Robotic-assisted Lymphovenous Anastomosis of the Central Lymphatic System.

Background: Recent advances in robotic microsurgery have enabled the application of robotic technology in central lymphatic reconstruction. Although the use of microsurgical robots demands careful consideration of associated costs and potentially prolonged operating times, it may offer improved surgical approaches and enhanced accessibility to deeper anatomical structures such as the thoracic duct (TD). Methods: We report on successful reconstruction of the central lymphatic system using the Symani Surgical System in four patients with lesions of the central lymphatic system. The patients were of different age (range: 8 mo-60 y) and had variable conditions, including central conducting lymphatic anomaly and other rare anomalies of the central lymphatic pathways. Results: Depending on the underlying pathology, a cervical access (n = 1) or median laparotomy (n = 3) was chosen to access the TD and perform anastomosis with a nearby vein. In all patients, anastomoses were patent, and chyle leakage decreased postoperatively. From a surgical perspective, the Symani Surgical System improved the precision of the microsurgeon and accessibility to the deep-lying TD. Conclusion: Considering the high morbidity and rarity of pathologies of the central lymphatic system, robotic-assisted microsurgery holds substantial promise in expanding and improving the microsurgical treatment for central lymphatic anomalies.

Microsurgical central lymphatic reconstruction-the role of thoracic duct lymphovenous anastomoses at different anatomical levels.

Introduction: In recent years advances have been made in the microsurgical treatment of congenital or acquired central lymphatic lesions. While acquired lesions can result from any surgery or trauma of the central lymphatic system, congenital lymphatic lesions can have a variety of manifestations, ranging from singular thoracic duct abnormalities to complex multifocal malformations. Both conditions may cause recurrent chylous effusions and downstream lymphatic congestion depending on the anatomical location of the thoracic duct lesion and are associated with an increased mortality due to the permanent loss of protein and fluid. Methods: We present a case series of eleven patients undergoing central lymphatic reconstruction, consisting of one patient with a cervical iatrogenic thoracic duct lesion and eleven patients with different congenital thoracic duct lesions or thrombotic occlusions. Results: Anastomosis of the thoracic duct and a nearby vein was performed on different anatomical levels depending on the underlying central lymphatic pathology. Cervical (n = 4), thoracic (n = 1) or abdominal access (n = 5) was used for central lymphatic reconstruction with promising results. In 9 patients a postoperative benefit with varying degrees of symptom regression was reported. Conclusion: The presented case series illustrates the current rapid advances in the field of central microsurgical reconstruction of lymphatic lesions alongside the relevant literature.

First-in-human Use of a Microsurgical Robotic System for Central Lymphatic Reconstruction.

Advances in the development of robotic systems have recently enabled the use of robotic technology in reconstructive lymphatic surgery. Although the advantages of microsurgical robots must be weighed carefully against the costs, their use may allow for smaller surgical approaches and easier access to anatomically deeper structures or even smaller vessels. We report on a case of a patient with central lymphatic dilation causing abdominal pain and severely reduced physical capacity. Sonography-assisted intranodal injection of indocyanine green allowed for localization of the lymphatic cyst and anastomosis with the left ovarian vein, applying robotic-assisted microsurgery for the first time on the central lymphatic system. Following the successful reconstruction of lymphatic drainage and decompression of the cyst, the patient reported a complete regression of her preoperative symptoms. From a surgical point of view, the Symani Surgical System improved precision and allowed significantly smaller surgical access. Considering the high morbidity and rarity of pathologies of the central lymphatic system, central lymphatic surgery is to date rarely performed. With improved precision and significantly smaller surgical access, robotic-assisted microsurgery has great potential to expand the treatment options for central lymphatic lesions.

Safety of percutaneous axillary artery access with a suture-mediated closing device for parallel endograft aortic procedures - a retrospective pilot study.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical success of percutaneous ultrasound-guided access to the infraclavicular axillary artery with a suture-mediated closing device for patients requiring large-sized upper extremity access. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In 18 consecutive patients (17 male, one female, mean age 73.5 ± 9.6 years, range 52-88 years), artery accesses with the preclosing modification for chimney endografts was gained with 20 ultrasound-guided infraclavicular axillary. Retrospectively, the following endpoints were analysed: technical success of percutaneous ultrasound-guided puncture of the infraclavicular axillary artery as well as introduction and deployment, primary successful haemostasis by preclosing, bailout procedures, overall complication rate including local vascular, cerebrovascular, and peripheral neurological complications. RESULTS: Ultrasound-guided puncture and preclosing procedure was successful in all patients. Mean sheath size was 9.4 ± 1.6 French. Ultrasound-guided puncture as well as introduction and deployment were successful in all patients (100 %). Primary successful haemostasis by preclosing was 70 % (14/20). Postclosing with one or two devices enabled successful haemostasis in another 15 %. Bailout stent graft implantation was necessary in three accesses (15 %), either by transfemoral (n = 2) or transbrachial (n = 1) route. Overall complication rate was 16.5 %, all of them were minor haematomas. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous ultrasound-guided infraclavicular axillary artery access with preclosing modification seems feasible and safe. The access related complication rate is low and complications can potentially be managed by endovascular means.

