Embolization Techniques Research Articles

Radiological Vascular Anatomy of the Caudate Lobe of the Liver Required for Transarterial Chemoembolization of Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

The caudate lobe is located between the bilateral hepatic lobes and is divided into three subsegments: the Spiegel lobe, paracaval portion, and caudate process. The caudate artery arises from various sites of the bilateral hepatic arteries as an independent branch, common trunk, or arcade. Extrahepatic arteries can enter the caudate lobe mainly by the right inferior phrenic artery. The caudate artery also supplies the main bile duct and posterior aspect of segment IV. Although catheterization into the caudate artery is occasionally difficult because of its small size and sharp angulation, selective embolization of a tumor feeder is a significant prognostic factor in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma originating there. Therefore, we should recognize the peculiarity of its vascular anatomy and should be familiar with catheterization and embolization techniques.

Abstract 139: Super Distal Access using the Vecta46 Intermediate Catheter in Embolization of the MMA for cSDH

Introduction There is increasing literature to support the efficacy of middle meningeal artery (MMA) embolization in the treatment of chronic subdural hematomas (cSDH). Techniques for optimal embolization of the MMA are yet to be elucidated. We hypothesized utilization of a novel 046” intermediate catheter within the proximal MMA trunk carry procedural advantages for multiple pedicle embolizations and ease of navigation to distal MMA vasculature. Methods We retrospectively reviewed and analyzed a prospectively maintained IRB‐approved database of the senior authors. Results Twenty‐one (21) consecutive cases of Vecta46 utilization with MMA embolization were identified (2023), in patients 69±13 years (range 49‐83 years), 4 (19%) women. Four (19%) patients were on antiplatelet/anticoagulants. At presentation, recurrent cSDH in 9 patients (43%) were previously managed with burr holes (n=2, 22%), craniotomy (n=3, 33%), or without drainage (n=4, 44%). Average admission cSDH thickness was 8.8±1.6mm, midline shift of 3±0.7mm. Access was performed through a 5‐ or 6‐French arteriotomy. Both anterior and posterior MMA branches were embolized in 16 (76%) cases, and adjunctive coiling of the proximal MMA trunk was performed in all cases. Vecta46 was successfully placed in the proximal MMA trunk in all cases. There were no vessel irregularities, vasospasm, or dissection noted along the course of the MMA Vecta46 placement. No immediate procedural complications were noted and all cases achieved complete distal MMA occlusion. Figure 1: (A) Ophthalmic (black) and petrous (white) collaterals off the anterior and posterior MMA branches, respectively. (B) Contralateral (green) and falx (orange) penetration of the MMA branches. (C) Proximal coiling of the anterior and posterior MMA branches (black). Conclusion The Vecta46 intermediate catheter is a powerful tool for MMA embolization that allows the safe and effective placement of an intermediate catheter in the proximal MMA trunk. This allows for simple catheter exchange for multiple liquid embolic pedicle embolizations and significant support for navigating microcatheters to distal MMA branches.

Initial Treatment of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage

The re-rupture of a subarachnoid hemorrhage(SAH)due to a ruptured cerebral aneurysm is a poor prognostic factor, and initial treatment to prevent re-rupture is important in the acute phase of SAH. Prevention of re-rupture is performed by reducing blood pressure, by sedation, and by analgesia until the patient undergoes radical surgery. It is recommended that the systolic blood pressure be lowered to below 120-140 mmHg. When SAH is suspected, a head CT scan should be obtained after the initial treatment. If the SAH is not clearly visible on CT but is strongly suspected, MRI should be performed. Once a SAH is diagnosed, three-dimensional CT angiography should be performed to search for cerebral aneurysms. SAHs may also cause breathing and circulation problems due to neurogenic pulmonary edema and Takotsubo cardiomyopathy. Clipping is more curative than coil embolization, but coil embolization has been shown to have better long-term survival and independence rates than clipping for aneurysms that can be treated with either technique. Ideally, ruptured cerebral aneurysms should be treated at institutions that offer both clipping and coil embolization, and the choice of treatment should be based on a comprehensive assessment of the patient's age; the severity, location, size and shape of the aneurysm; the clipping and coil embolization techniques of the treating physician; and the wishes of the patient and family.

