Search

To evaluate the technical success and clinical outcomes of thoracic duct embolization (TDE) using transabdominal antegrade and transcervical retrograde accesses to treat patients with chyle leak.This study was a retrospective, nonblinded, single-institution chart review of all patients aged 18 years or older over a 6-year time frame who underwent lymphangiography with attempted TDE for iatrogenic or spontaneous chyle leaks using transabdominal antegrade and/or transcervical retrograde accesses.Ninety-nine patients underwent 113 procedures. Eighty-five patients underwent 1 procedure, and 14 patients required 2 procedures. The technical success rate of TDE was 68% (72/106) with transabdominal antegrade access and 44% (15/34) with transcervical retrograde access. The overall technical success rate of TDE, including both the access methods, was 77% (87/113). The most common reasons for transabdominal access failure were small caliber of the cisterna chyli and thoracic duct (TD) occlusion. Five patients were lost to follow-up. Overall clinical success, defined as resolution of the chyle leak, was achieved in 83% (78/94) of the patients. There were 6 Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR) level 1 adverse events (AEs), 5 SIR level 2 AEs, and 2 SIR level 3 AEs. Nontarget embolization occurred in 2 patients.Although transcervical retrograde TDE is a challenging procedure, with a lower technical success rate than transabdominal antegrade access, retrograde access improved the technical and clinical success rates of the treatment of chyle leaks in cases of thoracic duct occlusion, small cisterna chyli, and leaks located in the abdomen.

The goal of this review article is to provide an overview to the initial management, classification, diagnosis, and treatment of acute gastrointestinal bleeding with emphasis on the use of radiology modalities and intervention. Special attention was placed on highlighting the nursing staff's imperative role during all phases of care in these cases.

From 2015 to 2019, 9 patients underwent ultrasound-guided intranodal lymphangiography for the treatment of a chyle leak following thoracic outlet decompression surgery. Chyle leaks were identified by Lipiodol (Guerbet, Roissy, France) extravasation near the left supraclavicular surgical bed in all patients. The technical success rate of thoracic duct embolization was 67% (6 of 9), including fluoroscopic transabdominal antegrade access (n = 4) and ultrasound-guided retrograde access in the left neck (n = 2). Clinical success was achieved in 89% of patients (8 of 9). The mean interval from lymphangiography to drain removal was 6.6 days (range, 4–18 d). No patients had a chyle leak recurrence during clinical follow-up (mean, 304 d).

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.

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 cm(3), (range, 1.8–55.6 cm(3)) 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.

BACKGROUND Thoracic duct injury is a rare complication of head and neck surgery. Thoracic duct embolization (TDE) has been proposed to manage postoperative chyle leaks. METHODS Twelve patients who underwent lymphangiography for a chyle leak after head and neck surgery (M:F = 5:7, mean 55 years) were retrospectively reviewed. Lymphangiographic findings, technical success, complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS Chyle leak was identified and TDE attempted in 11 of 12 patients. Three patients required repeat TDE. Technical success of TDE was 86% (12/14). Clinical success for patients with technically successful TDE was 90% (9/10). Median time until drain removal was 2.1 days in nine patients with clinical success. Two major complications were encountered, chylothorax after initial TDE, requiring additional TDE and in one case surgical TD ligation. CONCLUSIONS TDE is a safe treatment for chyle leaks after head and neck surgery with high technical and clinical success rates.

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

Image-guided percutaneous nephrostomy is a relatively safe and successful procedure for access to the renal collecting system for multiple purposes including relief of urinary obstruction, urinary diversion, access for endourologic procedures, and diagnostic testing. Although placing a percutaneous nephrostomy catheter is most times straightforward, providing immediate benefit for the patient and satisfaction for the practitioner, there can be situations that make the procedure more difficult or risky. A thorough review of the patient's imaging and medical record will help to set a path for success. However, there may be innuendos and unforeseen circumstances that occur. Having knowledge of most of these "stumbling blocks" and how to deal with them will keep you on the path. This paper serves to fill some of that mental file with the aim to increase clinical success.

