Embolization Research Articles

Epistaxis-overview and current aspects

Nosebleeds (epistaxis) are usually minor. Medical intervention is only necessary in about 6% of cases. The source of bleeding is frequently located in the anterior region of the nose (Kiesselbach's plexus). The estimated lifetime prevalence of epistaxis is 60%. Diffuse epistaxis is often a manifestation of systemic disease. Epistaxis is the leading symptom of Rendu-Osler-Weber disease (hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia, HHT). If intervention is required, the first-choice of treatment is bidigital compression for several minutes. Common therapeutic measures include local hemostasis using electrocoagulation or chemical agents, e.g., silver nitrate. Resorbable anterior nasal tampons or tampons with a smooth surface are also frequently employed. In case of failed surgical closure of the sphenopalatine artery, angiographic embolization is the method of choice.

An Infected Massive Persistent Sciatic Artery Aneurysm Treated by an Aneurysmal Incision and Drainage after Angiographic Embolization.

A man in his 80s undergoing chronic hemodialysis presented with a high fever. A 10-cm soft mass was palpable in his right buttock. Abdominal computed tomography and angiography showed an incomplete-type unilateral persistent sciatic artery aneurysm (PSAA) with gas patterns and a blood flow through the aneurysm. Incision drainage was performed after arterial embolization. Gram staining of the hematoma showed gram-positive cocci that had formed chains, thus leading to a diagnosis of an infected PSAA. Drainage by incision after arterial embolization was used as the therapeutic method of choice for a massive infected PSAA with a sustained blood flow in order to prevent sciatic nerve injury and bleeding associated with PSAA resection.

S2335 An Unusual Source of Massive Upper GI Bleed

Introduction: Pseudoaneurysms affecting main abdominal arteries can manifest as massive gastrointestinal (GI) bleed that carries a high mortality. We report a case of massive upper GI bleed due to splenic artery pseudoaneurysm. Case Description/Methods: A 72-year-old female with a history of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass presented to the emergency department with an episode of hematemesis. During initial evaluation, the patient was unresponsive and pulseless. An orogastric tube returned 100 cc of bloody gastric contents. The patient was started on PPI drip, vasopressors, packed red blood cells transfusion and admitted to intensive care unit. The patient continued to pass large, maroon bowel movements. EGD demonstrated a large adherent clot at gastrojejunal (GJ) anastomosis, and two non-bleeding cratered gastric ulcers with no stigmata of bleeding in the gastric pouch. Repeat EGD for worsening anemia despite transfusions showed fresh blood at the GJ anastomosis and two discrete oozing ulcers, each about 1cm in the gastric pouch. Both lesions were treated with endoscopic therapy. However, the patient continued to have melanotic stools. Third EGD demonstrated an adherent clot at GJ anastomosis. Underneath the clot, was a cratered ulcer with a fistulous tract. Endoscope passed into the fistulous opening with ease, but only a blood clot could be visualized and the scope was withdrawn. The patient remained hypotensive and continued to pass melena. Fourth EGD revealed fresh blood in the entire examined stomach and at the anastomosis site. A source of rapid bleeding could not be identified. Emergent angiogram demonstrated a pseudoaneurysm in the midportion of the splenic artery. A coil and glue embolization of the splenic artery was performed. Post angiogram, there was no recurrence of GI bleeding. After a prolonged hospital course, the patient was discharged to a skilled nursing facility. Discussion: A pseudoaneurysm is a communicating sac within the lumen of the artery. In contrast to true aneurysms, which are usually asymptomatic, pseudoaneurysms are nearly always symptomatic and carry a high risk of rupture. A vascular-enteric fistula is usually found either on endoscopic examination or via angiography. Therapy with angiographic embolization of the pseudoaneurysm is almost always indicated due to high risk of recurrence of severe hemorrhage. If access to the splenic artery fails, endoscopic ultrasound guided coil and glue has recently become an accepted treatment method.Figure 1.: A suspected 11 mm jejunal fistula found in the ulcerated GJ site through which the endoscope was passed, but only blood clot could be visualized.

