VenaTech Convertible Vena Cava Filter 6 Months after Conversion Follow-up.

PURPOSE: To report device-related adverse events 6 months after placement or conversion of the VenaTech convertible vena cava filter (VTCF). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A review of 6-month follow-up data of an investigational device exemption multicenter, prospective, single-arm study was performed. The VTCF was implanted in 149 patients. Conversion was attempted in 64.4% of those patients (n = 96) and successfully in 96.9% of the patients (n = 93). A total of 76 patients completed imaging evaluation at 6 months after filter conversion. Patients who required continued venous thromboembolism prophylaxis at 6 months did not undergo a conversion attempt and were designated as nonconverted filter subjects. A total of 28 nonconverted filter subjects completed imaging evaluation at 6 months after implantation. RESULTS: Evaluation of patients at 6 months after conversion demonstrated 1 of 76 (1.3%) inferior vena cava (IVC) perforations with a filter strut greater than 3 mm outside of the caval lumen. No cases of recurrent PE, clinically significant filter migration, filter fracture, or IVC thrombosis were reported in the converted subjects. In the nonconverted filter subjects, there was a 14.3% (4 of 28) complete or nearly complete rate of IVC thromboses. There were no cases of recurrent pulmonary embolism, penetration, fracture, or spontaneous conversion in the nonconverted filter subjects. There was a significant reduction in the rate of IVC thrombosis and migration in the converted cohort compared to that in the nonconverted cohort. CONCLUSIONS: At 6 months, the VTCF demonstrated low adverse event rates in the converted configuration, whereas a minority of patients with the nonconverted configuration demonstrated a high risk of IVC thrombosis.

Multicenter Trial of the VenaTech Convertible Vena Cava Filter.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate rates of successful filter conversion and 6-month major device-related adverse events in subjects with converted caval filters. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An investigational device exemption multicenter, prospective, single-arm study was performed at 11 sites enrolling 149 patients. The VenaTech Convertible Vena Cava Filter (B. Braun Interventional Systems, Inc, Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) was implanted in 149 patients with venous thromboembolism and contraindication to or failure of anticoagulation (n = 119), with high-risk trauma (n = 14), and for surgical prophylaxis (n = 16). When the patient was no longer at risk for pulmonary embolism as determined by clinical assessment, an attempt at filter conversion was made. Follow-up of converted patients (n = 93) was conducted at 30 days, 3 months, and 6 months after conversion. Patients who did not undergo a conversion attempt (n = 53) had follow-up at 6 months after implant. RESULTS: All implants were successful. One 7-day migration to the right atrium required surgical removal. Technical success rate for filter conversion was 92.7% (89/96). Mean time from placement to conversion was 130.7 days (range, 15-391 d). No major conversion-related events were reported. The mean conversion procedure time was 30.7 minutes (range, 7-135 min). There were 89 converted and 32 unconverted patients who completed 6-month follow-up with no delayed complications. CONCLUSIONS: The VenaTech Convertible filter has a high conversion rate and low 6-month device-related adverse event rate. Further studies are necessary to determine long-term safety and efficacy in both converted and unconverted patients.

Safety and Efficacy of Minimally Invasive Acetabular Stabilization for Periacetabular Metastatic Disease with Thermal Ablation and Augmented Screw Fixation.

PURPOSE: To evaluate minimally invasive acetabular stabilization (MIAS) with thermal ablation and augmented screw fixation for impending or minimally displaced fractures of the acetabulum secondary to metastatic disease. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between February 2011 and July 2014, 13 consecutive patients underwent thermal ablation, percutaneous screw fixation, and polymethyl methacrylate augmentation for impending or nondisplaced fractures of the acetabulum secondary to metastatic disease. Functional outcomes were evaluated before and after the procedure using the Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS) scoring system. Complications, hospital length of stay, and eligibility for chemotherapy and radiation therapy were assessed. RESULTS: All procedures were technically successful with no major periprocedural complications. The mean total MSTS score improved from 23% ± 11 before MIAS to 51% ± 21 after MIAS (P < .05). The mean MSTS pain scores improved from 0% (all) to 32% ± 22 after MIAS (P < .05). The mean MSTS walking ability score improved from 22% ± 19 to 55% ± 26 after MIAS (P < .05). Two complications occurred; a patient had a minimally displaced fracture of the superior pubic ramus at the site of repair but remained ambulatory, and septic arthritis was diagnosed in another patient 12 months after repair. The average length of hospital stay was 2 days ± 3.6; six patients were discharged within 24 hours of the procedure. All patients were eligible for chemotherapy and radiation therapy immediately after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: MIAS is feasible, improves pain and mobility, and offers a minimally invasive alternative to open surgical reconstruction.