Bariatric Artery Embolization for Obese Patients. An Up-to-Date Review.

Overweight and obesity are one of public health's major problems in the world. Conservative treatment with exercise, diet and pharmacotherapy is often ineffective, especially in the long term. Bariatric surgery is the gold standard method for a sustained long-term weight loss. Recently the endovascular technique of bariatric artery embolization (BAE) has been studied as an obesity and overweight treatment, with promising results. The goal of this article is to analyze the rationale behind BAE and to provide an up-to-date analysis of its strengths and limitation in comparison with bariatric surgery as a treatment for obesity.

Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula in a Pediatric Patient with History of Endovascular Therapy Failure: A Case Report

Spinal Dural Arteriovenous Fistula (SDAVF) cases in children are extremely rare and pose a high risk for intraoperative hemorrhage. The clinical manifestation and imaging results may be vague and deceptive, frequently mistaken for other conditions such as demyelinating or spinal degenerative illnesses. SDAVF's cause is not well understood. Here, we present the case of a 10-year-old male patient with SDAVF who did not improve after endovascular therapy. The patient complained of weakness in the lower extremities, skin thickness, tingling sensations, and painful bowel movements and urination. The patient underwent endovascular embolization due to spinal AVF from the 9th thoracic vertebrae until the sacral vertebrae one month earlier. But no significant clinical improvement was found. The vital signs of the patient were within normal limits. An MRI showed a flow-void lesion with tortuosity in the dorsal spinal area at the 9th and 10th thoracic vertebrae. Because an embolization procedure was performed on the patient, which resulted in no significant improvement, it was planned for the patient to undergo an MRI and MRA evaluation. An MRI and MRA later showed the formation of an extramedullary intradural cyst at levels T9 to T10 of the thoracic vertebrae. Decompression surgery (left hemilaminectomy) and tumor extirpation were thereafter carried out on the patient after the routine laboratory test was performed. After the procedure, the patient showed improvement and could carry out everyday activities independently at 10 months post-operatively. The failure of endovascular therapy can be attributed to several factors, such as the surgeon’s experience, tools, and embolization technique, and follow-up treatment by surgery.

Bronchial Artery Einbolization for Treatment of Hemoptysis from Cavitary Lung Lesions

Background Treatment for liemoptysis is not limited to surgery, and among the various options, bronchial artery emboli/anon is regarded as an effective approach. Aim of the Work To evaluate the technique, efficacy, and safety of Bronchial Artery Embolization in patients with haemoptysis from cavitary lung lesions. Patients and Methods Our study was a reconstructive (retrospective and prospective) cohort study that was held during the period between March 2021 and September 2021. The study included 20 patients who presented with hacmoptysis due to cavitary lung lesions refractory to supportive treatment measures. Patients were referred from chest department to interventional Radiology Unit, Ain Shams University Hospitals. Results Massive hemoptysis was seen in 15 patients and recurrent mild-moderate in 5 patients. On imaging cavitary lesions were seen at left side in 8 patients, right side in 8 patients, and bilateral involvement in 4 patients. Bronchiectatic changes were the predominant pathology seen in 6 patients, immediate success was achieved in 20 patients, while recurrence within one month was noted at 4 patients. Minor complications such as chest pain were recorded in 13 patients yet no major complications such as spinal cord ischemic. Conclusion BAE is a safe and effective procedure with a negligible complication rate that can be performed routinely in patients presenting with heimoptysis,

