Preoperative Arterial Embolization Facilitates Multivisceral Transplantation for Portomesenteric Thrombosis

Multivisceral transplantation (MvTx) for diffuse venous portomesenteric thrombosis is a surgically and anesthesiologically challenging procedure, partly because of the risk of massive bleeding during visceral exenteration. Preoperative visceral artery embolization might reduce this risk. In three consecutive MvTx, the celiac trunk (CT) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) were embolized immediately pretransplant. We analyzed demographics, serum D‐lactate, pH, base excess, hemoglobin, blood pressure, transfused packed cell (PC) units, intervention time and outcome. Results are reported as median (range). All recipients were male (43, 22, 47 years old). Portomesenteric thrombosis followed antiphospholipid syndrome, neuroendocrine tumor and liver cirrhosis. A peritransplant D‐lactate peak of 6.1 (5.1–7.6) mmol/L, lowest pH of 7.24 (7.18–7.36) and lowest base excess level of ?9.5 (?7.6 to ?11.5) were observed. Values normalized within 3 h posttransplant. Embolization and exenteration times were 80 (70–90) min and 140 (130–165) min, respectively, during which blood pressure remained stable, lowest hemoglobin was 6.1 (6.1–7.6) g/dL and three (2–4) PC were administered. All procedures were uneventful. Follow‐up was 7 (4–9) months. The first patient died 4 months post‐MvTx after an intracranial bleeding; the other patients are doing well. Our experience suggests that preoperative embolization of CT and SMA facilitates native organ resection in MvTx.

     

Arc of buhler: incidence and diameter in asymptomatic individuals

The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence and diameter of the Arc of Buhler by power injection digital subtraction angiography in asymptomatic patients. A retrospective evaluation of 120 combined celiac (CAx) and superior mesenteric artery (SMA) angiograms was carried out on potential live related liver transplant donors (asymptomatic patients) performed from January 1999 to May 2002. The diameter of the Arc of Buhler was calculated with reference to the 5 French catheters used to perform the diagnostic angiograms. It was considered hemodynamically significant if it preferential filled the branches of the other visceral vessel. An Arc of Buhler was identified in 4 patients (3.3%). All 4 patients had a patent gastroduodenal artery (GDA) and none of the 4 had a hemodynamically significant stenosis of either the SMA or the CAx. All Arcs of Buhler found measured less than 2.5 mm in diameter and half of them (2 of the 4) filled the CAx when power injecting the SMA and/or vice versa. There is a low incidence of Arc of Buhler in asymptomatic patients; however, 50% of those encountered were hemodynamically significant. When evaluating the Arc of Buhler by angiography in the setting of pathology, it is important to have a reference diameter and hemodynamic reference in the normal setting, particularly when the prospect of GDA ligation or embolization is entertained in the presence of CAx or SMA occlusion.     

Comparison of spiral CT scan and arteriography for evaluation of renal and visceral arteries

Renal and visceral artery images obtained concurrently with spiral CT and conventional arteriography were compared for 32 patients. Indications for imaging were occlusive disease (n=12), aneurysmal disease (n=9), and renal or visceral artery disease (n=11). Conventional arteriography enabled visualization of 64 renal arteries and 15 accessory renal arteries. Lateral aortograms obtained in 15 patients enabled visualization of 14 superior mesenteric (SMA) and 14 celiac arteries. Spiral CT enabled visualization of 60 renal arteries, 12 accessory renal arteries, 27 SMAs, and 22 celiac arteries. Calcification or a disparity in timing of contrast material injection and scanning prevented visualization of the celiac artery in 10 patients and the SMA in four patients. With conventional arteriography as the standard for comparison, spiral CT had a sensitivity of 67% and a specificity of 95% for depiction of at least 75% stenosis in the main renal artery. By means of the Pearson correlation coefficient, significant correlation (p < 0.001) was confirmed between spiral CT and arteriography for evaluation of stenosis of the main renal artery, SMA, and celiac artery. This early experience suggests that spiral CT may be useful in evaluation of renal and visceral arteries and their relationship to aortic disease.Presented at the Twentieth Annual Meeting of the Peripheral Vascular Surgery Society, New Orleans, La., June 10, 1995.     

Thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications during visceral transplantation: risk factors,and association with intraoperative disseminated intravascular coagulation‐like thromboelastographic qualities: a single‐center retrospective study

This study describes the risk of thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications, both intraoperatively, and up to 1 month following visceral transplantation. Data from 48 adult visceral transplants performed between 2010 and 2017 were retrospectively studied [32 multivisceral (MVTx); 10 isolated intestine; six modified‐MVTx]. Intraoperatively, intracardiac thrombosis (ICT)/pulmonary embolism (PE) occurred in 25%, 0% and 0% of MVTx, isolated intestine and modified MVTx, respectively, and was associated with 50% (4/8) mortality. Preoperative portal vein thrombosis (PVT) was a significant risk factor for ICT/PE (P = 0.0073). Thromboelastography resembling disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) (r time <4 mm combined with fibrinolysis or flat‐line) was statistically associated with occurrence of ICT/PE (P < 0.0001). Compared to subgroup without ICT/PE, occurrence of ICT/PE was associated with an increased demand for all blood product components both overall, and each surgical stage. Hyperfibrinolysis (56%) was identified as cause of bleeding in MVTx. Incidence of postoperative thrombotic event at 1 month was 25%, 30% and 17% for MVTx, isolated intestine and modified MVTx, respectively. Incidence of postoperative bleeding complications at 1 month was 11%, 20% and 17% for MVTx, isolated intestine and modified MVTx. In conclusion, MVTx recipients with preoperative PVT are at an increased risk of developing intraoperative life‐threatening ICT/PE events associated with DIC‐like coagulopathy.     

Surgical treatment of superior mesenteric artery dissecting aneurysm and simultaneous celiac artery compression

Spontaneous dissections of visceral arteries are rare, but when they do occur, they most commonly involve the superior mesenteric artery (SMA). We present a case of intestinal ischemia caused by a spontaneous dissection of the SMA in a patient with simultaneous celiac artery occlusion. The patient was a 45-year-old woman who presented with intestinal angina of sudden onset. Arteriography revealed the classic findings of SMA dissection and occlusion of the celiac artery. The patient underwent repair of both visceral vessels and made a full recovery. The 18 previously reported cases of isolated, spontaneous dissection of the SMA are reviewed. No previous case has been associated with celiac compression syndrome. The reported experience with symptomatic dissections of the SMA would suggest that prompt surgical repair is indicated and yields excellent results.     

Resection of the head of the pancreas in three patients with anomalous arrangement or occlusive diseases of the major abdominal visceral arteries

We resected the head of the pancreas in three patients with occlusive diseases or anomalous arrangement of the abdominal visceral arteries. The first patient who was diagnosed with cancer of the head of the pancreas; pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) was performed. Preoperative celiac angiography showed no significant occlusion of the celiac axis, while superior mesenteric arteriography visualized the common hepatic artery, with delayed retrograde filling. At the completion of the PD, an unsuspected atherosclerotic celiac occlusion was identified. Celiac reconstruction was performed. The second patient was diagnosed with cystadenoma of the head of the pancreas and had congenital ostial occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), with dilated pancreaticoduodenal (PD) arcades as a celiacomesenteric collateral pathway. Duodenum-preserving resection of the head of the pancreas was performed, with preservation of the PD arcades. The third patient was diagnosed with cancer of the common bile duct, and exhibited a replaced common hepatic artery that arose from the SMA and formed PD arcades. PD was performed, with revascularization of the common hepatic artery. Following surgery, the three patients have done well for 18, 27, and 9 months, respectively. Careful preoperative investigation to identify abnormalities of the visceral arteries is necessary before resection of the head of the pancreas is performed.     

