Hepatic arterial infusion with oxaliplatin and 5-FU/folinic acid for advanced biliary tract cancer: a phase II study.

BACKGROUND: Effective and tolerable chemotherapy with gemcitabine and cisplatin for advanced biliary tract cancer (BTC) has been established recently. However, overall prognosis is still poor, and additional therapeutic approaches are needed for patients with locally advanced, irresectable and/or pretreated tumors. Hepatic arterial infusion (HAI) of chemotherapy represents a safe and well-established treatment modality, but data on its use in patients with BTC are still sparse. METHODS: Patients with irresectable BTC predominant to the liver were included in a prospective, open phase II study investigating HAI provided through interventionally implanted port catheters. Intraarterial chemotherapy consisted of biweekly oxaliplatin (O) 85 mg/m(2) and folinic acid (F) 170 mg/m(2) with 5-FU (F) 600 mg/m(2). RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2010, 37 patients were enrolled. A total of 432 cycles of HAI were applied with a median of 9 (range 1-46) cycles. Objective response rate was 16 %, and tumor control was achieved in 24 of 37 (65 %) patients. Median progression-free survival was 6.5 months (range 0.5-26.0; 95 % CI 4.3-8.7), median overall survival was 13.5 (range 0.9-50.7; 95 % CI 11.1-15.9) months. The most frequent adverse event was sensory neuropathy grade 1/2 in 10/14 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Using a minimal invasive technique, repetitive HAI with OFF is feasible and results in clinically relevant tumor control with low toxicity in patients with liver predominant advanced BTC.

Percutaneous Large-Bore Pulmonary Thrombectomy with the FlowTriever Device: Initial Experience in Intermediate-High and High-Risk Patients.

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective cohort study investigates outcomes of patients with intermediate-high and high-risk pulmonary embolism (PE) who were treated with transfemoral mechanical thrombectomy (MT) using the large-bore Inari FlowTriever aspiration catheter system. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients (mean age 56.1 ± 15.3 years) treated with MT for PE between 04/2021 and 11/2021 were reviewed. Risk stratification was performed according to European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines. Clinical and hemodynamic characteristics before and after the procedure were compared with the paired Student's t test, and duration of hospital stay was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier estimator. Procedure-related adverse advents were assessed. RESULTS: Of 27 patients treated, 18 were classified as high risk. Mean right-to-left ventricular ratio on baseline CT was 1.7 ± 0.6. After MT, a statistically significant reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressures from 35.9 ± 9.6 to 26.1 ± 9.0 mmHg (p = 0.002) and heart rates from 109.4 ± 22.5 to 82.8 ± 13.8 beats per minute (p < 0.001) was achieved. Two patients died of prolonged cardiogenic shock. Three patients died of post-interventional complications of which a paradoxical embolism can be considered related to MT. One patient needed short cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the procedure due to clot displacement. Patients with PE as primary driver of clinical instability had a median intensive care unit (ICU) stay of 2 days (0.5-3.5 days). Patients who developed PE as a complication of an underlying medical condition spent 11 days (9.5-12.5 days) in the ICU. CONCLUSION: In this small study population of predominantly high-risk PE patients, large-bore MT without adjunctive thrombolysis was feasible with an acceptable procedure-related complication rate.

Hepatocellular carcinoma tumor thrombus entering the right atrium treated with combining percutaneous and intravenous high-dose-rate brachytherapy: a case report.

The presented report describes a case of a Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumor thrombus (TT) infiltrating the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the right atrium (RA) in a 66-year old male patient who initially presented with TT related symptoms. CT-guided high-dose-rate brachytherapy (HDRBT) was performed for both, the intraparenchymal primary and the TT. A marked improvement of the tumor-related symptoms and shrinkage of the tumor mass were achieved six months after treatment initiation. The combination of intravascular and percutaneous HDRBT demonstrating a promising approach to palliate tumor-related symptoms in advanced HCC with macrovascular invasion.

