Venous Approach Research Articles

Permanent Transfemoral Pacing: Making Things Easier

Permanent pacemakers are usually implanted using the venous tributaries of the arms. There are clinical situations where this approach may not be ideal or even possible. In these situations, techniques for permanent pacing via the tributaries of the legs can be used. We describe a method of pacing via a femoral venous approach using a subcutaneous pocket. This technique provides a safe alternative pacing site when avoiding the chest and neck regions.

Arm-only access for combined transarterial and transvenous neurointerventional procedures

A simultaneous arterial and venous approach has been widely described for the endovascular treatment of dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVFs) and recently for arteriovenous malformation (AVMs). Conventional venous approaches are performed...

Balloon valvuloplasty for critical pulmonary valve stenosis in a newborn

Abstract Critical pulmonary valvar stenosis causes cyanosis and can lead to potentially lethal in newborn infants. Following initiation of Prostaglandin infusion, percutaneous balloon pulmonary valvuloplasty (BPV) is considered to be the treatment of choice. The percutaneous femoral venous approach is the most preferred route for BPV in most cardiac centers. We present the case of a 5-day-old female infant with critical pulmonary valvar stenosis who successfully underwent BPV through the femoral venous access. The narrowed pulmonary valve was significantly improved after intervention. This was the first case at our center that was undertaken BPV at the earliest postnatal day.

A systematic review of endovascular stent-electrode arrays, a minimally invasive approach to brain-machine interfaces.

The goal of this study was to systematically review the feasibility and safety of minimally invasive neurovascular approaches to brain-machine interfaces (BMIs). A systematic literature review was performed using the PubMed database for studies published between 1986 and 2019. All studies assessing endovascular neural interfaces were included. Additional studies were selected based on review of references of selected articles and review articles. Of the 53 total articles identified in the original literature search, 12 studies were ultimately selected. An additional 10 articles were included from other sources, resulting in a total of 22 studies included in this systematic review. This includes primarily preclinical studies comparing endovascular electrode recordings with subdural and epidural electrodes, as well as studies evaluating stent-electrode gauge and material type. In addition, several clinical studies are also included. Endovascular stent-electrode arrays provide a minimally invasive approach to BMIs. Stent-electrode placement has been shown to be both efficacious and safe, although further data are necessary to draw comparisons between subdural and epidural electrode measurements given the heterogeneity of the studies included. Greater access to deep-seated brain regions is now more feasible with stent-electrode arrays; however, further validation is needed in large clinical trials to optimize this neural interface. This includes the determination of ideal electrode material type, venous versus arterial approaches, the feasibility of deep brain stimulation, and more streamlined computational decoding techniques.

Transvenous Embolization of Carotid Cavernous Fistula through Inferior Petrosal Sinus with Detachable Coils and Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol Copolymer.

Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is a rare disease caused by abnormal communications between the internal carotid artery (direct fistula) or meningeal branches of the external carotid artery (indirect fistula) and the cavernous sinus (CS). Trauma is the most common cause of CCF. The clinical presentation of CCF is closely related to the venous drainage pattern. Orbital and neuro-ophthalmological symptoms are the most common clinical presentation of CCF with drainage through the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV). Endovascular embolization by arterial or venous approaches is the most common management of CCF. Transvenous embolization using detachable coils and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) is an alternative method for the treatment of CCF. Endovascular embolization offers different options to treat CCF by minimally invasive approach decreasing morbidity and residual fistulas. The purpose of this article is to report our treatment experiences via the inferior petrosal sinus (IPS), and immediate-term outcomes of endovascular embolization of CCF by using detachable coils and EVOH.

Transcatheter Closure of Perimembranous Ventricular Septal Defects Using Different Generations of Amplatzer Devices: Multicenter Experience.

Objectives To demonstrate safety and efficacy of using different generations of softer Amplatzer™ devices for ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure to avoid serious complications at follow-up. Background Transcatheter closure of perimembranous ventricular septal defects (PmVSD) is a well-established procedure; however, it is associated with unacceptable incidence of complete heart block. Great advantages have been achieved by using softer devices for VSD transcatheter closure. The first and second generation of Amplatzer™ occluders (AVP II, ADO, and ADO II) seem to offer a safe and attractive alternative for this procedure. These devices can be delivered using either an arterial (retrograde) or venous (prograde) approach. Methods and Results Patients with congenital PmVSD who underwent transcatheter closure using ADO, ADO II, and AVP II devices were included. Primary end point was to determine efficacy and safety of these generations of devices and to determine the incidence of complications at follow-up (complete AV block and aortic/tricuspid/mitral regurgitation). One hundred and nineteen patients underwent VSD closure at a median age of 5 years (8 months–54 years). During the catheterization, there were only minor complications and at follow-up of 36 ± 25.7 months (up to 99 months), the closure rate was high of 98.3% and freedom from AV block was 100%. Conclusions The use of softer Amplatzer™ devices is a good alternative to achieve PmVSD closure safely with no risk of AVB during the procedure or at midterm follow-up.

