have seen increased clinical and research focus. This modality can be used to diagnose portal hypertension and treat portal hypertension-related gastrointestinal varices and refractory gastrointestinal hemorrhage, including pseudoaneurysm. The vascular embolic materials used for treatment include tissue adhesives (cyanoacrylates), sclerosants, thrombin, and vascular embolic coils, all of which are associated with favorable results. The feasibility of EUS-guided procedures, including portal vein stenting and portosystemic shunt formation conventionally performed percutaneously and transvenously, has also been demonstrated, albeit in animal studies. As EUS-guided vascular intervention is a technique that may receive significant attention in the future, we provide a thorough review of the current evidence for its use.