Variceal Embolization Research Articles

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt (TIPS) for Treatment of Bleeding from Cardiofundal and Ectopic Varices in Cirrhosis

Acute variceal bleeding in cirrhosis represents a critical clinical event that significantly impacts patient prognosis, with mortality rates increasing further after a second episode. This underscores the need for immediate intervention and optimal prophylaxis. The creation of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) has been proven to be highly effective for managing esophageal variceal bleeding. However, the use of TIPS for managing cardiofundal gastric varices and ectopic varices remains debated due to their unique vascular anatomy and the limited data available. These varices, although less prevalent than esophageal varices, are complex and heterogeneous vascular shunts between the splanchnic venous system and the systemic veins. Indeed, while endoscopic therapy with tissue adhesives is widely endorsed for achieving hemostasis in active hemorrhage, there is no consensus regarding the optimal approach for secondary prophylaxis. Recent research emphasizes the efficacy of endovascular techniques over endoscopic treatments, such as TIPS and endovascular variceal embolization techniques. This review examines the use of TIPS in managing acute variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis, focusing specifically on cardiofundal gastric varices and ectopic varices, discussing optimal patient care based on the latest evidence, aiming to improve outcomes for this challenging subset of patients.

Interventional Management of Variceal Bleeding: Techniques and Emerging Concepts

AbstractDespite technical advancements and disease understanding, variceal bleeding remains the leading cause of mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Endoscopic therapies are the main cornerstone of therapy in variceal bleeding. Interventional radiology (IR) plays a significant role in managing variceal bleeding, especially in cases where endoscopic therapies are not feasible or failed. Cross-sectional imaging is often critical to identify relevant anatomy before IR therapies. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is indicated as salvage therapy in patients with refractory variceal bleeding. Retrograde transvenous variceal embolization (RTO) procedures provide superior bleeding control in patients with gastric and ectopic varices, however, without increasing the risk of hepatic encephalopathy and liver function deterioration. Antegrade transvenous obliteration is a viable alternative when RTO is not feasible. Left-sided portal hypertension is a distinct entity resulting from splenic vein stenosis or occlusion, and variceal bleeding in left-sided portal hypertension does not respond to TIPS, requiring variceal embolization, partial splenic embolization, or splenic vein recanalization. Occasionally, endovascular splenorenal or mesorenal shunt and splenic vein occlusion with distal splenorenal diversion are performed to control variceal bleeding. This article entails the basic concepts and procedural aspects of various interventional radiological procedures performed in patients with variceal bleeding.

Evaluation of clinical outcome and predictors of mortality in patients undergoing antegrade transvenous variceal embolization in adjunct to salvage transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt for active uncontrolled gastric variceal bleeding.

Salvage transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is indicated in patients with active endoscopically uncontrollable variceal bleeding. TIPS alone is not effective in the management of gastric varices, and balloon occluded transvenous obliteration (BRTO) requires favourable variceal anatomy. Concomitant placement of a TIPS stent with antegrade variceal embolization leads to control of gastric variceal bleeding with no significant increase in portal pressure. A single-centre retrospective observational study in which patients with active uncontrollable gastric variceal bleeding were included. Technical success of the procedure, 5-day rebleeding, 6-week, and 6-month survival, as well as other additional outcomes, were evaluated. A total of 18 patients were included in the study. Technical success was 100% and significant non-target embolization was seen in 0% of patients. The 6-week and 6-month survival rates were 66.67%, with an overall survival of 108.786 days (censored at 180 days). The 5-day rebleed rate was 11.1%. A significant difference in Child-Turcotte-Pugh score (P = .03), model for end-stage liver disease-sodium (MELD-Na) score (P = .022), requirement of intubation (P = .038), haemoglobin (Hb) levels (P = .042), haematocrit value (P = .018), packed red blood cell infusion required prior to and after the procedure (P = .045, .044), and presence of refractory shock (P = .013) was observed between the survival and the mortality groups. Post-variceal bleeding Hb levels, mean arterial pressure, and MELD-Na scores were significant predictors of mortality. TIPS in adjunct to antegrade transvenous embolization is a safe and effective modality for the management of active uncontrolled gastric variceal bleeding in patients with variceal anatomy unfavourable for performing retrograde obliteration. (1) TIPS alone may not be effective in the management of gastric varices. BRTO requires favourable variceal anatomy and may lead to catastrophic oesophageal variceal haemorrhage. Concomitant placement of a TIPS stent with antegrade variceal embolization leads to control of gastric variceal bleeding with no significant increase in portal pressure. (2) TIPS, in conjunction with antegrade transvenous embolization, requires proper knowledge of variceal anatomy and the embolizing agent. Post-variceal bleeding Hb levels, mean arterial pressure, and MELD-Na scores were significant predictors of mortality.