Percutaneous biliary interventions have a well-established role in the management of hepatobiliary diseases. Good outcomes include recognizing and avoiding complications. This section will cover the "standard" technique of percutaneous biliary drainage, pearls to decrease the risk of problems, and approaches to treat those complications in patients undergoing percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage.

Venous malformations (VM) involving the hand and forearm often lead to chronic pain and dysfunction, and the threshold for treatment is high due to the risk of nerve and skin damage, functional deterioration and compartment syndrome. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate that sclerotherapy of diffuse and infiltrative VM of the hand is a safe and effective therapy. A retrospective review of all patients with diffuse and infiltrative VM of the hand and forearm treated with sclerotherapy from 2001 to 2014 was conducted. All VM were diagnosed during the clinical visit by a combination of physical examination and imaging. Sclerotherapy was performed under imaging guidance using ethanol and/or sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam. Clinical notes were reviewed for signs of treatment response and complications, including skin blistering and nerve injury. Seventeen patients underwent a total of 40 sclerotherapy procedures. Patients were treated for pain (76 %), swelling (29 %) or paresthesias (6 %). Treatments utilized ethanol (70 %), sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam (22.5 %) or a combination of these (7.5 %). Twenty-four percent of patients had complete resolution of symptoms, 24 % had partial relief of symptoms without need for further intervention, and 35 % had some improvement after initial treatment but required additional treatments. Two skin complications were noted, both of which resolved. No motor or sensory loss was reported. Sclerotherapy is a safe and effective therapy for VM of the hand with over 83 % of patients experiencing relief.

Purpose To report patency rates for stent deployment for treatment of in-stent stenosis of the central veins of the chest in hemodialysis patients. Materials and Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 29 patients who underwent 35 secondary percutaneous transluminal stent (PTS) deployments for in-stent stenosis within the central veins that were refractory to angioplasty and ipsilateral to a functioning hemodialysis access (in-stent PTS group). For comparison, patency data were acquired for 47 patients who underwent 78 successful percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) procedures for in-stent stenosis (in-stent PTA group) and 55 patients who underwent 55 stent deployments within native central vein stenosis refractory to angioplasty (native vein PTS group). Results The 3-, 6-, and 12-month primary lesion patency for the in-stent PTS group was 73%, 57%, and 32%, respectively. The 3-, 6-, and 12-month primary patency for the in-stent PTA group was 70%, 38%, and 17% and for the native vein PTS group was 78%, 57%, and 26%, which were similar to the in-stent PTS group (p = 0.20 and 0.41, respectively). The 3-, 6-, and 12-month secondary access patency was 91%, 73%, and 65% for the in-stent PTS group. Sub-analysis of the in-stent PTS group revealed no difference in primary (p = 0.93) or secondary patency rates (p = 0.27) of bare metal stents (n = 23) compared with stent grafts (n = 12). Conclusions Stent deployment for central vein in-stent stenosis refractory to angioplasty was associated with reasonable patency rates, which were similar to in-stent PTA and native vein PTS.

This is a case report of an adolescent male who underwent surgical ligation for a left-sided varicocele that recurred 2 years later. Standard retrograde embolization via the left renal vein was not possible, because there was no connection from the renal vein to the gonadal vein following surgical ligation. The patient was treated via antegrade access of the spermatic vein at the inguinal level with subsequent coil embolization.

Purpose To describe technical details, success rate, and advantages of direct puncture of the thoracic duct (TD) under direct ultrasound (US) guidance at venous insertion in the left neck. Materials and Methods All patients who underwent attempted thoracic duct embolization (TDE) via US-guided retrograde TD access in the left neck were retrospectively reviewed. Indications for lymphangiography were iatrogenic chyle leak, pulmonary lymphangiectasia, and plastic bronchitis. Ten patients with mean age 41.4 years (range, 21 d to 72 y) underwent US–guided TD access via the left neck. Technical details, procedural times, and clinical outcomes were evaluated. TD access time was defined as time from start of procedure to successful access of TD, and total procedural time was defined from start of procedure until TDE. Results All attempts at TD access via the neck were successful. Technical and clinical success of TDE was 60%. There were no complications. Mean TD access time was 17 minutes (range, 2–47 min), and mean total procedure time was 49 minutes (range, 25-69 min). Mean follow-up time was 5.4 months (range, 3–10 months). Conclusions TDE via US–guided access in the left neck is technically feasible and safe with a potential decrease in procedure time and elimination of oil-based contrast material.