Complication risk factors related to central venous catheter in pediatric

A prospective epidemiological study was carried out in the pediatric intensive care unit (ICU), at the Mayotte Hospital Center (MHC). The purpose of the study was to identify and to evaluate complications risk factors related to central venous catheterization. Improving side effects prevention and patients care was the second goal. Data collection took place over a period of 10 months. The central approaches followed in the study were femoral, jugular and subclavian. Since the database is composed of qualitative and quantitative variables, the Chi2 test has been used to measure the association between two variables. The study was carried out on 101 patients. Five infectious risk factors on the 10 variables evaluated have been significantly highlighted: the number of punctures, the number of repair of the dressing, the duration of the catheterization, the exposure time and the parenteral nutrition administration. Evaluation of practices through audits, an appropriate training for the staff, the update and the standardization of procedures, development of standardized assembly of the devices should lower the incidence of complications related to the venous approach.

Ultrasound-guided antecubital vein approach for right heart catheterisation in a Brazilian tertiary centre

ObjectiveAs a parallel to the radial approach for left heart catheterisation, forearm veins may be considered for the performance of right heart catheterisation. However, data regarding the application of this...

Radiofrequency-Assisted Transseptal Access for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation Viaa SuperiorApproach.

This study describes the technique and outcomes of atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation via a superior approach in patients with interrupted or absent inferior vena cavas (IVCs). In patients with interrupted or absent IVCs, transseptal access cannot be obtained via standard femoral venous access. In these patients, alternative strategies are necessary to permit catheter ablation in the left atrium (LA). This study reports on the outcomes of AF ablation from a superior venous access with a radiofrequency (RF)-assisted transseptal puncture (TSP) technique. This study identified patients with interrupted or absent IVCs who underwent AF ablation via a superior approach at 2 ablation centers from 2010 to2019. Fifteen patients (mean age: 50.8 ± 11.2 years; 10 men; 10 with paroxysmal AF) with interrupted or absent IVCs underwent AF ablation with transseptal access via a superior approach. Successful TSP was performed either with a manually bent RF transseptal needle (early cases: n=4) or using a RF wire (late cases: n=11); this approach permitted LA mapping and ablation in all patients. Mean time required to perform single (n=8) or double (n=7) TSP was 16.1 ± 4.8min, and mean total procedure time was 227.9 ± 120.7min (fluoroscopy time: 57.0 ± 28.5min). LA mapping and ablation were successfully performed in all patients. In patients with AF undergoing catheter ablation and who had a standard transseptal approach via femoral venous approach is impossible due to anatomic constraints, RF-assisted transseptal access via a superior approach can be an effective alternative strategy to permit LA mapping and ablation.

The New Surface Landmarks for Blind Axillary Vein Puncture.

Objective To compare the efficacy of blind axillary vein puncture utilizing the new surface landmarks for the subclavian method.Methods This prospective and randomized study was performed at two cardiology medical centers in East China. Five hundred thirty-eight patients indicated to undergo left-sided pacemaker or implantable cardioverter defibrillator implantation were enrolled, 272 patients under the axillary access and 266 patients under the subclavian approach. A new superficial landmark was used for the axillary venous approach, whereas conventional landmarks were used for the subclavian venous approach. We measured lead placement time and X-ray time from vein puncture until all leads were placed in superior vena cava. Meanwhile, the rate of success of lead placement and the type and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups.Results There were no significant differences between the two groups in baseline characteristics or number of leads implanted. There were high success rates for both strategies (98.6% [494/501] vs. 98.4% [479/487], P=0.752) and similar complication rates (14% [38/272] vs. 15% [40/266], P=0.702). Six cases in the control group developed subclavian venous crush syndrome and five had pneumothorax, while neither pneumothorax nor subclavian venous crush syndrome was observed in the experimental group.Conclusion We have developed a new blind approach to cannulate the axillary vein, which is as effective as the subclavian access, safer than that, and also allows to get this vein without the guidance of fluoroscopy, contrast, or echography.

