Advanced Interventional Procedures for Knee Osteoarthritis: What Is the Current Evidence?

The prevalence of knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the highest among all joints and likely to increase over the coming decades. Advances in the repertoire of diagnostic capabilities of imaging and an expansion in the availability and range of image-guided interventions has led to development of more advanced interventional procedures targeting pain related to OA pain while improving the function of patients presenting with this debilitating condition. We review the spectrum of established advanced interventional procedures for knee OA, describe the techniques used to perform these procedures safely, and discuss the clinical evidence supporting each of them.

Adrenal Vein Sampling: Tips and Tricks.

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is the standard method for distinguishing unilateral from bilateral sources of autonomous aldosterone production in patients with primary aldosteronism. This procedure has been performed at limited specialized centers due to its technical complexity. With recent advances in imaging technology and knowledge of adrenal vein anatomy in parallel with the development of adjunctive techniques, AVS has become easier to perform, even at nonspecialized centers. Although rare, anatomic variants of the adrenal veins can cause sampling failure or misinterpretation of the sampling results. The inferior accessory hepatic vein and the inferior emissary vein are useful anatomic landmarks for right adrenal vein cannulation, which is the most difficult and crucial step in AVS. Meticulous assessment of adrenal vein anatomy on multidetector CT images and the use of a catheter suitable for the anatomy are crucial for adrenal vein cannulation. Adjunctive techniques such as intraprocedural cortisol assay, cone-beam CT, and coaxial guidewire-catheter techniques are useful tools to confirm right adrenal vein cannulation or to troubleshoot difficult blood sampling. Interventional radiologists should be involved in interpreting the sampling results because technical factors may affect the results. In rare instances, bilateral adrenal suppression, in which aldosterone-to-cortisol ratios of both adrenal glands are lower than that of the inferior vena cava, can be encountered. Repeat sampling may be necessary in this situation. Collaboration with endocrinology and laboratory medicine services is of great importance to optimize the quality of the samples and for smooth and successful operation. ©RSNA, 2024 Test Your Knowledge questions for this article are available in the supplemental material.

Intravenous Opioid Medication with Piritramide Reduces the Risk of Pneumothorax During CT-Guided Percutaneous Core Biopsy of the Lung.

PURPOSE: CT-guided percutaneous core biopsy of the lung is usually performed under local anesthesia, but can also be conducted under additional systemic opioid medication. The purpose of this retrospective study was to assess the effect of intravenous piritramide application on the pneumothorax rate and to identify risk factors for post-biopsy pneumothorax. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred and seventy-one core biopsies of the lung were included in this retrospective single center study. The incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement was evaluated. Patient-, procedure- and target-related variables were analyzed by univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall incidence of pneumothorax was 39.2% (67/171). The pneumothorax rate was 31.5% (29/92) in patients who received intravenous piritramide and 48.1% (38/79) in patients who did not receive piritramide. In multivariable logistic regression analysis periinterventional piritramide application proved to be the only independent factor to reduce the risk of pneumothorax (odds ratio 0.46, 95%-confidence interval 0.24, 0.88; p = 0.018). Two or more pleura passages (odds ratio 3.38, 95%-confidence interval: 1.15, 9.87; p = 0.026) and prone position of the patient (odds ratio 2.27, 95%-confidence interval: 1.04, 4.94; p = 0.039) were independent risk factors for a higher pneumothorax rate. CONCLUSION: Procedural opioid medication with piritramide proved to be a previously undisclosed factor decreasing the risk of pneumothorax associated with CT-guided percutaneous core biopsy of the lung. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4: small study cohort.

Percutaneous Microwave Ablation Versus Robot-Assisted Partial Nephrectomy for Stage I Renal Cell Carcinoma: A Propensity-Matched Cohort Study Focusing Upon Long-Term Follow-Up of Oncologic Outcomes.

