Robert J. Rosen

Initial successful management of type I endoleak after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair with n-butyl cyanoacrylate adhesive

OBJECTIVE Transcatheter embolization with coils and other agents has been described as a treatment method for type II endoleak after endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (EVAR). Type I endoleak has not been treated commonly with such therapies, although most investigators believe they warrant definitive intervention. The liquid adhesive n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) is often used to treat congenital arteriovenous malformations. The objective of this study is to report our initial experience in treating type I endoleak with n-BCA and with a variety of other interventions. METHODS A retrospective review was performed of 270 patients who underwent EVAR at our institution between January 1994 and December 2002. Of these, 24 patients had type I endoleak (8.9%), diagnosed either intraoperatively (n = 13, 52%) or during follow-up (n = 12, 48%). Among these 24 patients, 17 had proximal leaks and the remaining 8 patients had distal leaks. These cases form the focus of this study. RESULTS Twenty-two leaks required endovascular intervention, with the following success rate: n-BCA, 12 of 13 cases (92.3%); extender cuffs, 4 of 5 cases (80%); coils with or without thrombin, 3 of 4 cases (75%). In one patient with persistent endoleak despite attempted endovascular intervention the device ultimately was surgically explanted, and the patient did well. Of six patients with endoleak initially managed expectantly, two eventually underwent attempts at definitive intervention, both with n-BCA. Three sealed spontaneously before definitive intervention could be performed; and in one 97-year-old patient who refused intervention, the aneurysm subsequently ruptured and the patient died. In total, 13 patients with type I endoleak underwent n-BCA transcatheter embolotherapy. No serious complications were directly related to this therapy. Colon ischemia developed in one patient, and was believed to be a result of thromboembolism during wire and catheter manipulation rather than n-BCA treatment. Twelve of these 13 leaks remain sealed at mean follow-up of 5.9 months (range, 0-19 months). CONCLUSION Our initial use of n-BCA occlusion suggests that it may be an effective and safe method of treatment of type I endoleak after EVAR. In particular, n-BCA embolotherapy may be especially useful in treating type I endoleak not amenable to placement of extender cuffs. Larger case series and longer follow-up are needed before this treatment is more broadly recommended. Type I endoleak after EVAR can be treated successfully with a variety of endovascular methods, and surgical explantation is rarely required.

Successful multimodal therapy for kaposiform hemangioendothelioma complicated by Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon: case report and review of the literature.

We present the management challenge provided by a patient with kaposiform hemangioendothelioma associated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. A female child presented at 14 months of age with an ecchymotic swelling of her right upper arm and axilla. Subsequently, she developed profound thrombocytopenia and hypofibrinogenemia (Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon). Biopsy of the lesion revealed kaposiform hemangioendothelioma, which has been reported as the predominant pathologic diagnosis associated with Kasabach-Merritt phenomenon. To achieve involution of the lesion and preserve function of the arm, the following interventions were involved: embolization, systemic interferon, cyclophosphamide, epsilon aminocaproic acid, and compression therapy. The clinical management of this patient was formidable until we arrived at the proper combination of therapies. Multimodal intervention may be required to manage fastidious hemangioendotheliomas of childhood, achieve clinical improvement, and prevent further morbidity.

Uterine arteriovenous malformation successfully embolized with a liquid polymer, isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate

A uterine arteriovenous malformation was diagnosed angiographically in a 27-year-old woman presenting with recurrent menometrorrhagia. Bilateral hypogastric artery embolization with a liquid polymer, isobutyl 2-cyanoacrylate (Bucrylate), resulted in subsequent normal menses. Bucrylate offers a number of advantages over other agents previously used to embolize uterine arteriovenous malformations.

Congenital arteriovenous malformation of the female pelvis: A gynecologic perspective

Nine female patients with the rare congenital arteriovenous malformation of the pelvis were treated at New York University Medical Center in the past 8 years. The patients varied significantly in the anatomic location of the arteriovenous malformation, clinical presentation, and natural course of disease. A gynecologic perspective on the management of this condition is presented, which ranges from a conservative approach with preservation of childbearing potential to extensive pelvic surgery. The important role of modern interventional radiology technology and the multidisciplinary approach are stressed. The unpredictable course of disease after any intervention should be emphasized in planning the management of pelvic arteriovenous malformation.

