Catheter-directed Sclerotherapy Research Articles

Long-term outcomes of catheter-directed sclerotherapy for ovarian endometrioma.

Although favorable results have been reported on catheter-directed sclerotherapy (CDS) for ovarian endometrioma, a thorough evaluation of its long-term efficacy is lacking. This study evaluates the long-term efficacy and safety of CDS with 99% ethanol for treatment of ovarian endometrioma. Between January 2020 and February 2022, data from 33 consecutive patients with symptomatic ovarian endometriomas who underwent CDS were retrospectively evaluated. All patients underwent pre-procedural and 6- and 12-month post-procedural ultrasonography. To assess the effect on ovarian reserve, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were measured before and after the procedure. Procedure-related complications were also assessed. The mean volume of endometriomas decreased from 80.22 ± 66.43 to 0.73 ± 1.10 mL (P < 0.001), and the mean percentage of volume reduction was 98.99% ± 1.53%. No recurrences were observed during the follow-up period. In patients whose serum AMH levels were monitored for 1 year, no significant change in AMH level before and after CDS was observed (3.07 ± 1.81 vs. 2.72 ± 2.02 ng/mL, P = 0.190). One patient complained of moderate abdominal pain after CDS, which was conservatively managed. CDS remained safe and effective in treating ovarian endometrioma at the 1-year follow-up. Ovarian function after CDS was well preserved. CDS is a safe and effective treatment option for patients with ovarian endometrioma without compromising ovarian function.

Factors affecting the technical outcome of catheter-directed sclerotherapy for ovarian endometriomas

PurposeTo identify factors related to technical outcomes of catheter-directed sclerotherapy (CDS) and suggest selection criteria for CDS in patients with ovarian endometrioma. MethodThis retrospective study included patients with endometriomas treated with CDS between November 2015 and June 2023. The characteristics of the endometriomas, including diameter, morphology (unilocular or multilocular), and T2 signal intensity were evaluated using pre-procedure magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, the size of the catheter (7- or 8.5-French) and route of access (transabdominal vs. transvaginal) was also analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with the technical outcomes of CDS. ResultsTechnical success was defined as successful completion of the following: 1) insertion of a 7- or 8.5-French catheter into the endometrioma, 2) full aspiration of the internal content, and 3) completion of sclerotherapy without ethanol leakage. Of the 323 women (mean age = 32.2 ± 6.0 years) with 401 endometriomas included in our study, technical success was achieved in 377 endometriomas (94.0 %). No major complications were observed. In the multivariate analysis, a diameter < 3 cm (odds ratio, 25.641; p < 0.001), T2 dark signal intensity (odds ratio, 7.462; p = 0.001), and transvaginal access (odds ratio, 4.016; p = 0.004) were associated with technical failure. ConclusionsSmall endometrioma size (<3cm), T2 dark signal intensity, and transvaginal access were identified as significant risk factors for technical failure during catheter-directed sclerotherapy.

Ethanol Sclerotherapy in the Management of Ovarian Endometrioma: Technical Considerations for Catheter- and Needle-Directed Sclerotherapy

