Angiographic Revascularization after Bariatric Embolization in a Swine Model.

This study evaluated fundal arteriole angiographic revascularization after embolization with embolic microspheres of 3 different diameters in a swine model (16 swine, 31 arterioles). In the 50-µm group, 7 of 11 (64%) arterioles recanalized completely, 3 of 11 (27%) arterioles recanalized partially, and 1 of 11 (9%) arterioles had collateralization (no recanalization). In the 100- to 300-µm group, 7 of 10 (70%) arterioles recanalized completely and 3 of 10 (30%) arterioles) recanalized partially. In the 300- to 500-µm group, 7 of 10 (70%) arterioles recanalized completely, 1 of 10 (10%) arterioles recanalized partially, and 2 of 10 (20%) arterioles had collateralization. No difference was found between the groups in the degree of recanalization (P = .64). All embolized arterioles exhibited some degree of angiographic revascularization, irrespective of the microsphere size.

Outcomes of Yttrium-90 Radioembolization for Unresectable Combined Biphenotypic Hepatocellular-Cholangiocarcinoma.

PURPOSE: To evaluate outcomes of yttrium-90 radioembolization in patients with combined biphenotypic hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (cHCC-CC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with biopsy-confirmed cHCC-CC treated with yttrium-90 radioembolization between 2012 and 2018 was performed. Twenty-two patients with cHCC-CC (mean age 65.6 y, 17 men, 5 women) underwent 29 radioembolization treatments (5 resin, 24 glass microspheres). Survival data were available in 21 patients, and hepatic imaging response data were available in 20 patients. Hepatic imaging response to radioembolization was assessed on follow-up CT or MR imaging using modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumours criteria. Univariate stepwise Cox regression analysis was used to evaluate the association between demographic and clinical factors and survival. Logistic regression evaluated associations between clinical factors and response to treatment, overall response, and disease control. RESULTS: Hepatic imaging response was as follows: 15% complete response, 40% partial response, 10% stable disease, and 35% progressive disease (55% response rate, 65% disease control rate). Two patients were downstaged or bridged to transplant, and 1 patient was downstaged to resection. Median overall survival was 9.3 mo (range, 2.5-31.0 mo) from time of radioembolization. Nonreponse to treatment, bilobar disease, presence of multiple tumors, and elevated carbohydrate antigen 19-9 before treatment were associated with reduced survival after radioembolization. CONCLUSIONS: Radioembolization is a viable option for locoregional control of cHCC-CC with good response and disease control rates.

Bariatric Embolization of Arteries for the Treatment of Obesity (BEAT Obesity) Trial: Results at 1 Year.

Background Bariatric embolization is a new endovascular procedure to treat patients with obesity. However, the safety and efficacy of bariatric embolization are unknown. Purpose To evaluate the safety and efficacy of bariatric embolization in severely obese adults at up to 12 months after the procedure. Materials and Methods For this prospective study (NCT0216512 on ClinicalTrials.gov ), 20 participants (16 women) aged 27-68 years (mean ± standard deviation, 44 years ± 11) with mean body mass index of 45 ± 4.1 were enrolled at two institutions from June 2014 to February 2018. Transarterial embolization of the gastric fundus was performed using 300- to 500-µm embolic microspheres. Primary end points were 30-day adverse events and weight loss at up to 12 months. Secondary end points at up to 12 months included technical feasibility, health-related quality of life (Short Form-36 Health Survey ([SF-36]), impact of weight on quality of life (IWQOL-Lite), and hunger or appetite using a visual assessment scale. Analysis of outcomes was performed by using one-sample t tests and other exploratory statistics. Results Bariatric embolization was performed successfully for all participants with no major adverse events. Eight participants had a total of 11 minor adverse events. Mean excess weight loss was 8.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.3%, 10%; P < .001) at 1 month, 11.5% (95% CI: 8.7%, 14%; P < .001) at 3 months, 12.8% (95% CI: 8.3%, 17%; P < .001) at 6 months, and 11.5% (95% CI: 6.8%, 16%; P < .001) at 12 months. From baseline to 12 months, mean SF-36 scores increased (mental component summary, from 46 ± 11 to 50 ± 10, P = .44; physical component summary, from 46 ± 8.0 to 50 ± 9.3, P = .15) and mean IWQOL-Lite scores increased from 57 ± 18 to 77 ± 18 (P < .001). Hunger or appetite decreased for 4 weeks after embolization and increased thereafter, without reaching pre-embolization levels. Conclusion Bariatric embolization is well tolerated in severely obese adults, inducing appetite suppression and weight loss for up to 12 months. Published under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license. Online supplemental material is available for this article.