Feasibility of hepatic radiofrequency ablation in patients with bilioenteric anastomoses.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in the liver is contraindicated in the presence of bilioenteric anastomoses, because it predisposes to occasionally devastating infectious complications. The purpose of this single-center experience is to demonstrate the technical feasibility of such procedures. METHODOLOGY: Patients with bilioenteric anastomoses were offered ultrasound-guided RFA, if an interdisciplinary tumor board endorsed this decision, or an intraoperative opportunity to achieve a tumor-free situation emerged. All procedures were carried out under general anesthesia in a surgical operation theatre. RFA was performed percutaneously (n=3) and open surgically (n=3) with two different types of monopolar devices. All patients received antibiotic prophylaxis with various different agents. RESULTS: Six patients with seven tumor nodules were treated. The average age of the patients was 59 +/- 7 years. Mean size of the tumors was 20 +/- 7 mm. Median follow up was 15 months. No infectious complication including intrahepatic abscess occurred. No local recurrence was detected. CONCLUSIONS: The presented data indicates the feasibility of RFA in patients with bilioenteric anastomoses, and infectious problems, namely intrahepatic abscess formation, do not inevitably occur. The role of antimicrobial prophylaxis remains unclear. The importance of ensuring an unobstructed and uninhibited biliary flow distally in the bilioenteric track is stressed.

Central venous port catheters: evaluation of patients' satisfaction with implantation under local anesthesia.

PURPOSE: Evaluation of pain perception and patient satisfaction after implantation of a central venous port catheter system under local anesthesia. METHODS: A total of 100 consecutive patients (25 outpatients, 75 inpatients) who underwent successful implantation of a port catheter into the internal jugular vein from May through August 2007 were given an 8-item questionnaire. The extent of information about the implantation, the pain perception during implantation and the friendliness of the physician and nurse were evaluated. Furthermore, the patients were asked to assess their degree of anxiety and the pain they experienced during the intervention and to give an appraisal of whether local anesthesia was adequate. Each question was assessed on a 10-point scale (10 = very true to 1 = not at all true). In addition, the overall duration of the intervention (including patient preparation, implantation, patient aftercare, disinfection of the room) was documented. RESULTS: Patients felt highly satisfied with the way they were informed (mean score of 9.65) and considered the treating physician (9.89) and nurse (9.9) extremely friendly. Local anesthesia was rated as nearly completely adequate (9.56) and the degree of pain experienced was low (9.05; 10 = no pain). The average anxiety score was 8.56 (10 = not afraid at all). Overall satisfaction with the treatment was very high (9.62; outpatients: 9.72) and patients would recommend port catheter implantation at our department to others (9.77). The mean overall duration of the intervention was 76 min (range 40-120 min). CONCLUSION: Positive patient reactions indicate that radiologic port catheter implantation under local anesthesia is a minimally invasive intervention with high patient satisfaction that can be performed on an outpatient basis and is a valid alternative to surgical implantation.

[Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt in patients with portal vein thrombosis]. / Transjugulärer intrahepatischer portosystemischer Shunt bei Patienten mit Pfortaderthrombose.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the feasibility of TIPS for portal vein thrombosis (PVT) with/without portal vein occlusion/cavernomatous transformation and with/without underlying cirrhosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 13 patients with PVT and refractory ascites (n=7) and variceal bleeding (n = 6) received TIPS placement. The function of the TIPS was controlled with Doppler US at 1 day, 1 week, 4 weeks and 4 months after TIPS placement and subsequently every 3 months. The rates of technical success, revision and mortality after TIPS were evaluated. RESULTS: The TIPS was successfully placed in 85% (11/13) of the cases. TIPS placement was successful in 87.5% (7/8) of patients with occlusion of the right portal vein and in 100% (5/5) of patients with non-occlusive right portal vein (p > 0.05), in 80% (8/10) of cirrhotic (x/10) and in 100% (3/3) of non-cirrhotic patients (p > 0,05), as well as in one patient with a fresh PVT and in 1 of 2 patients with cavernous transformation. 30 and 14.3% of patients needed a TIPS revision in the first and second year, respectively. No patient with occlusion of the right portal vein required a revision. 54.5% (6/11) of patients died within 6 months. Under exclusion of 4 patients with advanced malignant diseases, the mortality rate was 28.6%. CONCLUSION: TIPS should be considered for selected patients with symptomatic occlusive PVT with/without cavernous transformation and with/without underlying cirrhosis. The frequency of TIPS revision is not greater, and the mortality rate 6 months after PVT recanalization seems to be comparable with that of patients without PVT.