PURPOSE: To retrospectively compare long-term oncologic outcomes of percutaneous computed tomography-guided microwave ablation (MWA) and robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RAPN) for the treatment of stage 1 (T1a and T1b) renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional database research identified all T1 RCC patients who underwent either MWA or RAPN. Models were adjusted with propensity score matching. Kaplan-Meier log-rank test analyses and Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to compare the oncologic outcomes. Patient and tumor characteristics, technical success as well as oncologic outcomes were evaluated and compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, a total of 71 patients underwent percutaneous MWA (mean age 70 ± 10 years) and 71 underwent RAPN (mean age 60 ± 9 years). At 8-year follow-up, the estimated survival rates for MWA cohort were 98% (95% confidence interval [CI] 95-100%) for overall survival, 97% (95% CI 93-100%) for recurrence-free survival, and 97% (95% CI 93-100%) for metastasis-free survival. The matched cohort that underwent RAPN exhibited survival rates of 100% (95% CI 100-100%) for overall survival, 98% (95% CI 94-100%) for recurrence-free survival, and 98% (95% CI 94-100%) for metastasis-free survival. After performing log-rank testing, these rates were not significantly different (p values of 0.44, 0.67, and 0.67, respectively). CONCLUSION: The results of the present study suggest that both MWA and RAPN are equally effective in terms of oncologic outcome for the treatment of T1 RCC.

A novel technique to remove migrated esophageal stent under fluoroscopy.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel technique for removal of migrated esophageal stent (MES) under fluoroscopy. METHODS: From January 2009 to April 2023, 793 patients with a dysphagia score of 3-4 underwent esophageal stenting at our center, and 25 patients (mean age: 70.06 years old; male/female: 15/10) underwent stent removal using "loop method" under fluoroscopy. The primary outcomes were technical success and complications. The secondary outcomes were procedure time, radiation exposure, biochemical indicators [white blood cell (WBC), hemoglobin (Hb), platelet (PLT), albumin (ALB), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), urea nitrogen (UN) and C-reactive protein] of pre- and post-treatment at 2 weeks. RESULTS: Technical success was 100% without major complications. The mean procedure time was (39.44 ± 9.28) minutes, which showed no statistical significance between benign (n = 5) and malignant (n = 20) group [(42.40 ± 8.85) vs (38.71 ± 9.46) mins, p > 0.05]. The mean radiation exposure was (332.88 ± 261.47) mGy, which showed no statistical significance between benign and malignant group [(360.74 ± 231.43) vs (325.92 ± 273.54) mGy, p > 0.05]. Pre- and post-procedure Hb [(114.46 ± 11.96) vs. (117.57 ± 13.12) g/L] and ALB [(42.26 ± 3.39) vs. (44.12 ± 3.77) g/L] showed significant difference (p < 0.05), while WBC, PLT, CRP, and ALT showed no significance (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Fluoroscopy-guided "Loop method" for MES removal is an effective and safe alternative technique.

