Percutaneous drainage of psoas abscess under real-time computed tomography fluoroscopic guidance

Objectives  The goal of our study was to determine the usefulness of percutaneous abscess drainage under guidance of computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy. Materials and methods  Our subjects were 21 patients (seven women, 14 men; mean age 64 years; age range 30–87 years) who had undergone percutaneous drainage of 26 psoas abscess lesions under CT fluoroscopic guidance between May 2001 and January 2008. Drainage methods involved a needle puncture, insertion of a guidewire, serial dilations, and the exchange of the needle with a drainage tube. The procedures were guided by use of a helical CT scanner that provided real-time fluoroscopic reconstruction. Results  Percutaneous drainage under real-time CT fluoroscopic guidance was successfully performed in every procedure. Use of real-time CT fluoroscopy allowed rapid assessment of needle, guidewire, and catheter placement. No patient had serious complications related to the drainage procedure. The mean procedure time required to drain one lesion was 35.6 ± 13.6 min. Mean period after the drainage procedure until complete disappearance of the abscess as confirmed by CT was 12.4 ± 10.0 days (range 3–46 days). Conclusion  CT fluoroscopy is useful in achieving accurate and safe drainage of abnormal psoas fluid collections.     

CT引导下经皮穿刺肺脓肿引流术的临床应用

目的　探讨CT引导下经皮穿刺肺脓肿引流术的临床应用。方法　对 18例肺脓肿行CT引导下经皮穿刺引流术 ,其中 8例直接用穿刺针抽吸脓液 1～ 3次 ,10例放置引流管持续引流。结果　17例手术获得成功 ,成功率 94 .4 % (17 18)。随访 11～ 35d ,症状明显好转、病灶缩小或消失 16例 ,治愈率 88.9% (16 18)。并发症 :穿刺发生气胸 4例 ,气胸量 <30 % 3例 ,>30 % 1例。结论　CT引导下经皮穿刺肺脓肿引流术 ,可缩短病程 ,创伤小 ,操作简单 ,只要掌握好适应证和技术要领 ,成功率、治愈率高 ,并发症少而轻 ,值得推广应用。     

CT fluoroscopy-assisted needle puncture and ethanol injection for hepatocellular carcinoma: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVE: We assessed the usefulness of real-time CT fluoroscopy for needle guidance and evaluated the clinical usefulness of a unified CT fluoroscopy and angiography system in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A single-session percutaneous ethanol injection was performed with CT fluoroscopy guidance and monitoring for 15 hepatocellular carcinomas with an average size of 2.5 cm (range, 0.7-4.7 cm) in 10 consecutive patients. Of these, seven lesions were not seen on sonography. To mark the lesion for puncture, we performed CT arteriography or arterial injection of iodized oil. A puncture guide was applied to 12 lesions. RESULTS: The average depth from the skin's surface to the lesion was 9.3 cm (range, 4.5-11.5 cm), and the puncture route was transthoracic in five lesions and transabdominal in 13. The overall success rate in puncturing the lesions was 94.4% (17/18 sessions). The average number of punctures was 3.3, and it significantly decreased after introduction of a puncture guide compared with freehand puncture (p < .01). The average amount of injected ethanol was 12.7 ml (range, 4-27 ml). The ratio of injected ethanol dose to calculated ethanol dose was 0.6. Local recurrence occurred in four (26.7%) of 15 lesions after an average of 5 months. CONCLUSION: Using CT fluoroscopy for guidance of the needle and for monitoring ethanol infusion in the target lesion, we have found single-session percutaneous ethanol injection to be possible for hepatocellular carcinomas smaller than 5 cm or not revealed by sonography. The puncture guidance equipment was helpful for accurate insertion of the needle into the lesion, allowing a minimum number of punctures and minimal radiation exposure.     