Endovascular treatment of the cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula: current status and considerations.

A cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CS-DAVF) is an abnormal arteriovenous communication involving the dura mater within or near the CS wall. The dural arteries from the internal carotid artery and external carotid artery supply the CS-DAVF, and the superior ophthalmic vein (SOV) and inferior petrous sinus (IPS) are frequent venous drainers. In CS-DAVF cases, high-risk lesions require treatment. Endovascular treatment (EVT) has been the first-line option for CS-DAVFs. To our knowledge, a review of the EVT of CS-DAVFs is lacking. Therefore, in this paper, we review the available literature on this issue. In addition, some illustrative cases are also provided to more concisely expound the EVT of CS-DAVFs. According to the recent literature, transvenous embolization via the IPS is considered the most effective method for EVT of CS-DAVFs. In addition, the transorbital approach is another reasonable choice. Other venous approaches can also be tried. Because of the low cure rate, transarterial embolization for CS-DAVFs is limited to only highly selected patients. In the EVT of CS-DAVFs, various agents have been used, including coil, Onyx, and n-butyl cyanoacrylate, with coil being the preferred one. In addition, when EVT cannot obliterate the CS-DAVF, stereotactic radiotherapy may be considered. In general, despite various complications, EVT is a feasible and effective method to manage CS-DAVFs by way of various access routes and can yield a good prognosis.

Catheter Directed Thrombolysis for Pulmonary Embolism in Patients With Rare Inferior Vena Cava Variants

IntroductionCongenital left inferior vena cava (IVC) with hemiazygos continuation and drainage into the superior vena cava (SVC) is a rare IVC variant and is associated with venous thrombo-embolism. This is the report of a case of hemiazygos continuation of the left IVC receiving catheter directed thrombolysis (CDT) for pulmonary embolism.ReportA 72 year old woman presented with progressive dyspnoea, and CT images confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. The unusual route of the IVC was observed during the right heart catherisation and CDT. CDT was then performed with a left femoral venous approach. The patient tolerated the procedure well, and the follow up pulmonary angiogram showed no residual thrombus.DiscussionThe use of CDT for pulmonary embolism in patients with left IVC with hemiazygos continuation and drainage into the SVC has been reported rarely. Awareness of this diagnosis is critical during right heart catheterisation to prevent devastating complications. However, with careful manipulation, right heart catheterisation and CDT can be achieved successfully. Pulmonary embolism in patients with left IVC with hemiazygos continuation and drainage into the SVC can be treated with CDT safely and effectively with caution. It is wise to remember the different anatomical variations during IVC catheterisation.

Transhepatic venous approach to permanent pacemaker implantation in a patient with no conventional access site

Transhepatic venous approach to permanent pacemaker implantation in a patient with no conventional access site

How to perform left atrial transseptal access and catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation from a superior approach.

The standard technique for percutaneous catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) involves obtaining left atrial access and catheter manipulation from an inferior transfemoral venous access. However, in patients with inferior vena cava interruption, a standard transfemoral venous approach is not possible. In these cases, a percutaneous approach from a superior central vein, such as the internal jugular vein or the axillary/subclavian vein can be considered. In this article, we describe the details of our technique to obtain left atrial catheterization and perform catheter ablation of AF from a superior approach. Our technique involves the use of steerable sheaths, dedicated radiofrequency wires, and intracardiac echocardiography guidance.

Interventional Management of Arteriovenous Malformations

Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) are fast flow malformations characterized by the presence of arteriovenous shunting. These congenital lesions can be evolutive, leading to serious complications such as bleeding, skin ulceration, and cardiac failure. The interventional radiologist plays an important role in the management of these patients. He should be involved in the clinical evaluation to make the proper diagnosis, evaluate the symptoms and potential indication for endovascular treatment. This evaluation should be done in a multidisciplinary clinic with access to plastic surgeons, internal medicine and dermatologist, as well as specific specialists that might need to be implicated (ENT surgeon in the face and neck area, for example). The Schobinger clinical classification is important to assess patient evolution and indicate intervention. We recommend to treat symptomatic or evolutive AVMs. Doppler ultrasound is the first imaging examination that should be performed. Then, MR angiography or computed tomography angiography (CTA) can be proposed depending on the anatomic area involved. Embolization is currently the first line of treatment for these patients. There is currently promising research in the identification of genetic markers and molecular target(s) but there is no recognized pharmacologic treatment for AVM available yet. Digital substraction angiography (DSA) is usually performed for guidance during the embolization session but is also essential to properly classify a specific lesion, according to its anatomy. The anatomic classifications proposed by Cho and Yakes are both useful to choose the best therapeutic approach: Endovascular, direct puncture, retrograde venous approach or a combination of these techniques. Ethanol is the most efficient agent but is at higher risk of skin necrosis and nerve injury and should therefore be used with caution in dangerous territories. Glue and Onyx are liquid agents that are also well suited to occlude the nidus; they can be used in association with ethanol. On the venous side, mechanical occlusion with coils or Amplatzer plugs is mostly used. Again, they can be used in association with a liquid agent (Ethanol, glue or Onyx) to reflux in the nidus. Surgery can be indicated to resect residual AVM following embolization if residual symptoms are present and the planned surgery is feasible, with relative safety.