The endovascular management of visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms

OBJECTIVE: Visceral artery aneurysms may be treated by aneurysm exclusion, excision, revascularization, and endovascular techniques. The purpose of this study was to review the outcomes of the management of visceral artery aneurysms with catheter-based techniques. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2005, 90 patients were identified with a diagnosis of visceral artery aneurysm. This was inclusive of aneurysmal disease of the celiac axis, superior mesenteric artery (SMA), inferior mesenteric artery, and their branches. Surveillance without intervention occurred in 23 patients, and 19 patients underwent open aneurysm repair (4 ruptures). The endovascular treatment of 48 consecutive patients (mean age 58, 60% men) with 20 visceral artery aneurysms (VAA) and 28 visceral artery pseudoaneurysms (VAPA) was the basis for this study. Electronic and hardcopy medical records were reviewed for demographic data and clinical variables. Original computed tomography (CT) scans and fluoroscopic imaging were evaluated. RESULTS: The endovascular treatment of visceral artery aneurysms was technically successful in 98% of 48 procedures, consisting of 3 celiac axis repairs, 2 left gastric arteries, 1 SMA, 12 hepatic arteries, 20 splenic arteries, 7 gastroduodenal arteries, 1 middle colic artery, and 2 pancreaticoduodenal arteries. Of these, 29 (60%) were performed for symptomatic disease (5 ruptured aneurysms). Procedures were performed in the endovascular suite under local anesthesia with conscious sedation (94%). The femoral artery was used as the preferential access site (90%). Coil embolization was used for aneurysm exclusion in 96%. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (glue) was used selectively (19%) using a triaxial system with a 3F microcatheter for persistent flow or multiple branches. The 30-day mortality was 8.3% (n = 4). One patient died from recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding after gastroduodenal embolization, and the remaining died of unrelated causes. All perioperative deaths occurred in patients requiring urgent or emergent intervention in the setting of hemodynamic instability. No patients undergoing elective intervention died in the periprocedural period. Postprocedural imaging was performed after 77% of interventions at a mean of 16 months. Complete exclusion of flow within the aneurysm sac occurred in 97% interventions with follow-up imaging, but coil and glue artifact complicated CT evaluation. Postembolization syndrome developed in three patients (6%) after splenic artery embolization. There was no evidence of hepatic insufficiency or bowel ischemia after either hepatic or mesenteric artery aneurysm treatment. Three patients required secondary interventions for persistent flow (n = 1) and recurrent bleeding from previously embolized aneurysms (n = 2). CONCLUSION: Visceral artery aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms can be successfully treated with endovascular means with low periprocedural morbidity; however, the urgent repair of these lesions is still associated with elevated mortality rates. Aneurysm exclusion can be accomplished with coil embolization and the selective use of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate. Current catheter-based techniques extend our ability to exclude visceral artery aneurysms, but imaging artifact hampers postoperative CT surveillance.     

Preoperative embolization of meningiomas with pial supply: successful treatment of two cases.

BACKGROUND: The efficacy of preoperative embolization for hypervascular meningiomas fed by the pial branches of the internal carotid artery was evaluated. METHODS: Two cases of hypervascular meningiomas fed by the cortical branches of the internal carotid arteries are presented. In the first patient, the left anterior frontal internal artery was embolized with gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) as a preoperative treatment using a microcatheter. The tumor was totally resected with 1,000 ml of blood loss. In the second patient, the right sulcal artery was embolized with Gelfoam. The patient subsequently underwent surgical resection with 100 mL of blood loss. RESULTS: No neurological deficit appeared after the embolization or the surgery in either case. CONCLUSION: Preoperative embolization of hypervascular meningiomas, mainly fed by the cortical branches of the internal carotid arteries, may be possible and effective.     

Hemorrhagic pancreatitis: a complication of transcatheter embolization treated successfully by total pancreatectomy

Since pancreatitis can be produced experimentally in dogs by embolization of microspheres into the pancreatic arterial circulation, there has been speculation that intentional or inadvertent embolization of the pancreas in human subjects could also produce pancreatitis. Although such therapeutic embolization has increased, no pathologically documented case of this complication has been recorded. We have reported the first such case occurring in a patient with a large, highly vascular, nonfunctioning islet cell carcinoma of the tail of the pancreas preoperatively embolized with Gianturco coils and Gelfoam particles suspended in sodium tetradecylsulfate solution to facilitate distal pancreatectomy. The resultant hemorrhagic pancreatitis and duodenal necrosis required a total pancreatectomy. We conclude that, by itself, occlusion of the origin of the splenic and gastroduodenal arteries with coils would have been effective and without complication; however, the addition of Gelfoam particles in a sclerosing solution reduced the microscopic pancreatic circulation to a critical point and resulted in hemorrhagic pancreatitis.     