PurposeTo provide technical guidance on applying catheter-directed and needle-directed ethanol sclerotherapy for endometriomas and present the results of these sclerotherapy methods.Materials and MethodsFrom January 2015 to March 2021, the results of the patients with symptomatic ovarian endometriomas who underwent needle-directed or catheter-directed sclerotherapy were evaluated, retrospectively. The decision to apply which sclerotherapy technique was made during the procedure for each patient considering the following factors: cyst size, cyst location, cyst viscosity, and tissue rigidity.ResultsBoth needle-directed (n = 34 cysts) and catheter-directed (n = 34 cysts) sclerotherapy techniques were effective, with a 100% technical success rate and a 97% clinical success rate. In two of 34 cysts (6%) treated with needle-directed sclerotherapy, recurrence was detected and successfully retreated with catheter-directed sclerotherapy. Significant reductions in cyst size, pain, and serum cancer antigen 125 levels (p < 0.05) were noted. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone levels remained unaffected, indicating preserved ovarian reserve (p > 0.05). Among those treated for infertility, the pregnancy rate was 54% (n = 6/11). The mean ± SD cyst size decline was greater in catheter-directed sclerotherapy than needle-directed sclerotherapy (5.5 ± 3.1 cm vs. 4.0 ± 2.1 cm, p < 0.05). However, the pretreatment cyst volumes were considerably higher in catheter-directed sclerotherapy group (202.0 ± 233.5 mL vs. 78.8 ± 59.7 mL, p < 0.05) and were associated with significant post-treatment volume decrease (p < 0.05).ConclusionThe choice between catheter-directed and needle-directed ethanol sclerotherapy should be determined during the procedure, with a preference for catheter-directed sclerotherapy when feasible. Crucial factors in making this decision include cyst size, cyst location, cyst viscosity, and tissue rigidity.Level of evidence Level 3, non-controlled retrospective cohort study.Graphical

Safety and Clinical Outcomes of Two-Session Catheter-Directed Sclerotherapy Using Ethanol for Endometrioma.

To evaluate the safety and clinical outcome of two-session catheter-directed sclerotherapy (CDS) with 99% ethanol in patients with endometrioma. This prospective study was approved by the institutional review board with written informed consent obtained from all participants and was registered on clinicaltrial.gov. Consecutive patients with ovarian endometrioma between June 2020 and March 2023 were prospectively evaluated for two sessions of CDS. After successful transvaginal ultrasound-guided puncture of the endometrioma, the biopsy needle was exchanged for a 7- or 8.5-F catheter for aspiration and ethanol injection. The catheter was retained in situ for a second session the next day. Endometrioma volume was measured on ultrasound before and 1, 3, and 6 months after CDS, and volume reduction ratio (VRR) was calculated. Serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was measured before and 6 months after CDS to assess ovarian reserve. Thirty-one endometriomas in 22 patients (mean age, 31.0 years; range, 19-44 years) were treated; 28 endometriomas were successfully treated with two-session CDS, while one session was incomplete in three endometriomas in three patients due to contrast medium leakage or pain. Minor procedure-related complications developed in four patients and resolved spontaneously before discharge on the same day of the second session. No recurrence was identified during follow-up. At the 6-month follow-up, the mean endometrioma diameter decreased from 5.5 ± 1.7 to 1.4 ± 0.9 cm (P < 0.001), and the serum AMH level was lowered without statistical significance (1.37 ± 0.96 ng/mL vs. 1.18 ± 0.92 ng/mL; P = 0.170). VRRs at 1, 3, and 6 months after CDS were 84.3 ± 13.7%, 94.3 ± 5.8%, and 96.4 ± 4.7%, respectively. Two-session CDS with 99% ethanol is safe, feasible, and effective for treating endometrioma with the ovarian function well preserved.

Effect of catheter-directed ethanol sclerotherapy on ovarian reserve in patients with recurrent endometrioma: comparative analysis with primary endometriosis.

Catheter-directed ethanol sclerotherapy (CDS) is known to less affect the ovarian function, with comparable efficacy. This study aims to investigate the change in ovarian reserve after catheter-directed ethanol sclerotherapy in patients with recurrent endometrioma, as compared to primary endometrioma. Retrospective, observational study. Electronic medical records and images of patients with endometrioma who underwent CDS from August 2014 to April 2022 at a single institution were obtained. Patients aged > 18years old and with anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) level between 0.8 and 10.0 with regular menstruation were enrolled. Cyst diameter, laterality, AMH level, and CA-125 level before and after 1month, 6months, 1year, 2years, and 3years of sclerotherapy were obtained. A total of 180 patients were fit for analysis. There was no statistical difference in age and cyst size between the two groups. Mean values of AMH in each group were 3.35 in the primary group and 3.00 in the recurrent group prior to the procedure (p = 0.347). There was no significant difference in delta value of AMH after sclerotherapy in both groups at each follow-up period. Also, this result was consistent when stratified by laterality, preprocedural AMH level, and initial size of endometrioma. No case of recurrence was reported in both groups. The effect of CDS on ovarian reserve is not inferior in recurrent endometrioma compared to primary endometrioma. Since sclerotherapy is known to less deteriorate the ovarian function than surgical removal of endometrioma, clinician could consider this as the first-line therapy in patients with recurrent endometrioma. Catheter-directed ethanol sclerotherapy for patients with recurrent endometrioma has similar effect on ovarian reserve compared to patients with primary endometrioma. • Secondary surgery for endometrioma has significant deleterious effect on ovarian function. • Catheter-directed sclerotherapy (CDS) for endometrioma had equally minimal adverse effect on ovarian reserve, represented as anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), in both primary and recurrent groups. • Physicians should consider CDS for patients with recurrent endometrioma who desire to preserve ovarian function.