Management of visceral arterial pseudoaneurysms in patients with acute and chronic pancreatitis: a retrospective study from South Indian tertiary care centre

Background: Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms (VAP) are defined as those affecting celiac, superior or inferior mesenteric arteries and their branches. In this study, role of various therapeutic modalities in the management of VAP caused by acute and chronic pancreatitis were analysed which can influence choice of treatment for a given patient.Methods: The study was conducted in institute of surgical gastroenterology, Madras medical college and Rajiv Gandhi government general hospital Chennai, based on retrospective analysis of 41 patients diagnosed with VAP caused by acute and chronic pancreatitis admitted between the periods of September 2014 and January 2020. The medical records of all patients were retrieved and descriptive statistical analyses was carried out regarding various details including demographics, presentation, management and complications.Results: This study includes 41 patients with mean age of 39.73±10.54 (SD) years and 40 (97.56%) of them were males. Fifteen patients (36.59%) had acute pancreatitis and 26 patients (63.41%) had chronic pancreatitis. Pseudocysts were found in 25 (60.98%) patients. Pseudoaneurysm arose most commonly from splenic artery (n=32; 78.04%). The most common symptom was abdominal pain (n=40) followed by gastrointestinal bleeding (n=28). Sixteen patients (39%) received primary radiological reintervention (n=16). Twenty-five patients (60.98%) underwent primary surgical treatment (n=25). Rebleeding was seen in 3 patients (7.32%). Twenty-three patients (56.1%) developed complications. Mortality rate was 5/41 (12.2%).Conclusions: Pseudoaneurysms are fatal complications of pancreatitis. Angiographic embolization, when available, is the initial treatment of choice in hemodynamically stable patients. Surgery in experienced hands will still remain main modality in treating these patients in centres that lack a full-fledged angiographic facility with acceptable outcomes.

Diagnosis and Management of Benign Gastric and Duodenal Disease

The diagnosis of uncomplicated peptic ulcers is difficult to make on a solely clinical basis. Whereas radiographic upper gastrointestinal (UGI) series remain useful, endoscopy is the most accurate method of establishing the diagnosis of peptic ulcer disease. Laboratory tests play an important role in the diagnosis of Helicobacter pylori infection and Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. Figures showing UGI series with double contrast and H. pylori organisms on gastric biopsy samples are provided. The improved medical management of peptic ulcer disease has decreased the need for surgical intervention, which is now largely reserved for urgent management of complications such as hemorrhage, bleeding, and perforation, or the management of obstruction from intractable disease. The appropriate extent of preoperative evaluation for a patient undergoing surgery for a benign gastroduodenal disorder is dictated primarily by the nature of the presenting problem. Endoscopy is the main diagnostic tool to identify the source of bleeding, and in many cases endoscopic therapy can control the bleeding. Angiographic transarterial embolization may be considered following failed endoscopic hemostasis, particularly in high-risk surgical patients. Operative planning is described. The steps of the operative technique, complications, and outcome evaluations are provided for the main surgical interventions for peptic ulcer disease, including vagotomy and pyloroplasty for bleeding duodenal ulcer; resection of bleeding gastric ulcer; omental patch for duodenal perforation (Graham patch); antrectomy; highly selective vagotomy; laparoscopic treatment of peptic ulcer disease; and duodenal diverticulectomy. Operative figures show a Kocher maneuver; omental patch; truncal vagotomy; highly selective vagotomy; Taylor procedure; Heineke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty; Finney pyloroplasty; Billroth I and II antrectomy; Braun enteroenterostomy; and duodenal diverticulectomy. This review contains 15 figures, 2 tables, and 43 references.

