Under Ultrasound Research Articles

Feasibility, Safety, and Efficacy of Percutaneous Transhepatic Injection of β-Cell Grafts

To evaluate the safety, feasibility, and clinical efficacy of percutaneous transhepatic injection of beta-cell grafts in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Between December 2001 and November 2003, 15 patients with C-peptide-negative type 1 diabetes underwent 31 percutaneous injections for intraportal implantation of beta-cell grafts. Grafts consisted of cultured beta-cell preparations as previously described. In 13 cases, the transplant procedure was done under sedation, whereas in 18 cases, general anesthesia was given. In all procedures, percutaneous access to the right portal vein occurred under ultrasound (US) guidance with use of a microbore puncture needle. The subsequent catheterization of the main portal vein was performed under fluoroscopic and angiographic control with use of a microbore delivery catheter and guide wire. Clinical, biochemical, and radiologic evaluation was performed before and after the procedure. In all cases, it was possible to access the portal vein (median number of needle passes, 1; range, 1-6). The volume of cultured beta-cell grafts injected for each transplantation averaged 0.58 mL (range, 0.26-1.60 mL) and the mean recorded procedure time (from puncture to catheter withdrawal) was 19 minutes (range, 10-80 min). Three patients presented with transient abdominal pain immediately after the procedure; postprocedural duplex US of the liver revealed a patent portal vein and end branches in all cases and a minor perihepatic fluid collection in another three patients. From the end of week 1 to week 3, a mean 3.8-fold increase in liver aminotransferase levels was measured in all recipients after the first implantation session. A similar increase was seen in only one patient after a second transplantation session. At 6 months after transplantation, 13 of 15 patients (86%) had a functioning graft with plasma C-peptide levels greater than 0.5 ng/mL. The combined US, fluoroscopic, and angiographic monitoring of percutaneous transhepatic injection with use of a microbore delivery catheter is a safe and reproducible radiologic procedure for transplantation of beta-cell grafts in diabetic patients. Increased posttransplantation C-peptide levels, which demonstrate acceptable graft function, can be obtained.

Real time ultrasound in laparoscopic bladder diverticulectomy

We describe our technique of laparoscopic diverticulectomy under ultrasound (US) guidance after a transurethral resection of prostate (TURP) in the treatment of patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and bladder diverticulum. A standard TURP is performed with an Iglesias resectoscope. A 12-Fr Foley catheter is positioned in the diverticulum and the catheter balloon is then inflated with 30 mL of water; then a Tiemann catheter is placed through the urethra into the bladder. A US probe is inserted through the 12 mm port placed in the right side by the surgeon, then laparoscopic transperitoneal bladder diverticulectomy is performed under US guidance. In our experience, the use of endolaparoscopic US makes identification and dissection of the diverticulum easy, safe and effective, even when the procedure has to be performed in disadvantageous anatomic conditions such as lateral-posterior diverticulum or post-TURP imbibition of pelvic tissue.

INTERSTITIAL LASER PHOTOCOAGULATION OF HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA ON CIRRHOSIS IN CONSCIOUS PATIENT: A FEASIBILITY STUD

Purpose: We evaluated if Interstitial Laser Photocoagulation (ILP) under ultrasound (US) guidance of intraparenchymal Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (<2cm) in cirrhosis can be safely and effectively perfomed without general anesthesia.

MR‐guided percutaneous ethanol injection for hepatocellular carcinoma in a 0.2T open MR system

The purpose of this work is to describe our experience with single-session percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) under the guidance of 0.2-T open MRI for hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) that were not suitable for ablation under ultrasound (US) or computed tomography (CT) guidance. None of the lesions (N = 7) were detectable on US. MRI was chosen over CT as the guidance modality because the nodules were located in the hepatic dome (N = 4) or were invisible on noncontrast CT (N = 3). All of the nodules were targeted successfully, and apparently complete tumor necrosis was achieved in six nodules (86%). During a follow-up of one to 41 months, only one patient developed local recurrence four months after PEI. MR-guided PEI is feasible and effective for treating HCC when other imaging guidance methods are not appropriate.