Impact of equipment technology on reference levels in fluoroscopy-guided gastrointestinal procedures.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effect of equipment technology on reference point air kerma (Ka,r), air kerma-area product (PKA), and fluoroscopic time for fluoroscopically-guided gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures and establish benchmark levels. METHODS: This retrospective study included the consecutive patients who underwent fluoroscopically-guided gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures from May 2016 to August 2023 at a tertiary care hospital in the U.S. Fluoroscopic systems included (a) Omega CS-50 e-View, (b) GE Precision 500D, and (c) Siemens Cios Alpha. Radiation dose was analyzed for four procedure types of endoscopic retrograde biliary, pancreas, biliary and pancreas combined, and other guidance. Median and 75th percentile values were computed using software package R (version 4.0.5, R Foundation). RESULTS: This large study analyzed 9,459 gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures. Among four procedure types, median Ka,r was 108.8-433.2 mGy (a), 70-272 mGy (b), and 22-55.1 mGy (c). Median PKA was 20.9-49.5 Gy∙cm2 (a), 13.4-39.7 Gy∙cm2 (b), and 8.91-20.9 Gy∙cm2 (c). Median fluoroscopic time was 2.8-8.1 min (a), 3.6-9.2 min (b), and 2.9-9.4 min (c). Their median value ratio (a:b:c) was 8.5:4.8:1 (Ka,r), 2.7:2.1:1 (PKA), and 1.0:1.1:1 (fluoroscopic time). Median value and 75th percentile are presented for Ka,r, PKA, and fluoroscopic time for each procedure type, which can function as benchmark for comparison for dose optimization studies. CONCLUSION: This study shows manifold variation in doses (Ka,r and PKA) among three fluoroscopic equipment types and provides local reference levels (50th and 75th percentiles) for four gastrointestinal endoscopic procedure types. Besides procedure type, imaging technology should be considered for establishing diagnostic reference level. SUMMARY: With manifold (2 to 12 times) variation in doses observed in this study among 3 machines, we recommend development of technology-based diagnostic reference levels for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures.

Radiation protection in CT-guided interventions: does real-time dose visualisation lead to a reduction in radiation dose to participating radiologists? A single-centre evaluation.

AIM: To evaluate if real-time dose visualisation during computed tomography (CT)-guided interventions leads to a reduction in radiation dose to participating radiologists. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The individual radiation dose radiologists are exposed to during CT interventions was measured using dedicated dosimeters (RaySafe i2-system, Unfors RaySafe GmbH, Billdal, Sweden) worn over the usual radiation protective apron. Initially, only the total radiation dose was measured, without visualisation (control group). In the following study period, the radiation dose was shown to participants on a live screen in real-time (experimental group). In both groups, the dose was recorded in 1-second intervals. The results collected were evaluated by comparison using descriptive statistics and mixed-effect models. In particular, the variables experience, gender, role, and position during the intervention were analysed. RESULTS: In total, 517 measurements of 304 interventions (n=249 with and n=268 without live screen) performed by 29 radiologists acting as interventionalists or assistants were analysed. All CT-guided interventions were performed percutaneously, the majority of which (n=280) were microwave ablations (MWA). Radiation doses in the group without visualisation were comparable with usual dose rates for the corresponding intervention type. The mean total radiation dose was reduced by 58.1% (11.6 versus 4.86 µSv) in the experimental group (p=0.034). The highest reduction of 78.5% (15.55 versus 3.35 µSv) was observed in radiologists with the role of assistant (p=0.002). Sub-analysis showed significant dose reduction (p<0.0001) for the use of live screen in general; considering all variables, the role "assistant" alone had a statistically significant influence (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The real-time visualisation of active radiation dose during CT interventions leads to a relevant reduction in radiation dose to participating radiologists.

Contrast flow in CT-guided lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injections: does needle position effect the laterality of contrast flow?

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of needle position on the laterality of contrast flow in CT-guided lumbar interlaminar epidural steroid injections. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive CT-guided interlaminar lumbar epidural steroid injections was performed. The terminal needle tip position (midline or lateral) and the laterality of epidural contrast were evaluated by two readers. Contrast flow pattern was classified as ipsilateral to needle trajectory, bilateral, or contralateral. Bilateral flow was further divided into asymmetric, symmetrical, or asymmetric to the contralateral side. Inter-reader agreement was calculated with the kappa statistic. The relationship of needle position to contrast laterality was calculated with the chi statistic. Pain scores were compared for bilateral and unilateral flows with a two-tailed T test for independent means. RESULTS: A total of 250 injections were included in 204 patients, with an age range of 24 to 93 years. The most commonly injected level (145/250) was L4-L5. Agreement between the two readers was almost perfect and substantial (kappa 0.751-0.880). The majority of injections (154/250) demonstrated contrast flow ipsilateral to the needle trajectory, 90/250 demonstrated bilateral flow, and 6/250 had contralateral flow. Of the 90 cases with bilateral flow, 80% were performed with a midline terminal needle position (p < 0.001). There was no difference in immediate post-procedure pain scores between patients with ipsilateral or bilateral contrast flow. CONCLUSION: For interlaminar epidural steroid injections, a midline terminal needle tip position has a greater probability of producing bilateral contrast flow compared to a lateral terminal needle tip position.