Endovascular management of haemorrhage in pelvic trauma

Successful management of severe pelvic trauma represents one of the most challenging clinical problems faced by trauma clinicians. These patients often have multisystem injuries representing numerous competing issues, exsanguination representing a significant number of preventable deaths. Traditional operative approaches to pelvic bleeding have largely been superseded by endovascular management. Angiographic embolisation is a core endovascular technique that has been adopted into modern management algorithms for pelvic trauma. The resurgence of interest in REBOA has the potential to contribute further endovascular benefits to this patient cohort. Whilst both of these techniques have been described and used for quite some time, their utilisation has been increasing in recent times as the endovascular technology, and evidence supporting its use, continues to advance and progress. This paper aims to provide readers a contemporary overview on endovascular adjuncts used in the management of pelvic haemorrhage from trauma.

Recurrent hepatic encephalopathy caused by the persistent porto-systemic shunt in liver transplant recipients

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) caused by porto-systemic shunt is one of the representative complications of liver cirrhosis, but HE is an infrequent condition after the full restoration of portal flow through liver transplantation, despite the persistence of porto-systemic shunts. We report two cases with a normal functioning liver graft and patent portal flow that developed recurrent HE after liver transplantation. We reviewed the medical record the two cases, liver transplant recipient represented HE with stable graft function. The one case received a living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) with inferior vena cava (IVC) replacement because of Budd-Chiari Syndrome. Two months after LDLT, recurrent HE occurred despite of well-functioning liver graft and patent portal vein. An abdominal computed tomography scan (CT) showed large port-systemic collaterals between mesenteric vein and IVC. The other case transferred for the further evaluation of recurrent HE. She received a deceased donor liver transplantation, 9 years ago, and a HE with hyperammonemia was repeated, despite of normal liver function test. Persistent meso-caval collateral veins were identified on CT. After the closure of shunt by the interventional angiographic embolization, hyperammonemia and HE were completely resolved. Persistent porto-systemic shunts in liver transplant recipients with stable graft function may be the cause of HE. Therefore, when liver transplant patient with stable graft function represents HE, a more thorough evaluation is needed to identify the existence of persistent porto-systemic shunts that are very rare condition.

Effective combined treatment in ectopic cervical pregnancy preserving fertility: a case report and literature review.

Cervical ectopic pregnancy (CEP) is a rare obstetric complication but carries the risk of life-threatening maternal hemorrhage. A 43-year-old nulliparous woman, presented to the Emergency Room with vaginal bleeding. Initial quantitative serum β-hCG value was 85,220 mIU/mL. Obstetrical ultrasound demonstrated a single, live pregnancy of approximately 9 weeks' gestation located within the endocervix. After discussing different management options, intramuscular methotrexate injection in association with intra-amniotic chloride potassium installation was decided in order to preserve patient's desire for childbearing. Three months later, the patient was readmitted due to a massive vaginal bleeding. Angiographic uterine artery embolization (UAE) with an absorbable gelatin sponge was performed. After the procedure and two days of hospitalization, no significative bleeding was observed. The clinical course was uneventful, and serum human chorionic gonadotropin decreased immediately. The cervical mass gradually shrank and disappeared a month after UAE. To preserve fertility in the management of CEP, clinicians could consider a combination of strategies, including UAE. A review of the current literature and possible treatment options for conservative CEP management are analyzed and discussed.

Recent advances in preoperative assessment of hepatic functional reserve for hepatectomy