Copolymer liquid embolization of dural arteriovenous fistulas: A 20-year single-center experience.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas (DAVFs) with cortical venous drainage (CVD) carry significant risks of cerebral ischemia and intracranial hemorrhage. Endovascular treatment (EVT) using Onyx, a copolymer-based liquid embolic material, has become the preferred approach. However, the optimal treatment strategy for anterior cranial fossa DAVFs remains debated. This retrospective study analyzed outcomes of EVT for DAVFs in a single center from 2002 to 2023. Patient data including demographics, clinical status, angiographic findings, embolization techniques, and outcomes were recorded. The results of the anterior fossa malformations were analyzed separately afterward. A total of 195 DAVFs were included in the study. The most common presenting symptom was hemorrhage (41%), most fistulas were located in the transverse and sigmoid sinus region (48%), and the majority of DAVFs had direct CVD (78%). Transarterial embolization with Onyx was the preferred treatment strategy in majority of cases (92%). Overall, 94% of patients showed improvement or stability on the modified Rankin Scale. Two patients died due to rebleeding after partial DAVF embolization. Onyx demonstrated higher immediate complete occlusion rate compared to other embolic materials (88% vs. 35%). Overall, 91% of fistulas were closed at the last follow-up. Ten anterior fossa DAVFs were treated, resulting in clinical improvement and complete occlusion in all cases. Based on the results of our study, we believe that a cure of DAVFs, including those in the anterior fossa, can be achieved in more than 90% of cases through transarterial Onyx embolization, given long-term clinical experience.

Arterial complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy: single centre experience

Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most common surgeries done in general surgical practice. Arterial complications after laparoscopic cholecystectomy are not uncommon and usually results due to iatrogenic injury. Mostly patients are managed by interventional radiological procedures, but very rarely we may have to resort to surgical procedures also. Our first patient a 40-year-old female patient presented with haemetemesis and malena. She was diagnosed with a right hepatic artery aneurysm following a laparoscopic cholecystectomy done 2 months back. Due to sudden haemodynamic instability, the patient underwent laparotomy aneurysmal excision and T tube drainage. Later T tube was removed. Another patient, a 41-year-old female patient presented to us with haemetemesis and malena 2 weeks after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. She developed a post-operative biliary leak and was managed with USG-guided pigtail drainage. She was later diagnosed with a GDA aneurysm along with mid-CBD transection. The patient was later managed with hepatico jejunostomy. Our third patient is a 52-year-old gentleman, underwent interval laparoscopic cholecystectomy following acute calculus cholecystitis. Intra operatively following profuse bleeding, RHA artery sectoral branch repair was done. Patient continued to have bleeding and he underwent emergency angioembolisation of right hepatic artery pseudo aneurysm. Arterial complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomy result either from direct arterial or combined Bilio arterial injuries. Interventional radiological procedures are still considered the standard of care in these situations. Surgical interventions hold equally good in ongoing bile leak and in failure of embolization techniques. Management strategy depends on the clinical profile of the patient and the injuries associated with it.

Endovascular treatment of traumatic penile arteriospongious fistula in a patient with erectile dysfunction: a case report and literature review

BackgroundAn arteriovenous fistula is an abnormal communication between an artery and a vein. Traumatic penile arteriospongious fistula is a rare complication and has been described as a cause of erectile dysfunction. Clinical evaluation of patients with erectile dysfunction after penile trauma includes a thorough history, physical examination, vascular assessment, and other complementary exams. Treatment consists of endovascular embolization, surgical ligation, or a combination of both techniques.Case presentationA 40-year-old man presented with erectile dysfunction that had persisted since suffering blunt trauma a few months ago. He reported problems with short duration of erection and insufficient penile tumescence. Due to high suspicion of an arteriovenous fistula, he was referred to angiography, which confirmed the diagnosis of an abnormal connection between the pudendal vessels. The patient was treated with the coil embolization technique and the symptoms were successfully resolved after endovascular treatment.ConclusionsThe appearance of a post-traumatic arteriospongious fistula is a rare complication with almost non-existent literature reported. Rapid development in endovascular techniques, in which we use embolic agents to block anomalous blood flow, has allowed safe, effective and less invasive alternative to surgery. Our case demonstrates that endovascular approach is a successful treatment for post-traumatic arteriospongious fistula since the symptoms were resolved, and normal erectile function was regained after the intervention.