Surgical treatment options following chemotherapy plus cetuximab or bevacizumab in metastatic colorectal cancer-central evaluation of FIRE-3.

BACKGROUND: The FIRE-3 trial investigated combination chemotherapy plus either cetuximab or bevacizumab in patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) not scheduled for upfront surgery. We aimed to determine the number of patients who present with potentially resectable disease during systemic first-line therapy and to compare the findings with study reports concerning resections and outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This evaluation of 448 patients was performed as central review blinded for treatment, other reviewers' evaluations and conducted interventions. Resectability was defined if at least 50% of the reviewers recommended surgical-based intervention. Overall survival was assessed by Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Resectability increased from 22% (97/448) at baseline before treatment to 53% (238/448) at best response (P < 0.001), compared with an actual secondary resection rate for metastases of 16% (72/448). At baseline (23% versus 20%) and best response (53% versus 53%), potential resectability of metastases in this molecular unselected population was similar in cetuximab-treated patients versus bevacizumab-treated patients and not limited to patients with one-organ disease. The actual resection rate of metastases was significantly associated with treatment setting (P = 0.02; university hospital versus hospital/practice). Overall survival was 51.3 months (95% confidence interval [CI] 35.9-66.7) in patients with resectable disease who received surgery, 30.8 months (95% CI 26.6-34.9) in patients with resectable disease without surgery and 18.6 months (95% CI 15.8-21.3) in patients with unresectable disease (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings illustrate the potential for conversion to resectability in mCRC, certain reluctance towards metastatic resections in clinical practice and the need for pre-planned and continuous evaluation for metastatic resection in high-volume centres. CLINICALTRIALS. GOV-IDENTIFIER: NCT00433927.

[Periinterventional prophylactic antibiotics in radiological port catheter implantation]. / Periinterventionelle prophylsktische Antobiotikagabe bei der radiologischen Portkatheterimplantation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate whether catheter-related infections after radiologically placed port catheters can be reduced by single-shot periinterventional antibiosis. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Between January and September 2002, 164 consecutive patients with indication for central venous port catheter implantation were included in the present study. During implantation the interventional radiologist was responsible for deciding whether to administer a prophylactic single-shot antibiosis. The prophylactic antibiosis entailed intravenous administration of ampicillin and sulbactam (3 g Unacid, Pfizer) or 100 mg ciprofloxacine (Ciprobay, Bayer) in the case of an allergy history to penicillins. Catheter-related infection was defined as a local or systemic infection necessitating port catheter extraction. RESULTS: Indication for port catheter implantation was a malignant disease requiring chemotherapy in 158 cases. The port catheter (Chemosite [Tyco Healthcare] [n = 123], low-profile [Arrow International] [n = 35], other port system [n = 6]) was implanted via sonographically guided puncture of the right jugular vein in 139 patients, via the left jugular vein in 24 cases and via the right subclavian vein in one patient. 75 patients received periinterventional prophylactic antibiosis (Unacid [n = 63] Ciprobay [n = 12]) and 89 patients did not receive antibiosis. The prophylactic antibiosis caused a minor allergic reaction in one patient that improved with antihistamic and corticoid medication. A total of 7 ports, 6 without prophylactic antibiosis versus one with periinterventional prophylaxis, were extracted due to infectious complications. CONCLUSION: Single-shot periinterventional prophylactic antibiosis can reduce early and late infectious complications after radiological-interventional placement of central venous port catheters.