Hepatectomy represents the first choice of treatment for primary and secondary liver malignancies.However,post-hepatectomy liver failure(PHLF) remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality after liver resection.Inadequate remnant liver volume and function are the determining factors of PHLF.Therefore,preoperative assessment of hepatic functional reserve is of paramount importance for prevention of PHLF.There are two main conventional assessment systems of preoperative hepatic functional reserve.The first is remnant liver volume(RLV) and its derivative indicators such as residual liver volume ratio,standardized residual liver volume ratio,RLV/body weight,and RLV/body surface area,calculated by imaging-based methods such as CT,that assess whether the volume of residual liver meets the requirements of safe hepatectomy.However,RLV is not an appropriate indicator of functional liver remnant,since the function of liver within equal volume among different persons is unequal due to the underlying liver diseases.Functional imaging techniques,such as 99Tcm-GSA,99Tcm-IDA and Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI can simultaneously evaluate residual liver volume and function,leading to be a more appropriate indicator of functional liver remnant.The second is liver function tests,including serum biochemical parameters,clinical scoring systems and quantitative liver function tests.However,it can merely evaluate the overall liver function preoperatively,but not the residual one postoperatively.The residual liver function can be accurately measured by intraoperative indocyanine green clearance with the extrahepatic and intrahepatic blood flow of liver to be resected blocked.In addition,methods such as preoperative portal vein embolization and associating liver partition and portal vein ligation for staged hepatectomy,can be used for patients with a predicted inadequate RLV.Due to the unequal liver function within an equal volume increased by different methods,functional imaging techniques are more appropriate in predicting the increasing functional liver than traditional methods which just assess the increasing liver volume.

Association of Thrombus Aspiration With Time and Mortality Among Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Patients with shorter ischemic times have a greater viable myocardium and may derive greater benefit from thrombus aspiration. To study the association of thrombus aspiration with outcomes among patients presenting with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) based on time. The TOTAL (Thrombectomy With PCI vs PCI Alone in Patients with STEMI) trial was an international randomized clinical trial of 10 732 patients with STEMI undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) within 12 hours of symptom onset. Patients were recruited between August 5, 2010, and July 25, 2014, and were followed up for 1 year. Data analysis was performed from February 22, 2019, to January 5, 2021. Thrombus aspiration vs PCI alone. Post hoc subgroup analyses were performed for total ischemic time and first medical contact (FMC)-to-device time for the primary outcomes (cardiovascular [CV] mortality, myocardial Infarction [MI], cardiogenic shock, and New York Heart Association class IV heart failure) and angiographically determined distal embolization. In addition, a multivariable analysis was performed to assess the association of total ischemic time and FMC-to-device time with CV mortality at 1 year. The study randomized 10 732 patients, and 9986 underwent primary PCI and had time data available (7737 men [77.5%]; mean [SD] age, 61.0 [12.0] years). For the randomized comparison of thrombus aspiration, there was a reduction in angiographic distal embolization with thrombus aspiration that was more pronounced in patients with short ischemic times (<2 hours: odds ratio [OR], 0.23 [95% CI, 0.09-0.62]; 2-6 hours: OR, 0.54 [95% CI, 0.39-0.73]; >6 hours: OR, 0.70 [95% CI, 0.33-1.50]; P = .12 for interaction). However, for the primary composite outcome, there was no benefit based on (1) total ischemic time (<2 hours: hazard ratio [HR], 0.77 [95% CI, 0.46-1.28]; 2-6 hours: HR, 1.03 [95% CI, 0.85-1.25]; >6 hours: HR, 0.87 [95% CI, 0.60-1.27]; P = .46 for interaction) or (2) FMC-to-device time (<60 minutes: HR, 1.14 [95% CI, 0.66-1.95]; 60-90 minutes: HR, 0.94 [95% CI, 0.67-1.32]; >90-120 minutes: HR, 1.19 [95% CI, 0.85-1.67]; >120 minutes: HR, 0.89 [95% CI, 0.70-1.14]; P = .54 for interaction). In a multivariable analysis, both total ischemic time (>2 hours: HR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.00-1.58) and FMC-to-device time (>120 minutes: HR, 1.45 [95% CI, 1.18-1.79]) were independently associated with CV mortality. This analysis suggests that thrombus aspiration does not appear to be associated with an improvement in clinical outcomes regardless of ischemic time. In the current STEMI era, both total ischemic time and FMC-to-device times continue to be important factors associated with mortality. ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01149044.