Ultrasound-membrane hybrid processes for enhancement of filtration properties

Enhancing permeation in microfiltration (MF) hollow fiber membrane process was studied under ultrasound (US) by means of reflection technique. The US effect on the enhanced membrane process depended on the position of membrane module with or without a semi-cylindrical shaped reflection plate placed behind the membrane module. Evidence was presented that the membrane process influenced the detected sonic pressure distribution in the US bath. The correlation of sound pressure intensity and luminol fluorescence intensity suggested that violent collapse of cavity bubbles supported the enhanced membrane permeability of MF module in the US bath.

Efficacy and safety of ultrasound-guided central venous access in oncological and haematological patients: Results of a monocenter series of 519 consecutive patients

8152 Background: The management of the cancer patients frequently relies on the ability to deliver a variety of intravenous agents over a prolonged period. A central venous catheter (CVC) currently represents the most frequently adopted intravenous line for patients undergoing infusional chemotherapy and/or high-dose chemotherapy with concomitant blood stem cell transplantation and parenteral nutrition. The aim of this study was to explore the feasibility and safety of CVC insertion under ultrasound (US) control. US offers the advantage of real-time, multiplanar imaging as well as Doppler analysis, which makes it very practical and improves safety by allowing the operator to identify major vessels. Methods: The patient is placed in Trendelenburg’s position. After sterilization, local anaesthesia is applied and a 7.5 MHz puncturing US probe is placed in the right supraclavicular site and a 16 gauge needle is advanced into the last portion of internal jugular vein nearly innominate vein under US-control; after insertion of the guidewire the catheter (Secalon Seldy, Becton Dickinson) is advanced into the superior vena cava until insertion to right atrium. At the end of the procedure an upright chest X-ray is carried out to confirm CVC position and to rule out a pneumothorax. Results: From June 2001 to June 2004 this procedure has been performed 600 times in 519 consecutive patients: 350 with solid tumors and 169 with hematological malignancies. Some patients underwent CVC insertion more then one time along their clinical course (complete remission, relapse, stem cell collection and transplantation, parenteral nutrition). The procedure was successful in 595/600 times (99.1%), mean time of CVC permanence was 151 days (range 7–701 days). Four cases of deep vein thrombosis were detected successfully treated with low molecular weight heparin. Infections episodes were 1.7/1000 days of use, successfully treated with antibiotics. No increase of infections was registered in the transplantation setting. No pneumothorax occurred. Conclusions: This procedure is safe, cheap with high accuracy and success rate, and above all US-guidance avoids pneumothorax. No significant financial relationships to disclose.

Percutaneous management of breast abscesses. an experience of 39 cases

This is a review of our experience with percutaneous drainage by means of needle aspiration or catheter drainage of breast abscesses under ultrasound (US) guidance, and a suggested management algorithm. A retrospective study of the 39 patients (36 women, 3 men; mean age: 28.9 years) with breast abscesses who were treated by percutaneous US-guided procedures over a period of 13 years (1989 to 2002) was carried out. Of the 36 women, 34 were nonlactating and two lactating. Needle aspiration was used in the cases of fluid collections ≤ 3 cm and catheter drainage in fluid collections of > 3 cm. Postdrainage care and US evolutive controls were carried out on an outpatient basis. Fine-needle aspiration cytology was performed in masses unresolved after postdrainage. Mammography was performed in patients over 30 years old. In all cases, US examination revealed images of fluid collection. A single needle aspiration was sufficient in 19 cases; 3 patients needed a second aspiration to resolve the breast abscess. A total of 15 cases were resolved by means of percutaneous catheter drainage. In 2 of the 17 patients who underwent catheter drainage, the mass persisted postdrainage; histologic findings showed a chronic abscess requiring surgical intervention in one and a breast carcinoma in the second. Mean follow-up was 8.4 months. Recurrence of breast abscess occurred in 4 patients, and these were resolved by surgical excision. Percutaneous drainage procedures in breast abscesses are a safe and effective alternative to incision and drainage. Needle aspiration is employed in cases of small abscesses and catheter drainage in abscesses larger than 3 cm. Although, in chronic abscesses, the treatment of choice is surgical excision, percutaneous drainage remains as an intermediate therapeutic option. (E-mail: jdberna@um.es)