We propose an algorithm for management after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement according to clinical manifestations. For patients with an initial good clinical response, surveillance Doppler ultrasound is recommended to detect stenosis or occlusion. A TIPS revision can be performed using basic or advanced techniques to treat stenosis or occlusion. In patients with an initial poor clinical response, a TIPS venogram with pressure measurements should be performed to assess shunt patency. The creation of a parallel TIPS may also be required if the patient is symptomatic and the portal pressure remains high after TIPS revision. Additional procedures may also be necessary, such as peritoneovenous shunt (Denver shunt) placement for refractory ascites, tunneled pleural catheter for hepatic hydrothorax, and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration procedure for gastric variceal bleeding. A TIPS reduction procedure can also be performed in patients with uncontrolled hepatic encephalopathy or hepatic failure.

Purpose To evaluate technical details, clinical outcomes, and complications in patients undergoing geniculate artery embolization for treatment of spontaneous hemarthrosis after knee surgery. Materials and Methods During 2009–2014, 10 consecutive patients (seven women; mean age, 57.4 y) underwent geniculate artery embolization at a single tertiary care center. All patients except one had hemarthrosis after total knee replacement (TKR). One patient presented with hemarthrosis after cartilage surgery. Two patients in the TKR group had a history of TKR revisions before the embolization. Embolization was performed with polyvinyl alcohol particles (range, 300–700 µm). In one patient requiring repeat embolization, N -butyl cyanoacrylate/ethiodized oil was used. The endpoint for embolization was stasis in the target artery and elimination of the hyperemic blush. Results In 10 patients, 14 embolizations were performed with 100% technical success. Hemarthrosis resolved in six patients. Four patients required repeat embolization for recurrent hemarthrosis, which subsequently resolved in two of four patients. Three of the four patients who required repeat embolization had serious comorbidities, either blood dyscrasias or therapeutic anticoagulation. There were two minor skin complications that resolved with conservative management. The average length of follow-up after embolization was 545 days (range, 50–1,655 d). One patient was lost to follow-up. Conclusions Geniculate artery embolization is a safe, minimally invasive treatment option for spontaneous and refractory knee hemarthrosis after knee surgery with 100% technical success. However, limited clinical success and higher repeat embolization rates were noted in patients with serious comorbidities.

A torn acetabular labrum is a well-documented source of hip pain, but the mechanism of injury is debated because the relationship between the bone morphology and labral tears is poorly understood. We compared hips with and without labral abnormalities to determine the relative incidence of morphologic abnormalities. The study group consisted of patients with a labral tear confirmed by arthroscopy or arthrotomy at the time of open débridement or periacetabular osteotomy. We compared the affected hip with the contralateral, unaffected hip to ascertain signs of hip dysplasia and impingement. We observed differences in the center edge angle, acetabular depth to width index, acetabular index of elevation, femoral head extrusion, lateral and superior subluxation, Sharp's angle, peak to edge distance, and acetabular retroversion. Similar differences occurred in the subgroup analyses. Symptomatic labral tears correlated with abnormal hip morphology as reflected by radiographic measurements of dysplasia and impingement. This relationship occurred in patients with hip dysplasia and patients without obvious femoral head uncovering. Our findings suggest abnormal hip morphology may be a risk factor for labral tears.