SEER study of ablation versus partial nephrectomy in cT1A renal cell carcinoma.

AIM: Compare ablation versus partial nephrectomy (PN) in T1A renal cell carcinoma (RCC) treatment, using the SEER database. METHODS: Patients with diagnosed T1A RCC from 2004 to 2013 were identified. Propensity matching paired subjects with similar background variables. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards regression were performed before and after matching. RESULTS: Cohort included 4592 patients (809 ablation, 3783 PN). PN compared with ablation group had significantly increased overall survival (OS; 93.6% vs 81.9% 5-year survival; p < 0.0001) and cancer-specific survival (CSS; p < 0.0001). After matching (1222 pairs), PN group had significantly increased OS (91.0% vs 86.3% 5-year survival; p = 0.0457) but similar CSS (p = 0.4023). CONCLUSION: Ablation offers similar CSS but lower OS as PN for T1A RCC in this SEER database.

Thermal ablation versus surgical resection for localized hepatocellular carcinoma: a population study using the SEER database.

AIM: To compare overall survival (OS) and liver cancer-specific survival (LCSS) in patients with localized hepatocellular carcinoma treated with surgical resection (SR) or thermal ablation (TA) using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database. MATERIALS & METHODS: Kaplan-Meier, competing risk and Cox regression analyses were performed after identifying patients. Propensity score matching was then applied. RESULTS: There was significantly better OS in the SR group and significantly lower probability of LCSS in the TA group. After matching, there was significantly longer OS in the SR group and a lower probability of LCSS in the TA group. CONCLUSION: SR offered a significant survival benefit over TA for localized hepatocellular carcinoma.

Renal Embolization: Current Recommendations and Rationale for Clinical Practice.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Renal embolization (RE) is a minimally invasive endovascular procedure performed primarily by interventional radiology that can be used to treat a variety of urologic conditions including malignant renal tumors, angiomyolipomas, renal trauma, and complications following biopsy. The following review examines renal embolization indications, technique, and potential complications. RECENT FINDINGS: Renal embolization is a versatile therapeutic and adjunctive tool for many acute and chronic urologic conditions. RE has become a first-line therapy for renal trauma in lower grade injuries and increasing in prevalence for higher grade injuries. Additionally, the safety and efficacy of chemoembolization for primary treatment of renal cell carcinoma is under evaluation. A multidisciplinary approach between urology and interventional radiology should be pursued for all patients undergoing renal embolization regardless of indication. Preprocedural planning and careful monitoring of complications should be performed to optimize clinical outcomes.

Clinical Safety of Bariatric Arterial Embolization: Preliminary Results of the BEAT Obesity Trial.