A single-center experience in capturing inpatient evaluation and management for an IR practice.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate that interventional radiologists can capture work relative value units (wRVUs) for the work that is already being performed providing evaluation and management (E&M) clinical services. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A team approach was implemented to optimize revenue capture for inpatient E&M. Structured templates were created for inpatient documentation to ensure that maximum wRVUs were captured. Inpatient billing was audited from fiscal year 2011 (1 year before meeting and structured template creation) through fiscal year 2014. Specifically, data were collected on total charges, collections, wRVUs and total number of inpatient E&M encounters, and the level of the billed encounter. RESULTS: Retrospective annual audits revealed that overall inpatient E&M billing charges increased by 722%, whereas collections increased by 831% from 2011 to 2014. The wRVUs increased in 2011 from 181.74 to 1,396.9 (669% increase) in 2014, and the number of inpatient E&M encounters billed increased from 130 to 693 (433% increase) over that same time period. Lower level billing (level I) declined from 30% to 19%, and complex billing levels (level II or higher) increased from 70% to 81%. CONCLUSIONS: By implementing a systems approach to revenue management, which includes physician and billing staff meetings and the use of structured templates, billing capture from inpatient E&M services can be improved.

Safety and efficacy of transarterial chemoembolization in patients with transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts.

BACKGROUND: Transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an important option as the majority of patients present with advanced disease. Data regarding treatment outcomes in patients who have undergone transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts (TIPS) are limited. The present study seeks to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TACE in HCC patients with a TIPS. METHODS: A retrospective review identifying patients with HCC and concomitant TIPS who were treated with TACE was performed. RESULTS: From 1999 to 2014, 16 patients with HCC underwent a total of 27 TACE procedures; eight patients required multiple treatments. The median patient age at the time of the initial TACE was 60.5 years [interquartile range (IQR) : 52.5-67.5] with the majority being male (n = 12, 75%) and Childs-Pugh Class B (n = 12, 75%). At 6 weeks after TACE, 56.3% of patients achieved an objective response rate (complete and partial response) by mRECIST criteria. Clavien Grade 3 or higher complications occurred in 11.1% of TACE procedures. There were no peri-procedural deaths. The median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were 9 and 22 months, respectively, when censored for liver transplantation (median follow-up: 11.5 months). CONCLUSION: TACE is an effective treatment strategy for HCC in TIPS patients; albeit may be associated with higher complication rates.

Recurrence after microwave ablation of liver malignancies: a single institution experience.

BACKGROUND: Microwave ablation (MWA) is increasingly used to achieve local control for liver tumours. This study sought to examine a monocentric experience with MWA, with a primary hypothesis that primary tumour histology was a significant predictor of early recurrence. METHODS: Retrospective single-institution review identified consecutive patients with liver tumours treated by MWA. Cox proportional hazards models assessed significance of prognostic variables. RESULTS: Seventy-two patients (43 female, 60%) underwent 83 MWA procedures for 157 tumours. Tumour histologies included hepatocellular cancer (10 operations), colorectal metastases (39), metastatic carcinoid (20) and other (14). The median tumour size was 2.0 cm. A concomitant liver resection was performed in 50 cases (60%). Crude peri-operative morbidity and mortality rates were 16% and 1%, respectively. The median follow-up was 16 months. Ablations were complete for 149 out of 157 tumours (95%). The median overall and recurrence-free survivals were 36 and 18 months, respectively. There was no difference in time to recurrence between the primary tumour types. In multivariable models, recurrence-free survival was independently associated with the use of neoadjuvant [hazard ratio (HR): 2.90, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.09-7.76, P = 0.034] and adjuvant chemotherapy (HR: 0.36, 95% CI: 0.15-0.82, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: MWA is a safe and feasible approach for local control of liver tumours. While chemotherapy administration was associated with time to recurrence after MWA, larger studies are needed to corroborate these findings.

Risk of Hepatic Artery Complications After Liver Transplantation in Patients Who Received Pretransplant Transarterial Chemoembolization Therapy: A Single-Center Experience.