Feasibility of C-Arm-Supported CT Fluoroscopy in Percutaneous Abscess Drainage Procedures

Purpose: Evaluation of C-arm-supported CT fluoroscopy to facilitate percutaneous abscess drainage procedures. Methods: Prospectively, 40 percutaneous drainage procedures were performed either with C-arm-supported CT fluoroscopy or with CT fluoroscopy alone. Hybrid imaging was performed on the CT couch after complementing a CT fluoroscopy scanner with a C-arm fluoroscopy unit. Procedure times, drainage revisions during follow-up, and postinterventional drainage periods were analyzed. Results: When compared with exclusive CT fluoroscopic guidance, a median procedure time of 9 ± 3.7 min versus 14.8 ± 7.3 min was required for C-arm-supported CT fluoroscopy (p < 0.005, t-test). During follow-up, eight drainage catheters had to be revised within the exclusive CT fluoroscopy group, while only two revisions were necessary within the C-arm-supported CT fluoroscopy group. With C-arm-supported CT fluoroscopy, postinterventional drainage periods were reduced (median 13 vs 19 days; p < 0.001, t-test). Conclusion: Compared with exclusive cross-sectional image guidance, C-arm-supported CT fluoroscopy seems to improve placement of abscess drainage catheters to possibly reduce procedure times, drainage catheter revisions, and postinterventional drainage periods.     

CT引导下经皮肝脓肿穿刺置管引流术的应用

目的观察CT引导下经皮肝脓肿穿刺置管引流治疗肝脓肿的疗效和临床应用价值。方法对临床诊断明确并经实验室及影像学检查证实的36例患者在CT引导下经皮肝脓肿穿刺引流,术中置管,术后定时冲洗并积极进行有效的抗生素治疗。结果 36例肝脓肿患者经皮穿刺置管引流术治疗后,临床症状消失,无并发症发生,经B型超声或CT复查脓肿消失,全部治愈出院。结论 CT引导下经皮肝脓肿穿刺置管引流术具有操作简便、手术创伤小、住院费用低、疗效肯定等优点,是临床治疗肝脓肿的有效方法之一。     

Percutaneous translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation under computed tomography guidance

Percutaneous translumbar inferior vena cava (IVC) cannulation is an alternative approach for central venous catheterization, but there have been sporadic reports of puncture-related complications. To avoid complications during IVC puncture, percutaneous translumbar IVC cannulation was performed under computed tomography (CT) guidance in addition to fluoroscopy in two patients. To perform chemotherapy for recurrent breast cancer, we planned subcutaneous port catheter placement for central venous access. Under CT guidance, the direction and insertion distance of a long elastor needle were adjusted, and the IVC was punctured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra while taking care to avoid the right urinary tract. A guidewire was inserted through the long elastor needle, and a catheter was placed over the guidewire. It was possible to perform central venous catheterization by percutaneous translumbar inferior vena cava cannulation under CT guidance.     

Percutaneous nephrostomy: placement under laser guidance and real-time CT fluoroscopy

The purpose of this paper is to present our experience with real-time computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy guided percutaneous nephrostomy (PNT) and to describe this technique involving puncture under laser guidance. We attempted 30 placements in 25 patients: puncture was directed by laser guidance and placement of the tube was made under real time CT fluoroscopy. 25 procedures were performed in prone position and 5 procedures in the supine position. The time necessary for the procedure ranged from 10 to 45 min (mean 25 min). The average duration of CT fluoroscopy per placement was 49 seconds (range 7–110 s). The PNT placement was successful as a sole procedure including puncture and catheter placement in 24 of 30 cases; in the remainder of cases, puncture was performed under CT guidance but the catheter was definitively positioned in conventional fluoroscopy. The CT fluoroscopy technique allows routine, efficient and safe PNT placement, especially when encountering difficult access to the pelvicaliceal system. Received: 9 June 1999; Revised: 12 November 1999; Accepted: 12 November 1999     