Purpose To conduct a pilot prospective clinical trial to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and short-term efficacy of bariatric embolization, a recently developed endovascular procedure for the treatment of obesity, in patients with severe obesity. Materials and Methods This is an institutional review board- and U.S. Food and Drug Administration-approved prospective physician-initiated investigational device exemption study. This phase of the study ran from June 2, 2014, to August 4, 2015. Five severely obese patients (four women, one man) who were 31-49 years of age and who had a mean body mass index of 43.8 kg/m2 ± 2.9 with no clinically important comorbidities were enrolled in this study. Transarterial embolization of the gastric fundus with fluoroscopic guidance was performed with 300-500-µm Embosphere microspheres. The primary end point was 30-day adverse events (AEs). The secondary end points included short-term weight loss, serum obesity-related hormone levels, hunger and satiety assessments, and quality of life (QOL) surveys, reported up to 3 months. Simple statistics of central tendencies and variability were calculated. No hypothesis testing was performed. Results The left gastric artery, with or without the gastroepiploic artery, was embolized in five patients, with a technical success rate of 100%. There were no major AEs. There were two minor AEs-subclinical pancreatitis and a mucosal ulcer that had healed by the time of 3-month endoscopy. A hospital stay of less than 48 hours for routine supportive care was provided for three patients. Mean excess weight loss of 5.9% ± 2.4 and 9.0% ± 4.1 was noted at 1 month and at 3 months, respectively. Mean change in serum ghrelin was 8.7% ± 34.7 and -17.5% ± 29 at 1 month and 3 months, respectively. Mean changes in serum glucagon-like peptide 1 and peptide YY were 106.6% ± 208.5 and 17.8% ± 54.8 at 1 month. There was a trend toward improvement in QOL parameters. Hunger/appetite scores decreased in the first 2 weeks after the procedure and then rose without reaching preprocedure levels. Conclusion Bariatric embolization is feasible and appears to be well tolerated in severely obese patients. In this small patient cohort, it appears to induce appetite suppression and may induce weight loss. Further expansion of this study will provide more insight into the long-term safety and efficacy of bariatric embolization. © RSNA, 2017 Online supplemental material is available for this article.

Comparison of tumor response assessment methods in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer after locoregional therapy.

BACKGROUND: We evaluated the performance of the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumor (RECIST), modified RECIST, and the European Association for the Study of Liver (EASL) guidelines and correlated them with survival in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) treated with locoregional therapy (LRT). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our LRT registry was evaluated from 2008 to 2013. 228 mCRC patients were treated with LRT (91% drug-eluting beads, 9% radioembolization) were evaluated. Cox regression and Kaplan-Meier (KM) statistics were utilized for survival analysis. RESULTS: Excellent inter-rater agreement between EASL/mRECIST (κ = 905) was seen. Correlations between RECIST/mRECIST (κ = 0.638) and EASL/RECIST were weaker (κ = 0.638 and 0.598, respectively). There were significant differences in KM and Cox regression survivals between responders and nonresponders with all three methods (all P < 0.0001). Multivariate analysis identified RECIST response, tumor extent, performance status, concomitant chemotherapy, and prior surgery/ablation as independent prognostic factors. EASL response and mRECIST response were not found to be independent prognostic factors. CONCLUSION: Imaging biomarkers are not efficient and do not represent ideal surrogates for survival; however, they all display prognostic significance. RECIST is superior to mRECIST/EASL given its ability to stratify survival benefit according to response category and demonstrate independent prognostic significance. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:443-448. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Efficacy and Toxicity of Hepatic Intra-Arterial Drug-Eluting (Irinotecan) Bead (DEBIRI) Therapy in Irinotecan-Refractory Unresectable Colorectal Liver Metastases.

