Recurrent rupture of a hypogastric aneurysm caused by spontaneous recanalization of an Amplatzer vascular plug

A patient with a ruptured hypogastric aneurysm was treated via an endovascular approach with coils in the outflow vessels and an Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) in the main trunk. After 4 weeks, the patient was readmitted with a recurrence of rupture of the hypogastric aneurysm caused by recanalization of the AVP. Final occlusion of the hypogastric artery was achieved by placement of a stent-graft and additional coils. In consideration of this experience, it is recommended that additional coils or several AVPs be used and early contrast medium-enhanced computed tomography follow-up be performed.     

The Amplatzer Vascular Plug: A Review of the Device and its Clinical Applications

The Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) is an established embolic device that can be an excellent alternative to coils or detachable balloons to embolize medium to large vessels with high flow. The device is easy to use and can be precisely deployed in the target vessel with high resistance to migration and a low recanalization rate. The technical success of this device is high, indications for use are expanding, and no absolute contraindications have been reported. Since its introduction, the AVP has grown from a single device to a group of 4 models (AVP, AVP II, AVP III, and AVP 4). Each model has a unique design and features that fit different vascular anatomies, hemodynamic situations, and clinical scenarios. Therefore, the new models cannot simply be treated as replacements for older ones. Unpredictable occlusion time remains a major shortcoming for the new models of the AVP. Large vessel size, high flow status, and coagulopathy can prolong the occlusion time, which can offset the cost benefit, reduced procedure time, and reduced radiation dose typically seen with use of the AVP alone. Coils or multiple AVPs can be used to expedite the occlusion process, and large Gelfoam particles also can be used as an adjunct to achieve rapid and reliable occlusion with minimal cost.     

Fluoroscopic Targeting of Wallstents and Amplatzer Vascular Plugs in Sharp Recanalization of Chronic Venous Occlusions

Introduction/Purpose

Sharp recanalization of chronic venous occlusions is usually performed with targeting of wire-capture devices like loop snares or balloons. We describe sharp recanalization of chronic venous occlusions using self-expanding stents and vascular plugs.

Material and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all sharp venous recanalization procedures performed over an 11-month period and found Wallstent and Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) targeting was performed in 16 patients. Patient demographics, occlusion site, targeting device, technical success of the targeting, and overall procedural success were recorded.

Results

Technical success was achieved in twelve (86%) Wallstent and two (67%) AVP deployments. Procedural success was achieved in 15 (94%). Three minor complications occurred.

Conclusion

Wallstent and AVP targeting may be a useful technique when performing sharp recanalization for chronic venous occlusions. These devices expand the target space and present the same cross section viewed from any angle and can directly capture and extract the wire, features helpful in regions with crowded vascular anatomy.

     

Applications of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug to various vascular lesions

