Major Procedure-related Complications Research Articles

Pharmaco-induced vasospasm therapy for acute lower gastrointestinal bleeding: A preliminary report

PurposeTo report a novel technique and preliminary clinical outcomes in managing lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB). Materials and methodsEighteen LGIB patients (11 men and 7 women, mean age: 66.2 years) were treated with artificially induced vasospasm therapy by semi-selective catheterization technique. Epinephrine bolus injection was used to initiate the vascular spasm, and followed by a small dose vasopressin infusion (3–5 units/h) for 3h. The technical success, clinical success, recurrent bleeding and major complications of this study were evaluated and reported. ResultsSixteen bleeders were in the superior mesenteric artery and 2 in the inferior mesenteric artery. All patients achieved successful immediate hemostasis. Early recurrent bleeding (<30 days) was found in 4 patients with local and new-foci re-bleeding in 2 (11.1%) each. Repeated vasospasm therapy was given to 3 patients, with clinical success in 2. Technical success for the 21 bleeding episodes was 100%. Lesion-based and patient-based primary and overall clinical successes were achieved in 89.4% (17/19) and 77.7% (14/18), and 94.7% (18/19) and 88.8% (16/18), respectively. None of our patients had complications of bowel ischemia or other major procedure-related complications. The one year survival of our patients was 72.2±10.6%. ConclusionsPharmaco-induced vasospasm therapy seems to be a safe and effective method to treat LGIB from our small patient-cohort study. Further evaluation with large series study is warranted. Considering the advanced age and complex medical problems of these patients, this treatment may be considered as an alternative approach for interventional radiologists in management of LGIB.

Subcarinal ventilation-assisted Y-shaped stent insertion under local anesthesia for patients with complex tracheobronchial stenosis: initial clinical experience.

We aimed to report our preliminary results of subcarinal ventilation-assisted Y-shaped stent insertion under local anesthesia for patients with complex lower tracheal-carinal-main bronchial complex stenosis. Seven consecutive patients with lower tracheal-carinal-main bronchial complex stenosis underwent Y-shaped stent insertion under local anesthesia. During the procedure, subcarinal ventilation was performed using a 4 F angiographic catheter, and stent insertion was performed under the protection of ventilation. Data on technical success, clinical outcome, and follow-up were collected and analyzed. Subcarinal ventilation-assisted Y-shaped stent insertion under local anesthesia was technically successful in all patients without any major procedure-related complications. Seven stents were inserted in seven patients. Respiratory function improved in all patients, with the Hugh-Jones classification of respiratory status improving from grade IV-V before stenting to grade I-II after stenting. During the follow-up, one patient experienced re-stenosis of the stent. Average survival time was 185.7 days (range, 96-285 days) after the stenting procedure. Subcarinal ventilation-assisted Y-shaped stent insertion under local anesthesia can be an effective, simple, and safe method for lower tracheal-carinal-main bronchial complex stenosis.

E-041 Use of Flow Diverters in the Endovascular Reconstruction of Fusiform Dissecting Vertebral Artery Aneurysms

Introduction/purposeFusiform aneurysms (FUANs) of vertebral artery are difficult to treat by using current surgical techniques. Endovascular techniques like parent vessel occlusion, trapping, coiling, stent assisted coiling or stent mono-therapy is...

E-042 Use of Flow Diverters in Vessels less than 2.5 mm during Intracranial Aneurysm Treatment

Introduction/purposePipeline Embolization Device (PED) is currently indicated for treatment of large and complex intracranial aneurysms centerd along the cavernous/intradural segment of the internal carotid artery (ICA) proximal to the Posterior...

The budget impact of left atrial appendage closure compared with adjusted-dose warfarin and dabigatran etexilate for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation

Major practice changes require both clinical and economic rationale, especially where a novel device replaces an established pharmaceutical therapy. Recent studies have reported the clinical benefits of percutaneous left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation (AF) relative to standard warfarin anticoagulation, but little is published on the cost implications of LAAC. This analysis sought to quantify the budget impact of LAAC compared with warfarin and dabigatran etexilate for stroke prevention in AF. A budget impact model was constructed from a German payer perspective across a 10-year time horizon. Clinical event probabilities were taken from the PROTECT AF and RE-LY clinical studies. Clinical events included stroke, major extracranial bleeding, systemic embolism, procedure-related complications, and death. Costs for stroke included acute, direct costs, as well as long-term disability costs. Cost inputs were taken from German inpatient diagnosis related groups (DRGs), German pharmaceutical pricing databases, and the literature. The findings from this model suggest that LAAC provides long-term clinical and economic benefit while also reducing overall mortality. At 8 years, LAAC was less expensive than dabigatran (€15 061 vs. €16 184), and at 10 years, it was only 10% more expensive than warfarin (€16 736 vs. €15 168). The majority of LAAC costs are borne in the first year, while costs for pharmaceutical strategies continue to accrue year on year. Thus, LAAC represents an opportunity for savings to healthcare systems in the long term. This is an important consideration for payers in evaluating lifetime treatment strategies in AF.

Fluoroscopic Guide Wire Manipulation of Malfunctioning Peritoneal Dialysis Catheters Initially Placed by Interventional Radiologists

PurposeTo assess the efficacy of fluoroscopic guide wire manipulation in patients with malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters that were initially placed by interventional radiologists under fluoroscopic guidance. Materials and MethodsFrom January 2002 to April 2012, 52 patients (mean age, 52.8 y ± 2.10s; range, 12–79 y) with malfunctioning PD catheters in whom fluoroscopic guide wire manipulation was performed were retrospectively reviewed. Technical success, clinical success, and complications were evaluated. Technical success was defined as fluoroscopically verified, successful catheter repositioning and adequate dialysate drainage after the procedure. Clinical success was defined as maintenance of PD catheter function for at least 30 days after the manipulation. ResultsDuring the study period, 72 manipulations (68 initial manipulations and 4 remanipulations) for malfunctioning PD catheters were done. The technical success rate was 74% (50 of 68) for initial manipulations and 75% (3 of 4) for remanipulations. The overall clinical success rate was 47% (32 of 68) for initial manipulations and 0% (0 of 4) for remanipulations. The primary causes of catheter malfunction were extraluminal obstruction by omental wrapping or adhesions in 43 of 68 cases (63.2%) and catheter malposition in 25 of 68 (36.8%) cases. There were no procedure-related major complications. ConclusionsFluoroscopic guide wire manipulation in patients with malfunctioning PD catheters initially placed by interventional radiologists is a simple procedure, an effective way of prolonging PD catheter life, and a recommended procedure before invasive surgical procedures.

Single-center experience in the endovascular management of isolated iliac artery aneurysm

Isolated iliac artery aneurysms (IAA) are relatively uncommon and represent 2-7% of all intra-abdominal aneurysms. Surgery is the gold standard treatment for IAA. However, endovascular stent-graft placement is gaining acceptance as an alternative to surgery especially in patients with high surgical risk. To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of endovascular management of isolated IAA having various anatomic and pathologic bases. Between 2008 and 2011, 31 patients who underwent endovascular treatment for isolated IAA were retrospectively analyzed. The mean aneurysm size was 43 mm (range, 30-71 mm). The age ranged from 37 to 87 years (mean, 70.0 years). Isolated IAAs were treated in one of three different ways: (i) infrarenal aortic stent-graft placement with limb extension; (ii) stent-graft placement for isolated iliac artery coverage; and (iii) embolization with a coil and a vascular plug combined with femoral-femoral bypass grafting. All patients were assessed by contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT). The mean follow-up period was 25.1 months (range, 1-60 months). Common iliac artery involvement was seen in 28 patients. Ten (35.7%) of those patients also had an internal IAA. Three patients had an isolated internal IAA. Infrarenal stent-graft placement was performed in 25 patients. Stent-graft placement for coverage of the only iliac artery was performed in five patients. One patient, who had a mycotic aneurysm of the right common iliac artery underwent coil embolization of the ipsilateral common iliac artery with concurrent femoral-femoral bypass graft. Five of the 31 patients (16.1%) with stent grafts had type II endoleaks at the time of the last imaging study, one of those patients underwent percutaneous embolization with glue. None of the patients showed major procedure-related complications. Percutaneous management of IAA is effective and safe with various techniques depending on the anatomical and pathologic features of the isolated IAA.

Pharmacomechanical thrombolysis for the treatment of thrombosed native arteriovenous fistula: a single-center experience.