INTRODUCTION: Response rates to systemic chemotherapy for patients who have failed irinotecan-based chemotherapy for liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer range between 10 and 18 % with overall survival between 7 and 9 months. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of hepatic arterial irinotecan therapy in patients with hepatic-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer who had failed systemic irinotecan. METHODS: This was a multi-institutional, multi-national, analysis of patients who received DEBIRI in the setting of unresectable liver-dominant metastatic colorectal cancer. Patients had received between 1 and 4 lines of prior chemotherapy, the majority of which included systemic irinotecan. Primary endpoints were toxicity profile and tumor response rate. RESULTS: 296 patients with unresectable liver metastases who had undergone 666 DEBIRI treatments were reviewed. 192 treatments were performed in patients who had received prior systemic irinotecan. 222 treatments were performed in irinotecan-naïve patients. The median number of DEBIRI treatments was 1 (range 1-8); median treatment dose was 100 mg (range 50-200 mg), with total hepatic treatment of approximately 100 mg (range 20/30-200/300 mg). All-grade adverse events occurred in 18 % of patients receiving prior systemic irinotecan compared with 15 % of patients receiving no prior systemic irinotecan (including chemo-naïve patients). Response rates in patients with prior systemic irinotecan were 44 % at 3 months, 43 % at 6 months, and 44 % at 12 months, compared with 45, 40, and 35 % during the same time point in patients without prior systemic irinotecan. All-grade adverse events occurred in 10, 20, 10, and 37 % of patients receiving 0, 1, 2, and 3+ lines of systemic chemotherapy, respectively. Overall survival was 90 %, 93 %, 90 %, 90 % at 6 months and 76 %, 71 %, 77 %, 87 % at 12 months in patients undergoing DEBIRI therapy after receiving 0, 1, 2, and 3+ lines of systemic chemotherapy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The safety and efficacy of hepatic arterial drug-eluting irinotecan bead (DEBIRI) therapy are not affected by non-response to prior systemic irinotecan. While DEBIRI complete response rates are greatest and overall adverse events are least in chemotherapy-naïve individuals, it retains its respectable efficacy and low rate of serious adverse events even in the setting of previous administration of systemic chemotherapy.

Review of pelvic collateral pathways in aorto-iliac occlusive disease: demonstration by CT angiography.

The pelvic collateral system is a robust network of communicating vessels that provide the functional reserve to withstand chronic aorto-iliac occlusive disease. For establishment of collateral circulation, the afferent vessel must originate proximal to the occlusion and anastomose with vessel/s distal to the occlusion. These collateral pathways can be classified as viscero-systemic, systemic-systemic, and visceral-visceral. CT angiography (CTA) is often the initial modality for evaluating patients with atherosclerotic vascular disease, because it is non-invasive and has been shown to be comparable to conventional angiography. Most collateral pathways are well demonstrated on CTA, which therefore is a useful tool for preoperative planning and regional interventional procedures.

ACR-ABS-ACNM-ASTRO-SIR-SNMMI practice parameter for selective internal radiation therapy or radioembolization for treatment of liver malignancies.

PURPOSE: The American College of Radiology (ACR), American Brachytherapy Society (ABS), American College of Nuclear Medicine (ACNM), American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO), Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), and Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) have jointly developed a practice parameter on selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) or radioembolization for treatment of liver malignancies. Radioembolization is the embolization of the hepatic arterial supply of hepatic primary tumors or metastases with a microsphere yttrium-90 brachytherapy device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The ACR -ABS -ACNM -ASTRO -SIR -SNMMI practice parameter for SIRT or radioembolization for treatment of liver malignancies was revised in accordance with the process described on the ACR website (https://www.acr.org/ClinicalResources/Practice-Parameters-and-Technical-Standards) by the Committee on Practice Parameters-Interventional and Cardiovascular Radiology of the ACR Commission on Interventional and Cardiovascular, Committee on Practice Parameters and Technical Standards-Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging of the ACR Commission on Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging and the Committee on Practice Parameters-Radiation Oncology of the ACR Commission on Radiation Oncology in collaboration with ABS, ACNM, ASTRO, SIR, and SNMMI. RESULTS: This practice parameter is developed to serve as a tool in the appropriate application of radioembolization in the care of patients with conditions where indicated. It addresses clinical implementation of radioembolization including personnel qualifications, quality assurance standards, indications, and suggested documentation. CONCLUSIONS: This practice parameter is a tool to guide clinical use of radioembolization. It focuses on the best practices and principles to consider when using radioemboliozation effectively. The clinical benefit and medical necessity of the treatment should be tailored to each individual patient.

