Veronica J. Harris

Percutaneous Radiologic, Surgical Endoscopic, and Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy/Gastrojejunostomy: Comparative Study and Cost Analysis

AbstractPurpose: To compare the results and costs of three different means of achieving direct percutaneous gastroenteric access. Methods: Three groups of patients received the following procedures: fluoroscopically guided percutaneous gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy (FPG, n= 42); percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy (PEG, n= 45); and surgical endoscopic gastrostomy/gastrojejunostomy (SEG, n= 34). Retrospective review of the medical records was performed to evaluate indications for the procedure, procedure technical success, and outcome. Estimated costs were compared for each of the three procedures, using a combination of charges and materials costs. Results: Technical success was greater for FPG and SEG (100% each) than for PEG (84%, p= 0.008 vs FPG and p= 0.02 vs SEG). All patients (n= 7) who failed PEG subsequently underwent successful FPG. Success in placing a gastrojejunostomy was 91% for FPG, and estimated at 43% for PEG and 0 for SEG. Complications did not differ in frequency among groups. For gastrostomy, the average cost per successful tube was lowest in the PEG group (

Interpretations and Treatment Decisions Based on MR Angiography versus Conventional Arteriography in Symptomatic Lower Extremity Ischemia

1862, p= 0.02); FPG averaged

Localization of the portal vein for transjugular catheterization: percutaneous placement of a metallic marker with real-time US guidance.

1985, and SEG

Long-term follow-up of the Palmaz stent for iliac occlusive disease.

3694. SEG costs significantly more than FPG or PEG (p= 0.0001). For gastrojejunostomy, FPG averaged

Comparison of Spiral CT Scan and Arteriography for Evaluation of Renal and Visceral Arteries

2201, PEG

Percutaneous Transhepatic Drainage of the Nondilated Biliary System

3158, and SEG

Treatment of Aortobiiliac Graft Stenosis with Contralateral Wallstent Placement

3045. Conclusion: Technical success for gastrostomy is higher for FPG and SEG than PEG. Though PEG is the least costly procedure, the difference is modest compared with FPG. For gastrojejunostomy, FPG offers the highest technical success rate and lowest cost. Due to high costs associated with the operating room, SEG should be reserved for those patients undergoing a concurrent surgical procedure.

Three-dimensional gadolinium-enhanced MR angiography for aortoiliac inflow assessment plus renal artery screening in a single breath hold.

PURPOSE To determine the frequency with which treatment plans based on findings at magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) match those based on findings at conventional x-ray arteriography (XRA) in the evaluation of symptomatic lower extremity ischemia. PATIENTS AND METHODS Two-dimensional time-of-flight (TOF) MRA was performed in 42 patients undergoing XRA for evaluation of symptomatic lower extremity ischemia. The blind interpretations and treatment plans based on MRA findings were compared with those based on XRA findings, with use of XRA as the standard of reference. RESULTS For identification of hemodynamically significant stenosis or occlusion, the sensitivity and specificity of MRA was 100% and 23% for iliac segments, 100% and 82% for common femoral segments, 89% and 67% for superficial femoral segments, 100% and 88% for popliteal segments, and 92% and 91% for tibioperoneal segments, respectively. The treatment plan based on MRA findings matched that based on XRA findings in 41% of patients. CONCLUSION For evaluation of symptomatic lower extremity ischemia, two-dimensional TOF MRA cannot be considered a reliable substitute for XRA in patients who lack contraindications to XRA.

Outcome of tunneled hemodialysis catheters placed via the right internal jugular vein by interventional radiologists.

Transjugular catheterization of the portal vein can be used to form a portosystemic shunt. Conventionally, the passage of a needle from the hepatic vein into the portal vein is performed with fluoroscopic monitoring only. Several methods to target the portal vein have been previously reported, including transhepatic venous catheterization, indirect portography (arterial catheterization), or skin marking based on ultrasound (US) mapping of portal landmarks. The authors used realtime US guidance to percutaneously place a small marking wire in the parenchyma next to the portal bifurcation. A 0.018-inch-diameter, 5-mm-long platinum wire is delivered through a 22-gauge echo-tipped needle placed adjacent to the right portal vein. This marking wire enabled rapid entry into the portal vein, helped avoid extrahepatic puncture, and was useful during stent deployment and positioning.

Tunneled hemodialysis catheters: use of a silver-coated catheter for prevention of infection--a randomized study.

BACKGROUND Thirty-eight limbs with iliac occlusive disease were treated with Palmaz stents from 1987 through 1991. METHODS Indications for stent utilization included dissection induced by percutaneous transluminal balloon angioplasty (PTA) (10), restenosis after PTA (nine), post-PTA residual stenosis (nine), multiple stenoses or occlusion (five), and unfavorable location (five). RESULTS The ankle/brachial pressure index increased from 0.53 +/- 0.27 to 0.8 +/- 0.26 after stent deployment. The intraluminal pressure gradient decreased from 31.9 +/- 16.3 to 0.9 +/- 2.2 mm Hg after stent deployment. Complications included pseudoaneurysm (one), arteriovenous fistula (one), iliac perforation (one), groin hematoma (two), and occlusion (two). Follow-up arteriogram showed stenosis proximal or distal (n = 4) or within the stents (n = 4). These were treated with PTA or stents. Two patients required an aortobifemoral graft. Nine patients have died. Life table analysis showed a 1-, 3-, and 5-year primary and secondary cumulative patency of 87% +/- 5.9%, 74% +/- 8.2%, and 63% +/- 10% and 91% +/- 5.1%, 91% +/- 5.6%, and 86% +/- 7.6%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS Palmaz stents, often required to salvage a PTA failure, appear to maintain overall patency at a high level. However, intimal hyperplasia and the progression of atherosclerotic disease may result in a need for additional procedures to obtain this favorable outcome.