Percutaneous abdominal and pelvic interventional procedures using CT fluoroscopy guidance.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to assess the use of low-milliamperage CT fluoroscopy guidance for percutaneous abdominopelvic biopsy and therapeutic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed the clinical records and relevant imaging studies of 97 patients who underwent 119 percutaneous CT fluoroscopy-guided abdominal or pelvic procedures: fluid collection aspiration or drainage catheter insertion (n = 59), biopsy (n = 49), hepatocellular carcinoma ethanol ablation (n = 6), chemoneurolysis (n = 4), and brachytherapy catheter insertion (n = 1). These procedures were guided using a helical CT scanner providing real-time fluoroscopy reconstruction at six frames per second. A control panel and video monitor beside the gantry allowed direct operator control during all interventional procedures. RESULTS: One hundred twelve (94.1%) procedures were successfully performed using either a stand-off needle holder and continuous real-time CT fluoroscopy guidance or incremental manual insertion and intermittent CT fluoroscopy to confirm position. Image quality using low milliamperage was adequate for needle or drainage tube placement in all but two low-contrast liver lesions. Two hematomas were accessed but yielded no fluid on aspiration; one drainage procedure was abandoned after the patient developed endotoxic shock. Imaging of ethanol distribution during injection facilitated tumor ablation and neurolytic procedures. CT fluoroscopy allowed rapid assessment of needle, guidewire, dilator, and catheter placement, especially in nonaxial planes. Average CT fluoroscopy time for biopsy and therapeutic procedures was 133 sec (range, 35-336 sec) and 186 sec (range, 20-660 sec), respectively. CONCLUSION: CT fluoroscopy is a practical clinical tool that facilitates effective performance of percutaneous abdominal and pelvic interventional procedures.     

CT引导下经皮穿刺肝脓肿的介入治疗

目的 探讨CT引导下穿刺抽吸、冲洗治疗肝脓肿的方法和价值。方法 在CT引导下经皮穿刺对35例肝脓肿进行抽吸及冲洗治疗，冲洗液采用庆大霉素与甲硝唑混合溶液。结果 本组35例肝脓肿中多房脓肿8例、单房脓肿27例；其中8例脓肿腔内见有气体。经过一次抽吸冲洗治愈者25例，二次治愈者4例，三次治愈者6例。抽吸冲洗出脓汁的量在35mL-760mL。绝大部分病人治疗后于当日体温恢复正常。5例未住院，其余30例病人住院时间平均6．5d。结论 CT引导下经皮穿刺治疗肝脓肿是一项操作简便安全、非常有效的治疗方法，这种方法具有定位准确、损伤小、适应性广泛、便于广泛推广的突出特点。     

Circular spirit level guidance system for CT- and MR-guided punctures.

A circular spirit level guidance system was tested for control of CT- and MR-guided punctures. The device consists of a needle holder fixed to a ground plate and two protractors. This allows adjustment of the fixed needle according to the angulation of the supposed puncture path as measured on tomographic images. A circular spirit level is fixed to the needle and leveled. Now the needle can be removed from the needle holder; by leveling the circular spirit level during the puncture, the formerly adjusted angulation is achieved. The system was tested in vitro and in vivo (22 patients) under CT and MR guidance. The average needle deviation was measured to be 1.96 degrees in vitro and 2.51 degrees in vivo. This simple device allows accurate puncture under CT and MR guidance.     

CT fluoroscopy-guided abdominal interventions: techniques, results, and radiation exposure.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the benefits of computed tomographic (CT) fluoroscopy-guided interventions and assess radiation exposures incurred with CT fluoroscopy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 6-month period of use of CT fluoroscopy to guide abdominal biopsy procedures and catheter drainage was analyzed. Efficacy measures and needle placement and procedure room times were compared with those of the preceding 6 months during which conventional CT was used. CT fluoroscopic times and estimated radiation exposures were compared for two CT fluoroscopic methods. RESULTS: The sensitivity and negative predictive values for biopsy procedures and the success rate for needle aspiration or catheter drainages for CT fluoroscopy--98%, 86%, and 100%, respectively--were not significantly different from those for conventional CT--95%, 80%, and 97%, respectively. Room time was not reduced significantly, but mean needle placement time for CT fluoroscopy (29 minutes; n = 95) was significantly lower than that for conventional CT (36 minutes; n = 93; P < .005). The mean patient dose index was 74 cGy. Limiting CT fluoroscopy to scanning the needle tip rather than scanning the entire needle pass significantly reduced the dose to the patient and the operator. CONCLUSION: Although CT fluoroscopy is a useful targeting technique, significant radiation exposures may result. Therefore, radiologists need to be aware of different methods of CT fluoroscopic guidance and the factors that contribute to radiation exposure.     