Management of a Complex Case of a Recurrent Paraganglioma.

Paragangliomas are rare, slow-growing, hypervascular, catecholamine-secreting neuroendocrine tumors arising from the paraganglia. Paragangliomas are rarely found in the head and neck and are typically benign, presenting as a painless, slow-growing mass. Surgical extirpation in combination with long-term surveillance has been long regarded as the standard of care; however, the advances in imaging, radiation therapy, and embolization techniques have improved diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. We present a case of an 87-year-old female who had previously undergone resection of a paraganglioma in 1998, with no evidence of disease in 2002. Eighteen years later, the patient presented to the clinic with otogenic complaints. Imaging showed an expansive mass from the jugular foramen with bone destruction and opacification within the ear canal. The patient opted for observation. The patient eventually presented to the emergency room with neurologic manifestations. Imaging showed a cerebellar abscess prompting emergency drainage. Intraoperative cultures grew Prevotella loescheii and S. intermedius, and the patient was started on 6 weeks of IV antibiotic therapy. Debulking of the paraganglioma was performed followed several months by mastoid and ear canal obliteration; however, the patient experienced complications, including dehiscence of the external auditory canal and Clostridium difficile infection. The patient was eventually treated successfully, marked by a reduction in complaints, a return to baseline activities, and imaging showing no increase in tumor size.

Transvenous coil embolization of a Cognard V transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula.

Dural arteriovenous fistulas with drainage into the spinal veins, classified as Cognard type 5, can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Brainstem and cervical spinal cord signal abnormalities on magnetic resonance imaging result from venous congestion, and can mimic tumor, infection, or inflammation.1-3 Transarterial and transvenous embolization techniques can be used to treat dural arteriovenous fistulas endovascularly. Efficacious transvenous treatment relies on the ability to safely catheterize the draining vein at the dural arteriovenous fistula site. Transvenous access options may seem limited in the setting of occluded venous sinuses. This case highlights the technical aspects of the transvenous approach to embolization of a transverse-sigmoid sinus dural arteriovenous fistula within an isolated sinus,4,5 demonstrating traversal of the occluded venous sinus from a contralateral approach.6,7[Media: see text].

Distal stenting technique for coil embolization of early branch aneurysms of middle cerebral artery

Background and purposeStent-assisted coil embolization of early branch aneurysms of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) can sometimes be challenging due to the small diameter and acute angle of the branches. This study aimed to analyze the treatment results and report the feasibility and outcomes of the distal stenting technique for these aneurysms. Materials and methodsThe distal stenting technique was used for 15 wide-neck MCA aneurysms (females, 10; males, 5; mean age, 65.1 years) originating from the early branch between December 2018 and October 2021. The average sizes of the dome, depth, and neck of the aneurysms were 4.17 mm (range: 2.99–6.21 mm), 2.86 mm (range: 1.82–3.72 mm), and 3.42 mm (range: 2.44–4.32 mm), respectively. ResultsThe average diameter of the stents was 4.0 mm (3.0 mm, 3; 4.0 mm, 6; 4.5 mm, 6). Stents were successfully deployed in all 15 aneurysms (100%). The average length of the procedure was 69 min (range: 45–117 min). On postoperative angiography, nine (60.0%) aneurysms were completely occluded, four (26.7%) had neck remnants, and two (13.3%) had contrast flow in the sac. During the procedure, vasospasm and thrombus formation occurred in one case each, but no neurological sequelae were observed. On follow-up digital subtraction angiography of the 10 aneurysms after an average of 13.7 months (range: 12–18 months), the branches were well preserved, and neck remnants were noted in four aneurysms (40.0%). No thromboembolic events occurred during the clinical follow-up. ConclusionThe distal stenting technique using an open-cell stent can be a good option for coil embolization of early branch MCA aneurysms.