Endovenous Laser Treatment of Saphenous Vein Reflux: Long-Term Results

To report long-term follow-up results of endovenous laser treatment for great saphenous vein (GSV) reflux caused by saphenofemoral junction (SFJ) incompetence. Four hundred ninety-nine GSVs in 423 subjects with varicose veins were treated over a 3-year period with 810-nm diode laser energy delivered percutaneously into the GSV via a 600- micro m fiber. Tumescent anesthesia (100-200 mL of 0.2% lidocaine) was delivered perivenously under ultrasound (US) guidance. Patients were evaluated clinically and with duplex US at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and yearly thereafter to assess treatment efficacy and adverse reactions. Compression sclerotherapy was performed in nearly all patients at follow-up for treatment of associated tributary varicose veins and secondary telangiectasia. Successful occlusion of the GSV, defined as absence of flow on color Doppler imaging, was noted in 490 of 499 GSVs (98.2%) after initial treatment. One hundred thirteen of 121 limbs (93.4%) followed for 2 years have remained closed, with the treated portions of the GSVs not visible on duplex imaging. Of note, all recurrences have occurred before 9 months, with the majority noted before 3 months. Bruising was noted in 24% of patients and tightness along the course of the treated vein was present in 90% of limbs. There have been no skin burns, paresthesias, or cases of deep vein thrombosis. Long-term results available in 499 limbs treated with endovenous laser demonstrate a recurrence rate of less than 7% at 2-year follow-up. These results are comparable or superior to those reported for the other options available for treatment of GSV reflux, including surgery, US-guided sclerotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation. Endovenous laser appears to offer these benefits with lower rates of complication and avoidance of general anesthesia.

Endovenous Laser Treatment of the Small Saphenous Vein with a 980-nm Diode Laser: Early Results

Whereas numerous studies have been conducted regarding the outcome of the treatment of the great saphenous vein, few studies have been conducted on the small saphenous vein (SSV), especially concerning endovenous laser treatment. The objective was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the 980-nm diode laser for the treatment of SSV reflux caused by saphenopopliteal junction (SPJ) incompetence. From October 2003 to April 2006, 390 SSVs in 344 subjects with varicose veins were treated with 980-nm diode laser energy delivered percutaneously into the SSV. Tumescent anesthesia (70-220 mL of 0.1% lidocaine) was delivered perivenously under ultrasound (US) guidance. The patients were evaluated clinically and with duplex US at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and thereafter to assess the efficacy of the treatment and the adverse reactions of the patients to it. Successful occlusion of the SSV, defined as the absence of flow on color Doppler imaging, was noted in 389 of the 390 SSVs (99.7%) after the initial treatment. The remaining 1 SSV was closed after the repeat treatment. Of 108 SSVs, 102 (94.4%) remained closed throughout the 12th-month follow-up. Bruising and tightness along the course of the treated vein was present in almost all the patients, but these disappeared in 1 to 2 weeks. Seven patients (2%) noted localized skin paresthesia, but there were no major complications like skin burns and deep vein thrombosis. Taking into account the high failure rates of incompetent SSV surgery and the anatomic complexity of SPJ, the endovenous 980-nm diode laser surgery is a safe and effective, cosmetically preferential procedure while a long-term follow-up is being awaited.

Percutaneous radiofrequency thermal ablation with hypertonic saline injection: in vivo study in a rabbit liver model.

