Plug-assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration Research Articles

Is salvage Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO) safe and effective for bleeding gastric varices ?- A preliminary single-center experience.

Vascular plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) obliterates the gastric varices and portosystemic shunt, thus resulting in a lower rebleeding rate than endoscopic glue/sclerotherapy. To evaluate the safety and efficacy of PARTO as salvage therapy in liver cirrhosis with gastric variceal bleed (GVB) after failed endotherapy. We assessed the clinical success rate and changes in liver function at 6- months. Patients who underwent salvage PARTO after failed endotherapy for GVB (between December 2021 and November 2022) were searched and analyzed from the hospital database. Clinical success rate and rebleed rate were obtained at six months. Child-Pugh score (CTP) and Model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score were calculated and compared between baseline and 6-month follow-up. Fourteen patients (n = 14, Child-Pugh class A/B) underwent salvage PARTO. Nine had GOV-2, and five had IGV-1 varices. The mean shunt diameter was 11.6 ± 1.6mm. The clinical success rate of PARTO was 100% (no recurrent gastric variceal hemorrhage within six months). No significant deterioration in CTP (6.79 ± 0.98 vs. 6.21 ± 1.52; p = 0.12) and MELD scores (11.5 ± 4.05 vs. 10.21 ± 3.19; p = 0.36) was noted at 6months. All patients were alive at 6months. One patient (n = 1, 7.1%) bled from esophageal varices after three days of PARTO and was managed with variceal banding. 21.4% (3/14) patients had progression of esophageal varices at 6months requiring prophylactic band ligation. Three patients (21.4%) had new onset or worsening ascites and responded to low-dose diuretics therapy. PARTO is a safe and effective procedure for bleeding gastric varices without any deterioration in liver function even after six months. Patient selection is critical to prevent complications. Further prospective studies with larger sample size are required to validate our findings.

S2274 Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO) for Cecal Varices Treatment

S2274 Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO) for Cecal Varices Treatment

Off-label plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration of a giant gastrorenal shunt: A report of two cases

Off-label plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration of a giant gastrorenal shunt: A report of two cases

Management of Gastric Varices: IR Perspective

AbstractGastric varices are a sequela of portal hypertension. If left untreated, life-threatening bleeding can occur. While endoscopic treatment is traditionally considered as a first-line interventional option, endovascular techniques have emerged to become the superior option in certain clinical scenarios, either as a first-line therapy or a salvage therapy. Endovascular techniques for managing gastric varices include transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement, balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), coil, and plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration, as well as a combination of both. Studies have shown that endovascular techniques can effectively control bleeding from gastric varices, with high success rates and low complication rates, and significantly reduce recurrence. TIPS placement has shown to be more effective in controlling bleeding from gastroesophageal varices, while BRTO, coil, or plug-assisted embolizations are more suitable for patients with isolated gastric varices. Endovascular interventions are a valuable option for managing gastric varices, especially in patients who are not candidates for endoscopic treatment or who have failed previous endoscopic interventions. In this two-part series editorial, we aim to initially review the complex anatomy and classification of gastric varices, medical management, and current endovascular interventional techniques, and how they compare with one another. In part 2, we draw a parallel between endovascular versus endoscopic techniques, and highlight and critically review current literature as it pertains to gastric variceal management.

Transvenous obliteration of gastric varices

Gastric varices on the background of portal hypertension occur less frequently than esophageal varices but they develop at lower portal pressure and are associated with more massive bleedings and higher mortality rate. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) has been well documented as an effective therapy for gastric varices caused by portal hypertension. However, BRTO requires long-term, higher-level post-procedural monitoring and can have complications related to balloon rupture and adverse effects of sclerosing agents. Several modified BRTO techniques have been developed, including vascular plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration, coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration, and balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous obliteration. This article provides an overview of BRTO various and modified BRTO techniques.

Efficacy and Technical Feasibility of Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration of Gastric Varices via Pathways Other than the Gastrorenal Shunt