Using principal component analysis for the prediction of tumor response to transarterial chemoembolization.

PURPOSE: To quantitate the tumor blush of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at the time of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) using principal component analysis (PCA), and to correlate the quantitated tumor blush to response to therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this proof-of-concept study, 27 primary HCC tumors in 25 patients (18 men, 7 women; mean age 66 years ± 9) were analyzed. We conducted a retrospective analysis of TACE procedures that were performed during March through July of 2017. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) was combined with PCA to condense spatial and temporal information into a single image. The tumor and liver contrast enhancements were calculated, and the ratio was used to determine the relative vascular enhancement of the tumor. Tumor response to therapy was determined at 1-month post procedure. RESULTS: Using PCA-generated fluoroscopic imaging (PCA-FI), we quantitated the tumor blush and assigned a vascular enhancement value (VEV) to each tumor. Tumors that responded to treatment (N = 12) had statistically higher VEVs compared with the nonresponders (N = 15), with a mean value of 0.96 ± 0.455 vs. 0.57 ± 0.309, (p = 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: We developed a method for quantitating tumor blush using routine angiographic images. The VEVs calculated using these images may allow for the prediction of tumor response to therapy. This pilot study suggests that there is a correlation between tumor blush intensity and tumor response.

Comparison of Response and Outcomes of Drug-eluting Bead Chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) Versus Radioembolization (TARE) for Patients With Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases.

BACKGROUND: To compare outcomes for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRCLM) treated by drug-eluting bead chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) or radioembolization (TARE). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-center retrospective review was carried out on 202 patients with CRCLM, treated by DEB-TACE (n=47) or TARE (n=155) patients. Propensity-matching yielded 44 pairs. Paired statistical analysis was performed on matched pair demographics, treatment response, and survival. RESULTS: Patients treated with DEB-TACE had worse extra-hepatic metastasis (68.1 vs. 47.7%, p=0.014) and ≥10 liver lesions (42.2 vs. 68.8%, p=0.001). Matched patients treated with DEB-TACE had a trend towards worse toxicity (27% vs. 9.1% (p=0.057). Index DEB-TACE treatment was not a prognostic factor for overall survival (hazard ratio=0.94, 95% confidence intervaI=0.54-1.65; p=0.83). CONCLUSION: In the matched CRCLM cohort, there was a trend towards worse toxicity post-DEB-TACE treatment, but it was not an independent prognostic factor for survival.

Embolization of a congenital arteriovenous malformation arising off the internal mammary artery.

Congenital arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the internal mammary artery (IMA) are exceptionally rare. Patients with AVMs arising off the left IMA may present with continuous precordial murmurs and/or a pulsatile chest mass. AVMs in this location pose a risk of enlargement, rupture, infection, or high-output cardiac failure. The potential risks associated with AVMs warrant early therapeutic intervention. We describe a case of a congenital AVM originating from the left IMA, which was successfully embolized with n­butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) using a transcatheter arterial approach.

Factors influencing selection of an interventional radiology training program.

PURPOSE: To understand factors influencing the choice and ranking of Interventional Radiology (IR) training programs among a cohort of medical students and diagnostic radiology residents pursuing careers in IR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An IRB approved, 34 question online survey (surveymonkey.com) evaluated the impact of twenty-two different factors and demographics on IR training program selection for medical students and residents. The factors analyzed included programmatic features, location characteristics, academic reputation, program size, benefits/financial incentives, emphasis on clinical care, and future job opportunities. Comparison of Likert scale responses between medical students and residents were performed by using unpaired two-sample t-tests. RESULTS: 181 (145 male, 35 female) individuals responded to the survey, 74 medical students (40.9%) and 107 residents (59.1%). Medical students and residents both selected variety of IR cases as the most important and highest rated factor when choosing an IR program. Medical students ranked availability of a mentor (p = .03), inpatient consultation service (p = .003), outpatient clinic experience (p = .003), and ICU rotation experience (p < .001) significantly higher. Residents rated job placement/accomplishments of prior fellows (p = .03) and opinion of spouse/significant others (p = .002) significantly higher than medical students. CONCLUSIONS: The top rated factors are similar among medical students and residents however medical students value the clinical aspects of the program (ICU experience, inpatient consultation service, outpatient clinic) more than residents. Residents placed more value on job placement opportunities in selecting an IR program.