Unilateral Venous Approach to Contralateral or Bilateral Carotid Cavernous Shunts

Cavernous carotid fistulas (CCF) are anatomically complex vascular lesions. Treatment via the venous approach has been previously described and is highly dependent on the patency of the drainage pathways. The use of a unilateral approach to contralateral or bilateral shunts is technically challenging and not commonly described. We present our experience with the unilateral across-the-midline approach to both cavernous sinuses to treat shunts according to anatomic compartments to achieve anatomic cure. Patients included in this study presented with either bilateral or unilateral shunts with unilateral venous drainage. We used a transarterial guiding catheter for road mapping and control angiography. A venous triaxial system was used to achieve support for distal navigation across the midline via the coronary sinus to the contralateral cavernous sinus. Coils were favored for embolization, with occasional complementary liquid embolic material. Five patients underwent complete occlusion in a single session. One patient required additional complementary transarterial embolization. Despite a successful unilateral approach to bilateral cavernous sinuses, 1 patient needed an additional ipsilateral transophthalmic venous approach to obliterate the anterior compartment of the cavernous sinus. No complications were encountered. Complete angiographic cure was observed in all patients by the end of the final procedures, with persistent occlusion in their follow-up imaging. Careful inspection of the venous anatomy and fistulization sites is critical when treating unilateral or bilateral carotid cavernous shunts. The contralateral venous route can serve as a safe approach when visualized. Crossing the midline via the anterior or posterior coronary sinuses is feasible and efficacious.

Pull-through technique combined with percutaneous angioplasty for treating high-grade arteriovenous fistula stenosis.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of a new pull-through technique through a brachial artery approach combined with angioplasty for the treatment of arteriovenous fistula. In this retrospective study, a total of 56 arteriovenous fistula patients with high-grade stenosis induced by arteriovenous fistula, which was divided into pull-through technique through a brachial artery approach (pull-through group, n = 28) and solely through a venous approach (control group, n = 28), were analyzed. Both groups underwent percutaneous transluminal angioplasty treatments simultaneously. The success rate of the pull-through group (89.3%, 25 out of 28) was similar to that of the control group (75.0%, 21 out of 28, p = 0.296). Fistula restenosis occurred with time in both groups but no significant differences in the post-operative fistula patency were found between the pull-through and control groups in follow-ups at 3, 6, and 12 months (71.4% vs 67.9%, 57.1% vs 60.7%, and 20.0% vs 30.0%, respectively, p > 0.05). No significant difference in the post-operative patency rate in patients with diabetes, hypertension, or coronary disease was found between the pull-through and control groups in the follow-ups at 3 and 12 months, respectively. The pull-through group had significantly shorter operation times compared with the control group (45 ± 9 min vs 65 ± 15 min, p < 0.001). No surgical complications were reported in the pull-through group in contrast to three cases (11%, 3 out of 28) with puncture hematoma and acute occlusion in the control group. The pull-through technique combined with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is an effective, safe and lasting option to treat high-grade arteriovenous fistula stenosis in the upper limb.