The Amplatzer^® Vascular Plug (AVP) can be used to embolize medium-to-large high-flow vessels in various locations. Between 2009 and 2012, 41 AVPs (device size, 6–22 mm in diameter) were used to achieve occlusion in 31 patients (24 males, seven females) aged 9–92 years (mean age, 54.5 years). The locations and indications for embolotherapy were as follows: internal iliac artery embolization before stent-graft repair for aorto-iliac (n=6) and common iliac artery (n=3) aneurysms, subclavian artery embolization before stent-graft repair for thoracic aorta (n=3) and arcus aorta (n=1) aneurysms, brachiocephalic trunk embolization before stent-graft repair for a thoracic aorta aneurysm (n=1), embolization of aneurysms and pseudoaneurysms (n=5), embolization for carotid blow-out syndrome (n=3), closure of arteriovenous fistula (n=8), and closure of a portosystemic fistula (n=1). Of the 41 AVPs, 30 were AVP 2 and 11 were AVP 4. The mean follow-up duration was 4.7 months (range, 1–24 months). During follow-up, there was one migration, one insufficient embolization, and one recanalization. The remaining vascular lesions were successfully excluded from the circulation. The AVP, which can be used in a wide spectrum of pathologies, is easy to use and causes few complications. This essay presents our experience with the AVP.The Amplatzer^® Vascular Plug (AVP, AGA Medical Corp., Golden Valley, Minnesota, USA) is a good alternative to other embolic materials (1). The AVP has many advantages over embolic materials such as coils or glue. It is retractable, and it can be repositioned. Use of the AVP has cost advantages over other embolic materials. It can be used safely in trauma patients or in patients before endovascular aortic repair (EVAR). It ensures permanent occlusion, and its migration risk is less than for coils. The results of embolization with the AVP have been excellent (2), and no contraindications for its use have been reported (3). All four types of AVP have two components: a vascular plug and a delivery wire. The plugs have radiopaque platinum marker bands at both ends (4). The AVP 2 contains a more densely woven nitinol mesh and minimizes migration and recanalization (5). The AVP 4 is used mostly in small, tortuous vessels (6). The AVP is made of self-expanding material, and it returns to its original shape after release from the catheter. It has a long delivery cable, is preloaded in a loader, and is delivered through guiding catheters ranging from 5 to 8 F in size. The AVP is released by rotating the delivery cable counterclockwise.Thirty-one patients (24 males, seven females) aged 9–92 years (mean age, 54.5 years), who underwent percutaneous occlusion with the AVP at our hospital between 2009 and 2012, were evaluated retrospectively. Patients with any pathology involving AVP use for embolization were included in this study. Patients in whom only other embolic materials were used were excluded. The study was approved by the Institutional Review Board and consent was obtained from the patients before the procedures. Most patients underwent general anesthesia. A transfemoral arterial or venous approach was used in most patients. In the patient with a portosystemic fistula, a transjugular approach was used. The procedures were performed under heparinization only in patients with a pulmonary arteriovenous fistula (AVF) or thoracic aorta aneurysm.In 24 of the 31 patients, we used only the AVP as the embolic material. In the remaining seven patients, we used the AVP with coils. In six of the 31 patients, more than one AVP was used. In total, 41 AVPs (30 AVP 2, 11 AVP 4), 6–22 mm in diameter, were used. The diameter of the AVP was selected to be 30%–50% larger than that of the targeted location in each patient. Computed tomography (CT) angiography was used most commonly for follow-up imaging (mean follow-up duration, 4.7 months; range, 1–24 months). This pictorial essay presents our experience using the AVP in various locations as material to embolize medium-to-large vessels with high flow.     

Preoperative portal vein embolization using an amplatzer vascular plug

The purpose was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of preoperative portal vein embolization (PVE) using an Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP). Forty-one patients who underwent PVE using gelatin sponge particles and the AVP were enrolled. The right portal branches were embolized using gelatin sponges (1–8 mm³) through a 5-F catheter, and the AVP was deployed at the first- or second-order right portal vein. Technical success and complications, recanalization, and changes of total estimated liver volumes (TELV), future liver remnant (FLR), and FLR/TELV were evaluated. Follow-up CT performed 6–43 days (median, 16 days) after PVE was used to evaluate volume parameters. PVE was technically successful in 40 of 41 patients. Major complications occurred in two patients, with one each having extensive portal vein thrombosis and liver abscess. Partial recanalization of the occluded portal vein was seen in one patient. The mean FLR volume (653 ± 174 ml vs. 532 ± 154 ml, p < 0.001) and mean FLR/TELV ratio (43 ± 8% vs 36 ± 7%, p < 0.001) were significantly higher after than before PVE. PVE using the AVP seems to be a relatively safe and effective technique for inducing hypertrophy of the FLR with minimal risk of recanalization.     

Técnicas de recanalización vertebrobasilar antes de la introducción de las endoprótesis recuperadoras: la reapertura no es sinónimo de buena evolución

Objectives

To evaluate the recanalization rate and clinical outcome three months after endovascular treatment for vertebrobasilar occlusion before the placement of stentrievers.

Material and methods

We reviewed all cases of basilar thrombosis treated with endovascular techniques at our center. We reviewed the clinical outcomes with the main objective of determining the recanalization rate and the secondary objective of evaluating the outcome using the modified Rankin scale (mRS) three months after treatment. We assessed clinical and angiographic variables and correlated them with outcome and complications.