Pneumothorax Incidence with Normal Saline Instillation for Sealing the Needle Track After Computed Tomography-Guided Percutaneous Lung Biopsy.

PURPOSE: To determine whether instillation of normal saline solution for sealing the needle track reduces incidence of pneumothorax and chest tube placement after computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 242 computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsies performed at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed, including 93 biopsies in which the needle track was sealed by instillation of 3-5 ml of normal saline solution during needle withdrawal (water seal group) and 149 biopsies without sealing (control group). Patient and lesion characteristics, procedure-specific variables, pneumothorax and chest tube placement rates were recorded. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics were comparable in both groups. There was a statistically significant decrease in the pneumothorax rate (19.4% [18/93] vs. 40.9% [61/149]; p < 0.001) and a numerically lower chest tube placement rate without significant reduction (4.3% [4/93] vs. 10.7% [16/149]; p = 0.126) with using normal saline instillation for sealing the needle track versus not using sealant material. Using a multiple logistic regression analysis, using normal saline instillation to seal the needle track, having a senior radiologist as operator of the procedure and putting patients in prone position were significantly associated with a decreased risk of pneumothorax. The presence of emphysema along the needle track was significantly associated with an increased risk of pneumothorax. No complication was observed due to normal saline injection. CONCLUSION: Normal saline solution instillation for sealing the needle track after computed tomography-guided percutaneous lung biopsy is a simple, low-cost and safe technique resulted in significantly decreased pneumothorax occurrence and a numerically lower chest tube placement rate, and might help to reduce both hospitalization risks and costs for the healthcare system. Level of evidence 3 Non-controlled retrospective cohort study.

High-Frequency Jet Ventilation Versus Spontaneous Respiration for Percutaneous Cryoablation of Lung Tumors: Comparison of Adverse Events and Procedural Efficiency.

BACKGROUND. High-frequency jet ventilation (HFJV) facilitates accurate probe placement in percutaneous ablation of lung tumors but may increase risk for adverse events, including systemic air embolism. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this study was to compare major adverse events and procedural efficiency of percutaneous lung ablation with HFJV under general anesthesia to spontaneous respiration (SR) under moderate sedation. METHODS. This retrospective study included consecutive adults who underwent CT-guided percutaneous cryoablation of one or more lung tumors with HFJV or SR between January 1, 2017, and May 31, 2023. We compared major adverse events (Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events grade ≥ 3) within 30 days postprocedure and hospital length of stay (HLOS) of 2 days or more using logistic regression analysis. We compared procedure time, room time, CT guidance acquisition time, CT guidance radiation dose, total radiation dose, and pneumothorax using generalized estimating equations. RESULTS. Overall, 139 patients (85 women, 54 men; median age, 68 years) with 310 lung tumors (82% metastases) underwent 208 cryoablations (HFJV, n = 129; SR, n = 79). HFJV showed greater rates than SR for the treatment of multiple tumors per session (43% vs 19%, respectively; p = .02) and tumors in a nonperipheral location (48% vs 24%, p < .001). Major adverse event rate was 8% for HFJV and 5% for SR (p = .46). No systemic air embolism occurred. HLOS was 2 days or more in 17% of sessions and did not differ significantly between HFJV and SR (p = .64), including after adjusting for probe number per session, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and operator experience (p = .53). Ventilation modalities showed no significant difference in procedure time, CT guidance acquisition time, CT guidance radiation dose, or total radiation dose (all p > .05). Room time was longer for HFJV than SR (median, 154 vs 127 minutes, p < .001). For HFJV, the median anesthesia time was 136 minutes. Ventilation modalities did not differ in the frequencies of pneumothorax or pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (both p > .05). CONCLUSION. HFJV appears to be as safe as SR but had longer room times. HFJV can be used in complex cases without significantly impacting HLOS of 2 days or more, procedure time, or radiation exposure. CLINICAL IMPACT. Selection of the ventilation modality during percutaneous lung ablation should be based on patient characteristics and anticipated procedural requirements as well as operator preference.