Catheter-Directed foam Sclerotherapy in Chronic Venous Insufficiency Patients with Active Ulcer Single-Center Experience

Introduction: Varicose vein and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is one of the most prevalent health problems in Europe and the United States; in some studies, it may reach 60% of population. Patients and Methods: This prospective study involving on 51 patients (C6) is to assess the efficacy and tolerance of sclerotherapy foam in the treatment of great saphenous vein incompetence and ulcer healing in CVI patients at 6 and 12 months and to report our experience regarding the diagnosis and treatment of CVI by catheter directed sclerotherapy (CDS). Results and Conclusion: In our experience, CDS safely can contribute to good ulcer healing rate up to 73% at 6 months for a reasonable cost of money and time which might be considered an attractive strategy for providing efficient vascular service in clinical practice.

Chemical and mechanochemical catheter-directed sclerotherapy in varicose vein ablation

Background Varicose vein, as well as the accompanied venous insufficiency, is a frequent disorder, affecting ∼30% of the Western population. Chronic venous insufficiency has a major effect on patients’ health-related quality of life, similar to different chronic disorders, including diabetes mellitus as well as cardiovascular diseases. Aim The aim of this study was to assess and compare the applicability, technique, and results of catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy in the management of varicose vein with and without mechanical injury to the vein wall. Patients and methods The study was conducted on 104 patients with primary varicose vein between November 2017 to October 2019. All patients were admitted to Vascular Surgery Department in Mansoura University hospitals. They were divided into two groups: group A (chemical ablation) included 79 patients, and group B (mechanochemical ablation) included 25 patients. Technique In chemical ablation group, catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy of great saphenous vein was done using Aethoxysklerol 3% by ureteric catheter. In mechanochemical ablation group, catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy of the great saphenous vein was done using Aethoxysklerol 3% through Flebogrif catheter. This was a nonrandomized prospective comparative study. Results Complete occlusion was reported at 3 months for all cases of group A (100%) and 19 (76%) of cases in group B, and after 6-month follow-up, occlusion occurred in 43 (54.43%) cases among group A and 22 (88%) of cases among group B and long-segment recanalization in 36 (45.56%) of cases among group A and three (12%) of cases among group B. Complications developed in 22 cases in group A and five cases in group B. In group A, 20 cases developed painful thrombophlebitis, one case reported DVT, and only one case reported respiratory distress. However, in group B, four cases developed painful thrombophlebitis and one case reported hyperpigmentation along the course of the vein. Patients in group B were more satisfied than group A patients, with significant difference, and also group B patients has less pain sensation than group A patients, with significant difference. Conclusions Catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy is accepted in the treatment of primary varicose vein with short-term and mid-term success in varicose vein ablation and has a low incidence of complications. Mechanochemical occlusion is preferred than catheter-directed foam sclerotherapy, with better results and fewer complications.

Comparison of the therapeutic efficacy and ovarian reserve between catheter-directed sclerotherapy and surgical excision for ovarian endometrioma.