Prototype metal artefact reduction algorithm in flat panel computed tomography - evaluation in patients undergoing transarterial hepatic radioembolisation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of an on-site prototype metal artefact reduction (MAR) algorithm in cone-beam CT-catheter-arteriography (CBCT-CA) in patients undergoing transarterial radioembolisation (RE) of hepatic masses. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Ethical board approved retrospective study of 29 patients (mean 63.7±13.7 years, 11 female), including 16 patients with arterial metallic coils, undergoing CBCT-CA (8s scan, 200 degrees rotation, 397 projections). Image reconstructions with and without prototype MAR algorithm were evaluated quantitatively (streak-artefact attenuation changes) and qualitatively (visibility of hepatic parenchyma and vessels) in near- (<1cm) and far-field (>3cm) of artefact sources (metallic coils and catheters). Quantitative and qualitative measurements of uncorrected and MAR corrected images and different artefact sources were compared RESULTS: Quantitative evaluation showed significant reduction of near- and far-field streak-artefacts with MAR for both artefact sources (p<0.001), while remaining stable for unaffected organs (all p>0.05). Inhomogeneities of attenuation values were significantly higher for metallic coils compared to catheters (p<0.001) and decreased significantly for both after MAR (p<0.001). Qualitative image scores were significantly improved after MAR (all p<0.003) with by trend higher artefact degrees for metallic coils compared to catheters. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing CBCT-CA for transarterial RE, prototype MAR algorithm improves image quality in proximity of metallic coil and catheter artefacts. KEY POINTS: • Metal objects cause artefacts in cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging. • These artefacts can be corrected by metal artefact reduction (MAR) algorithms. • Corrected images show significantly better visibility of nearby hepatic vessels and tissue. • Better visibility may facilitate image interpretation, save time and radiation exposure.

Outcome of endovascular revascularisation in patients with acute obstructive mesenteric ischaemia - a single-centre experience.

BACKGROUND: Acute embolic or thrombotic mesenteric ischaemia (AMI) is a rare but life-threatening clinical condition. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, the mortality rate remains high, between 60 % and 90 %. Over the last years revascularisation was increasingly performed by endovascular techniques. The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyse the clinical outcome of catheter-directed thrombolysis (CDT) and aspiration thrombectomy (AT) in patients with AMI with regard to technical success, intervention-related complication rate, need for secondary abdominal surgery, clinical course and 30-day mortality rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirteen patients (4 men, 9 women; mean age 74.5 ± 17 years) with 12 embolic and one thrombotic occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) underwent emergent endovascular revascularisation of SMA. Clinical data including all imaging reports, laboratory analysis and follow-up data were derived from the electronic patient file and images were reviewed on a Picture Archiving and Communication System. RESULTS: Eleven patients (n = 11; 84.6 %) underwent CDT and AT, and two patients (n = 2; 15.4 %) had AT alone. Technical success with complete restoration of SMA perfusion was achieved in 38.5 % (n = 5). Adjunctive angioplasty ± stenting was mandatory in 2 patients. Overall, the intervention-related complication rate was 38.5 %. In total, 46.2 % (n = 6) clinically improved following the intervention, while 38.5 % required explorative laparotomy after the intervention, with 2 colectomies and 2 small bowel resections. Overall, the 30-day mortality rate was 30.8 %. CONCLUSIONS: Endovascular revascularisation with CDT in combination with AT is feasible, with a technical success rate of 38.5 % (n = 5). Endovascular revascularisation was beneficial for 46.2 % (n = 6) of the patients, who clinically improved following the intervention. The need for secondary explorative laparotomy was rather low, with 38.5 % (n = 5) of the patients. The 30-day-mortality remains high with 30.8 %.