Uterine Vascular Anomalies: Management and Treatment Overview.

Uterine vascular anomalies (UVAs), while rare, can result in severe, life-threatening hemorrhage. An understanding of the presentation and management options for UVAs is important for interventional radiologists to appropriately evaluate and care for these patients. The authors propose a standardized terminology for UVAs to avoid confusion and conflating congenital from acquired vascular lesions, which have a different pathophysiology. Limited high-level evidence and no definitive guidelines for UVA management exist, although endovascular treatment with uterine artery embolization has generally become the first-line approach for symptomatic or persistent UVAs with high technical and clinical success rates. There is also no consensus on the optimal embolization technique; the authors propose an initial approach to first embolize the dominant uterine artery supplying the UVA with gelatin sponge, with the option to embolize the contralateral side at the time of initial embolization if there is persistent supply (avoiding bilateral empiric embolization). Repeat embolization is feasible and recommended in the setting of recurrence, and both clinical and imaging follow-up is important. Ultimately, a multidisciplinary approach with individualized patient management is needed, particularly in the face of a lack of consensus guidelines for the management of symptomatic UVAs.

Transsplenic tract closure after transsplenic portalvenous access using gelfoam-based tract plugging

BackgroundTo assess the feasibility and safety of a gelfoam torpedo plugging technique for embolization of the transsplenic access channel in adult patients following transvenous portal vein interventions.Materials and methodsBetween 09/2016 and 08/2021, an ultrasound guided transsplenic portalvenous access (TSPVA) was established in twenty-four adult patients with a 21-G needle and 4-F microsheath under ultrasound guidance. Afterwards, sheaths ranging from 4-F to 8-F were inserted as needed for the procedure. Following portal vein intervention, the splenic access tract was embolized with a gelfoam-based tract plugging (GFTP) technique. TSPVA and GFTP were performed twice in two patients. Patients’ pre-interventional and procedural characteristics were analyzed to assess the feasibility and safety of the plugging technique according Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE) classification system. Values are given as median (minimum;maximum). Subgroup analysis of intercostal vs. subcostal puncture site for TSPVA was performed using the two-sided Mann–Whitney-U test or Student’s t-test and Fisher’s exact test. Level of significance was p < 0.05.ResultsThe study population’s age was 56 (29;71) years and 54% were female patients. Primary liver disease was predominantly liver cirrhosis with 62% of the patients. Pre-interventional model for end-stage liver disease score was 9 (6;25), international normalized ratio was 1.15 (0.86;1.51), activated partial thromboplastin time was 33s (26s;52s) and platelet count was 88.000/µL (31.000;273.000/µL). Ascites was present in 76% of the cases. Craniocaudal spleen diameter was 17cm (10cm;25cm). Indication for TSPVA was assisted transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement in 16 cases and revision in two cases, portal vein stent placement in five cases and variceal embolization in three cases. TSPVA was successfully established in all interventions; interventional success rate was 85% (22/26). The splenic access time was 33min (10min;133min) and the total procedure time was 208min (110min;429min). Splenic access was performed with a subcostal route in 11 interventions and with an intercostal route in 15 interventions. Final sheath size was 4-F in 17 cases, 5-F in three cases, 6-F in five cases, 7-F in two cases and 8-F in one case. A median of two gelfoam cubes was used for GFTP. TSPVA- and GFTP-related complications occurred in 4 of 26 interventions (15%) with a subcapsular hematoma of the spleen in two patients (CIRSE grade 1), access-related infection in one patient (CIRSE grade 3) and both in one patient (CIRSE grade 3). In detail, one access-related complication occurred in a patient with subcostal TSPVA (CIRSE grade 1 complication) and the other three complications occurred in patients with intercostal TSPVA (one CIRSE grade 1 complication and two CIRSE grade 3 complication) (p = 0.614). No patient required interventional or surgical treatment due to puncture tract bleeding.ConclusionGelfoam-based plugging of the puncture tract was feasible and safe for transsplenic access in adult patients undergoing percutaneous portal vein interventions. The lack of major bleeding complications and complete absorption of the gelatine sponge make it a safe alternative to transjugular and transhepatic access and re-interventions via the splenic route.