Intraoperative ductoscopy in women undergoing surgery for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Extensive intraductal disease represents an important clinical problem in the management of patients with invasive or in situ breast cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine the value of intraoperative ductoscopy for detection of intraductal neoplasia in women with breast cancer. METHODS: Intraoperative ductoscopy was performed in 54 women undergoing operation for breast cancer. A rigid gradient index microendoscope (0.7 mm) was used for all examinations. Ductoscopy findings were documented prospectively and correlated with preoperative mammography and histology of the resection specimen. RESULTS: Fifty of 54 (92%) patients were examined successfully. Ductoscopy identified intraductal lesions (ie, red patches, ductal obstruction, or microcalcifications) in 25 of 50 (50%) patients. Abnormal ductoscopic appearance was found in 19 of 23 patients with extensive intraductal disease (82%). Mammographic microcalcifications were observed in 15 of those 19 patients and in 3 patients with normal ductoscopy (78%). The combined sensitivity of both methods was 95%. Patients with an abnormal ductal appearance on ductoscopy, compared with those with a normal ductal appearance, had a greater incidence of extensive intraductal spread of cancer (76% vs 16%) and a greater incidence of positive surgical margins (44% vs 12%). CONCLUSIONS: High-resolution ductoscopy is able to detect extensive intraductal disease in a considerable number of women with breast cancer. In selected patients, a combination of both preoperative imaging and intraoperative ductoscopy may help to avoid incomplete resections and re-excisions.

Irreversible Electroporation in Interventional Oncology: Where We Stand and Where We Go.

UNLABELLED: Irreversible electroporation (IRE) is the latest in the series of image-guided locoregional tumor ablation therapies. IRE is performed in a nearly non-thermal fashion that circumvents the "heat sink effect" and allows for IRE application in proximity to critical structures such as bile ducts or neurovascular bundles, where other techniques are unsuitable. IRE appears generally feasible and initial reported results for tumor ablation in the liver, pancreas and prostate are promising. Additionally, IRE demonstrates a favorable safety profile. However, site-specific complications include bile leaking or vein thrombosis and may be more severe after pancreatic IRE compared to liver or prostate ablation. There is limited clinical evidence in support of the use of IRE in the kidney. In contrast, pulmonary IRE has so far failed to demonstrate efficacy due to practicability limitations. Hence, this review will provide a state-of-the-art update on available clinical evidence of IRE regarding feasibility, safety and oncologic efficacy. The future role of IRE in the minimally invasive treatment of solid tumors will be discussed. KEY POINTS: • Preclinical findings of IRE have been successfully translated into clinical settings.• Non-thermal ablation is able to prevent the "heat sink effect" and collateral damage.• IRE should primarily be applied to tumors adjacent to sensitive structures (e. g. bile ducts).IRE efficacy appears promising in the liver, pancreas and prostate with tolerable morbidity.• In contrast, there are no evidential benefits of IRE in the lung parenchyma. Citation Format: • Savic LJ, Chapiro J, Hamm B et al. Irreversible Electroporation in Interventional Oncology: Where We Stand and Where We Go. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2016; 188: 735 - 745.

Activity-based cost analysis of hepatic tumor ablation using CT-guided high-dose rate brachytherapy or CT-guided radiofrequency ablation in hepatocellular carcinoma.

