K Amplatz

Redistribution of Renal Blood Flow Caused by Contrast Media

Rerouting of blood from the renal cortex to the renal medulla (Trueta shunting), observed in 5 cases, may occur in normal kidneys during renal angiography. The temporary nature of this artifact may be proved by performing an abdominal aortogram with the catheter tip inserted farther away from the renal arteries. The exact mechanism of this phenomenon is unknown; it may also occur with various renovascular disorders.

Reversible hepatic transplant ischemia: Case report and review of literature

We report the successful treatment of a hepatic arterial anastomotic stenosis by angioplasty in an orthotopic liver transplant recipient. The patient had already undergone hepatic infarction and compromised allograft function and sepsis. Baseline duplex ultrasound and angiographic studies showed obstruction of the transplant arterial anastomosis. Following angioplasty, allograft function, areas of infarction, and duplex ultrasound studies returned to normal. At 6-month follow-up the patient remains asymptomatic.

Radiologic diagnosis of different types of pulmonary stenoses

Right ventricular outflow obstructive lesions are among the most prevalent congenital cardiac anomalies with a frequency ranging from 6–10% when considered as isolated anomalies. As part of a more complicated developmental complex, their frequency is undoubtedly higher. The diagnosis can be suspected by the traditional clinical and hemodynamic findings, but a firm diagnosis can only be made by angiography. An exact diagnosis is most important since most of these lesions can be surgically corrected.

Current trends in the management of urinary stones

The treatment of renal and ureteral stones has undergone rapid and major changes over the past ten years. Extracorporeal Shockwave lithotripsy has become the most commonly used modality for the treatment of renal and upper ureteral stones. Lower ureteral stones are more commonly being approached by retrograde techniques. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy, medical therapy, and open surgical nephrolithotomy offer viable alternatives in given situations. Presented here is the current application of each of these techniques, both alone and in combination, for the treatment of urinary stones.

Double-lumen needle for percutaneous ureteral pressure-flow studies.

Ureteral perfusion studies in patients without preexisting renal access currently must be intermittently interrupted for intrarenal pressure measurement. A double-lumen needle has been successfully placed in four patients (two with native and two with transplanted kidneys). This permits simultaneous perfusion and intrarenal pressure monitoring yet maintains the safety and ease of use of a single skinny needle.

Urine-Compatible Polymer for Long-Term Ureteral Stenting

Internal double-J ureteral stents were designed from a urine-compatible polymer (C-Flex), and 35 stents were placed in patients. The overall patency rate for the stents was 80%, with most stent failures occurring before 2 months; the follow-up period ranged from 2 to 16 months, with a mean follow-up for all stents of 5.0 months. Stents were considered patent at last follow-up only if they had been in place for at least 2 months. No migration or fracture of the stents occurred. Physical properties of urine-exposed stents were compared with those of virgin tubing and tubing exposed for 1 year to shelf conditions. Stent patency was optimized by increasing urine flow by increasing the patients voluntary oral intake, administering prophylactic oral antibiotics, and avoiding placement of stents into grossly bloody or infected collecting systems.

A new retention catheter.

A new retention catheter made of a soft, biocompatible material is described. It has the advantages of the Cope- and Malecot-type systems without their inherent disadvantages. It is easily introduced into virtually any fluid collection and is optimal for smaller collections, such as a normal renal pelvis.