Balloon assisted Woven endobridge deployment (BAWD): A safety and efficacy study.

Balloon-assisted deployment/remodelling is a proven adjunctive technique for coil embolization of intracranial aneurysms, and it may be a helpful adjunct in delivering the Woven EndoBridge (WEB) device. To evaluate the safety, efficacy and feasibility of balloon-assisted WEB deployment in both ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms in both typical and atypical locations. Patients who underwent treatment of ruptured and unruptured intracranial aneurysms with the BAWD technique were retrospectively identified from a prospectively maintained database at two neurointerventional centres. Patient demographics, aneurysm characteristics, technical procedure details, clinical and imaging outcomes were reviewed. Thirty-three aneurysms (23 women) were identified with a median age of 58 years. There were 15 (45.5%) ruptured aneurysms, 25 (64.3%) in the anterior circulation and 12 (36.4%) aneurysms having an atypical location for WEB treatment. The average aneurysm size was 6.8 mm (greatest dimension), 4.6 mm (height) and 4.5 mm (width), and 25 (75.8%) aneurysms had a wide neck morphology. One patient died (3.0%) secondary to a procedure-related complication, and there was no procedure-related permanent morbidity. Complete and adequate aneurysm occlusion on mid-term follow-up DSA was 85.2% and 92%, respectively. Balloon-assisted WEB deployment appears to be a safe and effective technique that may increase the utility of the WEB device. Further prospective studies on BAWD should be considered.

Lymphangiography and lymphatic embolisation for the treatment of chyle leaks after neck surgery: assessment of lymphangiography findings and embolisation techniques.

To assess lymphangiography findings and outcome of lymphatic embolisation to manage chyle leak after neck surgery. Consecutive cases of lymphangiography performed between April 2018 and May 2022 for management of chyle leaks related to neck surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Lymphangiography findings, techniques, and outcomes were analysed. Eight patients (mean age: 46.5 years) were included. Six patients had undergone radical neck dissection for thyroid cancer, and two had undergone lymph node excision. Clinical presentations were: chyle drainage through Jackson Pratt catheters in five patients, lymphorrhea through surgical wounds in two, and enlarging lymphocele in one. Lymphangiography techniques included: inguinal lymphangiography in four patients, retrograde lymphangiography in three, and transcervical lymphangiography in one. Lymphangiography revealed leaks in the terminal thoracic duct in two patients, bronchomediastinal trunk in two, jugular trunk in three, and superficial neck channels in one. Embolisation techniques included: non-selective embolisation of terminal thoracic duct (n = 2), selective embolisation of the jugular trunk (n = 3), selective embolisation of the bronchomediastinal trunk (n = 2), and intranodal glue embolisation of superficial neck channels (n = 1). One patient underwent a repeat procedure. Chyle leak resolved in all patients over a mean of 4.6 days. No complication was encountered. Lymphatic embolisation seems to be effective and safe in managing chyle leaks after neck surgery. Lymphangiography allowed for the categorisation of chyle leaks according to their location. Post-embolisation patency of the thoracic duct may be preserved in chyle leaks that do not directly involve the thoracic duct. Lymphatic embolisation is safe and effective in managing chyle leaks after neck surgery. On lymphangiography, the location of contrast media extravasation may not be consistent. The technique for embolisation should be based on the location of the leak. Post-embolisation patency of the thoracic duct may be preserved in chyle leaks that do not directly involve the thoracic duct.