PURPOSE: To analyse and compare the costs of hepatic tumor ablation with computed tomography (CT)-guided high-dose rate brachytherapy (CT-HDRBT) and CT-guided radiofrequency ablation (CT-RFA) as two alternative minimally invasive treatment options of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: An activity based process model was created determining working steps and required staff of CT-RFA and CT-HDRBT. Prorated costs of equipment use (purchase, depreciation, and maintenance), costs of staff, and expenditure for disposables were identified in a sample of 20 patients (10 treated by CT-RFA and 10 by CT-HDRBT) and compared. A sensitivity and break even analysis was performed to analyse the dependence of costs on the number of patients treated annually with both methods. RESULTS: Costs of CT-RFA were nearly stable with mean overall costs of approximately 1909 €, 1847 €, 1816 € and 1801 € per patient when treating 25, 50, 100 or 200 patients annually, as the main factor influencing the costs of this procedure was the single-use RFA probe. Mean costs of CT-HDRBT decreased significantly per patient ablation with a rising number of patients treated annually, with prorated costs of 3442 €, 1962 €, 1222 € and 852 € when treating 25, 50, 100 or 200 patients, due to low costs of single-use disposables compared to high annual fix-costs which proportionally decreased per patient with a higher number of patients treated annually. A break-even between both methods was reached when treating at least 55 patients annually. CONCLUSION: Although CT-HDRBT is a more complex procedure with more staff involved, it can be performed at lower costs per patient from the perspective of the medical provider when treating more than 55 patients compared to CT-RFA, mainly due to lower costs for disposables and a decreasing percentage of fixed costs with an increasing number of treatments.

[Contrast media pressure injection using a portal catheter system--results of an in vitro study]. / Kontrastmitteldruckinjektion in Portkathetersysteme -- Ergebnisse einer In-vitro-Studie.

PURPOSE: Are implanted central venous port catheters suitable for contrast media pressure (power) injection in computed tomography? MATERIAL AND METHODS: In an in vitro study 100 ml of contrast medium (Ultravist 370, Schering, Berlin, Deutschland) was injected through 20 different port catheter systems using a power injector (Stellant, Medrad, Inianola, USA) with a pressure limit of 325 PSI. The injection rate was increased from 2 ml/s to 10 ml/s in increments of 2 ml/s. The maximum injection pressure and maximum injection rate were assessed. RESULTS: An injection rate of 2 ml/s was possible in all catheter systems. Injection rates of 4 ml/s in 18 systems, 6 ml/s in 13 systems and 8 ml/s in 6 systems were achieved. With a given pressure limit of 325 PSI an injection rate of 10 ml/s was not possible in any of the port catheter systems. There were no catheter ruptures, catheter disconnections or contrast extravasations noted. CONCLUSION: Power injection of contrast media with a pressure limit of 325 PSI seems to be tolerated by port catheter systems. Most of the evaluated port systems allow flow rates suitable for multislice computed tomography requiring rapid contrast injection.

[Potential advantages of the MRI for the radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors]. / Potenzial der MRT für die Radiofrequenzablation von Lebertumoren.

PURPOSE: To present first results of radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors using a new MR compatible applicator. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed 37 interventions in 20 patients (mean age 58.6 years) with primary intrahepatic malignancies or metastases: colorectal carcinoma n = 6, hepatocellular carcinoma n = 3, pancreatic carcinoma n = 4, sarcoma n = 2, cholangiocellular carcinoma n = 1, carcinoma of the tonsil n = 1, breast carcinoma n = 1, gastric carcinoma n = 1, and gastrointestinal stroma tumor n = 1. Interventions were performed under CT-guidance with CT fluoroscopy (n = 32) and under MR-guidance (n = 5) using fast T1-weighted sequences in breath-hold technique. RFA was performed with the RF-generator (150 W) under local anesthesia and sedation using MR compatible applicators (Starburst XL, Rita Medical Systems, USA) together with the appropriate Soft Tissue Introducer System. Intra-interventional control was performed with intrahepatically or intralesionally placed introducer system or applicator. MRI was performed with plain breath-triggered T2-weighted turbo spin echo sequences (TSE T2) with fat saturation. RESULTS: All interventions were performed without major events. The mean diameter of induced coagulation was 4.0 (+/- 0.7) cm. Repositioning was necessary in 8 interventions (21 %) after detection of residual tumor on an intra-interventional MRI. After a mean follow-up of 6.5 (+/- 1.2) months, the local tumor control rate was 92 %. CONCLUSION: MR-compatible RF applicators offer the opportunity for intra-interventional detection of residual tumor during RF ablations by use of sensitive MRI sequences. These procedures may lead to a higher confidence in tumour ablation and may reduce the number of re-interventions and local recurrences of intrahepatic tumors.