Renal Function After CT-Guided Cryoablation of Small Renal Tumours in Patients with Solitary Kidney: An Analysis of European Multinational Prospective EuRECA Registry.

PURPOSE: Treatment of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in patients with solitary kidneys remains challenging. The purpose of this multicentre cohort study was to explore how renal function is affected by percutaneous image-guided cryoablation in patients with solitary kidneys. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data from the European Registry for Renal Cryoablation database were extracted on patients with RCC in solitary kidneys treated with image-guided, percutaneous cryoablation. Patients were excluded if they had multiple tumours, had received previous treatment of the tumour, or were treated with more than one cryoablation procedure. Pre- and post-treatment eGFR (within 3 months of the procedure) were compared. RESULTS: Of 222 patients with solitary kidneys entered into the database, a total of 70 patients met inclusion criteria. The mean baseline eGFR was 55.8 ± 16.8 mL/min/1.73 m2, and the mean 3-month post-operative eGFR was 49.6 ± 16.5 mL/min/1.73 m2. Mean eGFR reduction was - 6.2 mL/min/1.73 m2 corresponding to 11.1% (p = 0.01). No patients changed chronic kidney disease group to severe or end-stage chronic kidney disease (stage IV or V). No patients required post-procedure dialysis. CONCLUSION: Image-guided renal cryoablation appears to be safe and effective for renal function preservation in patients with RCC in a solitary kidney. Following cryoablation, all patients had preservation of renal function without the need for dialysis or progression in chronic kidney disease stage despite the statistically significant reduction in eGFR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3: Observational study.

Factors affecting the success of CT-guided core biopsy of musculoskeletal lesions with a 13-G needle.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the value of CT-guided bone core biopsy and investigate factors that affect diagnostic yield and biopsy outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The single-centre retrospective analysis included 447 patients who had CT-guided core biopsy with a 13-G needle (Bonopty®) from January 2016 to December 2021. Histological results or ≥ 6 months of clinical and radiological follow-up served as outcome references. A successful biopsy was classified as "diagnostic" when a definitive diagnosis was made and "adequate" when only the malignant or benign nature of the tumour could be determined. Biopsies were "nondiagnostic" when the nature of the lesion could not be determined. The occult lesions were defined as not seen on CT but visible on other modalities. RESULTS: In 275 (62%) females and 172 (38%) males, the overall success rate was 85% (383 biopsies), with 314 (70%) diagnostic biopsies and 69 (15%) adequate biopsies. There was no relationship between biopsy success and the localisation of the lesion, length of biopsy material, or number of biopsy attempts. The lesions' nature had a statistically significant effect on biopsy success with lytic and mixed lesions having the highest success rate. Occult lesions had the lowest success rate. CONCLUSION: CT-guided bone core biopsy is an effective method in the workup of musculoskeletal diseases with the highest success rate in lytic and mixed lesions. No apparent relationship was found between biopsy success and biopsy length, number of attempts, or localisation of the lesion.

Usual Interstitial Pneumonia: Associations With Complications After Percutaneous Transthoracic Needle Lung Biopsy.