Interventional Radiology for Bleeding Ectopic Varices: Individualized Approach Based on Vascular Anatomy.

Ectopic varices are rare but potentially life-threatening conditions usually resulting from a combination of global portal hypertension and local occlusive components. As imaging, innovative devices, and interventional radiologic techniques evolve and are more widely adopted, interventional radiology is becoming essential in the management of ectopic varices. The interventional radiologist starts by diagnosing the underlying causes of portal hypertension and evaluating the afferent and efferent veins of ectopic varices with CT. If decompensated portal hypertension is causing ectopic varices, placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt is considered the first-line treatment, although this treatment alone may not be effective in managing ectopic variceal bleeding because it may not sufficiently resolve focal mesenteric venous obstruction causing ectopic varices. Therefore, additional variceal embolization should be considered after placement of a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. Retrograde transvenous obliteration can serve as a definitive treatment when the efferent vein connected to the systemic vein is accessible. Antegrade transvenous obliteration is a vital component of interventional radiologic management of ectopic varices because ectopic varices often exhibit complex anatomy and commonly lack catheterizable portosystemic shunts. Superficial veins of the portal venous system such as recanalized umbilical veins may provide safe access for antegrade transvenous obliteration. Given the absence of consensus and guidelines, a multidisciplinary team approach is essential for the individualized management of ectopic varices. Interventional radiologists must be knowledgeable about the anatomy and hemodynamic characteristics of ectopic varices based on CT images and be prepared to consider appropriate options for each specific situation. ©RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article.

Efficacy and safety of variceal embolization for primary prophylaxis in cirrhosis patients with challenges in standard treatments: preliminary results.

Nonselective beta blockers (NSBBs) or endoscopic therapies are currently recommended by guidelines for preventing the first variceal bleed in patients with high-risk varices. However, there is a lack of detailed treatment strategies for patients who are intolerant to both NSBBs and endoscopic approaches. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of variceal embolization as a primary prophylaxis method in cirrhosis patients who are not suitable candidates for NSBBs or endoscopic treatments. The study included 43 cirrhotic patients with high-risk varices who were candidates for primary prophylaxis against variceal bleeding. These patients underwent variceal embolization at the Xijing Hospital between January 2020 and June 2022. The primary endpoint was the occurrence of bleeding from varices, and the secondary endpoints were the recurrence of varices and the emergence of complications. The procedure of variceal embolization had a success rate of 93.0% (40 out of 43 patients). Over a 2-year follow-up period, the rate of variceal bleeding was 11.6% (5 out of 43 patients), the recurrence rate of varices was 14.0% (6 out of 43 patients), and the rate of severe complications was limited to 2.3% (1 out of 43 patients). Variceal embolization is a viable primary prophylactic intervention for cirrhotic patients who are at risk of variceal bleeding when standard treatments, such as NSBBs or endoscopic therapies, are difficult to perform.