Objectives To test the hypothesis that somatic phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphospate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha ( PIK3CA ) mutations would be found in patients with more common disorders including isolated lymphatic malformation (LM) and Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS). Study design We used next generation sequencing, droplet digital polymerase chain reaction, and single molecule molecular inversion probes to search for somatic PIK3CA mutations in affected tissue from patients seen at Boston Children's Hospital who had an isolated LM (n = 17), KTS (n = 21), fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (n = 8), or congenital lipomatous overgrowth with vascular, epidermal, and skeletal anomalies syndrome (n = 33), the disorder for which we first identified somatic PIK3CA mutations. We also screened 5 of the more common PIK3CA mutations in a second cohort of patients with LM (n = 31) from Seattle Children's Hospital. Results Most individuals from Boston Children's Hospital who had isolated LM (16/17) or LM as part of a syndrome, such as KTS (19/21), fibro-adipose vascular anomaly (5/8), and congenital lipomatous overgrowth with vascular, epidermal, and skeletal anomalies syndrome (31/33) were somatic mosaic for PIK3CA mutations, with 5 specific PIK3CA mutations accounting for ∼80% of cases. Seventy-four percent of patients with LM from Seattle Children's Hospital also were somatic mosaic for 1 of 5 specific PIK3CA mutations. Many affected tissue specimens from both cohorts contained fewer than 10% mutant cells. Conclusions Somatic PIK3CA mutations are the most common cause of isolated LMs and disorders in which LM is a component feature. Five PIK3CA mutations account for most cases. The search for causal mutations requires sampling of affected tissues and techniques that are capable of detecting low-level somatic mosaicism because the abundance of mutant cells in a malformed tissue can be low.

This study seeks to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a second primary total knee arthroplasty in patients whose initial (contralateral) primary total knee arthroplasty was complicated by stiffness. We retrospectively compared the preoperative and postoperative range of motion and Knee Society Scores from a study group of 15 patients with an age-matched control group. Statistical analysis did not reveal a significant difference in final postoperative range of motion or Knee Society Scores between the 2 groups. However, there was a statistically significant higher rate of closed manipulation in the study group. Therefore, although the study group did show a higher rate of early stiffness, eventual functional outcome was comparable with a nonstiffness control group.

Conventional venography has long been considered the gold standard for evaluation of the venous system. This exam is performed in an angiography suite using real-time X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy) to visualize intravenously injected iodinated contrast media. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is a technique that allows depiction of only the venous structures of interest by “subtracting” out the nonvascular structures, such as bone. This greatly improves visualization of intravascular contrast material. Cross-sectional venography, comprised of CT venography and MR venography, has the unique advantage of allowing visualization of any obstructing masses or other extrinsic structures that impact the venous system. The entire central venous system can be evaluated by injection through a central venous catheter or a single peripheral IV at any site using indirect imaging. MRV is the preferred method for evaluation of the central veins because the excellent signal intensity generated by gadolinium agents allows excellent visualization with indirect injection. With time-resolved MRA, the contrast bolus can be visualized passing through the vasculature in real-time manner, which allows excellent evaluation of collateral veins and routes of preferential blood flow. High-spatial resolution imaging can also be performed, allowing accurate characterization of lesions. This chapter discusses conventional and cross-sectional venography with a focus on particular disease processes.

The interdisciplinary model for the management of vascular anomalies relies essentially on effective collaboration and communication between various medical disciplines. In this paper, we discuss the various facets of an organized institutional collaborative model for managing these patients. The case for interdisciplinary collaboration, use of proper terminology, the vascular anomalies center (structure and work flow), referral bases, and collaboration with support group are briefly illuminated. The role of the interventionalists as primary members and leaders in this field is buttressed by the clinical knowledge and competent use of imaging modalities and minimally invasive interventions.

To determine whether exclusion of pseudoaneurysms with the use of a covered stent in prosthetic arteriovenous (AV) hemodialysis access grafts impacts the incidence of eventual AV graft infection.Review of an interventional radiology database for prosthetic AV graft interventions involving stent deployment anywhere within the AV graft circuit revealed 235 interventions in 174 patients between November 2004 and December 2008. Incidence of AV graft infection was analyzed based on stent type (bare metal vs covered), location, and indication for stent deployment on a per-stent, per-procedure, and per-graft basis.A total of 16.3% of the stent-implanted AV grafts were eventually surgically excised as a result of graft infection. Covered stents used to treat an intragraft pseudoaneurysm were more commonly associated with subsequent graft infection compared with bare or covered stents deployed within the graft for other reasons: 42.1% versus 18.2% (P = .011). Stents deployed in an intragraft location were also associated with a higher incidence of graft infection compared with those deployed at the venous anastomosis or outflow vein: 26.9% versus 6.9% (P.001). No significant difference was identified in infection rates between bare and covered stents.Covered stent exclusion of intragraft pseudoaneurysms demonstrated a significant correlation with eventual prosthetic AV graft infection.