BACKGROUND: Pretransplant transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been associated with an increased risk of hepatic artery thrombosis (HAT) after liver transplantation (LT). Innovative surgical LT and interventional vascular radiology TACE techniques may mitigate the risk of HAT. We sought to investigate the incidence of HAT after LT in patients who received pre-transplant TACE at our center. METHODS: We performed a single-center retrospective review of all LT patients, >18 years of age, from October 1, 2012, to May 31, 2018. Outcomes were compared between patients who received pre-LT TACE and those who did not. Median follow-up was 26 months. RESULTS: Among the 162 LT recipients, 110 (67%) patients did not receive pre-LT TACE (Group I), while 52 (32%) received pre-LT TACE (Group II). The <30-day incidence rates of post-LT HAT were as follows: Group I = 1.8% and Group II = 1.9% (P = .9). Most hepatic arterial complications occurred >30 days after LT. Based on competing risks regression analysis, TACE was not associated with an increased risk of HAT. Patient or graft survivals were comparable between the 2 groups (P = .1 and .2, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows a similar incidence of hepatic artery complications post-LT in patients who received TACE before LT compared with those who did not. In addition, we suggest that the surgical technique of early vascular control of the common hepatic artery during LT, in combination with a super-selective vascular intervention radiology approach, has clinical utility in reducing the risk of HAT in patients requiring pre-transplant TACE.

Management of spontaneous dissection and rupture of common iliac artery in vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (VEDS).

A 28-year-old male with history of vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (VEDS) presented with left lower extremity acute limb ischemia. Computed tomography angiography demonstrated spontaneous dissection of the left common iliac artery with occlusion and associated contained rupture . Successful stent placement without associated complications was achieved with the following principles: (1) open arterial exposure for endovascular intervention; (2) no touch technique vessel dissection; (3) circumferential proximal arterial felt cuff reinforcement to reduce systolic pulse wave stretch on sutures, and in case of emergent ligation; and (4) pledgetted "preclose U" stitch monofilament suture prior to access.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Dialysis Fistula Malfunction.

The creation and maintenance of a dialysis access is vital for the reduction of morbidity, mortality, and cost of treatment for end stage renal disease patients. One's longevity on dialysis is directly dependent upon the quality of dialysis. This quality hinges on the integrity and reliability of the access to the patient's vascular system. All methods of dialysis access will eventually result in dialysis dysfunction and failure. Arteriovenous access dysfunction includes 3 distinct classes of events, namely thrombotic flow-related complications or dysfunction, nonthrombotic flow-related complications or dysfunction, and infectious complications. The restoration of any form of arteriovenous access dysfunction may be supported by diagnostic imaging, clinical consultation, percutaneous interventional procedures, surgical management, or a combination of these methods. This document provides a rigorous evaluation of how variants of each form of dysfunction may be appraised and approached systematically. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Lower Extremity Chronic Venous Disease.

Lower extremity venous insufficiency is a chronic medical condition resulting from primary valvular incompetence or, less commonly, prior deep venous thrombosis or extrinsic venous obstruction. Lower extremity chronic venous disease has a high prevalence with a related socioeconomic burden. In the United States, over 11 million males and 22 million females 40 to 80 years of age have varicose veins, with over 2 million adults having advanced chronic venous disease. The high cost to the health care system is related to the recurrent nature of venous ulcerative disease, with total treatment costs estimated >$2.5 billion per year in the United States, with at least 20,556 individuals with newly diagnosed venous ulcers yearly. Various diagnostic and treatment strategies are in place for lower extremity chronic venous disease and are discussed in this document. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Quality improvement guidelines for pediatric abscess and fluid drainage.

Image-guided drainage of abscesses and fluid collections is a valuable tool in the treatment of pediatric patients. It may obviate surgery or optimize the child's clinical condition for subsequent surgery. Compared with adults, several differences exist in terms of etiology, risks (especially radiation exposure), preprocedural imaging and planning, technical considerations, support issues such as sedation, and complications. Knowledge of these differences is important in the planning and treatment of these patients. In addition, a quality improvement plan can be used to assess practice performance.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Management of Liver Cancer: 2022 Update.