Embolization with or without portal vein stenting for bleeding ectopic jejunal varices in hepatopetal portal collaterals due to extrahepatic portal vein occlusion or stenosis after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of embolization with or without portal vein stenting for bleeding ectopic jejunal varices in the hepatopetal portal collateral due to extrahepatic portal vein occlusion or stenosis after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery.Materials and methodsThis study included consecutive patients who underwent embolization for bleeding ectopic jejunal varices in the hepatopetal collateral due to extrahepatic portal vein occlusion or stenosis after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery between September 2012 and December 2020. The safety, technical and clinical success rates (no re-bleeding within 1 month) and re-bleeding-free survival after the first therapy and overall survival were assessed.ResultsFourteen sessions in 11 patients were included. Four patients (7 sessions) underwent variceal embolization only, and the remaining seven patients (7 sessions) underwent portal vein stenting and variceal embolization. Technical success was achieved in all 14 sessions (100%). Clinical success was achieved in 13 of 14 sessions (92.9%). No treatment-related serious complications including liver failure were observed. One-year and 2-year re-bleeding-free survival rate after the first endovascular therapy in all 11 patients was 90.9 and 60.6%, respectively. Two patients who experienced re-bleeding had repeat embolization treatment. There was no significant difference in re-bleeding-free survival after endovascular therapy between the combination with stenting and embolization group and the embolization-only group (p = 0.13).ConclusionEmbolization with or without portal vein stenting of bleeding ectopic jejunal varices in the hepatopetal portal collateral due to extrahepatic portal vein occlusion or stenosis after hepatobiliary and pancreatic surgery can be considered a safe, effective, and repeatable therapy for long-term hemostasis of uncontrollable bleeding.

Safety and effectiveness of transsplenic access for portal venous interventions: a single-center retrospective study.

To assess the safety and effectiveness of percutaneous transsplenic access (PTSA) for portal vein (PV) interventions among patients with PV disease. Adult patients with PV disease were enrolled if they required percutaneous catheterization for PV angioplasty, embolization, thrombectomy, variceal embolization, or transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement for a difficult TIPS or recanalization of a chronically occluded PV. The procedures were performed between January 2018 and January 2023. Patients were excluded if they had an active infection, had a chronically occluded splenic vein malignant infiltration of the needle tract, had undergone splenectomy, or were under age 18years. Thirty patients (15 women, 15 men) were enrolled. Catheterization of the PV through PTSA succeeded for 29 of 30 patients (96.7%). The main adverse effect recorded was flank pain in 5 of 30 cases (16.7%). No bleeding events from the spleen, splenic vein, or percutaneous access point were recorded. Two cases (6.7%) each of hepatic bleeding and rethrombosis of the PV were reported, and a change in hemoglobin levels (mean [SD], - 0.5 [1.4] g/dL) was documented in 14 cases (46.7%). PTSA as an approach to accessing the PV is secure and achievable, with minimal risk of complications. Minimal to no bleeding is possible by using tract closure methods.

Small Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Plus Variceal Embolization for Gastric Varices: A Multicenter Cohort Study

Background and AimsThe effect of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) plus variceal embolization for treating gastric varices (GVs) remains controversial. This nationwide multicenter cohort study aimed to evaluate whether adding variceal embolization to a small diameter (8-mm) TIPS could reduce the rebleeding incidence in patients with different types of GVs. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study involved 629 patients who underwent 8-mm TIPS for gastric varices at seven medical centers. The primary endpoint was all-cause rebleeding, and the secondary endpoints included overt hepatic encephalopathy (OHE) and all-cause mortality. ResultsA total of 629 patients were included. Among them, 429 (68.2%) had gastroesophageal varices type 1 (GOV1), 145 (23.1%) had gastroesophageal varices type 2 (GOV2), and 55 (8.7%) had isolated gastric varices type 1 (IGV1). In the entire cohort, adjunctive embolization reduced rebleeding (6.2% versus 13.6%, P=0.005) and OHE (31.0% versus 39.4%, P=0.02) compared with TIPS alone. However, no significant differences were found in mortality (12.0% versus 9.7%, P=0.42). In patients with GOV2 and IGV1, TIPS+E reduced both rebleeding (GOV2: 7.8% versus 25.1%, P=0.01; IGV1: 5.6% versus 30.8%, P=0.03) and OHE (GOV2: 31.8% versus 51.5%, P=0.008; IGV1: 11.6% versus 38.5%, P=0.04). However, in patients with GOV1, adjunctive embolization did not reduce rebleeding (5.9% versus 8.7%, P=0.37) or OHE (33.1% versus 35.3%, P=0.60). ConclusionsCompared with TIPS alone, 8-mm TIPS plus variceal embolization reduced rebleeding and OHE in patients with GOV2 and IGV1. These findings suggest that patients with GOV2 and IGV1, rather than GOV1, could benefit from embolization with TIPS.