Endoleak management following endovascular aneurysm repair.

Endoleaks continue to be a challenge in the endovascular approach to aneurysm repair, both in the abdominal and thoracic aorta. Some of these leaks are related to anatomic factors and patient selection, others are device related, and some (especially type II leaks) appear intrinsic to the endovascular approach. Certain endoleaks require treatment as soon as they are detected due to continued pressurization of the aneurysm sac, while the need for treatment of others remains controversial. Using endovascular techniques, the vast majority of these problems can be successfully addressed without the need for open surgery. This paper reviews our 14 year experience in the management of endoleaks and summarizes our current approach to these patients.

The role of magnetic resonance imaging in the management of vascular malformations of the trunk and extremities.

&NA; Vascular malformations can usually be diagnosed on clinical grounds. They have a well‐defined appearance on magnetic resonance imaging, which can effectively determine their tissue and flow characteristics. However, the role of cross‐sectional imaging in the management of vascular malformations is not well defined. Most reviews suggest that magnetic resonance imaging should be reserved for cases in which the extent of the lesion cannot be estimated on physical examination. However, to date no group has compared the accuracy of physical examination alone to that of magnetic resonance imaging in determining this extent. A review was performed of all the patients evaluated for vascular malformations at the New York University Trunk and Extremity Vascular Anomalies Conference between July of 1994 and August of 1999. Patients who underwent magnetic resonance evaluation at other institutions and whose images were not available for review were excluded. All study patients either underwent magnetic resonance imaging examination at New York University Medical Center or had outside films reviewed at the center. The physical examination findings were compared with the magnetic resonance findings and the surgeon and radiologist made a joint decision about whether there was a correlation between the magnetic resonance and physical examination findings. Fifty‐eight patients met the study criteria, 44 (76 percent) of whom were found to have more extensive disease on magnetic resonance examination than appreciated on physical examination. Of the 51 patients with low‐flow vascular malformations (venous vascular malformations, lymphatic malformations, and capillary malformations), 39 (76 percent) had more extensive disease on magnetic resonance examination than on physical examination. Of the seven patients with high‐flow arteriovenous malformations, five had more extensive disease on magnetic resonance. In all of the 44 patients whose magnetic resonance imaging findings did not correlate with those of the physical examination, therapeutic decision making was affected. Contrary to the conventional wisdom of published reviews, physical examination findings significantly underestimated the extent of vascular malformations in the majority of cases. Magnetic resonance imaging should be performed in all patients with vascular malformations of the trunk and extremities before therapy is planned. In an age when physicians are asked to justify their decisions, especially where the use of expensive diagnostic modalities is concerned, the situations in which these tests are indispensable must be clearly defined or else patients will be denied access to them. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 112: 504, 2003.)

Endovascular radiofrequency ablation: a novel treatment of venous insufficiency in Klippel-Trenaunay patients.

