Search

Endoscopic retrieval of embedded, proximally migrated, or fractured plastic biliary stents may be technically challenging and sometimes unsuccessful. Percutaneous transhepatic techniques have previously been described to assist in such challenging cases. Here in, we describe a difficult case in which all commonly described endoscopic and percutaneous techniques failed to retrieve a proximally migrated, fractured, and looped plastic biliary stent. We finally successfully retrieved the plastic forceps after off-label utilization of rigid bronchial forceps via a percutaneous transhepatic approach. We describe the technique utilized in detail and this appears to be the first description of this off-label use in this challenging scenario. Keywords: Proximal biliary stent migration, Foreign body retrieval, Biliary stent, Bronchial forceps, Cholelithiasis, Rendezvous procedure

Background Chylothorax is a rare complication of pediatric cardiac operations that occurs more frequently in children with Noonan syndrome, a genetic disorder associated with cardiac defects and lymphatic anomalies. Case presentation We report a case of postoperative chylothorax in a 6-month-old infant with Noonan syndrome where multimodality lymphatic imaging guided management was followed. Drainage patterns of the lymphatic capillaries in the lower and upper extremities were visualized during near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging (NIRFLI). Dynamic magnetic resonance lymphangiography (MRL) further identified the site of leakage in the thoracic duct and subsequently guided surgical intervention. Conclusions Application of multimodality imaging allows for greater individualization of treatment and should be considered in patients with complex cases such as those with syndromes associated with a higher incidence of chylothorax. IRB Number: HSC-MS-13–0754, December 10, 2013

Portal venous interventions comprise a large portion of many Interventional Radiology practices today, and remain some of the more technically challenging cases in one's repertoire of procedures. The patients upon whom these procedures are performed are often critically ill, have decompensated disease, or are burdened with comorbid conditions such that they are poor surgical candidates. This leaves them with few options outside the care of Interventional Radiology. Some portal venous interventions, such as transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, have an established history of excellent clinical success with numerous technical advancements over the years helping to improve outcomes. Others, like balloon occlusion sclerotherapy or portal venous recanalization, are less well established but are nonetheless invaluable in the treatment of portal venous diseases. The goal of this article is to help dispel some of the anxiety experienced by individuals performing the three main procedures of the portal venous system, namely transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, balloon-occlusion retrograde transvenous obliteration, and portal vein embolization.

Spontaneous arterial aneurysms of the hand are uncommon but are well-described in the adult population. In the pediatric population, however, congenital or true aneurysms of the hand are exceptionally rare. A case report and a literature review were performed for published cases of arterial aneurysms of the hand in the pediatric population. A 13-month-old child presented with an aneurysm of the common digital artery and underwent surgical excision without need for reconstruction. Literature review found 13 documented cases. Patient characteristics and management strategies were summarized. There are very few documented cases of hand arterial aneurysms in the pediatric population, with our patient being the third youngest ever reported. No cases were associated with hereditary disease, and aneurysm excision was performed in all cases. Our report highlights the need to include arterial aneurysm in a differential diagnosis when evaluating a pediatric patient with a palpable hand mass. Keywords: Congenital Aneurysm, Vascular malformation, Hand surgery

Percutaneous renal biopsy with ultrasound guidance is a helpful procedure regularly performed to obtain renal tissue diagnosis for rejection in the postrenal transplant setting; however, it is not without risks. We report the case of a 42-year-old male with end stage renal disease who developed a subcapsular hematoma, with subsequent hypertension and renal failure, compatible with acute page kidney as a complication of the renal biopsy. The ultrasound images demonstrated classic imaging appearances which all diagnostic and interventional radiologists should be aware of. The patient was managed successfully with conventional open surgical evacuation of the hematoma with return to baseline laboratories and vital signs after the procedure. Keywords: Page kidney, Renal biopsy, Subcapsular hematoma, Hypertension, Kidney failure, Ultrasound

Computer-based simulation for interventional radiology training has attracted increasing attention in recent years because of its potential to train remotely from patients and to provide objective assessment of proficiency. Yet developing a high fidelity simulator with realistic tactile feedback requires accurate knowledge of forces exerted on medical devices during interventional radiology procedures. This paper presents the development and validation of a force sensor for the measurement of axial forces generated during needle, and combined cannula/trocar, puncture procedures in patients. In order to assess the performance of this sensor, in vitro measurements were obtained using needle penetration of porcine liver, kidney and muscle. The results were compared with forces measured by means of a tensile tester. Calibration results showed that the force sensor has high sensitivity and linearity. Comparison of the force profiles obtained from the sensor and the tensile tester shows that good agreement was achieved in the in vitro studies for all the tissues tested. Preliminary clinical force measurements during arterial puncture and liver biopsy procedures have been performed in patients. An example of force recording for each procedure type is presented.

The relationship between lymphatic and venous malformations in Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome is difficult to assess. Herein the authors describe near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging to assess the lymphatics of a subject with a large port-wine stain and right leg edema. Although lymphatic vessels in the medial, affected knee appeared dilated and perhaps tortuous, no definitive abnormal lymphatic pooling or propulsion was observed. The lymphatics in the affected limb were well defined but less numerous than in the contralateral limb, and active, contractile function was observed in all vessels. As demonstrated, near-infrared fluorescence lymphatic imaging enables the clinical assessment of lymphatics in lymphovenous malformations.

The objective of this study was to standardize our image acquisition protocol for CT-guided biopsy procedures.The records of consecutive patients who underwent CT-guided biopsy 3 months before (n = 598 biopsies) and 3 months after (n = 540 biopsies) standardization of our image acquisition protocol were retrospectively reviewed. CT technical parameters were individualized on the basis of the sum of the anteroposterior and transverse dimensions of the patient. Information on patient demographic characteristics, biopsy site, complications associated with the procedure, and diagnostic yield was collected. The radiation dose metrics that were evaluated included the volume CT dose index, dose-length product, and size-specific dose estimate. Image noise was quantified using the SD of the CT number measured in subcutaneous fat. Fisher exact test and one-way ANOVA were used to evaluate statistical significance.The mean dose-length product decreased by 72.3% (from 699.7 to 193.9 mGy × cm; p0.0001), and statistically significant decreases in dose-length product were observed when data were stratified according to biopsy site (i.e., lung, solid organ, lymph node, or bone; for all sites, p0.0001). The mean size-specific dose estimate decreased by 58.9% (from 125 to 51.4 mGy), which was statistically significant (p0.001). Image noise increased during the study period, but this increase was not statistically significantly different among the four biopsy sites (p = 0.46).Standardization of the image acquisition protocol used in CT-guided biopsy procedures significantly reduced patient radiation dose and decreased variability in image noise.