Marc Ghysels

Relevant radiological anatomy of the pig as a training model in interventional radiology

Abstract. The use of swine for teaching purposes in medicine and surgery has largely increased in recent years. Detailed knowledge of the porcine anatomy and physiology is a prerequisite for proper use of pigs as a teaching or an experimental model in interventional radiology. A systematic study of the radiological anatomy was undertaken in more than 100 female pigs aged 6–8 weeks. All studies were performed under general anesthesia in a single session. Animals were sacrificed at the end of the study. Selective angiographies were systematically obtained in all anatomical territories. In other animals CT and MRI examinations were performed and were correlated to anatomical sections and acrylic casts of the vascular structures. Endoscopical examinations of the upper gastrointestinal tract, including retrograde opacification of the biliary and pancreatic ducts, were added in selected animals. The main angiographic aspects of the brain, head and neck, thorax, abdomen, and pelvis were recorded. Similarities and differences in comparison with human anatomy are stressed. Potential applications in interventional radiology are indicated.

Transcatheter Embolization of Pseudoaneurysms Complicating Pancreatitis

AbstractPurpose: To evaluate the therapeutic role of angiography in patients with pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis. Methods: Thirteen symptomatic pseudoaneurysms were treated in nine patients with pancreatitis. Eight patients had chronic pancreatitis and pseudocyst and one had acute pancreatitis. Clinical presentation included gastrointestinal bleeding in seven patients and epigastric pain without bleeding in two. All patients underwent transcatheter embolization. Results: Transcatheter embolization resulted in symptomatic resolution in all patients. Rebleeding occurred in two patients, 18 and 28 days after embolization respectively, and was successfully treated by repeated emnbolization. One patient with severe pancreatitis died from sepsis 28 days after embolization. Follow-up was then available for eight patients with no relapse of bleeding after a mean follow-up of 32 months (range 9—48 months). Conclusion: Transcatheter embolization is safe and effective in the management of pseudoaneurysms complicating pancreatitis.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Stent Shunt as a Rescue Treatment after Sclerotherapy Failure in Variceal Bleeding

BACKGROUND Variceal bleeding carries high early mortality, especially after failure of conventional treatments such as endoscopic injection therapy. The present study analyses the efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt (TIPS) in cirrhotic patients after failure of sclerotherapy for variceal bleeding. METHODS Twenty-four consecutive patients underwent TIPS in this indication. RESULTS The procedure was successful in all patients, with reduction of size or disappearance of varices in 96% of them. Four patients (17%) developed encephalopathy and six (25%) rebled during the follow-up period (median 5 months; range 1-19). Thirty-day mortality was only 17% and 29% during the follow-up period. Deaths were mainly due to liver failure, especially after procedures performed in emergency. Significant decrease in liver function was observed in the days following the procedure. To maintain long-term patency of the shunt, revision was required in nine patients (38%). CONCLUSIONS TIPS seems to be a promising salvage therapeutic procedure after failed sclerotherapy, but this needs to be addressed in controlled trials.

Wallstent misplacement into the paraumbilical vein during TIPS from the left hepatic vein: Correction by placing a second stent through the mesh of the first stent

During a TIPS procedure using the left hepatic vein approach, a Wallstent was misplaced into a dilated paraumbilical vein instead of the left portal vein. The correct shunt direction from the left portal vein to the left hepatic vein was restored by coaxially inserting a second Wallstent through the stretched mesh of the misplaced stent. To prevent such stent misplacement, it seems useful to emphasize the importance of maintaining the exchange guidewire within the distal portion of the splenic or mesenteric vein throughout dilatation and stenting of the liver parenchyma.