Embryology, anatomy, and surgical exposure of the great abdominal vessels

This article describes the embryology of the abdominal aorta and the anatomic features of its major visceral branches, including the celiac, superior mesenteric, and inferior mesenteric arteries. The common anatomic variants of these visceral vessels also are reviewed. Various operative techniques to gain surgical exposure to these vessels are described.     

Isolated inferior mesenteric artery revascularization for chronic visceral ischemia.

PURPOSE: Complete visceral artery revascularization is recommended for the treatment of chronic visceral ischemia. However, in rare cases, it may not be possible to revascularize either the celiac or superior mesenteric (SMA) arteries. We have managed a series of patients with isolated revascularization of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and now report our experience gained over a period of three decades. METHODS: Records were reviewed from 11 patients with chronic visceral ischemia who underwent isolated IMA revascularization (n = 8) or who, because of failure of concomitant celiac or SMA repairs, were functionally left with an isolated IMA revascularization (n = 3). All the patients had symptomatic chronic visceral ischemia documented with arteriography. Five patients had recurrent visceral ischemia after failed visceral revascularization, and two patients had undergone resection of ischemic bowel. The celiac or the SMA was unsuitable for revascularization in five cases, and extensive adhesions precluded safe exposure of the celiac or the SMA in five cases. IMA revascularization techniques included: bypass grafting (n = 4), transaortic endarterectomy (n = 4), reimplantation (n = 2), and patch angioplasty (n = 1). RESULTS: There was one perioperative death, and the remaining 10 patients had cured or improved conditions at discharge. One IMA repair thrombosed acutely but was successfully revascularized at reoperation. The median follow-up period was 6 years (range, 1 month to 13 years). Two patients had recurrent symptoms develop despite patent IMA repairs and required subsequent visceral revascularization; interruption of collateral circulation by prior bowel resection may have contributed to recurrence in both patients. Objective follow-up examination with arteriography or duplex scanning was available for eight patients at least 1 year after IMA revascularization, and all underwent patent IMA repairs. There were no late deaths as a result of bowel infarction. CONCLUSION: Isolated IMA revascularization may be useful when revascularization of other major visceral arteries cannot be performed and a well-developed, intact IMA collateral circulation is present. In this select subset of patients with chronic visceral ischemia, isolated IMA revascularization can achieve relief of symptoms and may be a lifesaving procedure.     

Concurrent treatment of acute pancreatitis and multiple visceral artery aneurysms using endovascular techniques

Multiple aneurysms involving the celiac axis are extremely rare. Celiac artery aneurysms account for only 4% of all visceral aneurysms with 40% having concomitant aneurysms such as gastroduodenal artery (GDA) aneurysms. Development of a GDA aneurysm is associated with pancreatitis. If a GDA aneurysm ruptures, traditional repair is through open surgical techniques with significant morbidity and mortality as up to 50% occur in the setting of chronic pancreatitis. However, a ruptured GDA aneurysm causing pancreatitis has not been described previously. We report a case of successful endovascular treatment of a ruptured GDA aneurysm and concomitant celiac artery aneurysm leading to the resolution of acute pancreatitis.     

The diagnosis and endovascular management of superior mesenteric artery (SMA) branch pseudoaneurysms after appendicectomy

Pseudoaneurysms arising from the visceral arteries are rare. We present 2 patients who developed pseudoaneurysms arising from branches of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) following laparoscopic appendicectomy. Both cases were successfully treated by endovascular embolization. The diagnosis and management of SMA branch pseudoaneurysms are discussed.     