Sudden convulsion with multiple pulmonary nodules in a girl aged 15 years

A girl, aged 15 years, was admitted due to sudden convulsion once and multiple pulmonary nodules on lung CT. Acrocyanosis or acropachy/toe deformity was not observed. Laboratory examinations showed an increase in hemoglobin (162 g/L) and a reduction in arterial partial pressure of oxygen (61.5 mm Hg). Lung CT showed irregular slightly high-density nodules in the middle lobe of the right lung, and contrast-enhanced CT scan showed obvious enhancement with thick vascular shadow locally. An investigation of medical history revealed that the girl's mother had a history of epistaxis and resection of pulmonary mass and the girl presented with tongue telangiectasia. The girl was diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia and pulmonary arteriovenous malformation. she was given interventional embolization therapy. Transcutaneous oxygen saturation reached 98% without oxygen inhalation on the day after surgery. Pulmonary angiography at 3 months after surgery showed the recurrence of pulmonary vascular malformation, and embolization of pulmonary arterial fistula was not performed since the guide wire could not enter the branch artery. There was still a need for long-term follow-up.

Embolization of hemorrhagic lymphangioleiomyomatotis-associated angiomyolipoma

Embolization of hemorrhagic lymphangioleiomyomatotis-associated angiomyolipoma

Percutaneous Image-Guided Core Needle Biopsy of Neuroendocrine Tumors: How Common Is Intraprocedural Carcinoid Crisis?

PurposeTo retrospectively evaluate the incidence of carcinoid crisis, other complications, and physiologic disturbances during percutaneous image-guided core needle biopsy of neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) in the lung and the liver. Materials and MethodsBetween January 2010 and January 2020, 106 computed tomography (CT) or ultrasound (US)-guided core needle biopsies of lung and liver NETs were performed in 95 consecutive adult patients. The mean age was 64 ± 13 years, and 48% were female. The small bowel was the most common primary site (33%, 31/95), and 32 (34%) patients had pre-existing symptoms of carcinoid syndrome. The mean tumor size was 3.2 ± 2.6 cm, and mean number of passes was 3.4 ± 1.6. A 17/18-gauge needle was used in 91% (96/106) of the biopsies. Thirteen (12%) patients received either outpatient or prophylactic octreotide. ResultsNo patients experienced carcinoid crisis or needed octreotide, inotropes, vasopressors, or resuscitation. A single biopsy procedure (0.9%, 1/106) was complicated by bleeding that required angiographic hepatic artery embolization. Changes in pre-biopsy- versus post-biopsy systolic blood pressure and heart rate were -1.6 mm Hg (P = .390) and 0.6 beat/min (P = .431), respectively. Tumor functional status, overall tumor burden, and the elevation of neuroendocrine markers were not associated with intraprocedural physiologic disturbances. There were 4 minor complications (0.4%, 4/106) associated with the biopsy procedure that were not attributed to hormone excretion from tumor manipulation. ConclusionsPercutaneous image-guided core biopsy of NETs is safe, with low complication rate and no definite carcinoid crisis in the current cohort.

Endoscopic diagnosis and management of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (NVUGIH): European Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ESGE) Guideline – Update 2021