In 1993, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) passed The Revitalization Act (Subtitle B) which mandated that all NIH funded clinical trials have "appropriate representation" of minority and women subjects. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of the mandate by examining the reporting and inclusion of minority and female subjects into NIH K-Award funded clinical trials, addressing the minority predominant diagnoses of diabetes and clinical obesity. Using the CRISP search engine and PUBMED, we selected publications published by the National Institute on Aging (NIA) and National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) K-grant recipients during 1989-2004, associated with all the diabetes and obesity clinical trials. Studies were stratified into three timeline categories (1989-1993, pre-mandate; 1993-1996, post-mandate, and 1997-present, well past mandate) to evaluate trends in the recruiting of minorities and women before, during, and after the passing of the Revitalization Act. Of the 165 papers, only 37% disclosed race, a number that did not improve over time (p=.15), whereas 92% disclosed gender. Clinical trials that focused on females increased across the 3 timeframes (p.001) for diabetes studies but not obesity studies. Overall, disclosure of race declined over the 3 timeframes whereas individually, the disclosure of African Americans improved.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to develop a linguistically appropriate, culturally adapted, and appropriately validated Spanish version of the SMFA (SMFA-Mex). Design: Validation of a survey-based outcome instrument. Setting: Busy state hospital in southern Mexico. Patients/Participants: Consecutive trauma patients with a variety of orthopedic disorders. Intervention: N/A. Main Outcome Measurements: The SMFA-Mex was forward and back translated, administered to orthopedic trauma patients, and compared against the Spanish version of the SF-36s for criterion validity. Statistical analysis included factor analysis, criterion validation with the SF-36, and internal measures of reliability. Results: Factor analysis demonstrated three separate subscale dimensions: 1) upper-extremity dysfunction, 2) lower-extremity dysfunction, and 3) lifestyle alterations. Item analysis showed a high degree of internal consistency for the three subscales (subscale 1, r = 0.95; subscale 2, r = 0.94; subscale 3, r = 0.92). Test-retest reliability at 7 days was 0.93 for the upper-extremity dysfunction subscale, 0.95 for the lower-extremity dysfunction subscale, and 0.92 for the lifestyle-alterations subscale. Construct validity was established by comparison of the Brazilian version of the SF-36. Conclusions: The SMFA-Mex was successfully translated and culturally adapted from the English original. The SMFA-Mex demonstrated adequate scale reliability and validity and yielded three distinct subscales using factor analysis.

Purpose: To determine whether exclusion of pseudoaneurysms with the use of a covered stent in prosthetic arteriovenous (AV) hemodialysis access grafts impacts the incidence of eventual AV graft infection. Materials and Methods: Review of an interventional radiology database for prosthetic AV graft interventions involving stent deployment anywhere within the AV graft circuit revealed 235 interventions in 174 patients between November 2004 and December 2008. Incidence of AV graft infection was analyzed based on stent type (bare metal vs covered), location, and indication for stent deployment on a per-stent, per-procedure, and per-graft basis. Results: A total of 16.3% of the stent-implanted AV grafts were eventually surgically excised as a result of graft infection. Covered stents used to treat an intragraft pseudoaneurysm were more commonly associated with subsequent graft infection compared with bare or covered stents deployed within the graft for other reasons: 42.1% versus 18.2% (P .011). Stents deployed in an intragraft location were also associated with a higher incidence of graft infection compared with those deployed at the venous anastomosis or outflow vein: 26.9% versus 6.9% (P .001). No significant difference was identified in infection rates between bare and covered stents. Conclusions: Covered stent exclusion of intragraft pseudoaneurysms demonstrated a significant correlation with eventual prosthetic AV graft infection.