Can early computed tomography angiography after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair predict the need for reintervention in patients with type II endoleak?

PURPOSE: This study was designed to identify parameters on CT angiography (CTA) of type II endoleaks following endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR) for abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which can be used to predict the subsequent need for reinterventions. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 62 patients with type II endoleak who underwent early CTA in mean 3.7 ± 1.9 days after EVAR. On the basis of follow-up examinations (mean follow-up period 911 days; range, 373-1,987 days), patients were stratified into two groups: those who did (n = 18) and those who did not (n = 44) require reintervention. CTA characteristics, such as AAA, endoleak, as well as nidus dimensions, patency of the inferior mesenteric artery, number of aortic branch vessels, and the pattern of endoleak appearance, were recorded and correlated with the clinical outcome. RESULTS: Univariate and receiver operating characteristic curve regression analyses revealed significant differences between the two groups for the endoleak volume (surveillance group: 1391.6 ± 1427.9 mm(3); reintervention group: 3227.7 ± 2693.8 mm(3); cutoff value of 2,386 mm(3); p = 0.002), the endoleak diameter (13.6 ± 4.3 mm compared with 25.9 ± 9.6 mm; cutoff value of 19 mm; p < 0.0001), the number of aortic branch vessels (2.9 ± 1.2 compared with 4.2 ± 1.4 vessels; p = 0.001), as well as a "complex type" endoleak pattern (13.6 %, n = 6 compared with 44.4 %, n = 8; p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Early CTA can predict the future need for reintervention in patients with type II endoleak. Therefore, treatment decision should be based not only on aneurysm enlargement alone but also on other imaging characteristics.

Ion-exchange chromatography separation of the detergent and the solvent from immunoglobulins after solvent-detergent treatment.

For inactivation of lipid-enveloped viruses during the immunoglobulin production, the solvent-detergent (S/D) method was applied. Tri-n-butyl phosphate (solvent) and Triton X-100 (detergent) were removed from S/D treated immunoglobulins by ion-exchange chromatography on Q-Sepharose Fast Flow (FF). During the chromatographic procedure immunoglobulins remained bound on a Q-Sepharose FF, whereas solvent and detergent were eluted by washing with starting buffer. Elution of immunoglobulins was achieved by increasing the ionic strength of the starting buffer. The final immunoglobulin preparation contained less than 10 microg/ml of Triton X-100 and less than 2 microg/ml tri-n-butyl phosphate. It was confirmed that the S/D procedure did not cause a significant change in polymers and specific antibodies content. Immunoglobulin classes were also not affected by the same procedure.

Removal of detergent and solvent from solvent-detergent-treated immunoglobulins.

The solvent-detergent (S/D) method was applied for inactivation of lipid-enveloped viruses during the production of immunoglobulins. Amberlite XAD-7 resin was used for removal of solvent (tri-n-butyl phosphate, TnBP) and detergent (Triton X-100) after the performed S/D inactivation procedure. The S/D reagents from the immunoglobulin preparation were adsorbed on Amberlite XAD-7, while immunoglobulins passed through the column and retained their biological activity. Using the method developed here, the final immunoglobulin preparation contains less than 1 ppm of Triton X-100 and less than 2 ppm TnBP.

[Transjugular implantation of venous port catheter systems]. / Die transjuguläre Implantation venöser Portkathetersysteme.