Cryoablation of low-flow vascular malformations.

PURPOSE: We aimed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of cryoablation in the treatment of low-flow malformations, specifically venous malformation (VM) and fibroadipose vascular anomaly (FAVA). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 11 consecutive patients with low-flow malformations (14 lesions; 9 VM, 5 FAVA), median lesion volume 10.8 cm3, (range, 1.8-55.6 cm3) with a median age of 19 years (range, 10-50 years) who underwent cryoablation to achieve symptomatic control. Average follow-up was at a median of 207 days postprocedure (range, 120-886 days). Indications for treatment included focal pain and swelling. Technical success was achieved if the cryoablation ice ball covered the region of the malformation that corresponded to the patient's symptoms. Clinical success was considered complete if all symptoms resolved and partial if some symptoms persisted but did not necessitate further treatment. RESULTS: The technical success rate was 100%. At 1-month follow-up, 13 of 14 lesions (93%) had a complete response and one (7%) had a partial response. At 6-month follow-up 12 of 13 (92%) had a complete response and 1 (8%) had a partial response. A total of 6 patients underwent primary cryoablation. Out of 9 VM cases, 7 had prior sclerotherapy and 2 had primary cryoablation. Out of the 5 FAVA cases, 1 had prior sclerotherapy and the remaining 4 cases underwent primary cryoablation. There were 3 minor complications following cryoablation including 2 cases of skin blisters and 1 case of transient numbness. These complications resolved with conservative management. CONCLUSION: Cryoablation is safe and effective in the treatment of low-flow vascular malformations, either after sclerotherapy or as primary treatment.

Propensity-matched comparison of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement techniques: Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) versus fluoroscopic guidance.

PURPOSE: To compare procedure characteristics and outcomes when TIPS is performed under intracardiac echocardiography guidance (iTIPS) compared to conventional fluoroscopic guidance (cTIPS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective propensity-matched study of 30 iTIPS and 30 cTIPS procedures from January 2014 to March 2017 at a single US high volume academic medical center was performed. iTIPS and cTIPS cases were propensity score matched using predictive variables: age, race, gender, etiology of liver disease, indication for TIPS, MELD score, and portal vein patency. Procedure characteristics and post- procedure outcomes were compared between propensity-matched groups including: total procedure time, technical success, radiation dose, contrast volume, complication rate, 30- day mortality, and revision rate within 3 months. RESULTS: Radiation dose (875.3 vs 457.4 mGY, p = 0.039) and contrast volume (141 vs 103 mL, p = 0.005) were significantly decreased in the iTIPS versus the cTIPS group. There was no significant difference in procedure time (81.5 cTIPS vs 84 min iTIPS) or rate of TIPS revisions within 3 months. Average operator experience in the iTIPs group was 4.2 years and cTIPS group 11.0 years (p = 0.0004). All procedures were technically successful with no mortalities within 30 days. CONCLUSION: iTIPS resulted in significantly reduced radiation dose and contrast volume. However, there was no difference in total procedure time or overall outcomes despite greater operator experience in the cTIPS group.

Denali, Tulip, and Option Inferior Vena Cava Filter Retrieval: A Single Center Experience.