SURGICAL MANAGEMENT FOR BLEEDING FROM ESOPHAGUS VARICOSE VEINS

Portal hypertension and bleeding from varicose veins of the esophagus and stomach due to portal hypertension are the most dangerous and threatening complications of liver cirrhosis (6,7). The mortality rate from ongoing bleeding is about 4-8% (6,8,11). 20% of patients with acute bleeding die within 6 weeks compared with other complications (6,8,11). Mortality from rebleeding in patients with decompensated stages of liver cirrhosis reaches up to 78% (7). Currently, there are a number of different methods for the treatment of portal hypertension complicated by bleeding from varices of the esophagus and stomach (VES), including both endovascular interventions and endoscopic treatment. Many surgical methods have been developed to reduce pressure in the portal vein and prevent re-bleeding. But these operations have their limitations. Minimally invasive methods for bleeding from VES include endoscopic sclerotherapy, endoscopic ligation, endovascular transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt, endovascular percutaneous transhepatic embolization of gastroesophageal varices and other combined methods. Surgical practice has proven that treatment results and patient survival are much better with delayed and especially with planned surgical interventions. At the same time, in the last decade, preference has been given to indirect portocaval anastomoses, and recently many adherents of the Sugiura operation have appeared (3,10,13). Thanks to the joint efforts of gastroenterologists, radiologists and surgeons in the treatment of bleeding from the esophagus with portal hypertension, gastrointestinal endoscopy and invasive diagnostic and therapeutic radiographic methods have acquired significant importance. Transendoscopic sclerotherapy of VRV has become particularly widespread. Recurrence of hemorrhages is possible in approximately 10% of cases, which is not much higher than the best results of surgical treatment (1,6,11), and complications (mediastenitis, pyothorax, bleeding, stenosis) develop in only 2% of patients (3).

Safety and Efficacy of Overdilation of 10 mm Viatorr Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt Stents Using 12 mm Balloons

Abstract Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate overdilation of 10-mm standard and 8–10 mm controlled-expansion Viatorr stents to 12 mm during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) placement when insufficient reduction (<50%) in portosystemic gradient (PSG) is achieved with standard 10 mm dilation. Materials and Methods It is a single-institution, institutional review board-approved, retrospective review of TIPS (2013–2022) to identify patients in the overdilation group (12 mm dilation of a 10-mm stent) and a control group (10 mm dilation of a 10-mm stent) matched for age, indication, stent type, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score, pre-TIPS PSG, and variceal embolization. Stent diameter, technical success, clinical outcomes, and adverse events were assessed for both groups. Results TIPS was created for the overdilation group (n = 35, 57 ± 11 years, 69% male; MELD: 14 ± 5) and control group (n = 35, 57 ± 11 years, 83% male; MELD: 14 ± 5). Overdilation to 12 mm adequately reduced PSG by more than 50% (55 vs. 65% in the control group, p = 0.11). The stent diameter was larger in the overdilation group on cross-sectional imaging (9.8 ± 0.2 vs. 9.5 ± 0.4 mm, p < 0.001), with an estimated 57% higher volume flow rate (p = 0.002). Patients were followed for a median of 11.3 months (range: 0.03–75) and 15.6 months (range: 0.03–106) in the overdilation and control groups, respectively. There was an equivalent rate of ascites resolution (56 vs. 63%, p = 0.68) and rebleeding (13 vs. 17%, p = 0.82) in the overdilation and control groups, with a similar risk of new-onset hepatic encephalopathy (41 vs. 33%, p = 0.51) and TIPS occlusion (11 vs. 9%, p = 0.69). Overdilation did not result in any instance of stent fracture. Conclusion Overdilation of 10-mm Viatorr stents with 12 mm balloons may provide benefit by potentially reducing PSG further for patients initially having inadequate PSG reduction with short-term safety.

Efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts in treating cirrhotic esophageal-gastric variceal bleeding.

Esophageal-gastric variceal bleeding (EGVB) represents a severe complication among patients with cirrhosis and often culminates in fatal outcomes. Interventional therapy, a rapidly developing treatment modality over the past few years, has found widespread application in clinical practice due to its minimally invasive characteristics. However, whether transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) treatment has an impact on patient prognosis remains controversial. To probing the efficacy of TIPS for treating cirrhotic EGVB and its influence on the prognosis of patients afflicted by this disease. A retrospective study was conducted on ninety-two patients presenting with cirrhotic EGVB who were admitted to our hospital between September 2020 and September 2022. Based on the different modes of treatment, the patients were assigned to the study group (TIPS received, n = 50) or the control group (percutaneous transhepatic varices embolization received, n = 42). Comparative analyses were performed between the two groups preoperatively and one month postoperatively for the following parameters: Varicosity status; hemodynamic parameters [portal vein flow velocity (PVV) and portal vein diameter (PVD); platelet count (PLT); red blood cell count; white blood cell count (WBC); and hepatic function [albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL), and aspartate transaminase (AST)]. The Generic Quality of Life Inventory-74 was utilized to assess quality of life in the two groups, and the 1-year postoperative rebleeding and survival rates were compared. Following surgical intervention, there was an improvement in the incidence of varicosity compared to the preoperative status in both cohorts. Notably, the study group exhibited more pronounced enhancements than did the control group (P < 0.05). PVV increased, and PVD decreased compared to the preoperative values, with the study cohort achieving better outcomes (P < 0.05). PLT and WBC counts were elevated postoperatively in the two groups, with the study cohort displaying higher PLT and WBC counts (P < 0.05). No differences were detected between the two groups in terms of serum ALB, TBIL, or AST levels either preoperatively or postoperatively (P < 0.05). Postoperative scores across all dimensions of life quality surpassed preoperative scores, with the study cohort achieving higher scores (P < 0.05). At 22.00%, the one-year postoperative rebleeding rate in the study cohort was significantly lower than that in the control group (42.86%; P < 0.05); conversely, no marked difference was observed in the 1-year postoperative survival rate between the two cohorts (P > 0.05). TIPS, which has demonstrated robust efficacy in managing cirrhotic EGVB, remarkably alleviates varicosity and improves hemodynamics in patients. This intervention not only results in a safer profile but also contributes significantly to a more favorable prognosis.

Endoscopic ultrasound in portal hypertension: navigating venous hemodynamics and treatment efficacy.

Portal hypertension-related complications increase mortality in patients, irrespective of its etiology. Classically, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) was used to assess the portal venous system and collaterals, considering size and hemodynamic parameters, which correlate with portal hypertension (PH) and related complications. Furthermore, therapeutic EUS guides treatment interventions, such as embolization of the gastric varices through coil placement and tissue adhesive injection, yielding encouraging clinical results. Recently, the direct measurement of portal pressure, emerging as an alternative to hepatic venous pressure gradient, has shown promise, and further research in this area is anticipated. In this review, we aimed to provide a detailed description of various possibilities for diagnosing vascular anatomy and hemodynamics in PH and actual knowledge on the EUS usefulness for PH vessel-related complications. Also, future promises for this field of endo-hepatology are discussed.