SummaryBackgroundNative arteriovenous fistula is one of the important routes for hemodialysis patients because of increased long-term survival and preservation of quality of life. We reported on a single-center experience with using pharmacomechanical thrombolysis for the treatment of thrombosed native arteriovenous fistula.Material/MethodsThis was a retrospective study of 12 hemodialysis patients (8 males and 4 females) with 14 thrombosed distal forearm Brescia-Cimino radiocephalic fistulas who were referred for pharmacomechanical thrombolytic treatment in the intervention unit of the Radiology Department, from 1 January 2010 to 30 December 2011. Demographic data, technical success rates, clinical success rates and complications were evaluated. The patency was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analysis.ResultsThe technical and clinical success was found in 12 thrombosed fistulas. Only 3 procedures had minor complications including small amounts of adjacent soft tissue hematoma. There were no procedure-related major complications. The primary patency rates at 6 and 12 months were 67% and 50%. The secondary patency rates at 6 and 12 months were 75% and 67%.ConclusionsPharmacomechanical thrombolysis is a minimally invasive, effective, durable, and safe procedure for the treatment of thrombosed native arteriovenous fistula. This procedure can be considered as an alternative treatment for thrombosed dialysis fistulas.

Use of the pipeline embolization device to treat recently ruptured dissecting cerebral aneurysms.

The Pipeline embolization device (PED) is one of the flow-diverting stents approved for the treatment of unruptured large or wide-necked cerebral aneurysms in 2011(1). Its use has now been extended to the treatment of recently ruptured dissecting cerebral aneurysm, carotid pseudoaneurysm from radiation injury, and blister aneurysms(2,3). We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of utilizing the PED as a primary treatment for ruptured dissecting intracranial aneurysms. A single center retrospective review was conducted for all patients primarily treated with PED for acute subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) from ruptured dissecting cerebral aneurysms between December 2010 and February 2013. Patients were followed up with CT angiogram (CTA) or digital subtraction angiogram (DSA). Eight patients with a total of eight dissecting aneurysms were identified. The mean duration from SAH to treatment was 2.5 days. Six of the aneurysms arose from vertebral arteries and two from the basilar artery. Immediate check-DSA confirmed satisfactory contrast stasis in all eight cases, and complete aneurysmal obliteration was achieved at six months. There were two (25%) procedure-related complications, but no major procedure-related complications, such as thromboembolic events or rebleeding from aneurysm were encountered. The PED is a feasible treatment option for ruptured dissecting cerebral aneurysms in acute phase. According to our experience, using PED as flow-diverters in acute SAH does not significantly increase the complication risks or mortality rate if the antiplatelet regime is carefully monitored. Future studies shall evaluate the optimal antiplatelet regimen for using the PED in the acute phase.

Usefulness of High Suction Pressure for Sufficient Tissue Collection During Endobronchial Ultrasound Guided Transbronchial Needle Aspiration

IntroductionThe optimal suction pressure during endobronchial ultrasound guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to compare suction pressures for performance in collecting sufficient tissue specimens from mediastinal and hilar lymph nodes during EBUS-TBNA.MethodsRetrospective analysis of consecutive patients with mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy who underwent EBUS-TBNA over a 3-year period. Results from patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA using a dedicated 20-mL VacLoc (Merit Medical Systems, Inc, South Jordan, UT) syringe (conventional method, group C) were compared with results from patients in whom a disposable 30-mL syringe (high pressure group, group H) was used. The yield for sufficient histologic specimen retrieval and amount of tissue obtained were compared between the 2 groups.ResultsOf 178 patients who underwent EBUS-TBNA, 131 had lung cancer confirmed by EBUS-TBNA: 35 in group C and 96 in group H. There were 7 patients in group C and 6 in group H who received final diagnoses by cytology alone. There were 28 in group C and 90 in group H who were diagnosed by both cytology and histology. There was a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the rate of sufficient sampling for histological specimens (p = 0.04). The H group revealed a tissue area approximately twice that of the C group (p = 0.003). There were no major procedure-related complications in either group.ConclusionHigher suction pressures with larger syringe volumes during EBUS-TBNA may be useful for safely collecting sufficient tissue specimens.