Results

We reviewed a total of 27 consecutive patients (mean age, 58.1 ± 15.5 y; median National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), 21, interquartile range, 18-29; median Glasgow coma score (GCS) 7, interquartile range, 4-9.5). The mean time between the onset of symptoms and endovascular treatment was 26.3 ± 41.7 hours. Complete or partial recanalization was achieved in 23 (85.1%) patients. Three months after treatment, 16 (59.2%) had died and 6 (22.2%) had good outcome (mRS ≤ 2).

Conclusion

Endovascular treatment achieved a high rate of recanalization of occlusions of the basilar artery. Nevertheless, a high percentage of the patients did not have a good outcome. New materials might improve the prognosis in these patients.     

Evaluation of the Amplatzer vascular plug for proximal splenic artery embolization

PURPOSE: Proximal splenic artery embolization is performed for splenic salvage in the setting of trauma or before splenectomy in patients with splenomegaly. Typically, this has been done with the use of metallic coils, but precise placement of the first deposited coil may be limited. The Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) may be used to accomplish precise proximal splenic artery embolization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients had proximal splenic artery embolization performed with the AVP. Thirteen were performed to allow splenic salvage after blunt trauma and one was performed before splenectomy for massive splenomegaly. Devices ranging in diameter from 8 to 12 mm were placed through 5-F or 6-F guiding catheters. Desired AVP location was distal to the dorsal pancreatic artery and proximal to the most peripheral pancreatica magna branch. Test injections of contrast agent were performed after approximately 5 minutes and then at 3-5-minute intervals until occlusion was seen. If this was not noted by 15 minutes, an adjunctive closure method was chosen. Computed tomography (CT) follow-up was performed in all patients. RESULTS: Device placement in the desired location was successful in all cases, with device repositioning required in two. Occlusion took an average of approximately 10 minutes. Additional coils placed in three patients could all be packed into a tight configuration. A second AVP was placed in one patient. There were no complications of the procedures. Follow-up CT images showed no evidence of migration or recanalization of any of the devices. Minimal artifact was noted from the AVP on CT. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary series, use of the AVP allowed for precise proximal splenic artery embolization.     

Early Experience with the AMPLATZER Vascular Plug IV for the Occlusion of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations

The recent generation of AMPLATZER Vascular Plug (AVP; ie, the AVP IV) was used for the occlusion of eight pulmonary arteriovenous malformations (PAVMs) in five patients. A treatment was considered successful when there was a reduction or disappearance of the aneurysmal sac. At a mean follow-up of 20.1 months, no recanalization of PAVMs was observed on multidetector computed tomographic angiography. This shows the AVP IV to be safe and effective as an embolic device to occlude PAVMs.     

Initial Clinical Experience Using the Amplatzer Vascular Plug

Background and purpose The Amplatzer Vascular Plug (AVP) is a self-expanding nitinol wire mesh vascular embolization device derived from the Amplatz septal occluder. We assessed the results of vascular embolization obtained using the AVP. Methods A retrospective review was carried out of 23 consecutive cases of vascular embolization using the AVP in a variety of different clinical settings. The AVP was chosen to have a diameter approximately 30–50% greater than the target vessel. The device was delivered via an appropriately sized guide catheter and was released when satisfactorily positioned. Additional embolic agents were used in some cases. Results All target vessels were successfully occluded with no device malpositioning or malfunction. In 14 (61%) patients the AVP was the sole embolic material. In the remaining patients additional agents were used, particularly in preoperative embolization of highly vascular renal tumors. The AVP does not cause instantaneous thrombosis and in high-flow situations thrombosis typically takes up to 15 min. Conclusion The AVP is a safe, effective embolization device that provides a useful adjunct to the therapeutic armamentarium. It is particularly suited to the treatment of short high-flow vessels where coil migration and catheter dislodgment might occur. In the majority of cases no additional embolic agents are necessary but it may take up to 15 min for complete thrombosis to occur.     