CT-Steuerung

Although ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are competitive imaging modalities for the guidance of needle-based interventions, computed tomography (CT) is the only modality suitable for image-guided interventions in all regions of the body, including the lungs and bone. The ongoing technical development of CT involves accelerated image acquisition, significantly improved spatial resolution, CT scanners with an extended gantry diameter, acceleration of the procedure through joystick control of relevant functions of interventional CT by the interventional radiologist and tube current modulation to protect the hands of the examiner and radiosensitive organs of the patient. CT fluoroscopy can be used as a real-time method (the intervention is monitored under continuous CT fluoroscopy) or as a quick check method (repeated acquisitions of individual CT fluoroscopic images after each change of needle or table position). For the two approaches, multislice CT fluoroscopy (MSCTF) technique with wide detectors is particulary useful because even in the case of needle deviation from the center slice the needle tip is simultaneously visualised in the neighboring slices. With the aid of this technique a precise placement of interventional devices is possible even in angled access routes and in the presence of pronounced respiratory organ movements. As the reduction of CT fluoroscopy time significantly reduces radiation exposure for the patient and staff, the combination of a quick check technique and a low milliampere technique with multislice CT fluoroscopy devices is advantageous.     

A Comparative Study of CT Fluoroscopy Combined with Fluoroscopy Versus Fluoroscopy Alone for Percutaneous Transhepatic Biliary Drainage

Purpose: We compared CT fluoroscopy (CTF) for the initial puncture of bile ducts with conventional fluoroscopic guidance in patients with malignant jaundice in whom percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) was planned. Methods: Forty consecutive patients were randomized to two study groups: group A underwent PTBD under CTF and fluoroscopic guidance, group B underwent PTBD under fluoroscopic guidance alone. CTF-guided PTBD was performed using a combination of a helical CT scanner of the latest generation and a mobile C-arm; conventional PTBD was performed under fluoroscopic guidance in the angiographic unit. End points of the study were the success (a puncture that enabled safe placement of a guidewire in a suitable bile duct) and the complication rate (hemobilia, bile fistula, biliary peritonitis), the number of punctures required, the time needed for successful puncture of a suitable bile duct, and the patient's radiation exposure. Results: CTF-guided puncture of peripheral bile ducts suitable for PTBD was successful at the first attempt in 16 cases, under conventional fluoroscopic guidance, in only two cases. We found a significantly different number of punctures (1.2 in group A vs 2.9 in group B), a significantly shorter time for puncture in group A (mean 39 sec), but also a significantly higher skin exposure dosage in group A (mean 49.5 mSv surface dosage). There was no significant difference regarding the total procedure time. Only one complication occurred in group B (portobiliary fistula). Conclusion: CTF-guided initial puncture of bile ducts allowed a significantly reduced number of punctures and puncture times compared with puncture under conventional fluoroscopic guidance for placement of percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage catheters.     

Percutaneous Acetabular Osteoplasty

The diagnostic value of ultrasound for musculoskeletal pathology is well recognized. Ultrasound offers a low-cost, nonionizing, readily available imaging technique for the evaluation of tendons, muscles, soft-tissue masses, cysts, and other fluid collections. These advantages also make ultrasound a valuable tool for guiding a variety of musculoskeletal interventions. Its real-time capabilities permit continuous monitoring of the needle position relative to the target lesion and to surrounding structures such as vessels. Ultrasound can be regarded as the òfluoroscopyó for soft tissues. Ultrasound therefore can be used to localize and characterize the lesion, monitor the needle position during the procedure, document the efficacy of the drainage or the technique, and be used for follow-up imaging. Procedures that can be performed under ultrasound guidance include aspiration of fluid for analysis, injection of medication (steroids), decompression of cyst, bursitis or joint, abscess and hematoma drainage, treatment of calcific tendinitis, biopsy, and foreign body retrieval.     