Abstract 18309: Outcomes of Single Versus Kissing Stenting Technique in Lateralized Complex Aortoiliac Bifurcation Lesion

Backgrounds: Kissing stenting technique has been frequently performed even in the cases of unilateral aortoiliac diseases in order to protect contralateral common iliac artery (CIA) with intermediate plaque burden. However, kissing stenting is associated with loss of access from contralateral side for future revascularization. We compared the outcomes of single versus kissing stenting technique in lateralized complex aortoiliac occlusive disease. Methods: From Jan. 2006 to Dec. 2012, we retrospectively enrolled 86 consecutive patients (73 males, 67±9 years) treated with a single stenting technique and 33 patients (29 males, 68±8 years) treated with a kissing stenting technique for lateralized complex aortoiliac bifurcation lesions. A lateralized complex aortoiliac bifurcation lesion was defined as a significant unilateral CIA ostial stenosis (&gt;70%) combined with an intermediate (30~50%) stenosis of contralateral CIA. Results: Single stenting and kissing stenting was successfully performed in all patients without procedure-related major complications. However, in the single stenting group, bailout stenting in contralateral CIA was required in two (2.3%) cases due to unfavorable plaque shift. Median follow up duration of the single and the kissing stenting group was 24 (3~88) and 14 (3~82) months, respectively. The primary patency of the ipsilateral CIA in the single stenting group was 93.9% comparable with 94.9% in the kissing stent group (OR 0.823, 95% CI 0.157-4.298). Target lesion revascularization occurred in 5 (6%) cases of the single stenting group and in 2 (6.1%) cases of the kissing stenting group. Progression of the contralateral un-stented CIA requiring additional revascularization was observed in only 2 (2.4%) cases of the single stenting group during follow up. Conclusions: Single stenting technique in lateralized complex aortoiliac bifurcation lesion was relatively safe and showed comparable outcomes as the kissing stenting technique.

Retrospective 12-Year Study of the Safety and Efficacy of Transcatheter Arterial Embolization for Managing Bleeding Complications Following Hip Surgery

This study was designed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for stopping bleeding following hip surgery. We performed a 12-year retrospective analysis of 13 patients (M:F = 6:7, median age 72 years) who underwent angiography for bleeding following hip surgery. The types of surgery, latency time, angiographic findings, TAE details, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcomes were analyzed. Technical success was defined as no further bleeding detected on angiography following embolization. Total hip replacement arthroplasty was the most common surgery performed for these patients (n = 10). Seven of the 13 study patients underwent angiography the same day as their surgery. Angiograms showed active (n = 11) or suspicious (n = 1) bleeding in 12 of the 13 patients. Gelatin sponge particles, coils, NBCA, PVA, and their combinations were used as the embolic material. For the one patient without obvious signs of bleeding, prophylactic TAE was done to achieve bleeding control. For the 11 patients with active bleeding, 10 underwent technically successful TAE, and 1 patient underwent surgery due to a large pseudoaneurysm located near the bifurcation of the common femoral artery. There were no major procedure-related complications or patient mortality. The 30-day mortality rate was 15% (2/13), and both of these patients died of multiorgan failure. Transcatheter angiography is useful for identifying bleeding arteries. TAE is safe and effective for managing bleeding after hip surgery.

The role of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography angiography in suspected non–ST-elevation myocardial infarction patients: Design and rationale of the CARdiovascular Magnetic rEsoNance imaging and computed Tomography Angiography (CARMENTA) trial

Although high-sensitivity cardiac troponin (hs-cTn) substantially improves the early detection of myocardial injury, it lacks specificity for acute myocardial infarction (MI). In suspected non-ST-elevation MI, invasive coronary angiography (ICA) remains necessary to distinguish between acute MI and noncoronary myocardial disease (eg, myocarditis), unnecessarily subjecting the latter to ICA and associated complications. This trial investigates whether implementing cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) or computed tomography angiography (CTA) early in the diagnostic process may help to differentiate between coronary and noncoronary myocardial disease, thereby preventing unnecessary ICA. In this prospective, single-center, randomized controlled clinical trial, 321 consecutive patients with acute chest pain, elevated hs-cTnT, and nondiagnostic electrocardiogram are randomized to 1 of 3 strategies: (1) CMR, or (2) CTA early in the diagnostic process, or (3) routine clinical management. In the 2 investigational arms of the study, results of CMR or CTA will guide further clinical management. It is expected that noncoronary myocardial disease is detected more frequently after early noninvasive imaging as compared with routine clinical management, and unnecessary ICA will be prevented. The primary end point is the total number of patients undergoing ICA during initial admission. Secondary end points are 30-day and 1-year clinical outcome (major adverse cardiac events and major procedure-related complications), time to final diagnosis, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness. The CARMENTA trial investigates whether implementing CTA or CMR early in the diagnostic process in suspected non-ST-elevation MI based on elevated hs-cTnT can prevent unnecessary ICA as compared with routine clinical management, with no detrimental effect on clinical outcome.