INTRODUCTION Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome (KTS) is an uncommon congenital disorder of uncertain etiology that comprises the clinical triad of varicose veins, port wine stain, and bony or soft-tissue hypertrophy. The literature suggests that the deep venous system is often under-developed. We propose that duplex venous ultrasound can effectively demonstrate patent deep venous systems in KTS patients with mild to moderate disease, and that endovascular radiofrequency ablation can be utilized in a safe and appropriate therapeutic manner. METHODS A single center retrospective review of three patients with KTS treated with endovascular radiofrequency ablation of the KT veins and/or great saphenous veins was conducted. Preoperatively, patients underwent both venography and were studied with color flow duplex ultrasound system iU22 with a 7-5 MHz linear array probe (Philips Medical Systems, NA, Bothell, Wash). The anomalous KT veins, great saphenous and saphenous tributaries, and associated incompetent perforators were ablated with radiofrequency catheters (VNUS Medical Technologies, Inc, San Jose, Calif). All the radiofrequency ablations were complimented by ultrasound guided sclerotherapy of the varicose tributaries and when evident, incompetent perforator veins. RESULTS The diagnostic series of duplex ultrasounds performed on our KTS patients has demonstrated contiguous deep venous systems in the effected extremity and effectively recognized the associated anomalous superficial venous systems. Our treatment resulted in successful occlusion of the incompetent veins in all three patients. DISCUSSION The three patients, females aged 39, 19, and 16, presented with port wine stains and many years of leg-swelling and varicose veins that were recalcitrant to conservative treatment measures, including compression stockings and pulsed-dye laser therapy. Venography initially revealed poorly developed deep venous systems. However, venous ultrasound demonstrated patent and competent deep venous systems in all of the affected limbs. Radiofrequency ablations were performed to manage the sequella of venous insufficiency. At short-term follow-up, all patients demonstrated markedly decreased leg pain, edema, and varicose vein bulging. CONCLUSIONS Three KTS patients were successfully treated with radiofrequency ablation of the incompetent great saphenous and/or anomalous superficial veins. Although the deep veins were poorly visualized on venography, they were clearly demonstrated with duplex ultrasound and functioned adequately once the incompetent superficial veins were ablated.

The use of cyanoacrylate adhesives in the management of congenital vascular malformations.

This article outlines the use of liquid acrylic adhesives in the management of congenital vascular malformations. Specifically, the chemical features of cyanoacrylates, including the physical and chemical properties, exovascular use of cyanoacrylates, and the techniques for use of these agents, are discussed.

Massive and Submassive Pulmonary Embolism: Experience With an Algorithm for Catheter-Directed Mechanical Thrombectomy

BACKGROUND The role of catheter-directed mechanical thrombectomy (CDMT) for the treatment of massive pulmonary embolism (MPE) and submassive pulmonary embolism (SMPE) is not clearly defined. We report our experience with an algorithm for CDMT as a primary treatment in patients with MPE and SMPE. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed our experience in treating MPE and SMPE in consecutive patients over a 2-year period (2008-2010). Patients with computed tomography angiography evidence of saddle, main branch, or ≥2 lobar pulmonary emboli in the setting of hypoxia, tachycardia, echocardiographic right heart strain, and/or cardiogenic shock underwent AngioJet CDMT, with or without adjunctive thrombolytic power-pulse spray. Outcomes, including angiographic success, clinical improvement, complications, and survival to discharge, were evaluated. RESULTS Fifteen patients (8 men, 7 women; 14 SMPE, 1 SMPE) with a mean age of 59 years (range: 35-90 years) were treated for heart strain (100%), tachycardia (67%), hypoxia (67%), and cardiogenic shock (7%). Ten patients (67%) also received Alteplase power-pulse spray. Resolution of symptoms and improvement in heart strain were achieved in all patients. There were no in-hospital mortalities. Complications occurred in 3 patients (20%), including 2 patients with acute tubular necrosis and 1 patient with an intraoperative cardiac arrest. Average hospitalization was 9 days (range: 4-26 days). All patients were discharged on full anticoagulation. None required supplemental oxygen at discharge. CONCLUSION CDMT as primary treatment of MPE and SMPE has a high rate of technical and clinical success in a high-risk patient population. Experience and strict patient selection criteria may improve therapeutic outcomes.

Endoscopic ligation of umbilical cord at 19 week's gestation in monoamniotic monochorionic twins discordant for hypoplastic left heart syndrome.

We report the first attempt of reduction of monoamniotic twins, discordant for hypoplastic left heart syndrome, using a new fetoscopic technique. Employing sonographic guidance and endoscopic visualization, cord ligation was accomplished, but significant cord entanglement, not previously appreciated, resulted in the ligation of the umbilical cord of the normal fetus. Cord entanglement may frustrate endoscopic techniques in monoamniotic twins.