Treatment of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula using different surgical approaches: Analysis of 32 consecutive cases

ObjectiveTransarterial and transvenous embolization methods are considered effective and safe approaches for the treatment of cavernous sinus dural arteriovenous fistula (CSDAVF). Here., we report the angioarchitectural features and clinical outcomes of CSDAVF in patients treated with either the inferior arterial approach (IAA) or the inferior petrosal sinus approach (IPSA). MethodsThe clinical data of 32 patients with CSDAVF treated at our institution from May 2008 to May 2014 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent routine diagnostic digital subtraction angiography (DSA) before surgery. Embolization was performed using the IPSA through the internal jugular vein or IAA, based on angioarchitectural features. ResultsOf the 32 patients with CSDAVF, 24 underwent embolization treatment through the internal jugular vein-IPSA and 8 patients underwent treatment through IAA. Nineteen patients in the IPSA group experienced mild headache, which improved after specific treatment. The immediate postembolization angiographic results revealed complete occlusion in 26 cases (18 IPSA and 8 IAA) and almost complete occlusion in 6 cases (IPSA). Complications that occurred during the procedure included abducens nerve palsy (n = 1, IPSA) and prosopoplegia (n = 1, IAA). One patient developed tinnitus, which was diagnosed as anterior cranial fossa new-onset dural arteriovenous fistula on DSA, whereas the symptoms of other patients all improved with no recurrence. ConclusionsOn the basis of the angioarchitectural features of CSDAVF, IAA can be considered the primary treatment when the blood-supplying artery and fistula are relatively singular, and when the microcatheter can easily reach the fistula through the artery. The venous approach should be selected as the primary approach when the fistula is indistinguishable and blood is supplied by multiple arteries through small plexiform vessels. Choosing the optimal surgical approach may increase the success rate of intravascular CSDAVF surgery and may help avoid complications.

Medium- and long-term follow-up of transcatheter closure of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm in Central Europe population

BackgroundWe aimed to evaluate medium- and long-term outcomes of transcatheter closure (TC) of ruptured sinus of Valsalva aneurysm (RSVA), which is a rare and mostly congenital heart disease. MethodsRetrospective analysis included 23 patients (14 males) aged 15–79 years (y; 39.9±18.5) selected for TC of RSVA between 2007 and 2017 in two tertiary centers in Poland and Ukraine. Fifteen patients were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III or IV before TC; 5 patients had acquired RSVA after previous cardiac surgery. We applied 22 duct, 3 muscular, and 1 atrial septal Amplatzer or Amplatzer-like occluders by the anterograde venous approach after arterio-venous loop creation in all but 1 patient. Mean follow-up conducted in outpatient clinic was 5.5±3.5 (1–11)y. ResultsThe procedure was successful in 19/23 patients (82.6%). Four procedures were abandoned and the device percutaneously retrieved due to coronary artery compression (1 patient), transient increase of aortic regurgitation (AR; 1 patients) or embolization (2 patients). New onset of significant AR was noted in one of the latter patients after device removal. NYHA class improved in all treated patients but 2, in whom it remained stable (p<0.05), with 10 patients in class I. Three patients needed percutaneous re-intervention during follow-up because of significant residual shunt in 1 and late recurrent RSVA in 2 patients. The follow-up of the remaining patients was uneventful. Neither erosion, embolization, new AR, nor death were observed. ConclusionsThe percutaneous closure of RSVA is a safe and effective method of treatment with good clinical outcome. However, although not described previously, recurrent shunts after TC of RSVA are possible and can be treated successfully with another transcatheter intervention.

Retrospective review of a venous sparing approach to resection of parasagittal meningiomas

Parasagittal meningiomas make up 20–30% of intracranial meningiomas. Their proximity to, and often invasion of, the superior sagittal sinus (SSS) may preclude complete surgical resection. Repair and reconstruction of the SSS in pursuit of Simpson grade I resection is associated with increased morbidity. We retrospectively reviewed 76 parasagittal meningiomas. Our surgical technique emphasized preservation of bridging cortical veins and the SSS. In cases where the SSS was already occluded by tumor, this portion of the sinus and adjacent falx were resected. In cases where the SSS was not occluded by tumor, maximal tumor resection without entering the SSS was performed. The post-op neurologic exam was unchanged or improved in 91% of patients. Only one patient (1%) experienced new persistent neurologic symptoms, which consisted of contralateral numbness. Sixteen patients (21%) experienced tumor recurrence that was deemed appropriate for additional intervention (radiosurgery, re-operation, or re-operation + radiosurgery). Age, sex, location, recurrence, size, presence of edema, degree of sinus involvement, or pathology were not statistically significant predictors of recurrence. Length of follow-up was the only statistically significant predictor of recurrence. A surgical strategy emphasizing preservation of cortical bridging veins and the SSS appears to be safe and effective for the treatment of parasagittal meningiomas. The use of adjuvant therapy for the treatment of residual intrasinusal tumor encountered in this approach may be reserved for cases of tumor progression.