ObjectiveTo determine whether hypertonic saline (HS, 36% NaCl) injection prior to or during radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can increase the extent of thermally mediated coagulation in in-vivo rabbit liver tissue, and also to establish the ideal injection time in relation to RFA in order to maximize its effect on the extent of radiofrequency (RF)-induced coagulation.Materials and MethodsIn 26 rabbits, 43 RFA lesions were produced using a 17-gauge internally cooled electrode with a 1-cm active tip under ultrasound (US) guidance. Rabbits were assigned to one of three groups: Group A: RFA alone (n=8); Group B: RFA after the instillation of 1 mL HS (n=8); Group C: RFA after and during the instillation of 0.5 mL HS (n=10). RF energy (30 W) was applied for 3 minutes, and changes occurring in tissue impedance, current, power output, and the temperature of the electrode tip were automatically measured. After RFA, contrast-enhanced spiral CT was performed, and in each group the maximum diameters of the thermal lesions in gross specimens were compared. Technical success and the complications arising were evaluated by CT and on the basis of autopsy findings.ResultsAll procedures were technically successful. There were six procedure-related complications (6/26; 23%), including five localized perihepatic hematomas and one thermal injury to the stomach. With instillation of HS in group B rabbits, markedly decreased tissue impedance (73Ω ± 5) and increased current (704 mA ± 41) were noted, compared to RF ablation without saline infusion (116.3Ω ± 13, 308 mA ± 80). With instillation of the solution before RFA (group B), coagulation necrosis was greater (14.9 mm ± 3.8) than in rabbits not injected (group A: 11.5 mm ± 2.4; Group A vs. B: p < .05) and in those injected before and during RFA (group C: 12.5 mm ± 3.1; Group B vs. C: p > .05).ConclusionRFA using HS instillation can increase the volume of RFA-induced necrosis of the liver with a single application, thereby simplifying and accelerating the treatment of larger lesions. In addition, HS instillation before RFA more effectively achieves coagulation necrosis than HS instillation before and during RFA.

Minimal invasive Mammabiopsien: Die Vakuumbiopsie (VB) mit dem Handheld (HH) Mammotome™ unter Ultraschallsicht - Erfahrungen und Indikationsspektrum des Brustzentrums Tübingen

Evaluation der 11-G HH Mammotome™-VB von 58 Mammaläsionen unter Ultraschallsicht (US) hinsichtlich Durchführbarkeit, Komplikationen und Indikationsspektrum.

Percutaneous Microwave Tumor Coagulation for Hepatocellular Carcinomas with Interruption of Segmental Hepatic Blood Flow

To assess the effect of hepatic artery occlusion with or without hepatic venous outflow interruption on coagulation diameter during percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy (PMCT) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by a prospective and randomized trial. Thirty-one patients with 36 HCCs (10-38 mm in diameter) were randomly separated into two treatment groups as follows: group 1 (14 tumors in 14 patients) was treated with PMCT in conjunction with both segmental hepatic artery embolization with gelatin sponge particles and temporary interruption of hepatic venous flow by means of a 6-F balloon catheter to reduce the portal venous flow; group 2 (22 tumors in 17 patients) was treated with PMCT with segmental hepatic artery embolization only. PMCT under ultrasound (US) guidance was performed with 2,450 MHz of microwave frequency at 40-60 W and a needle applicator 1.6 mm in diameter. The coagulated area was measured at the maximum diameter perpendicular to the needle tract on enhanced computed tomography (CT) performed immediately after PMCT. The local effect of the treatment was evaluated by follow-up enhanced CT (6-33 mo). Patients in group 1 had a significantly larger coagulation area (mean +/-SD = 42.9 mm +/- 8.3), with coagulation times of 5.3 min +/- 1.4, than patients in group 2 (32.6 mm +/- 8.0), with coagulation times of 4.2 min +/- 1.3 (P <.05). Follow-up enhanced CT showed no local enhancement of the tumor, indicating complete necrosis and no local recurrence, except for four tumors. There were no major complications after PMCT except liver abscess that developed after PMCT in one patient with pneumobilia. PMCT with combined hepatic arterial embolization and temporary hepatic venous flow interruption can coagulate significantly larger volumes of tumor than PMCT with only hepatic arterial embolization.