BACKGROUND. Changes in lung parenchyma elasticity in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) may increase the risk for complications after percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy (PTNB) of the lung. OBJECTIVE. The purpose of this article was to investigate the association of UIP findings on CT with complications after PTNB, including pneumothorax, pneumothorax requiring chest tube insertion, and hemoptysis. METHODS. This retrospective single-center study included 4187 patients (mean age, 63.8 ± 11.9 [SD] years; 2513 men, 1674 women) who underwent PTNB between January 2010 and December 2015. Patients were categorized into a UIP group and non-UIP group by review of preprocedural CT. In the UIP group, procedural CT images were reviewed to assess for traversal of UIP findings by needle. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between the UIP group and needle traversal with postbiopsy complications, controlling for a range of patient, lesion, and procedural characteristics. RESULTS. The UIP and non-UIP groups included 148 and 4039 patients, respectively; in the UIP group, traversal of UIP findings by needle was observed in 53 patients and not observed in 95 patients. The UIP group, in comparison with the non-UIP group, had a higher frequency of pneumothorax (35.1% vs 17.9%, p < .001) and pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (6.1% vs 1.5%, p = .001) and lower frequency of hemoptysis (2.0% vs 6.1%, p = .03). In multivariable analyses, the UIP group with traversal of UIP findings by needle, relative to the non-UIP group, showed independent associations with pneumothorax (OR, 5.25; 95% CI, 2.94-9.37; p < .001) and pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (OR, 9.55; 95% CI, 3.74-24.38; p < .001). The UIP group without traversal of UIP findings by needle, relative to the non-UIP group, was not independently associated with pneumothorax (OR, 1.18; 95% CI, 0.71-1.97; p = .51) or pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement (OR, 1.08; 95% CI, 0.25-4.72; p = .92). The UIP group, with or without traversal of UIP findings by needle, was not independently associated with hemoptysis. No patient experienced air embolism or procedure-related death. CONCLUSION. Needle traversal of UIP findings is a risk factor for pneumothorax and pneumothorax requiring chest tube placement after PTNB. CLINICAL IMPACT. When performing PTNB in patients with UIP, radiologists should plan a needle trajectory that does not traverse UIP findings, when possible.

Image Fusion Technology in Interventional Radiology.

Image fusion technology aims to improve patient outcomes for image-guided interventions by leveraging the strengths of multimodality imaging datasets. This most commonly involves the overlay or co-display of advanced cross-sectional imaging permitting freedom of device placement via conventional image guidance such as ultrasound, fluoroscopy, and computed tomography. This can allow the interventionalist to target and treat lesions that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to visualize and access using conventional imaging guidance. Furthermore, the use of image fusion can allow for procedures traditionally performed with cross-sectional imaging to be performed under ultrasound or fluoroscopy, by importing the data from preacquired cross-sectional imaging into the interventional procedure. This manuscript provides an overview of image fusion technologies used for interventional radiology (IR) guidance, with an emphasis on technical considerations.

Intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography-guided curettage for osteoid osteoma.

Recently, cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT)-guided surgeries have been developed for bone and soft tissue tumors. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of CBCT-guided curettage for osteoid osteoma. Our study population included 13 patients who underwent primary curettage for osteoid osteoma using intraoperative CBCT in a hybrid operating room between April 2019 and November 2022. We collected the following data: sex, age, follow-up period, symptom onset to time of surgery, tumor size and location, length of skin incision, operating time, radiation dose, recurrence, postoperative complications, and visual analog scale for pain during the last follow-up. There were 10 male and 3 female patients, and the mean age was 25.0 years (range, 9-49 years). The mean follow-up period was 10.6 months (range, 0.4-24.0 months). The locations of the tumors were the proximal femur in 6 patients, the acetabular region in 2 patients, and the ilium, tibial shaft, calcaneus, cuboid, and talus in 1 patient each. The mean time of symptoms onset to surgery was 18.7 months (range, 2.3-69.9 months). The mean maximum diameter of the tumor was 5.9 mm (range, 3.5-10.0 mm). The mean length of the skin incision was 2.2 cm (range, 1.5-3.5 cm). The mean operating time was 96.9 minutes (range, 64-157 minutes). The mean dose of radiation was 193.2 mGy (range, 16.3-484.0 mGy). No recurrences, postoperative complications, and reoperation were observed in this study. All the patients reported 0 mm on the visual analogue scale for pain on the last follow-up. CBCT-guided curettage for osteoid osteoma was minimally invasive and reliable. This procedure can be effective for the treatment of lesions found in deep locations such as the pelvic bone and proximal femur or an invisible lesion that cannot be detected by regular fluoroscopy.