1: ESGE recommends in patients with acute upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (UGIH) the use of the Glasgow-Blatchford Score (GBS) for pre-endoscopy risk stratification. Patients with GBS ≤ 1 are at very low risk of rebleeding, mortality within 30 days, or needing hospital-based intervention and can be safely managed as outpatients with outpatient endoscopy.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 2: ESGE recommends that in patients with acute UGIH who are taking low-dose aspirin as monotherapy for secondary cardiovascular prophylaxis, aspirin should not be interrupted. If for any reason it is interrupted, aspirin should be re-started as soon as possible, preferably within 3-5 days.Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 3: ESGE recommends that following hemodynamic resuscitation, early (≤ 24 hours) upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy should be performed. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 4: ESGE does not recommend urgent (≤ 12 hours) upper GI endoscopy since as compared to early endoscopy, patient outcomes are not improved. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 5: ESGE recommends for patients with actively bleeding ulcers (FIa, FIb), combination therapy using epinephrine injection plus a second hemostasis modality (contact thermal or mechanical therapy). Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 6: ESGE recommends for patients with an ulcer with a nonbleeding visible vessel (FIIa), contact or noncontact thermal therapy, mechanical therapy, or injection of a sclerosing agent, each as monotherapy or in combination with epinephrine injection. Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 7 : ESGE suggests that in patients with persistent bleeding refractory to standard hemostasis modalities, the use of a topical hemostatic spray/powder or cap-mounted clip should be considered. Weak recommendation, low quality evidence. 8: ESGE recommends that for patients with clinical evidence of recurrent peptic ulcer hemorrhage, use of a cap-mounted clip should be considered. In the case of failure of this second attempt at endoscopic hemostasis, transcatheter angiographic embolization (TAE) should be considered. Surgery is indicated when TAE is not locally available or after failed TAE. Strong recommendation, moderate quality evidence. 9: ESGE recommends high dose proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy for patients who receive endoscopic hemostasis and for patients with FIIb ulcer stigmata (adherent clot) not treated endoscopically. (A): PPI therapy should be administered as an intravenous bolus followed by continuous infusion (e. g., 80 mg then 8 mg/hour) for 72 hours post endoscopy. (B): High dose PPI therapies given as intravenous bolus dosing (twice-daily) or in oral formulation (twice-daily) can be considered as alternative regimens.Strong recommendation, high quality evidence. 10: ESGE recommends that in patients who require ongoing anticoagulation therapy following acute NVUGIH (e. g., peptic ulcer hemorrhage), anticoagulation should be resumed as soon as the bleeding has been controlled, preferably within or soon after 7 days of the bleeding event, based on thromboembolic risk. The rapid onset of action of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACS), as compared to vitamin K antagonists (VKAs), must be considered in this context.Strong recommendation, low quality evidence.

Resorbable Purified Porcine Skin Gelatin Cross-Linked with Glutaraldehyde Spheres for Preoperative Embolization of Carotid Body Paraganglioma.

Chemodectomas are rare neuroendocrine tumors that typically arise at the carotid bifurcation and progressively englobe the internal and external carotid artery. Surgical asportation of the capsulated mass is the elective treatment. Pre-procedural embolization of this high vascular tumors is highly recommended because it has shown to improve surgical outcome by reducing both, mean blood loss and total operation time. Many different embolization techniques have been described in literature. In the here presented case we opted for an endovascular approach using resorbable purified porcine skin gelatin cross-linked with glutaraldehyde microspheres (Optisphere - MEDTRONIC) as an embolic agent. These turned out to be very safe and effective in improving surgical outcome by reducing operative blood loss and thus reducing treatment-related morbidity. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Intraperitoneal hemorrhage following primary cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer: Successful treatment with superior epigastric artery embolization.

Hemoperitoneum often occurs due to abdominal trauma, abdominal tumors, gastro-intestinal perforation and more rarely it’s spontaneous due to coagulopathies. Superior epigastric artery (SEA) iatrogenic damage is rarer than the Inferior epigastric artery injury, it may occur during laparotomy and, in most cases, it causes a rectus muscle hematoma. We present the case of a caucasian 44 years-old-woman with hemoperitoneum after cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer. Active bleeding from the distal branch of the SEA was diagnosed at computed tomography and coil embolization followed by surgical laparotomic drainage of the hemoperitoneum was performed. After initial resolution, active bleeding from the same vessel was observed. Further embolization of the same vessel was necessary to stop bleeding. Ultrasound follow-up showed a complete resolution of the hemoperitoneum. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Finding new indicators for operation and angiographic embolization in blunt renal injury patients: a single-center experience over 13 years.