The treatment and management of hepatic malignancies can be complex because it encompasses a variety of primary and metastatic malignancies and an assortment of local and systemic treatment options. When to use each of these treatments is critical to ensure the most appropriate care for patients. Interventional radiologists have a key role to play in the delivery of a variety of liver directed treatments including percutaneous ablation, transarterial embolization with bland embolic particles alone, transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with injection of a chemotherapeutic emulsion, and transarterial radioembolization (TARE). Based on 9 clinical variants, the appropriateness of each treatment is described in this document. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision process support the systematic analysis of the medical literature from peer reviewed journals. Established methodology principles such as Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE are adapted to evaluate the evidence. The RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method User Manual provides the methodology to determine the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances in which peer reviewed literature is lacking or equivocal, experts may be the primary evidentiary source available to formulate a recommendation.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Portal Hypertension.

Cirrhosis is a heterogeneous disease that cannot be studied as a single entity and is classified in two main prognostic stages: compensated and decompensated cirrhosis. Portal hypertension, characterized by a pathological increase of the portal pressure and by the formation of portal-systemic collaterals that bypass the liver, is the initial and main consequence of cirrhosis and is responsible for the majority of its complications. A myriad of treatment options exists for appropriately managing the most common complications of portal hypertension, including acute variceal bleeding and refractory ascites. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Gastric Varices.

Hemorrhage, resulting from gastric varies, can be challenging to treat, given the various precipitating etiologies. A wide variety of treatment options exist for managing the diverse range of the underlying disease processes. While cirrhosis is the most common cause for gastric variceal bleeding, occlusion of the portal or splenic vein in noncirrhotic states results in a markedly different treatment paradigm. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Iliofemoral Venous Thrombosis.

Iliofemoral venous thrombosis carries a high risk for pulmonary embolism, recurrent deep vein thrombosis, and post-thrombotic syndrome complicating 30% to 71% of those affected. The clinical scenarios in which iliofemoral venous thrombosis is managed may be diverse, presenting a challenge to identify optimum therapy tailored to each situation. Goals for management include preventing morbidity from venous occlusive disease, and morbidity and mortality from pulmonary embolism. Anticoagulation remains the standard of care for iliofemoral venous thrombosis, although a role for more aggressive therapies with catheter-based interventions or surgery exists in select circumstances. Results from recent prospective trials have improved patient selection guidelines for more aggressive therapies, and have also demonstrated a lack of efficacy for certain conservative therapies. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Infected Fluid Collections.

Infected fluid collections are common and occur in a variety of clinical scenarios throughout the body. Minimally invasive image-guided management strategies for infected fluid collections are often preferred over more invasive options, given their low rate of complications and high rates of success. However, specific clinical scenarios, anatomic considerations, and prior or ongoing treatments must be considered when determining the optimal management strategy. As such, several common scenarios relating to infected fluid collections were developed using evidence-based guidelines for management. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

ACR Appropriateness Criteria® Radiologic Management of Urinary Tract Obstruction.

Acute obstructive uropathy is a medical emergency, which often is accompanied by acute renal failure or sepsis. Treatment options to resolve the acute obstructive process include conservative medical management, retrograde ureteral stenting, or placement of percutaneous nephrostomy or nephroureteral catheters. It is important to understand the various treatment options in differing clinical scenarios in order to guide appropriate consultation. Prompt attention to the underlying obstructive process is often imperative to avoid further deterioration of the patient's clinical status. A summary of the data and most up-to-date clinical trials regarding treatment options for urinary tract obstruction is outlined in this publication. The American College of Radiology Appropriateness Criteria are evidence-based guidelines for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed annually by a multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and revision include an extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer reviewed journals and the application of well-established methodologies (RAND/UCLA Appropriateness Method and Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation or GRADE) to rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures for specific clinical scenarios. In those instances where evidence is lacking or equivocal, expert opinion may supplement the available evidence to recommend imaging or treatment.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia: diagnosis and treatment.

Chronic mesenteric ischemia is a rare condition, generally characterized by postprandial abdominal pain. Although chronic mesenteric ischemia accounts for only a small percentage of all mesenteric ischemic events, it can have significant clinical consequences. There are multiple etiologies; however, the most common cause is atherosclerosis. The diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischemia requires a high clinical index of suspicion. An imaging study can confirm the presence of a stenosis or occlusion involving the mesenteric vessels in patients who are suspected of having chronic mesenteric ischemia. The diagnosis is usually late in its course due to the slow progression of disease and the abundance of mesenteric collaterals. Because of the extensive collateral network, usually at least two of the three visceral vessels need to be affected before patients develop symptoms. Treatment is necessary to avoid progression to bowel ischemia and infarction. Once a diagnosis of chronic mesenteric ischemia is made, treatment options include open surgical revascularization and endovascular revascularization.