Femoral pseudoaneurysm thrombinjection

Background: The risk of pseudoaneurysm (PSA) increases with the number of catheterizations performed for cardiovascular diagnosis and therapy. Thrombin injection, or “thrombinjection,” is an alternative to ultrasound-guided compression or surgical repair. Thrombinjection is effective and economical, but the specter of systemic arterial thrombosis hinders its wide application. We report cautionary steps taken prior to injection and lessons learned during our first 20 cases. Methods and Results: Thrombinjection was performed under ultrasound (US) guidance in 12 women and 8 men with PSA after femoral catheterization. PSA varied in size from 17 to 39 mm with neck openings from 1.5 to 3.9 mm. Under local anesthesia and US longitudinal view, a 20-gauge US needle tip was placed in the PSA away from the neck. With 12 cases under 600 units, 100 to 2,300 units of thrombin (1,000 U/mL) were injected slowly. Slow injection, positioning of the ball of thrombus formed at the needle tip, probe compression, and combined or interchangeable use of US color flow and B-mode were the essential techniques utilized. All PSA thrombosed successfully on the first treatment. One patient had fever and another returned for compression treatment of a second, not recurrent, PSA. Conclusions: Successful thrombinjection was accomplished by focusing on common femoral artery PSA with small neck openings, avoiding arteriovenous fistulas, and using standard thrombin concentration, US needle, state of the art ultrasonography, slow injection, thrombus ball positioning, and adjunctive probe compression.

Percutaneous Drainage of Hydatid Cyst in the Liver as a Primary Treatment: Review of 52 Consecutive Cases with Long-term Follow-up

AIM: To evaluate the suitability of percutaneous drainage as a primary and definitive treatment of hydatid disease of the liver.MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 1989 and April 1992, percutaneous drainage was performed on 52 consecutive patients (27 women and 25 men aged 13 to 84 years) with 55 hydatid cysts in the liver. Twenty-five (45%) cysts were type I, 10 (18%) were type II, 14 (25%) were type III, 5 (10%) were type IV and 1 (2%) was type V. All procedures were performed under light sedation and local anaesthetic at the puncture site. The standard Seldinger technique was used. Initial puncture was performed under ultrasound (US) guidance through the liver parenchyma. The rest of the procedure was conducted under fluoroscopic control. Pigtail drainage catheters (size 12–20 Fr) were used, with Betadine (10% povidone iodine; 1% free iodine) being allowed to act within the cyst for 30min, as a scolicidal agent.RESULTS: All the patients were successfully treated and 6–9 year follow-up involving US, computed tomography (CT) and serology tests showed no local recurrence or spread of the disease. No major (death, cyst rupture, anaphylactic shock) and very few minor complications arose. Two patients had mild skin reaction with nausea requiring no treatment and three patients developed a secondary infection of the cyst, due to prolonged drainage time. These liver abscesses responded successfully to further catheter drainage. Subsequent patients were treated with large bore (18–20 Fr) catheters and none developed secondary infection. Overall drainage time varied from 7–118 days (7–28 days, if we exclude three initial cases who had prolonged drainage).CONCLUSION: It is our strong belief that percutaneous drainage using the above method should be considered a first-line treatment for hydatid disease of the liver.Bosanac, Z. B., Lisanin, L. (2000). Clinical Radiology55, 839–848.

Hydrostatic reduction of intussusception: barium, air, or saline?

While there is agreement that hydrostatic reduction (HR) is the ideal first-line treatment for childhood intussusception, there is controversy about which technique is best, namely, barium, air, or saline. We present our experience in the Pediatric Surgical Center, University of Alexandria, in HR of intussusception under ultrasound (US) guidance. The study was divided into two phases: between 1983 and 1990 and between 1991 and 1998. HR was started gradually in phase I, and became routine in phase II. Diagnosis and reduction were done by the pediatric surgical staff. The success rate was 71.7% in phase I and 85.5% in phase II. Most unreduced cases were the ileo-ileocolic type: 58.6% in phase I and 69.3% in phase II. HR under US guidance is equal or superior to other techniques of reduction, while having the obvious advantage of avoiding radiation exposure.