PURPOSE: Prospective analysis of success and complication rates of chest port implantation via the internal jugular vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 50 consecutive patients (25 men, 25 women; mean age 61 +/- 14 years) the internal jugular vein was punctured under ultrasound guidance. Through this access, a port system was inserted and the catheter tip was placed at the cavoatrial junction. The port reservoir was implanted into a subcutaneous infraclavicular pocket and fixed to the fascia of the pectoralis muscle. Indications for port implantation were chemotherapy (n = 46), total parenteral nutrition (n = 2) or intravenous medication (n = 2). RESULTS: A chest port catheter system was successfully implanted in all 50 patients. The mean duration of placement was 90 +/- 65 catheter days. No complications occurred during implantation. In the post-interventional period a single catheter dysfunction occurred (0.22 per 1,000 catheter days). Two local infections occurred in the early post-interventional period (0.43 per 1,000 catheter days). One port system had to be explanted prematurely due to pain. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound guided puncture of the internal jugular vein enables a safe access for insertion of a central venous port catheter system and is associated with a very low complication rate. Port placement via this access vein should therefore be the primary treatment.

[Long-term central venous lines and their complications]. / Langfristige zentralvenöse Zugänge und deren Komplikationsmanagement.

The implantation of permanent (> 14 days) central venous catheters is constantly increasing, accelerated by a trend toward outpatient therapies. Subcutaneous tunneled and non-tunneled catheters as well as port systems are available. The interventional radiologist plays an important role in the implantation of central venous catheters as well as in detection and treatment of any complications. Various access ways via peripheral and central veins are described and the implantation techniques for the different systems explained. The use of peel-away sheaths allows the radiologist to implant subcutaneous tunneled catheters via the Seldinger technique without surgical preparation. Procedure-related early and late complications may occur, and the radiologist plays an important role in the surveillance and management of catheter-associated complications. This review demonstrates the different catheter systems and implantation techniques.

[Flexible applicator systems for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic tumors]. / Flexible Applikatoren zur Radiofrequenzablation (RFA) bei Lebertumoren.

PURPOSE: To report our experience with flexible applicators in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 6 liver tumors in 6 patients, a flexible RFA-applicator system (RITA StarBurst FLEX, RITA Medical Systems, Mountain View, CA, USA) was placed under CT guidance. The Seldinger technique with an 11G access system (RITA StarBurst Access) was used to place the application system into the liver. Before and within a week after the ablation, all tumors were investigated with contrast-enhanced MRI. RESULTS: The Seldinger technique accommodated the placement of a thin 17.5-gauge needle for the initial puncture, enabling easy adjustment of the position of the needle. The flexible applicator of the RFA system could be placed in 4.5 (+/- 1.8) minutes on average. CONCLUSION: Flexible applicators facilitate CT-guided RFA and can be placed using the Seldinger technique.

[Ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided implantation of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs)]. / Ultraschall- und durchleuchtungsgesteuerte Implantation peripher inserierter zentral-venöser Katheter (PICC).

PURPOSE: Evaluation of ultrasound- and fluoroscopy-guided implantation of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 32 patients (12 males, 20 females; mean age 64.1 +/- 11.9 years) with clinical indication for long term central venous catheter (chemotherapy: N = 5; parenteral nutrition and fluid substitution: N = 26; parenteral pain therapy: N = 1) a PICC was placed by an interventional radiologist using ultrasound guidance. RESULTS: The placement of the PICC was technically successful in 31 (96.9%) patients, with placement of 20 single-lumen 5F PICCs, 4 double-lumen 6F PICCs and 7 double-lumen 7F PICCs. The mean duration of catheter usage was 28.4 (2 - 161) days with a total of 910 catheter days. No catheter occlusions were recorded. Two patients developed a superficial venous thrombosis of the upper extremity. The resulting thrombotic rate was 2.2 per 1000 catheter days. No catheter associated infection was recorded. CONCLUSION: The ultrasound guided placement of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) via a superficial vein of the upper extremity is a practical alternative to central catheters via central veins.