Interventional Musculoskeletal Ultrasound

The diagnostic value of ultrasound for musculoskeletal pathology is well recognized. Ultrasound offers a low-cost, nonionizing, readily available imaging technique for the evaluation of tendons, muscles, soft-tissue masses, cysts, and other fluid collections. These advantages also make ultrasound a valuable tool for guiding a variety of musculoskeletal interventions. Its real-time capabilities permit continuous monitoring of the needle position relative to the target lesion and to surrounding structures such as vessels. Ultrasound can be regarded as the òfluoroscopyó for soft tissues. Ultrasound therefore can be used to localize and characterize the lesion, monitor the needle position during the procedure, document the efficacy of the drainage or the technique, and be used for follow-up imaging. Procedures that can be performed under ultrasound guidance include aspiration of fluid for analysis, injection of medication (steroids), decompression of cyst, bursitis or joint, abscess and hematoma drainage, treatment of calcific tendinitis, biopsy, and foreign body retrieval.     

Guidance of percutaneous pulmonary biopsies with real-time CT fluoroscopy

OBJECTIVE: Clinical evaluation of computed tomography (CT) fluoroscopy and comparison with conventional CT guidance for monitoring of percutaneous pulmonary biopsy procedures. METHODS: Twenty CT-guided pulmonary biopsy procedures were conducted. The interventions have prospectively been performed either with CT fluoroscopy or with conventional CT guidance. About 120 kV and 50 mA with a frame-rate of eight images per second were used for CT fluoroscopy. Number of pleural needle passages, procedure times, radiation doses and histologic results were analyzed separately for both methods. RESULTS: Compared with conventional CT guidance, CT fluoroscopy was associated with less pleural needle passages (1.8+/-0.6 vs. 1.1+/-0.3; P=0.003, t-test) and procedure times were shorter than for conventional CT guidance (12.7+/-2.2 min vs. 26.7+/-16.4 min; P=0.02). Analysis of estimated patient related radiation exposure and histologic outcome showed no significant difference between conventional and fluoroscopic CT-guided procedures (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: CT fluoroscopy facilitates guidance of percutaneous pulmonary biopsy procedures. Compared with conventional CT assistance, procedure times are decreased and less pleural needle passages are required. While patient-related radiation exposure is similar, operator-related radiation exposure remains a disadvantage associated with CT fluoroscopy.     

Comparison of sonographic and CT guidance techniques: does CT fluoroscopy decrease procedure time?

OBJECTIVE: Procedure times for percutaneous biopsies were compared for various guidance techniques including helical CT, CT fluoroscopy, sonography with an attached needle guide, and freehand sonography with computer guidance. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three interventional radiologists experienced in CT- and sonographically guided procedures performed biopsies on a phantom model. The phantom simulated hepatic metastases of various sizes and depths with subcostal or intercostal locations. Lesion sizes were 7, 10, and 20 mm, at 3- and 7-cm depths. Using self-aspirating needles, two passes were performed in each lesion. Mean procedure time per biopsy pass was calculated. A two-tailed Student's t test was used to compare guidance techniques. RESULTS: Mean procedure time per biopsy pass for the four guidance techniques was sonography with a needle guide, 36+/-9 sec; sonography with computer guidance, 43+/-10 sec; helical CT, 146+/-42 sec; and CT fluoroscopy, 50+/-18 sec. CT fluoroscopy required 2.6+/-1.0 sec per biopsy. Helical CT required more procedure time than sonography with a needle guide, CT with computer guidance, and CT fluoroscopy (p < 0.0001). Sonography with a needle guide required less procedure time than sonography with computer guidance (p < 0.002) and CT fluoroscopy (p = 0.0003). Procedure times for CT fluoroscopy and sonography with computer guidance were not statistically different (p = 0.06). CT and sonographic guidance were equally effective regardless of lesion size, depth, or location. CONCLUSION: Traditional sonographic biopsy techniques are faster and more cost-effective than traditional CT techniques; however, CT fluoroscopy offers the localization advantages of CT with improved procedure times.     