Acute Nonvariceal Gastrointestinal Bleeding: A Comprehensive Review and Approach for an Interventional Radiologist

AbstractGastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is one of the most common leading life-threatening conditions requiring prompt diagnosis and rapid endoscopic and interventional radiology (IR) management. Endoscopy is the first line of management for upper GIB, while it has a limited role in lower GIB, especially in acute clinical settings, due to poor bowel preparation. Patients with failed and refractory endoscopic management necessitate emergent computed tomography angiography (CTA) evaluation. CTA is crucial in assessing underlying causes and planning transarterial embolization (TAE). It has been almost three decades since IR gained popularity by virtue of increased technical experience, availability of sophisticated hardware, and evolving techniques. Newer embolization agents and catheters, as well as the established role of CTA, have expanded and enhanced the role of IR in the management of GIB. TAE has been proven to be a safe, rapid, effective, and minimally invasive procedure alternative to surgery when endoscopic management fails to control GIB. We present a comprehensive approach for managing nonvariceal GIB, including CTA protocol, anatomical variants, visceral to visceral collateral pathways, and specific embolization techniques. This article will help readers get an insight into TAE that will help better management of patients with GIB.

Candy-plug: Failure to launch.

Dr. Miles and colleagues describe an initial series of 6 cases using the “candy plug” technique to induce false lumen thrombosis after TEVAR for TBAD.1Dr. Daniel Miles et al. Initial Experience with a Modified “Candy-Plug” Technique for False Lumen Embolization in Chronic Type B Aortic Dissection. J Vasc Surg Cases Innov Tech. 20XX, 1(1), XX-XX. doi: XXXX.Google Scholar They report good initial technical success with very limited follow up, in accordance with other similar case series. While this initial result appears promising, the safety and effectiveness of this technique remain poorly understood. My reservations about the technique are founded on the following:1.Failure to launch. The technique was first described 10 years ago yet there remain no larger published series demonstrating safety or effectiveness.2Kolbel T. Lohrenz C. Kieback A. Diener H. Debus E.S. Larena-Avellaneda A. Distal false lumen occlusion in aortic dissection with a homemade extra-large vascular plug: the candy-plug technique.J Endovasc Ther. 2013; 30: 484-489Crossref Scopus (117) Google Scholar This technique is readily available to any provider in a contemporary aortic practice. Why has no one published follow up data beyond 1 year?2.Publication bias. In personal communications, I have heard of several “candy plug” procedures resulting in early aortic rupture. Surgeons rarely share such experiences in a public forum and even more rarely publish them. This publication bias skews the publicly available data to over-report positive results. The lack of larger series or longer-term outcomes suggest this bias is occurring with this specific technique. Furthermore, efforts to overcome the limitations of single center reports, such as meta-analysis will also fail to overcome publication bias and may, in fact, enhance it.3.Natural history of TBAD after TEVAR. It remains very unclear to me that “candy plug” changes the natural history in comparison with TEVAR alone. In one retrospective review from our own institution, 80% of patients undergoing TEVAR for TBAD were free from revision aortic surgery by 3-year follow up.3Nathan DP, Shalhub S, Tang GL, Sweet MP, Verrier ED, Tran NT, Aldea GS, Starnes BW. Outcomes after stent graft therapy for dissection-related aneurysmal degeneration in the descending thoracic aorta. J Vasc Surg 2-5;61:1200-1207.Google Scholar This real-world cohort shows that TEVAR alone is safe and reasonably effective in the short to medium term, an experience shared by innumerable other aortic specialists throughout the world.4.Lack of standardization. There are no clear and specific sizing guidelines to optimize how best to do this procedure. Like parallel grafting, this technique creates gutters and has competing stents within an aneurysmal aorta. This begs several important technical questions. Without standardization in case planning, the variability in how the operation is conducted renders quantitative assessment of the outcomes difficult and reproducibility impossible. In order to support the increased use of this and other “false lumen management” techniques, we must first demonstrate that they are safe and then demonstrate that they are effective. Safety is demonstrated when larger cohorts of consecutive cases are reported along with procedural complications and short-term data on aortic expansion or rupture. Effectiveness, on the other hand, will only be clear when medium to longer term (e.g. 3-5 year) data demonstrate reduced incidence of aortic expansion and need for aortic reintervention in comparison to patients treated with TEVAR alone. Clear and specific technical guidance about the sizing strategies are required both to ensure consistency in procedural conduct as well as to facilitate broader utilization that might expect similar results. The SVS reporting standards specifically request reporting of these strategies in future publications.4Lomardi J.V. et al.Society for Vascular Surgery and Society of Thoracic Surgeons reporting standards for type B aortic dissections.J Vasc Surg. 2020; 71: 723-747Abstract Full Text Full Text PDF Scopus (176) Google Scholar Until such data are available, these efforts remain nice demonstrations of technical capability, but they cannot be confused with meaningful improvement in the care of patients with TBAD and should be used with caution. Initial Experience with a Modified “Candy-Plug” Technique for False Lumen Embolization in Chronic Type B Aortic DissectionJournal of Vascular Surgery Cases, Innovations and TechniquesPreviewPersistent distal false lumen (FL) perfusion after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) can lead to aneurysmal degeneration and increased risk of rupture. We present our initial experience using a modified “Candy-Plug” (CP) technique for FL embolization. Full-Text PDF Open Access