To compare the efficacies of catheter-directed sclerotherapy (CDS) with 99% ethanol and surgery for ovarian endometrioma and their impact on the ovarian reserve. From January 2011 to June 2019, 71 patients who underwent surgical excision (n = 51) or CDS (n = 20) for symptomatic ovarian endometriomas were reviewed. To analyze the effect on the ovarian reserve, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were compared before and after the procedure. Symptoms, serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), lesion size, recurrence, hospitalization, and complications were reviewed retrospectively. During a mean follow-up of 22.3months (range, 6 to 94months), no significant difference in symptom relief was found between CDS and surgery (95.0% [19/20] and 92.2% [47/51], respectively, p > 0.999). The hospital stay was shorter with CDS than with surgery (2.6 ± 0.6days and 4.1 ± 0.5days, respectively, p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in serum AMH levels before and after CDS (2.3 (interquartile range (IQR) 1.1-5.3) ng/mL and 2.6 (IQR 0.9-4.9) ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.243), but there was a significant decrease in serum AMH in the surgery group (3.0 (IQR 1.3-5.5) ng/mL and 1.6 (IQR 0.7-3.2) ng/mL, respectively, p < 0.001). CA-125 decreased in both CDS and surgery groups (p = 0.001 and < 0.001, respectively). Two minor complications occurred in the surgery group, while no complication was observed in the CDS group. The therapeutic efficacy of CDS appears to be comparable to that of surgical resection for ovarian endometrioma. Ovarian function was well-preserved, and a shorter hospital stay was required in patients who underwent CDS. • There was no significant difference in symptom relief between CDS and surgery (95.0% [19/20], 92.2% [47/51], respectively, p >0.999). • No significant difference in serum AMH levels was seen before and after CDS (2.3 (1.1, 5.3)* ng/mL, 2.6 (0.9, 4.9)* ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.243), whereas serum AMH levels significantly decreased after surgical resection (3.0 (1.3, 5.5)* ng/mL, 1.6 (0.7, 3.2)* ng/mL, respectively, p <0.001). *Median (25 quartiles, 75 quartiles) • The hospitalization period was shorter with CDS than with surgery (2.6 ± 0.6 days, 4.1 ± 0.5 days, respectively, p <0.001).

Catheter-directed Sclerotherapy for Ovarian Endometrioma: Short-term Outcomes.

Purpose To evaluate the effectiveness of catheter-directed sclerotherapy (CDS) with 95% ethanol in patients with primary or recurrent ovarian endometriomas. Materials and Methods In this prospective study, 14 participants (mean age, 32 years; range, 20-44 years) who underwent CDS for ovarian endometrioma from March 2015 to December 2017 were evaluated. Diagnosis was based on symptoms and imaging studies. To assess the impact of CDS on ovarian reserve, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was measured before CDS and 6 months after CDS. Serum cancer antigen 125 (CA-125) levels were also measured at the same time points. Follow-up US was performed 1, 3, and 6 months after CDS and biannually thereafter to monitor potential cyst size change and recurrence. Comparison of AMH, CA-125, and cyst size before and after CDS was performed by using the paired t test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Results Mean endometrioma size decreased from 5.8 cm ± 2.2 to 1.1 cm ± 1 (P ˂ .001). During a mean follow-up of 12.7 months (range, 6.1-23.0 months), there were no recurrences of endometrioma. Pain was relieved in all participants, with a decrease in serum CA-125 level (P = .001). There was no difference in serum AMH level before and 6 months after CDS, indicating well-preserved ovarian function (4.29 ng/mL ± 2.47 vs 4.36 ng/mL ± 1.94, respectively; P > .875). There were no procedure-related complications. Conclusion Catheter-based sclerotherapy with 95% ethanol can lead to better short-term clinical outcomes and well-preserved ovarian function for patients with endometriomas. © RSNA, 2018.