C形臂X线机与CT联合导向在经皮椎体成形术中的应用

目的探讨在移动式C形臂X线机与16排CT联合导向下,经皮椎体成形术中在治疗骨质疏松性椎体压缩骨折的操作方法及优势。方法将移动式C形臂X线机与16排CT置于同一机房,组成组合机。16排CT扫描病变椎体及相邻椎体,确定穿刺点及穿刺路径,评价术后椎体情况;移动式C形臂X线机实时透视监视注射聚乙烯吡咯烷酮(骨水泥)。结果在组合机引导下对12例单椎体压缩骨折的患者行经皮椎体成形术成功率100%,无并发症发生。结论移动式C形臂X线机与16排CT联合导向在经皮椎体成形术中的操作简便、定位准确、监视实时、导向安全,特别提高了L4椎体平面以上各椎体行椎体成形术的安全性。     

超声引导穿刺置管引流治疗肝脓肿的临床应用及护理

目的:探讨了超声引导经皮穿刺置管引流冲洗与直接冲洗治疗肝脓肿的临床应用价值及护理。方法:对52例肝脓肿患者,63个病灶行超声引导经皮穿刺,小于5cm的脓肿直接穿刺抽吸治疗,大于5cm的肝脓肿置管引流。同时做好术前准备,全身支持营养,心理护理。临床应用效果良好。结果:52例患者的63个病灶完全治愈,穿刺术后24小时无不良反应,4周治愈率达到78%,8周治愈率达到83%,6个月治愈率达到100%,无护理并发症。结论:超声引导经皮穿刺置管引流抽吸冲洗治疗肝脓肿,方法简单,安全有效,创伤小,可取代外科手术治疗肝脓肿。细致周到的护理是治疗成功的重要保证。     

Transthoracic needle biopsy using a C-arm cone-beam CT system: diagnostic accuracy and safety

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of performing transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) under combined fluoroscopy and CT guidance using a C-arm cone-beam CT (CBCT) system.

Methods

We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy and safety of performing TNB using a C-arm CBCT system. We retrospectively evaluated 99 TNB cases performed in 98 patients using a C-arm CBCT system with an 18-gauge automated cutting needle. We reviewed the diagnostic accuracy according to the size and depth of the lesion, incidence of complications, additional treatment for complications, procedure time, number of needle passes per biopsy and radiation dose.

Results

The final diagnoses revealed 72 malignant and 27 benign lesions. The overall malignancy sensitivity, malignancy specificity and diagnostic accuracy were 95.8%, 100% and 97.0%, respectively, and those for small pulmonary nodules <20 mm in size were 94.1%, 100% and 96.6%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the correct diagnosis of malignancy according to lesion size (p=0.634) or depth (p=0.542). For benign lesions, a specific diagnosis was obtained in 14 cases (51.9%). TNB induced complications in 19 out of 99 procedures (19.2%), including pneumothorax (16.2%), immediate haemoptysis (2.0%) and subcutaneous emphysema (1.0%). Among these, four patients with pneumothorax required chest tube insertion (2.0%) or pig-tail catheter drainage (2.0%). The mean procedure time, number of needle passes and radiation doses were 11.9±4.0 min, 1.2±0.5 times and 170.0±67.2 mGy, respectively.

Conclusion

TNB using a C-arm CBCT system provides high diagnostic accuracy with a low complication rate and a short procedure time, particularly for small pulmonary nodules.Transthoracic needle biopsy (TNB) under image guidance is a well-known procedure for evaluating thoracic mass lesions, with a high diagnostic accuracy and a relatively low complication rate [1-5]. TNB can be performed under various types of image guidance, including fluoroscopy, CT and ultrasonography. The decision regarding which technique to use usually depends on the characteristics of the pulmonary lesions, such as size, location, the radiologist''s preference and the accessibility of imaging systems.Currently, CT or CT fluoroscopy is the most preferred method of image guidance for TNB. CT fluoroscopy provides real-time guidance of the biopsy needle in addition to the advantages of CT guidance, decreasing the procedure time and number of needle passes compared with CT-guided procedures [1]. However, significant radiation exposure to the operator''s hands is one limitation of this procedure.The C-arm cone-beam CT (CBCT) system is a form of flat-panel volume CT in which a cone-beam X-ray tube and a flat-panel detector are integrated within a C-arm gantry. This provides both CT and real-time fluoroscopic guidance for TNB [6].The purpose of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy and safety of performing TNB under combined fluoroscopy and CT guidance using a C-arm CBCT system.