Role of Interventional Radiology (IR) in vascular emergencies among cirrhotic patients.

Gastrointestinal hemorrhage remains one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with liver cirrhosis. Mostly, these patients bleed from the gastroesophageal varices. However, nonvariceal bleeding is also more likely to occur in these patients. Because of frequent co-existing coagulopathy, cirrhotics are more prone to bleed from a minor vascular injury while performing percutaneous interventions. Ultrasound-guided bedside vascular access is an essential procedure in liver critical care units. Transjugular portosystemic shunts (TIPS) with/without variceal embolization is a life-saving measure in patients with refractory variceal bleeding. Whenever feasible, balloon-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is an alternative to TIPS in managing gastric variceal bleeding, but without a risk of hepatic encephalopathy. In cases of failed or unfeasible endotherapy, transarterial embolization using various embolic agents remains the cornerstone therapy in patients with nonvariceal bleeding such as ruptured hepatocellular carcinoma, gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding, and procedure-related hemorrhagic complications. Among various embolic agents, N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) enables better vascular occlusion in cirrhotics, even in coagulopathy, making it a more suitable embolic agent in an expert hand. This article briefly entails the different interventional radiological procedures in vascular emergencies among patients with liver cirrhosis.

Usefulness of antegrade foam sclerotherapy for portal hypertensive variceal bleeding.

This study investigates the usefulness of antegrade variceal embolization using sclerosant foam to evaluate technical success and clinical outcomes in cases of hypertensive variceal bleeding. A total of 16 patients underwent percutaneous antegrade variceal embolization using foam sclerotherapy from August 2019 to January 2022. Among the patients, 12 cases were of gastroesophageal varices, two were rectal varices, and one case each was duodenal and jejunal varices, respectively. Sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS) foam was used as a detergent for variceal bleeding sclerotherapy at various anatomical locations. The detergent was used in a foam form to promote clinical outcomes and enable the effective embolization of the entire blood vessel wall, including the ventral side, against gravity. Furthermore, STS foam could be used to help sufficiently deliver the drug to distal segments. A balloon catheter was also used to block the antegrade flow and prevent the dilution of the sclerosant. Technical success was defined as the completion of sclerotherapy for variceal bleeding as planned before the procedure to achieve the disappearance of variceal bleeding. Clinical success was defined as the complete obliteration of varices without recurrent bleeding during the follow-up period after the procedure. Technical success was 81.3%, and clinical success was 84.6%. Additionally, 15/16 of the procedures were emergencies, and there were no complications related to the procedure. Antegrade foam sclerotherapy using 3% STS for variceal bleeding is clinically safe and effective. Moreover, antegrade foam sclerotherapy can be a useful treatment option for patients with active variceal bleeding in emergency cases.

Giant pancreatic serous cystic neoplasm requiring percutaneous variceal embolization due to repeated bleeding from gastric varices after unsuccessful endoscopic treatment:

Giant pancreatic serous cystic neoplasm requiring percutaneous variceal embolization due to repeated bleeding from gastric varices after unsuccessful endoscopic treatment:

An excerpt from the 2023 AASLD practice guidelines: TIPS, variceal embolization, and retrograde transvenous embolization for the treatment of variceal hemorrhage

This is the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) comprehensive guideline on the application of endovascular interventional radiological procedures in the treatment of variceal bleeding, which supplements Risk Stratification and Management of Portal Hypertensive Bleeding in Cirrhosis by describing recent advances in invasive surgery. Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) dates back to the 80s of the 20th century, and over the past few years, several new technical improvements have been made to TIPS stents. Another major treatment for gastric variceal bleeding in North America is the use of different forms of retrograde transvenous embolization. This guideline is intended to provide healthcare professionals with an in-depth understanding of the use of TIPS and/or variceal embolization/occlusion in the treatment of variceal bleeding, with the goal of facilitating multidisciplinary discussions on treatment strategies among hepatologists, gastroenterologists, interventional radiologists, and surgeons. Additionally, it provides a data-based approach to the endovascular treatment of variceal bleeding. However, it differs from the AASLD guidelines by being supported by a systematic review of the literature, a formal rating of the quality of the evidence, and the strength of the recommendations. Consequently, this guideline was developed by a consensus of an expert panel under the supervision of the AASLD Practice Guidelines Committee and provides guidance statements based on a comprehensive review and analysis of the literature on the relevant topic. Importantly, the AASLD Practice Guidelines Committee selected this topic because, for the most part, there are not a sufficient number of randomized controlled trials on this topic to provide meaningful systematic reviews and meta-analyses.