Insulinoma: Selective arterial calcium injection performed to confirm localization and complete resection

A case of insulinoma is reported in a patient in whom selective arterial calcium injection (SACI) tests were performed both to confirm tumor localization before surgery and to confirm complete tumor removal during surgery. An 18-year-old woman with hypoglycemic episodes was diagnosed with an insulinoma in the pancreatic body demonstrated by celiac arteriography. In a preoperative SACI test, calcium was injected into the splenic artery (SpA), gastroduodenal artery (GDA), and superior mesenteric artery (SMA). Serum immunoreactive insulin (IRI) and proinsulin levels were measured in hepatic venous samples. IRI was markedly increased after the injection of calcium into the GDA and SMA, while there was no response in IRI levels when calcium was injected into the SpA. Therefore, no occult insulinoma was revealed in the distal area fed by the SpA, although the presence of insulinoma was uncertain in the proximal pancreas. In the intraoperative SACI test, calcium was injected into the celiac artery. Insulin (determined by enzyme immunoassay) and proinsulin levels were measured in portal venous samples before and after resection of the tumor. After resection, these levels decreased in response to the calcium stimuli, confirming complete removal of the insulinoma. The SACI test was helpful to localize the insulinoma and was useful to confirm the complete removal of the tumor.     

A case report of extended thoracoabdominal graft repair for dissecting aneurysm (DeBakey Type IIIb) with visceral ischemia]

A 62-year-old man diagnosed as dissecting aneurysm (DeBakey type IIIb) with visceral is chemia was transferred to our hospital. He had suffered from abdominal pain and the absence of right femoral pulse. Emergent laparotomy revealed no evidence of visceral infarction. Right axillo-femoral bypass was performed. However, visceral ischemia gradually progressed. Enhanced CT and angiography showed that celiac artery and supramesenteric artery (SMA) were collapsed. He underwent graft replacement of thoracoabdominal aorta involving visceral arteries with femoro-femoral bypass with a centrifugal pump as an ajunct. The visceral arteries were reconstructed. Postoperative CT revealed sufficient flow of branch arteries. He recovered well without complication and then discharged.     

Successful treatment of pseudoaneurysms of celiac and superior mesenteric arteries by combined endovascular and surgical approach

Pseudoaneurysm after pancreas resection poses serious complications, including rupture and hemorrhage. Here we report a case of delayed massive hemorrhage from celiac and superior mesenteric arteries, which was successfully treated with a combined endovascular and surgical approach. The patient was a 52-year-old man who presented with pseudoaneurysms of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries after distal pancreatectomy. Following the detection of sentinel bleeding from the abdominal drain, emergency angiography of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries revealed stenosis of the celiac artery and pseudoaneurysms in the superior mesenteric artery. We occluded these lesions with a platinum coil, using an interventional radiological technique combined with bypass grafting between the abdominal aorta and the SMA, using the saphenous vein. However, re-bleeding into the abdominal cavity occurred from the proximal SMA pseudoaneurysm. We inserted an endoluminal stent-graft into the abdominal aorta and completed bypass grafting between the aorta and bilateral renal arteries. The hemorrhage ceased and the postoperative course was uneventful. The patient was discharged 34 days after the treatment (149 days after the initial operation). In conclusion, this combined endovascular and surgical approach is feasible and seems appropriate for pseudoaneurysms arising from proximal sites in visceral arteries.     

Multiple Ways to Manage Portal Thrombosis During Liver Transplantation: Surgical Techniques and Outcomes

Background

Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) is a well-recognized complication of chronic liver disease with a prevalence ranging from 1% to 16%.

Materials and Methods

We performed a retrospective review of 447 consecutive patients who underwent liver transplantation (OLT) between October 2000 and December 2011 comparing 51 recipients with PVT (study group) with 399 without PVT (control group). The aim of this study was to determine the impact of pre-existent PVT on the surgical procedure, to identify specific preventable perioperative complications, and based on our studies and other works, to determine whether this group of patients are acceptable candidates for OLT.

Results

Among the 51 patients with PVT, 44 showed partial and 7 complete thrombosis. In 47 cases, we performed a thromboendovenectomy. There were six anastomoses at the confluence of the superior mesenteric vein (SMV) and one, with a venous graft interposition. In four complete thrombosis recipients we performed an extra-anatomic by pass between the main trunk of the SMV and the donor portal vein. Compared with the control group, regarding preoperative characteristics, PVT patients were older at the time of transplantation (P = .001) and had a higher use of TIPS (P = .02). The operative characteristics showed a longer warm ischemia time in the PVT group (46.9 ± 22.5 vs 39.3 ± 15 min; P = .004). There were significant differences in postoperative evaluations, nor in the complication rates. Overall survivals at 10 years were similar: 61.7% versus 65.3%; (P = .9).