Erratum to: Isolated Calyx Mistaken for a Cyst: Inappropriately Performed Catheter-Directed Sclerotherapy and Safe Removal of the Catheter After Selective Embolization

We present a case of isolated calyx that was mistaken for a large cyst. A 47-year-old woman was referred for sclerotherapy of a large cystic lesion on her left kidney. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound showed that the cystic lesion was a large cyst. We noticed that the cystic lesion was not a typical simple cyst, even after two sessions of catheter-mediated sclerotherapy. Isolated calyx was presumed by medical history review and was confirmed by aspirated fluid analysis and far delayed-phase CT after intravenous contrast injection. We performed meticulous selective arterial embolization for an isolated calyx and inserted a catheter that could be removed without complication.

Isolated Calyx Mistaken for a Cyst: Inappropriately Performed Catheter-Directed Sclerotherapy and Safe Removal of the Catheter After Selective Embolization

We present a case of isolated calyx that was mistaken for a large cyst. A 47-year-old woman was referred for sclerotherapy of a large cystic lesion on her left kidney. Computed tomography (CT) and ultrasound showed that the cystic lesion was a large cyst. We noticed that the cystic lesion was not a typical simple cyst, even after two sessions of catheter-mediated sclerotherapy. Isolated calyx was presumed by medical history review and was confirmed by aspirated fluid analysis and far delayed-phase CT after intravenous contrast injection. We performed meticulous selective arterial embolization for an isolated calyx and inserted a catheter that could be removed without complication.

Catheter-Directed Sclerotherapy for Great Saphenous Vein Trunk Under Balloon Occlusion at Sapheno-Femoral Junction

Catheter-Directed Sclerotherapy for Great Saphenous Vein Trunk Under Balloon Occlusion at Sapheno-Femoral Junction

Catheter-directed sclerotherapy

Catheter directed sclerotherapy (CDS) involves the use of a long catheter to deliver a sclerosing agent into a target vessel (saphenous trunks or venous malformations) under ultrasound guidance. Aims and Methods This article reviews the history, current techniques and devices and the evidence as it relates to these procedures. CDS was developed to increase the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy (UGS). With the advent of foam sclerosants and tumescent anaesthesia, the procedure has enjoyed a higher primary success rate. CDS has a better safety profile when compared with UGS with virtually no risk of intra-arterial injection or sclerosant extravasation. Compared with endovenous laser (EVLA) and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), CDS is a quicker procedure with less associated pain. Some balloon catheters, however, have been found to force the sclerosant down the perforators causing femoral vein occlusion. Based on the current level of evidence, no firm conclusion regarding the efficacy of CDS techniques can be drawn in comparison with EVLA or RFA, but the primary success rate is probably higher than the standard UGS. CDS ensures a safe intraluminal delivery of the sclerosing agent into the trunk of the saphenous veins using a single access point. This procedure preceded EVLA and RFA, and remains a safe alternative for the treatment of saphenous incompetence and venous malformations.

Abbreviated method of determining vein volume in balloon-controlled vein ablation

Traditional surgical ligation and stripping for the treatment of saphenous vein incompetence has been replaced by minimally invasive alternative treatments during the last five years. Endovenous ablation with radiofrequency (RP) and laser (EVL) have proven to be safe, durable, and widely accepted by patients. Catheter-delivered sclerotherapy (CDS) with foam and liquid for ablation of the great saphenous vein is also under investigation. In this technique, vein volume must be measured accurately by ultrasound just prior to the procedure and can require up to 11 diameter measurements. The purpose of this study was to identify an abbreviated method of determining vein volume to expedite associated endovenous procedures. Seventy-five veins were treated in 55 subjects with catheter-directed sclerotherapy in a three-center clinical study using a standardized protocol. Vein volume was carefully calculated by determining vein diameter over the Treatment Length in 4 cm intervals. These measurements were compared to vein volume calculations where only three measurements were taken. Our results suggest that the abbreviated method is capable of significantly reducing the number of diameter measurements without sacrificing accuracy. We found the method produced a vein volume that fell within 1 mL or 15% of the actual vein volume in 80% of cases. The abbreviated method cannot be used with accuracy in veins that are Erratic.