To evaluate the efficacy and technical feasibility of plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices via pathways different from the typical gastrorenal shunt. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 130 patients who underwent plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices between 2013 and 2022. Eight patients underwent plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration via different pathways. We evaluated the types of portosystemic shunts in these patients, the procedure technical and clinical success rates, and clinical outcomes. In these eight patients (6 males, 2 females; mean age = 60 ± 6years), the most common type of portosystemic shunt was a gastrocaval shunt (n = 7). Five patients had a gastrocaval shunt only; two had coexisting gastrocaval and gastrorenal shunts. One patient had a pericardiacophrenic shunt without a gastrorenal or gastrocaval shunt. The mean procedure time was 55min. For patients with a gastrocaval shunt alone (n = 5), the mean procedure time was 40.8min. The technical and clinical success rates were 100%. No major complication related to the procedure occurred. An initial follow-up computed tomography was performed within 2-3weeks in all patients and revealed complete thrombosis of the gastric varices. Subsequent follow-up computed tomography (interval: 2-6months) was performed in seven patients and showed complete disappearance of the gastric varices in all patients. During the follow-up period (range: 42days-6.25years), no patients experienced rebleeding or recurrence of gastric varices. Plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration via alternative portosystemic shunts is effective and technically feasible in the treatment of gastric varices.

Is Salvage Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO) Safe and Effective for Bleeding Gastric Varices? - A Preliminary Single-Centre

Is Salvage Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO) Safe and Effective for Bleeding Gastric Varices? - A Preliminary Single-Centre

Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration for the Treatment of Gastric Varix with Both Gastrorenal and Gastrocaval Shunts: A Case Report

Gastric variceal bleeding has a poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration has traditionally been applied in the treatment of gastric varix. Recently, plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) has been widely and popularly applied for the treatment of gastric varix. There have been no reports of cases in which PARTO was performed in patients with both gastrorenal shunt and gastrocaval shunt. We report a case in which PARTO was performed on a patient with gastric varix who had both a gastrorenal shunt and a gastrocaval shunt.

Short-Term Results of Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration for Portal Steal from Complicated Portosystemic Shunts in Living-Donor Liver Transplantation

PurposeTo investigate the effectiveness of plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) for portal steal from complicated portosystemic shunts (PSSs) in living-donor liver transplantation (LDLT). Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent LDLT and intraoperative or postoperative PARTO for complicated PSS between January 2020 and December 2021. PARTO was performed when hepatofugal portal flow steal was identified during intraoperative cineportography, and afferent vein embolization was difficult because of multiple afferent veins or incomplete afferent vein embolization. Liver volume, complete obliteration of PSS, technical success, adverse events, and follow-up clinical and laboratory data were evaluated. ResultsThirty-seven patients were included, and the technical success rate was 100% with no major adverse events. During the median follow-up of 20.0 months, all patients recovered well with suitable regeneration of the liver without graft dysfunction related to a portal steal. The liver volume significantly increased within 1 month (median, 956 vs 1,198 mL; P < .001). Complete obliteration of a PSS occurred in 36 of 37 (97.3%) patients, and there was no recurrence during follow-up. The Child-Pugh score, serum albumin and total bilirubin levels, and prothrombin time showed significant improvement over serial follow-up. Compared with preprocedural values (14.9 cm/s), follow-up portal flow (median) peaked on the first day (71.2 cm/s, P < .001) and then remained significantly high at 1 week (60.3 cm/s, P < .001) and 1 month (53.1 cm/s, P < .001), in accordance with the graft regeneration. ConclusionsPARTO is an effective procedure for the treatment of complicated PSS in LDLT.

Retrograde transvenous obliteration for the prevention of variceal rebleeding in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicentre retrospective study

To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of retrograde transvenous obliteration (RTO) for the prevention of variceal rebleeding variceal rebleeding in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This multicentre retrospective study enrolled 79 patients with HCC who underwent RTO for the prevention of variceal rebleeding. Successful occlusion of the gastrorenal shunt and obliteration of the gastric varices were achieved in 74 patients, with a technical success rate of 93.7%. Of the remaining 74 patients (mean age, 64.9±10.3 years; 56 men), 66 (90.4%) had gastroesophageal varices and seven (9.6%) had isolated gastric varices. Thirty-two patients (43.8%) underwent balloon-occluded RTO, 40 patients (54.8%) underwent plug-assisted RTO, and one patient (1.4%) underwent coil-assisted RTO. No patients had major procedural complications. Rebleeding occurred in seven patients (9.6%) during the follow-up period. The 6-week and 1-year actuarial probabilities of patients remaining free of rebleeding were 90.8±3.6% and 88.6±4.1%, respectively. The median survival was 12.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 8-17.3) months. The 6-week, 1-year, and 3-year actuarial probabilities of survival were 83.2±4.4%, 51.1±6.6%, and 32.7±7%, respectively. New or worsening ascites and oesophageal varices occurred in 12 (16.4%) and 13 patients (17.8%), respectively, during the follow-up period. Overt hepatic encephalopathy occurred in one patient (1.4%) during the follow-up period. The Child-Pugh score remained comparable to that at baseline at 1 and 3 months. RTO was effective and safe in preventing variceal rebleeding in patients with HCC.

Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO): Anatomical Factors Determining Procedure Outcome.

To study various anatomical factors determining procedure success versus failure for plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) of gastro-lieno-renal shunt. A retrospective review of 50 patients (M:F-37:13; mean age 58.4yrs) who were planned for PARTO of gastro-lieno-renal shunt from July 2017 to July 2019 was done. Anatomical factors [shunt diameter, shunt angle, shunt orientation, left renal vein (LRV) size/calibre and distance of shunt from renal vein-IVC confluence] were analysed on a pre-procedure CT. Statistical analysis of the data was done to assess the relationship between these factors and technical success/failure. PARTO was successfully performed in 82% (n = 41). Analysis of anatomical factors showed that aneurysmal dilatation of the LRV, extreme acute/obtuse angulation and extreme antero-posterior orientation of the shunt in relation to the LRV was associated with higher probability of technical failure of PARTO. Minimum/maximum and entry point shunt diameter was not associated with procedure outcome. It was also noted that an increased distance of the shunt from the renal vein-IVC confluence favoured trans-jugular over trans-femoral venous access for PARTO. Knowledge of various anatomical factors of gastro-lieno-renal shunt may help in deciding the access route for PARTO and may determine technical success/failure. Alternate methods like BRTO or coil-assisted obliteration (CARTO) or anterograde obliteration of the shunt via trans-hepatic/splenic route might be needed in such circumstances.

3:18 PM Abstract No. 319 Incidence of shunt rupture during retrograde transvenous obliteration of symptomatic gastric varices and its effect on technical and clinical outcomes

To evaluate the incidence and significance of intraprocedural shunt rupture in patients undergoing retrograde transvenous obliteration procedures (RTO) for symptomatic gastric varices. Retrospective review over a 13-year period (August 1, 2007 – August 1, 2019) was performed of all patients undergoing a RTO procedure for symptomatic gastric varices at a single academic institution. Over the study period, three techniques were utilized at the discretion of the treating physician: balloon-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO), plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO), or coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (CARTO). All patients underwent follow-up evaluation of their gastric varices with endoscopic US and/or CT/MRI at the discretion of the treatment team. Technical success was defined as satisfactory delivery of embolic/sclerosant material into the shunt with angiographic evidence of shunt occlusion. Clinical success was defined as resolution of gastric variceal bleeding. Intraprocedural shunt rupture occurred in 18 of 149 (12%) RTO procedures performed during the study period. Rupture occurred in the retroperitoneal segment in 16 patients (11%), intraperitoneal segment in 1 patient (<1%), and left renal vein in 1 patient (<1%). Thirteen of 18 (72%) ruptures occurred during shunt/side branch selection while 4/18 (22%) occurred during sclerosant/embolic administration. Technical success was 89%, with 2 cases requiring conversion to an antegrade approach following rupture. Overall clinical success was 94%. Patients who had residual flow within the shunt on follow-up imaging were subsequently treated successfully with endoscopic glue injection and did not require a repeat RTO procedure. Additional periprocedural complications included non-target embolization in 1 patient and postprocedural bleeding requiring transfusion in 2 patients. Shunt rupture during RTO for symptomatic gastric varices is an infrequent but observed intraprocedural complication. Even in the setting of this complication, high technical and clinical success rates can still be achieved comparable to reported rates in RTO patients without shunt rupture.

Change in Portal Pressure and Clinical Outcome in Cirrhotic Patients with Gastric Varices after Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration

Background/AimsPlug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) is widely used to manage gastric varices with a portosystemic shunt. It is not clear whether portal pressure and the incidence of complications increase after PARTO. The aim of this study was to determine the changes in portal pressure and the associated changes in liver function, ascites, hepatic encephalopathy, and especially esophageal varix (EV) after PARTO.MethodsFrom March 2012 to February 2018, 54 patients who underwent PARTO were analyzed retrospectively. The parameters collected included liver function and episodes of cirrhotic complications before and at 1 and 6 months after PARTO.ResultsThe analysis of 54 patients showed improvement in liver function during the 6-month follow-up period (Model for End-Stage Liver Disease score change from 11.46±4.35 to 10.33±2.96, p=0.021). Among these 54 patients, 25 patients were evaluated for their hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) before and after PARTO (change from 12.52±3.83 to 14.68±5.03 mm Hg; p<0.001). Twenty-five patients with portal pressure measured before and after PARTO were evaluated for risk factors affecting liver function improvement and EV deterioration. No factor associated with portal pressure was affected by liver function improvement. Post-PARTO portal pressure was a risk factor affecting EV deterioration (HVPG-post odds ratio, 1.341; 95% confidence interval, 1.017 to 1.767; p=0.037).ConclusionsThe artificial blockade of the portosystemic shunt evidently leads to an increase in HVPG. Liver function was improved over the 6-month follow-up period. Portal pressure after PARTO was a significant risk factor for EV deterioration. Portal pressure measurement is helpful for predicting the patient’s clinical outcome.