Conclusion

Although PVT was associated with greater operative complexity, it had no influence on postoperative complications or overall survival.     

Intra‐Aortic Balloon Pump Malposition Reduces Visceral Artery Perfusion in an Acute Animal Model

Visceral artery perfusion can be potentially affected by intra‐aortic balloon pump (IABP) catheters. We utilized an animal model to quantify the acute impact of a low balloon position on mesenteric artery perfusion. In six pigs (78 ± 7 kg), a 30‐cc IABP was placed in the descending aorta in a transfemoral procedure. The celiac artery (CA) and the cranial mesenteric artery (CMA) were surgically dissected. Transit time blood flow was measured for (i) baseline, (ii) 1:1 augmentation with the balloon proximal to the visceral arteries, and (iii) 1:1 augmentation with the balloon covering the visceral arteries. Blood flow in the CMA and CA was reduced by 17 and 24%, respectively, when the balloon compromised visceral arteries compared with a position above the visceral arteries (flow in mL/min: CMA: (i) 1281 ± 512, (ii) 1389 ± 287, (iii) 1064 ± 276, P < 0.05 for 3 vs. 1 and 3 vs. 2; CA: (i) 885 ± 370, (ii) 819 ± 297, (iii) 673 ± 315; P < 0.05 for 3 vs. 1). The covering of visceral arteries by an IABP balloon causes a significant reduction of visceral artery perfusion; thus, the positioning of this device during implantation is critical for obtaining a satisfactory outcome.     

Thoracoabdominal Aortic Aneurysm Repair with Sequential Visceral Perfusion: A Technical Note

The aim of this study was to develop a method for type III and type IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm (TAA) repair that reduces ischemia time to the abdominal viscera, spinal cord, and lower extremities. Over a 25-month period, five type IV TAAs and three type III TAAs were repaired with a trifurcated polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft to bypass three of four visceral vessels and another graft to reconstruct the thoracoabdominal aorta. The trifurcated graft was sewn end-to-side to an unaffected area of descending thoracic aorta. Sequential end-to-end bypasses to the left renal, superior mesenteric, and celiac arteries followed this anastomosis. The remaining TAA was then replaced with a Dacron tube or bifurcated graft by clamping distal to the trifurcated graft so as to maintain visceral and left renal artery perfusion. Implantation of the right renal artery into the Dacron graft completed visceral artery reconstruction. The postoperative results indicate the feasibility of type III and IV TAA repair using tangential thoracic aortic clamping, individual aortic branch vessel reconstruction, and separate distal revascularization. This operative technique decreases ischemia time to the abdominal viscera, spinal cord, and lower extremities.     

Resectability and operative morbidity after chemotherapy in neuroblastoma patients with encasement of major visceral arteries

Background/Purpose

Image-defined vessel encasement is a significant risk factor for surgical complications and incomplete resection for intermediate-risk tumors. We sought to examine the impact of vessel encasement on complications or resectability in intermediate-risk or high-risk patients after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 207 consecutive patients with circumferential encasement of the renal vessels, celiac axis, and/or superior mesenteric artery (SMA) who underwent resection between 1991 and 2009. Specifically, we evaluated resection rates, complications, and outcome.

Results

Median age at diagnosis was 3.0 years, and 79% of patients had stage 4 disease. Of known MYCN status, 23.4% had MYCN amplification. Vessel encasement included renal vessels, celiac axis, or SMA alone in 107, 7, and 4 patients, respectively. Both the renal vessels and celiac axis were encased in 5 patients, renal vessels and SMA in 7 patients, and celiac axis and SMA in 14 patients. Sixty-three patients had all 3 vessels encased. The gross total resection (GTR) rate was 94%. No operative or postoperative deaths occurred. The overall complication rate was 34.8% (n = 72). Overall 5-year survival (±SEM) was 67.4% (±7.4%).

Conclusion

Encasement of major visceral arteries in patients with neuroblastoma who have received chemotherapy does not preclude gross total resection.