Interstitial laser photocoagulation under ultrasound guidance of liver tumors: results in 104 treated patients

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and complications of interstitial laser photocoagulation (ILP) under ultrasound (US) guidance as a technique for focal ablation of liver tumors in patients with normal and impaired hepatic function. Patients and Methods: A total of 104 patients, 77 with 85 nodules of hepatocellular carcinoma on cirrhosis (29 in Child-Pugh A class, 43 in B e 5 in C class) and 27 patients with hepatic metastases (25 from colon, two from lung carcinoma) underwent ILP under US guidance. Depending on tumor size up to four needles were inserted in the tumor and multiple laser illuminations were performed in one or multiple sessions. Necrosis of the nodules was evaluated with triphasic contrast-enhanced CT. Results: Ninety-four patients underwent a single ILP session and nine patients two sessions. CT showed complete necrosis in 70 out of 85 HCC nodules in 65 treated patients and in 24 out of 31 patients with metastases. Three Child C class patients dropped out the control of efficacy by CT because of severe liver failure associated in one case with transient paralytic ileum. One of these patients died 2 months after treatment. Two patients with metastasis dropped the completion of the treatment because of complication occurred after the ILP session (one paralytic ileum, one gastric haemorrage). Conclusions: ILP under US guidance is effective in inducing complete necrosis in small and large liver tumors. Nevertheless, ILP can cause severe derangement of liver function in patients with advanced cirrhosis.

Percutaneous drainage of tuberculous iliopsoas abscesses under image guidance.

Most intra-abdominal and other types of fluid collections are now successfully drained percutaneously under image guidance. The utility of percutaneous drainage of tuberculous abscesses, especially those associated with osseous changes, is, however, less well established. Six patients with tuberculous iliopsoas abscesses were successfully managed by percutaneous drainage combined with antituberculous therapy. The abscesses were bilateral in one patient and unilateral in the other five. Drainage was by needle aspiration under ultrasound (US) guidance in one patient, and by catheter under CT guidance in the other patients. Three patients had associated osseous changes. There were no procedural complications. Tuberculous iliopsoas abscess can be successfully treated by percutaneous drainage and appropriate antituberculous therapy.

Distal mucocolpos and proximal hematocolpos secondary to concurrent imperforate hymen and transverse viginal septum

A 12-year-old girl had cruciate incision of imperforate hymen draining a large mucocolpos. Her symptoms did not abate thereafter, and 3 months later a transverse vaginal septum was diagnosed. This was perforated and dilated under ultrasound (US) guidance draining a large hematocolpos. Results of examination under anesthesia after 3 months was satisfactory, and she has had normal periods in follow-up for 9 months. Imperforate hymen and transverse vaginal septum are known causes of mucocolpos and hematocolpos. However, the concurrent occurrence of the two abnormalities is unique.

Direct ethanol injection for skull metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma. The techniques and consequences of a therapeutic trial

The frequency of skull metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing together with the recent progress in the management of the primary lesion. Cases are often complicated with poor general conditions or metastasis to the other organs, and not readily indicated for surgery. A direct injection of ethanol to the lesion could be one of the therapeutic options to cope with this complicated situation. To evaluate the feasibility of this technique, we planned a therapeutic trial in a patient with HCC associated with lumbar and skull metastasis, the latter metastasis repeated twice during the past one year. A total of 10 ml of ethanol was injected into the skull metastasis percutaneously under ultrasound (US) guidance. US guidance was very useful in determin.ing the sites of injections and the distribution of ethanol as well as monitoring the blood flow within the tumor vessels. The patient transiently.complained. of local.pan at the injection sites, but there were no other adverse effects. Four days after the injection the les of well as resected by surgery, which confirmed the pathologic diagnosis as well as the nearly-total necrosis: of the tumor This technique is simple, safe and repeatable with low cost. The technical details and the histologic effects are described. [Neural Res 1998; 20: 737-741]

Ultrasound-guided fallopian tube cannulation using Albunex

Objective: To test the role of transcervical fallopian tube catheterization under ultrasound (US) guidance using an ultrasound contrast agent. Design: Catheterization was performed under US guidance in a patient with bilateral proximal tubal obstruction. Setting: This study is a case report. Patient(s): Proximal tubal obstruction had been diagnosed on previous roentgenogram hysterosalpingography. Intervention(s): Salpingography and tubal cannulation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Tubal patency was assessed using Albunex (Mallinckrodt Medical, St. Louis, MO) enhanced US. Result(s): Transvaginal catheterization was successful in achieving tubal patency. Conclusion(s): This catheterization technique should be investigated for possible use in the treatment of proximally obstructed tubes.