胃静脈瘤に対するPARTO（plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration）の初期経験

胃静脈瘤に対するPARTO（plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration）の初期経験

Combined Balloon-, Plug- and Coil-assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration of Multiple Portosystemic Shunts to Treat Recurrent Hepatic Encephalopathy: A Case Report

Balloon- or plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration of portosystemic shunts is an effective endovascular technique for the treatment of type B bypass hepatic encephalopathy. We describe a patient who underwent balloon- and plug-assisted obliteration for a lienorenal and lienogonadal shunt, respectively. He returned with symptoms of recurrent hepatic encephalopathy two years later due to reformation of new lienorenal and lienogonadal shunts. Repeat obliteration of these new shunts was now performed using balloon and coil assistance. We describe the treatment for multiple portosystemic shunts with combined usage of vascular plug, balloon and coils depending on anatomical and technically factors. Our case also highlights that after shunt obliteration increased portal pressure may form new portosystemic collateral pathways which leads to clinical failure and may require repeat treatment.

"To Study the Impact of Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO)/Plug Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO) Mediated Portal Flow Modulation in Reduction of Ammonia and Improvement in Organ Volume and Functionality in Patients of Cirrhosis With LR Shunt

"To Study the Impact of Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO)/Plug Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO) Mediated Portal Flow Modulation in Reduction of Ammonia and Improvement in Organ Volume and Functionality in Patients of Cirrhosis With LR Shunt - Full Text View.

Born Again: Recurrent Hepatic Encephalopathy in an Adult without Cirrhosis

AbstractCongenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (CEPS) develops between the por-to-mesenteric and systemic veins. The splanchnic venous system drains directly to systemic circulation in this condition. We present a case of an adult onset Type II CEPS presenting with hepatic encephalopathy. The patient underwent PARTO (plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration) and had a significant clinical improvement on subsequent follow-up. Our case highlights the importance of imaging and the role of an interventional radiologist in the management of the condition.

Acute hyperammonemic encephalopathy due to a portosystemic shunt in a non-cirrhotic adult patient

ObjectiveTo report a successfully treated hyperammonemia due to a portosystemic shunt in adult patient. Data sourceA patient with an altered mental status due to severe elevated ammonia level because of a portosystemic shunt. ConclusionsHyperammonemia is not always related to liver failure in critically ill patients, but should be considered in all unknown origins of an altered mental status. A portosystemic shunt can be the responsible for this phenomenon, and it has a newly treatment technique named plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO), which can be quickly performed with high technical success rate and clinical efficacy for the treatment of the splenorenal and/or gastrorenal shunt.

Recent development of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration.

Gastric varices (GVs) are a major complication of portal hypertension in patients with liver cirrhosis. The mortality rate associated with the bleeding from GVs is not low. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) was first introduced by Kanagawa et al. as a treatment for isolated GVs in 1994. It has been performed most frequently in Asia, especially in Japan. Ethanolamine oleate was the original sclerosant used in the therapy. Since the late 2000s, BRTO using sodium tetradecyl sulfate foam or polidocanol foam as a sclerosant has been performed in many countries other than Japan. Then, early in the 2010s, modified BRTO techniques including vascular plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration and coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration were developed as an alternative treatment for GVs. This article provides a historical overview of BRTO using various sclerosants and modified BRTO techniques, such as plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration and coil-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration.

Evolution of Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration Techniques.

Gastric variceal hemorrhage is a life-threatening complication of portal hypertension with a poorer prognosis compared with esophageal variceal hemorrhage. The presence of an infradiaphragmatic portosystemic shunt, often a gastrorenal shunt, allows for treatment with retrograde transvenous obliteration (RTO). RTO is an evolving treatment strategy, which includes balloon-assisted RTO, plug-assisted RTO, and coil-assisted RTO, for both gastric variceal hemorrhage and hepatic encephalopathy. RTO techniques are less invasive than transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation, with the benefit of improved hepatic function, but at the expense of increased portal pressure. This article discusses the techniques of RTO, including patient eligibility, as well as technical and clinical outcomes, including adverse events.