Minimally invasive removal of thoracic and lumbar spinal tumors using a nonexpandable tubular retractor

Resection of spinal tumors traditionally requires bilateral subperiosteal muscle stripping, extensive laminectomy, and, in cases of foraminal extension, partial or radical facetectomy. Fusion is often warranted in cases of facetectomy to prevent deformity, pain, and neurological deterioration. Recent reports have demonstrated safety and efficacy of mini-open removal of these tumors using expandable tubular retractors. The authors report their experience with the minimally invasive removal of extradural foraminal and intradural-extramedullary tumors using the nonexpandable tubular retractor. A retrospective chart review of consecutive patients who underwent minimally invasive resection of spinal tumors at Notre Dame Hospital was performed. Between December 2005 and March 2012, 13 patients underwent minimally invasive removal of spinal tumors at Notre Dame Hospital, Montreal. There were 6 men and 7 women with a mean age of 55 years (range 20-80 years). There were 2 lumbar and 2 thoracic intradural-extramedullary tumors and 7 thoracic and 2 lumbar extradural foraminal tumors. Gross-total resection was achieved in 12 patients. Subtotal resection (90%) was attained in 1 patient because the tumor capsule was adherent to the diaphragm. The average duration of surgery was 189 minutes (range 75-540 minutes), and the average blood loss was 219 ml (range 25-500 ml). There were no major procedure-related complications. Pathological analysis revealed benign schwannoma in 8 patients and meningioma, metastasis, plasmacytoma, osteoid osteoma, and hemangiopericytoma in 1 patient each. The average equivalent dose of postoperative narcotics after surgery was 66.3 mg of morphine. The average length of hospitalization was 66 hours (range 24-144 hours). All working patients returned to normal activities within 4 weeks. The average MRI and clinical follow-up were 13 and 21 months, respectively (range 2-68 months). At last follow-up, 92% of patients had improvement or resolution of pain with a visual analog scale score that improved from 7.8 to 1.2. All patients with neurological impairment improved. The American Spinal Injury Association grade improved in all but 1 patient. Intradural-extramedullary and extradural tumors can be completely and safely resected through a minimally invasive approach using the nonexpandable tubular retractor. This approach may be associated with even less tissue destruction than mini-open techniques, translating into a quicker functional recovery. In cases of foraminal tumors, by eliminating the need for facetectomy, this minimally invasive approach may decrease the incidence of postoperative deformity and eliminate the need for adjunctive fusion surgery.

Re-evaluation of transvenous lead extraction with modified standard technique: A prospective study in 229 patients

As new-type powered sheaths are expensive and unavailable, the standard lead extraction techniques remain the mainstay in clinical applications in many countries. The purpose of this study was to re-evaluate the clinical application of the standard lead extraction techniques and equipment, and make some procedural modifications and innovations. In our center, between January 2006 and May 2012, 229 patients (median, 66 years) who underwent lead extraction due to infection and lead malfunction were registered and followed up prospectively with respect to clinical features, reasons for lead extraction, technical characteristics, and clinical prognosis. A total of 440 leads had to be extracted transvenously by using special tools from 229 patients (male, 72.1%). Vegetations ≥1 cm were detected in six patients. Locking Stylets were applied for 398 (90.5%) leads. Telescoping dilator polypropylene sheaths and counter traction technique were used for 202 (45.9%) leads due to lead adhesion, and the mean implant duration of the 202 leads was longer than the other 238 leads (48.9±22.6 vs. 26.6±17.8 months; P <0.01). In addition, modified isolation and snare techniques were used for 56 leads (12.7%). Minor and major procedure-related complications occurred in three (1.3%) and four (1.7%) cases respectively, including one death (0.4%). Severe lead residue occurred in one case. Complete procedural success rate was 96.1% (423/440), and clinical success rate was 98.9% (435/440). The median follow-up period was 18 (1-76) months. No infection- and procedure-related death occurred in our series. Our data demonstrated that high clinical success rate of transvenous lead extraction can be guaranteed by making full use of the standard lead extraction techniques and equipment with individualized modifications.