Initial experience with a modified "candy-plug" technique for false lumen embolization in chronic type B aortic dissection.

Persistent distal false lumen (FL) perfusion after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for type B aortic dissection (TBAD) can lead to aneurysmal degeneration and an increased risk of rupture. We have presented our initial experience using a modified "candy-plug" (CP) technique for FL embolization. From February 2021 to July 2022, we treated six patients using the modified CP technique. All the patients had undergone prior or simultaneous TEVAR for chronic TBAD with persistent FL perfusion and aneurysm expansion. Bilateral common femoral artery access was obtained, and intravascular ultrasound was used to confirm wire access in the true lumen (TL) and FL. A conformable TAG device (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) was used in four cases and an Excluder aortic cuff (W.L. Gore & Associates) in two cases. The device was modified by placing a constraining "napkin-ring" suture through the middle segment of the device. Femoral sheaths were placed in the TL and FL. A standard TL TEVAR extension was performed at the level of the celiac artery (zone 5). Next, the CP device was advanced and deployed in the FL, distally aligning it with the TL device. An appropriately sized Amplatzer II plug (Abbot Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) was then deployed in the constrained segment of the modified stent graft. Completion angiography was performed to confirm successful FL embolization. Technical success was defined as successful deployment of the CP device in the FL. The technical success rate was 100% (six of six patients). Clinical success was defined as the cessation of aneurysm growth on follow-up computed tomography angiography. No 30-day mortality, myocardial infarction, stroke, spinal cord ischemia, access site complications, or aortic-related reinterventions occurred. Surveillance imaging at a mean follow-up of 10months confirmed clinical success (stable aneurysm size or shrinkage) for all five patients with follow-up data available. The modified CP embolization technique is a promising solution for persistent distal FL perfusion after TEVAR for TBAD. Further investigation is required to determine the long-term durability of this technique as an adjunct to TEVAR to promote aortic remodeling.

Techniques for Embolization of the Ovarian Vein and Pelvic Reservoir

Pelvic venous disorders are a common and under diagnosed cause of chronic pelvic pain in women, presenting with chronic, noncyclical pelvic pain for greater than 6 months and the presence of pelvic varicosities. Pelvic varices and ovarian vein reflux are a strong indicator of venous origin chronic pelvic and may benefit from embolization. This most commonly occurs in multiparous, premenopausal women with symptoms of gravity dependent pelvic pain and postcoital pain. Additional causes of pelvic venous disorders include iliac vein compression, internal iliac vein reflux, and renal vein compression, however for the purposes of this article we will focus on ovarian vein insufficiency. The mainstay of treatment for pelvic venous insufficiency is Ovarian Vein Embolization and embolization of the pelvic venous reservoir. This article will focus on the patient presentation and workup, followed by a detailed summary of how to perform this procedure, current research to support treatment, possible technical challenges and complications, and finally future research priorities.