Percutaneous Transsplenic Balloon-Assisted Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Placement in Patients with Portal Vein Obliteration for Portal Vein Recanalization: Feasibility, Safety and Effectiveness

Purpose To assess the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of portal vein recanalization (PVR)–transjugular portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement via splenic access using a balloon puncture technique. Materials and Methods In a single-center retrospective study from March 2017 to February 2021, 14 consecutive patients with portal hypertension, chronic liver disease and portal vein occlusion or near-complete (> 95%) occlusion were referred for PVR–TIPS placement. Feasibility, safety and effectiveness including procedural characteristics such as technical success, complication profile and splenic access time (SAT), balloon positioning time (BPT), conventional portal vein entry time (CPVET), overall procedure time (OPT), fluoroscopy time (FT), dose–area product (DAP) and air kerma (AK) were evaluated. Results Transsplenic PVR–TIPS using balloon puncture technique was technically feasible in 12 of 14 patients (8 men, 49 ± 13 years). In two patients without detectable intrahepatic portal vein branches, TIPS placement was not feasible and both patients were referred for further treatment with nonselective beta blockers and endoscopic variceal ligation. No complications grade > 3 of the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe classification system occurred. The SAT was 25 ± 21 min, CPVET was 33 ± 26 min, the OPT was 158 ± 54 min, the FT was 42 ± 22 min, the DAP was 167.84 ± 129.23 Gy*cm2 and the AK was 1150.70 ± 910.73 mGy. Conclusions Transsplenic PVR–TIPS using a balloon puncture technique is feasible and appears to be safe in our series of patients with obliteration of the portal vein. It expands the interventional options in patients with chronic PVT.

A novel radiographic grid aiming device for percutaneous renal puncture

Background This in-vitro study aims to assess the efficacy of a novel radiographic grid aiming device as compared to the conventional “bull’s eye” puncture technique for percutaneous renal puncture. Methods This new device uses two radiopaque rings for targeting, somewhat similar to the concept of gun sights. The device is designed to improve the ease and accuracy of the “bull’s eye” puncture technique. We compared this device to the conventional “bull’s eye” puncture technique using a porcine kidney inside a chicken carcass as the study model. Two first-year residents used both the radiographic grid aiming device in turn, Group A, and the conventional bull’s eye technique, Group B, to perform punctures to reach the target porcine calyces in order. Related data were recorded and analyzed. Results 23 renal calyceal punctures were performed per group. There were no statistical differences in the overall puncture success rate, puncture time, or radiation exposure time and dose between the two groups. The number of punctures required to achieve success was higher in group B and the distance between the puncture site to the center of papillary fornix was shorter in group A, all P < 0.05. Conclusions The novel radiographic grid aiming device showed no advantage in the overall success rate for renal puncture. However, it offered the advantages of more precise puncture with fewer puncture attempts. It may serve as a useful tool for training. It may also offer some benefit to surgeons who are novices at percutaneous renal puncture.

Non-papillary Percutaneous Puncture: A Safe Approach to Consider

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) is the ‘gold standard’ treatment modality for renal stones larger than 2 cm. It can be also applied to manage smaller renal stones and large, impacted stones located in the proximal ureter. Nevertheless, even in experienced hands, the PCNL procedure is associated with the development of several complications. Despite the existing extensive research in this field, studies evaluating the effect of puncture site on perioperative bleeding are very few. In part, this can be explained by the dogma that the safest way to perform kidney puncture is through the renal papilla. In this paper, the authors summarise their experience of non-papillary PCNL and demonstrate this puncture technique for PCNL tract establishment.

Comparison of Effects of Guidewire-Assisted and Direct Arterial Puncture Techniques on Success Rate of Radial Artery Cannulation by Inexperienced Trainees

Background: The radial artery is superficially palpable and easily accessible, making it the preferred site for arterial cannulation. Various placement techniques are available for radial artery catheter insertion. However, catheter insertion is sometimes difficult and requires multiple attempts, especially by inexperienced trainees, leading to technical failure and insertion-related complications. Guidewire-assisted cannulation is a simple and effective technique, but this maneuver requires practice. The main objective of this study was to compare the effects of a direct arterial puncture and a guidewire-assisted cannulation technique on the success rate of radial artery cannulation by inexperienced trainees.Methods: This study was a prospective, single-center, single-arm clinical trial with a historical control. Sixty patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status of I to III underwent elective surgery requiring radial artery cannulation. In the guidewire-assisted cannulation group (GW group), thirty radial artery cannulations were performed by inexperienced surgical residents using a guidewire-assisted cannulation technique. In the direct arterial puncture group (DP group), 30 patients underwent radial artery cannulation with a direct arterial puncture technique by inexperienced anesthesiology residents. The primary outcome was the success rate. Results: There were no differences in the baseline blood pressure or comorbidities between the two groups. Overall, the success rate of radial artery cannulation in the GW and DP groups were 90% and 50%, respectively (P = 0.001). The success rate of first-attempt cannulation in the GW and DP group were 66.7% and 26.7%, respectively (P = 0.002). The total procedural performance time was significantly shorter in the GW than DP group.Conclusion: The guidewire-assisted cannulation technique achieved a higher success rate than the direct arterial puncture technique when performed by inexperienced trainees.Trial registrationThe trial was registered on Thai Clinical Trials Registry (TCTR20200601004). Date of registration was January 19, 2020. (Retrospectively registered) http://www.thaiclinicaltrials.org/page_user/#

Revascularization of Chronic Iliac Vein Occlusion Using Balloon-Assisted Transseptal Needle Puncture Technique

Objectives To evaluate the utility of a transseptal needle for balloon-assisted sharp recanalization of chronically occluded central venous structures. Background Chronically occluded central veins are not an uncommon problem, which may arise due to a plethora of reasons. Traditionally, wire and catheter techniques are often used first in an attempt to reestablish flow. When these methods fail, more aggressive techniques are employed, such as sharp recanalization using the back end of wires, Teflon-coated wires, or Rosch–Uchida or Colapinto needles. However, utilization of transseptal needles, traditionally reserved for cardiac procedures, has rarely been described. Methods Transseptal needle was utilized for balloon-assisted sharp recanalization after traditional wire and catheter techniques failed in revascularization of chronically occluded iliac veins. Results Transseptal needle was utilized successfully in two cases in revascularization of chronically occluded central veins. Conclusion Transseptal needle is a viable tool to add to the interventional radiologists’ armamentarium in reestablishing flow in chronically occluded central veins.