Efficacy and User Experience of a Novel X-Ray Shield on Operator Radiation Exposure During Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Radiation shielding is mandatory during cardiac catheterization, but there is a need to improve efficacy and ease of use. METHODS: The aim of the study was to assess the shielding effect and user feedback for a novel flexible multiconfiguration x-ray shield (FMX). The 0.5-mm Pb equivalent FMX can be selectively configured to accommodate for variations in patient morphology, access site, and type of procedure with maintained visualization, vascular access, and shielding. To evaluate efficacy, relative operator dose (operator dose indexed for given dose) was measured during 103 consecutive procedures randomized in a 1:1 proportion to the current routine setup or FMX+routine. User feedback was collected on function, relevance, and likelihood of adoption into clinical practice. RESULTS: Median relative operator dose was 3.63 µSv/µGy·m2×10-3 (IQR, 2.62-6.37) with routine setup and 0.57 µSv/µGy·m2×10-3 (IQR, 0.27-1.06) with FMX+routine, which amounts to an 84.4% reduction (P<0.001). For 500 procedures/year, this corresponds to an estimated yearly dose reduction from 3.6 to 0.7 mSv. User feedback regarding size, functionality, ease of use, likely to use, critical issues, shielding, draping, procedure time, vascular access, patient discomfort, and risk was 99% positive. No critical issues were identified. There was no significant difference in patient radiation exposure. CONCLUSIONS: The FMX reduces radiation exposure considerably. The FMX represents an effective and attractive solution for radiation protection that can easily be implemented in existing workflow. FMX has potential for general use with maintained visualization, vascular access, and shielding in routine cardiac catheterization.

Percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy with single gastropexy using balloon-assisted tract dilatation: comparison with peel-away sheath.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous radiologic gastrostomy (PRG) with balloon-assisted tract dilatation (BATD) using a single gastropexy. METHODS: This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board. From August 2018 to October 2022, 61 patients (53 male and 8 female, mean age 67 years, age range 27-90 years) underwent PRG with balloon-retained tubes for enteral nutrition. Single gastropexy was performed in all cases. Patients were divided into two groups based on the tract dilatation technique used. In the first group, BATD (n = 48) was performed. In the second group, a 24-Fr peel-away sheath (PAS) was used for tract dilatation (n = 13). Patient demographics, technical success rate, clinical success rate, fluoroscopy time, cumulative radiation dose, and complications were retrospectively evaluated. The Mann-Whitney U test for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test for categorical variables were performed to compare the two groups. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully performed with 100% technical and clinical success rates in both groups. The mean fluoroscopy time for the BATD group vs. the PAS group (1.68 ± 0.93 min vs. 3.56 ± 2.41 min, P < 0.001) and mean cumulative radiation dose (12.98 ± 9.28 mGy vs. 33.01 ± 15.14 mGy, P < 0.001) were significantly lower in the BATD group compared with the PAS group. There was one major complication of peritonitis that led to death in the PAS group (1/13, 7.7%) and no major complications in the BATD group. Minor complications such as pneumoperitoneum, abdominal pain, leakage, and balloon deflation occurred in 16 patients: 12 (12/48, 25.0%) patients in the BATD group and 4 (4/13, 38.5%) patients in the PAS group. The overall rate of major and minor complications was higher in the PAS group but did not show statistically significant differences (odds ratio: 1.875, 95%; confidence interval: 0.514-6.841, P = 0.486). CONCLUSION: BATD using a single gastropexy is a safe and effective technique for PRG.