Percutaneous transcatheter vascular embolization for life threatening hemoptysis

The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate 47 patients (37 males and 10 females, aged 37–72years) with life threatening hemoptysis treated by bronchial artery embolization. Between April 2007 and April 2012 at the Assuit University Hospital, the cause of hemoptysis was tuberculosis and post TB bronchiectasis in 29 patients, bronchiectasis in 11, 3 arteriovenous malformation, 3 post infective fibrosis and one patient with chronic renal failure. Recurrence of hemoptysis after embolization occurred in 2 patients within the 6month follow-up period, these cases underwent re-embolization with successful control of hemoptysis. There were no procedure-related major complications. Bronchial artery embolization is a safe and effective palliative treatment for patients with massive hemoptysis.

Safety of perioperative aspirin therapy in pancreatic operations

Antiplatelet therapy with aspirin is prevalent among patients presenting for operative treatment of pancreatic disorders. Operative practice has called for the cessation of aspirin 7-10 days before elective procedures because of the perceived increased risk of procedure-related bleeding. Our practice at Thomas Jefferson University has been to continue aspirin therapy throughout the perioperative period in patients undergoing elective pancreatic surgery. Records for patients undergoing pancreatoduodenectomy, distal pancreatectomy, or total pancreatectomy between October 2005 and February 2012 were queried for perioperative aspirin use in this institutional research board-approved retrospective study. Statistical analyses were performed with Stata software. During the study period, 1,017 patients underwent pancreatic resection, of whom 289 patients (28.4%) were maintained on aspirin through the morning of the operation. Patients in the aspirin group were older than those not taking aspirin (median 69 years vs 62 years, P < .0001). The estimated intraoperative blood loss was similar between the two groups, aspirin versus no aspirin (median 400 mL vs 400 mL, P = .661), as was the rate of blood transfusion anytime during the index admission (29% vs 26%, P = 0.37) and the postoperative duration of hospital stay (median 7 days vs 6 days, P = .103). The aspirin group had a slightly increased rate of cardiovascular complications (10.1% vs 7.0%, P=.107), likely reflecting their increased cardiovascular comorbidities that led to their physicians recommending aspirin therapy. Rates of pancreatic fistula (15.1% vs 13.5%, P=.490) and hospital readmissions were similar (16.9% vs 14.9%, P=.451). This is the first study to report that aspirin therapy is not associated with increased rates of perioperative bleeding, transfusion requirement, or major procedure related complications after elective pancreatic surgery. These data suggest that continuation of aspirin is safe and that the continuation of aspirin should be considered acceptable and preferable, particularly in patients with perceived substantial medical need for treatment with antiplatelet therapy.

Comparison of transradial and transfemoral artery approach for percutaneous coronary angiography and angioplasty: A retrospective seven-year experience from a north Indian center