Top tips for EUS-guided embolization of gastric varices (with videos)

Top tips for EUS-guided embolization of gastric varices (with videos)

Advances in Endohepatology.

Over the past decade, the number of endoscopic procedures relevant to patients with liver disease not only increased but also altered and expanded in terms of indications and applications. "Endohepatology" refers to the integration of advanced endoscopy within the practice of hepatology with endoscopic ultrasound as one of the main pillars. Current applications under the umbrella of endohepatology focus on advanced diagnostics and oncological, vascular, and metabolic interventions. These involve, among others, endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided liver biopsy, EUS-guided portal pressure gradient measurement, and EUS-guided coil and glue embolization of gastric varices. In addition to its conceptually attractive technical and innovative characteristics, endohepatology is also an appealing practical option for daily practice because it can be offered as a "one-stop clinic" intervention where comprehensive endoscopic diagnostic and/or therapeutic testing is performed in a single outpatient visit. In this review, we will discuss current trends and future developments within endohepatology and the remaining hurdles to overcome.

THE SURGEON'S PERSPECTIVE ON PORTAL VEIN THROMBOSIS IN PATIENTS WITH LIVER CIRRHOSIS

The article discusses the key aspects of the etiology, diagnosis, and treatment of portal vein thrombosis in patients with liver cirrhosis. The prevalence of portal vein thrombosis in individuals with liver cirrhosis ranges from 0.6 % to 26 %, with a higher incidence observed in those with decompensated cirrhosis. Symptoms of portal vein thrombosis are often nonspecific. Approximately one-third of patients with this condition experience no symptoms, and the detection of a thrombus is usually an incidental finding during computed tomography or ultrasound examinations.&#x0D; Acute portal vein thrombosis is characterized by abdominal pain in the right upper quadrant, non-bloody diarrhea, or acute intestinal obstruction when there is symptomatic dilatation of the superior mesenteric vein. On the other hand, chronic portal vein thrombosis manifests through signs of portal hypertension, such as esophageal and gastric bleeding, deterioration of portal gastropathy, splenomegaly, pancytopenia, and significant ascites.&#x0D; The first-line treatment for portal vein thrombosis involves the use of direct and indirect anticoagulants. However, their administration necessitates careful consideration of the risk of intraluminal bleeding, the severity of cirrhosis, and the potential benefits of portal vein recanalization. Mechanical thrombectomy can serve as an alternative to long-term anticoagulant therapy for portal vein thrombosis. In cases of portal vein thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis, after mechanical thrombectomy and thrombolysis, the placement of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) is often performed.&#x0D; To conclude, portal vein thrombosis frequently occurs in patients with liver cirrhosis, and its appearance is challenging to predict due to its multifactorial nature. The preferred initial treatment for acute portal vein thrombosis, in the absence of intraluminal bleeding or intestinal ischemia, involves the use of direct and indirect anticoagulants. Minimally invasive surgical options, such as mechanical thrombectomy, chemical thrombolysis, and TIPS placement (with or without variceal embolization), are currently available. However, due to the heterogeneous nature of the existing data and the lack of randomized controlled trials, definitive recommendations regarding the optimal treatment strategy are not yet available.&#x0D; Keywords: cirrhosis, coagulopathy, portal hypertension, portal vein thrombosis, anticoagulants.

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.