PURPOSE: To compare the technical success of filter retrieval in Denali, Tulip, and Option inferior vena cava filters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of Denali, Gunther Tulip, and Option IVC filters was conducted. Retrieval failure rates, fluoroscopy time, sedation time, use of advanced retrieval techniques, and filter-related complications that led to retrieval failure were recorded. RESULTS: There were 107 Denali, 43 Option, and 39 Tulip filters deployed and removed with average dwell times of 93.5, 86.0, and 131 days, respectively. Retrieval failure rates were 0.9% for Denali, 11.6% for Option, and 5.1% for Tulip filters (Denali vs. Option p = 0.018; Denali vs. Tulip p = 0.159; Tulip vs. Option p = 0.045). Median fluoroscopy time for filter retrieval was 3.2 min for the Denali filter, 6.75 min for the Option filter, and 4.95 min for the Tulip filter (Denali vs. Option p < 0.01; Denali vs. Tulip p < 0.01; Tulip vs. Option p = 0.67). Advanced retrieval techniques were used in 0.9% of Denali filters, 21.1% in Option filters, and 10.8% in Tulip filters (Denali vs. Option p < 0.01; Denali vs. Tulip p < 0.01; Tulip vs. Option p < 0.01). DISCUSSION: Filter retrieval failure rates were significantly higher for the Option filter when compared to both the Denali and Tulip filters. Retrieval of the Denali filter required significantly less amount of fluoroscopy time and use of advanced retrieval techniques when compared to both the Option and Tulip filters. The findings of this study indicate easier retrieval of the Denali and Tulip IVC filters when compared to the Option filter.

Endovascular Management of SVC Syndrome due to Fibrosing Mediastinitis-A Feasibility and Safety Analysis.

PURPOSE: To assess the outcomes of endovascular management for superior vena cava (SVC) syndrome secondary to fibrosing mediastinitis (FM). METHODS: Between January 2004 and December 2016, 10 consecutive patients with endovascularly managed SVC syndrome secondary to FM were identified in an institutional database. Venograms were performed to assess the severity and location of the lesion and allow measurement for stent selection. Standard stenting and angioplasty techniques were utilized to establish luminal patency. The safety, feasibility, clinical success, and the primary and secondary patency were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine median duration of stent patency. A log-rank test was used to test differences in prior stent use. RESULTS: Our cohort was predominantly female (7/10) with an average age of 42.2 years. Of the 10 patients, 3 had undergone endovascular stenting at an outside institution prior to referral to our institution due to new, recurrent, or worsening symptoms. All patients underwent venography demonstrating stenosis (8/10) or occlusion (2/10) at initial presentation. Stenting or angioplasty was technically successful in 9 (90.0%) patients. Eight of 10 patients had primary stenting, while 1 achieved vascular patency and symptom resolution with angioplasty alone. Median duration of primary patency was 31.3 months (95% confidence interval: 5.9-103). Six (54.5%) patients required secondary revision procedures. Median duration of secondary patency was 6.1 months, with 25% of revisions occurring by 4 months and 75% occurring by 20.9 months. All treated patients (9/9) reported symptomatic relief at 1-month follow-up, establishing a clinical success rate of 100%. There were no 30-day adverse effects related to the procedure. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that endovascular therapy is a safe and feasible approach for managing FM-related SVC syndrome.

Survival comparison of hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with radioembolization versus nonoperative/interventional treatment.

AIM: To compare the overall survival (OS) and liver cancer-specific survival of advanced-stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who received transarterial radioembolization (TARE) with those who received nonoperative/interventional treatment (NOT). MATERIALS & METHODS: A total of 12,520 HCC patients from the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database were categorized by treatment with either radioembolization or NOT. Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox regression were conducted. RESULTS: The TARE group had both a significantly longer median overall survival than the NOT group (TARE = 9 months; NOT = 2 months; p < 0.0001) and a significantly higher probability of liver cancer-specific survival (hazard ratio = 0.474). CONCLUSION: TARE appears to provide a significant survival advantage over the NOT population in advanced HCC patients.