With the increasing prevalence of coronary artery disease, percutaneous coronary artery procedures have become even more important. Our study has compared transradial to transfemoral artery approach for coronary procedures in Indian population. Comparison of transradial and transfemoral artery approach for percutaneous coronary procedures. 26,238 patients, who underwent percutaneous coronary artery procedures, were divided into two groups depending upon transradial and transfemoral artery approach and compared for the various demographic and clinical characteristics, risk factors profile, vascular access and procedural details. 26,238 patients underwent percutaneous coronary procedures at our center. 81% were male and 19% were female. 55.65% and 44.35% procedures were done through transfemoral and transradial approach, respectively. 17,417 (66.38%) coronary angiographies were done, out of which 53.92% were transradial and 46.08% were transfemoral procedures. 8821 (33.62%) Percutaneous Transluminal Coronary Angioplasty (PTCA) were done, out of which 25.46% and 74.54% were done through transradial and transfemoral approach, respectively. Mean fluoroscopy time was 4.40 ± 3.55 min for transradial and 3.30 ± 3.66 min for transfemoral CAG (p < 0.001). For PTCA mean fluoroscopy time was 13.53 ± 2.53 min for transradial and 12.61 ± 9.524 min for transfemoral PTCA (p < 0.001). Minor and major procedure related complications and total duration of hospital stay were lower in transradial as compared to transfemoral group. The number of percutaneous transradial procedures have increased significantly with reduced complication rates and comparable success rate to transfemoral approach, along with the additional benefits to patient in terms of patient comfort, preference and reduced cost of health delivery.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for symptomatic portal hypertension in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) represents a major advance in the treatment of complications of portal hypertension. However, this procedure is contraindicated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT). This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of TIPS in these patients with portal hypertension and determine the predictors of survival after TIPS creation. Between 2005 and 2011, 58 consecutive HCC patients with symptomatic portal hypertension and concomitant PVTT underwent TIPS placement. Procedure-related complications, treatment efficacy of portal hypertension complications and survival were evaluated. After TIPS, no patient experienced major procedure-related complications such as hemorrhage or contrast extravasation. Portosystemic pressure gradient was decreased by 14 mmHg on average. Refractory ascites was partially or completely resolved in 19 of 20 patients. Hydrothorax was decreased in all of eight patients. Acute variceal bleeding was successfully controlled in all of five patients. Severe diarrhea was controlled successfully in all of nine patients. During the follow-up period (mean, 78.5 days; range, 11-1713), 56 patients died and two patients remained alive. The median survival period after TIPS was 77 days. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that ascites (P = 0.026), white blood cell (P = 0.007) and degree of PVTT (P < 0.001) were independent predictors for survival. TIPS may be effective for the palliative treatment of portal hypertension in HCC patients with PVTT. Major procedure-related complications were rarely observed. Ascites, white blood cell and degree of PVTT were independently associated with survival.

PTU-002 Large volume Paracentesis (LVP) can be Safely Performed by Junior Doctors without Ultrasound Guidance

Introduction The introduction of the European Working Time Directive has lead to concerns about reduction in exposure to practical procedures for junior doctors 1 . Ultrasound is now considered essential for pleural aspiration and chest drain insertion 2 . Its use for LVP has also been suggested 3 . Our aim was to assess the safety of LVP performed at our centre according to the clinical grade of the operator. Methods We identified patients who had undergone LVP at our hospital during a 12 month period from October 2010 by reviewing the admission book of our department and by reviewing a list of all the ascitic fluid samples sent to our microbiology department. Case notes for these patients were reviewed and data were collected on patient demographics, method of insertion (blind vs. ultrasound guided), grade of operator, adequacy of albumin replacement and the occurrence of any complications. Results 56 LVP were performed on 28 patients. 53 drains were successfully inserted blindly, 3 required ultrasound guidance. 2 drains were inserted by consultants (both ultrasound guided) and 9 by registrars. 15 were inserted by core training doctors (1 procedure was supervised) and 28 by foundation doctors (19 supervised). Ascites was sent for white cell count after 53 (95%) procedures. No major procedure related complications occurred; 1 patient required a stitch for a minor cutaneous bleed after drain removal. 6 received Conclusion LVP can be safely performed without ultrasound guidance by adequately trained or supervised junior doctors. Some failings occurred with regard to albumin replacement, timely drain removal and request for ascitic white cell count. However, none of these would have been prevented by performing drain insertion under ultrasound guidance. Patients who had their drain inserted under ultrasound guidance were in fact more likely to receive sub-optimal post-procedure care. Protocols are required for the management of ascitic drains and clear communication with nursing staff is essential. Disclosure of Interest None Declared References Doctors’ training and the European Working Time Directive. Lancet 2010; 375(9732):2121. Havelock T, Teoh R, Laws D, Gleeson F. Pleural procedures and thoracic ultrasound British Thoracic Society Pleural Disease Guideline 2010. Thorax 2010; 65 Suppl 2:ii61–76. Nazeer SR, Dewbre H, Miller AH. Ultrasound-assisted paracentesis performed by emergency physicians vs the traditional technique: a prospective, randomised study. Am J Emerg Med. 2005 May; 23(3):363–7.