PurposeTraumatic kidney injury can be treated surgically or nonsurgically. Nonsurgical treatment options include angiography, embolization, and conservative treatment. We aimed to identify factors that help in making clinical decisions on treatment plans for patients with traumatic kidney injury caused by blunt trauma.MethodsThe study included 377 patients aged ≥18 years with traumatic kidney injury caused by blunt abdominal trauma admitted to the emergency room of Wonju Severance Christian Hospital between January 2008 and July 2020. Medical records, laboratory test results, and computed tomography results were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsMultivariable logistic analysis showed diastolic blood pressure at admission and disruption of Gerota's fascia were significantly associated with surgical treatment, and that perinephric hematoma rim distance was the only significant indicator favoring embolization. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that angiography and embolization should be considered when hematoma size exceeds 2.97 cm.ConclusionWhen a patient with traumatic kidney injury due to blunt trauma visits an emergency room, even when vital signs are stable, Gerota's fascia should be checked by computed tomography prior to deciding on surgical treatment, and angiographic embolization should be considered if perinephric hematoma rim distance exceeds 2.97 cm.

Prophylactic interventional radiological procedures in postpartum hemorrhage: The present scenario

Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) is the leading cause of preventable maternal mortality and morbidity. Women undergoing cesarean delivery are at increased risk of PPH as compared to vaginal delivery. Improvement in obstetric care and advances in diagnostic modalities have empowered obstetricians to detect, predict, and therefore prevent catastrophic uterine bleeding. Patients at increased risk for PPH should be referred to tertiary care centers equipped with interventional radiology suite, where multidisciplinary teams are available 24 h and are prepared to deal with potential complications. This review highlights the management of PPH with special emphasis on interventional radiology procedures for the prevention of PPH. Minimally invasive interventional radiological techniques such as selective arterial embolization and arterial balloon occlusion have been effectively used to avert hysterectomy and reduce the overall incidence of blood transfusion and its associated complications while preserving reproductive functions.

Treatment of Recurrent Hemarthrosis Following Total Knee Arthroplasty Using Surgical Interventions.

BackgroudRecurrent hemarthrosis following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare complication. Its pathophysiology and standard treatments have not yet been established. In this study, we report 7 cases of recurrent hemarthrosis after TKA in which failure of the initial conservative treatment was followed by angiographic embolization; in 1 of the 7 cases, arthroscopic electrocauterization was also performed after treatment failure with selective embolization.MethodsFrom January 2015 to May 2018, 7 patients visited our hospital due to recurrent hemarthrosis after TKA. Their medical records and serologic test results were reviewed to check for the presence of any bleeding disorder and history of anticoagulant use. Implant malalignment and instability were checked using X-ray. In all cases, the conservative treatment failed, so interventional angiography with selective embolization was performed, which was also followed by arthroscopic electrocauterization if the outcome was unsatisfactory.ResultsThe interval between TKA and the onset of hemarthrosis ranged from 3 to 76 months (average, 34.1 months). There was no coagulopathy and instability. All patients underwent conservative treatment at an interval of 4.3 months and the rate of relapse was 3.1 on average. On the interventional angiography, 6 cases showed vascular blush, and 1 case had pulsatile bleeding. The average duration for interventional angiography was 90.9 minutes. The average length of follow-up was 38.8 months. Embolization was successfully performed in 4 cases. In 2 of 3 failed cases, the symptoms improved without further treatment. In the remaining 1 failed case, the patient had a relapse of hemarthrosis, so an arthroscopic procedure was performed, which led to identification of the suspicious bleeding point by using preoperative angiographic findings. Electrocauterization was performed and active bleeding was stopped. All cases with recurrent hemarthrosis achieved improvement.ConclusionsInterventional angiography was used to aid in the diagnosis of recurrent hemarthrosis, and therapeutic selective embolization provided satisfactory clinical results. Even if selective embolization fails, interventional angiography may be helpful for further surgical procedures because it reveals vascular blush of a bleeding site. Therefore, interventional angiography and selective embolization should be considered to be a useful treatment for recurrent hemarthrosis after TKA.

Angiographic embolization in epistaxis: Our clinical experience and results

Angiographic embolization in epistaxis: Our clinical experience and results