Retrospective Comparison of Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformation Embolization with the Polytetrafluoroethylene-Covered Nitinol Microvascular Plug,AMPLATZER Plug,and Coils in Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia

PurposeTo evaluate effectiveness of the polytetrafluoroethylene-covered nitinol mesh microvascular plug (MVP) and compare it with other devices in pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) embolization in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT).Materials and MethodsTwenty-five patients (average age 35 y; range, 15–56 y) with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) and de novo PAVM embolization with at least 1 MVP between November 2015 and May 2017 were retrospectively evaluated. Retrospective data were also obtained from prior embolization procedures in the same patient population with other embolic devices dating back to 2008. Technical success, complications, PAVM persistence rates, and category of persistence were analyzed.ResultsIn 25 patients, 157 PAVMs were treated: 92 with MVP, 35 with AMPLATZER vascular plug (AVP), 6 with AVP plus coils, and 24 with coils. The per-PAVM technical success rates were 100% with MVP; 97%, AVP; 100%, AVP plus coils; and 100%, coils. PAVM persistence rates and median follow-up were as follows: MVP, 2% (1/92) (510 d); AVP, 15% (3/20) (1,447 d); AVP plus coils, 20% (1/5) (1,141 d); coils, 46.7% (7/15) (1,141 d). Persistence owing to recanalization for MVP, AVP, AVP plus coils, and coils was 2%, 15%, 0%, and 33%. No difference was found between persistence rates of MVP vs AVP (P = .098). Embolization with a vascular plug (MVP or AVP) with or without coils had a statistically significant lower persistence rate (5.4%) than embolization with coils alone (46.7%) (P = .022).ConclusionsPAVM embolization with MVP had a high technical success rate and a low persistence rate comparable to AVP and lower than coil embolization alone.     

The AMPLATZER Vascular Plug 4: Preliminary Experience

The purpose of this communication is to describe our preliminary experience with the AMPLATZER Vascular Plug 4 (AVP 4) in peripheral vascular embolization. The AVP 4 was used for peripheral vascular embolization in five patients with renal pseudoaneurysm (n = 2), postsurgical peritoneal bleeding (n = 1), posttraumatic gluteal hemorrhage (n = 1), and intercostal pseudoaneurysm (n = 1). Occlusion time was recorded. Patients were followed up clinically and by imaging for 1 month after the procedure. All treated vessels or vascular abnormalities were successfully occluded within 3 min for low-flow circulation and over 8 min for high-flow circulation. At 1-month follow-up, all patients were symptom-free. All deployed devices remained in the original locations and desirable configurations. In conclusion, the AVP 4 seems to be safe and effective for occluding peripheral vessels and vascular abnormalities. Because of its compatibility with 0.038–in. catheters, it can be deployed through a diagnostic catheter following angiography without exchanging a sheath or guiding catheter. Compared with the previous generation of vascular plugs, the AVP 4 allows for faster procedure times and decreased exposure to radiation.     

The Amplatzer vascular plug for large vessel occlusion in the endovascular management of aneurysms

The Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) is derived from the Amplatzer device used in correction of cardiac septal defects. We present a large series of the use of the AVP in the endovascular management of aneurysms. Three patients with a combination of aortic and peripheral aneurysms underwent embolisation with the AVP. Plugs with 10–16 mm diameter were used and delivered using introducer/guiding sheaths. A total of 16 internal iliac arteries, 2 common iliac arteries (CIA), 4 subclavian (SCA) arteries, 1 superior mesenteric (SMA) and 1 popliteal artery were embolised. Successful occlusion with the AVP was achieved in 21 out of 24 vessels (87.5%), of which 18 (75%) occluded immediately and 3 (12.5%) were delayed occlusions. The three patients who are considered to have failed to occlude with the AVP required the use of additional embolic agents. At the end of the 17-month follow-up all 24 target vessels had occluded. Two patients developed persistent buttock claudication, and one had a left hemiparesis. The AVP is useful as an adjunctive device in the management of aneurysms. It has a particular role in embolisation of large-diameter vessels with a short implantation zone. The device is safe and easy to use.     

Vascular percutaneous transcatheter embolisation with a new device: Amplatzer vascular plug

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the new Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) for the occlusion of vascular abnormalities and peripheral vessels, especially those with a large diameter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The new device was used for the occlusion of five internal iliac arteries to prevent retrograde endoleak following endograft repair, three left subclavian arteries for the treatment of type II endoleaks after positioning thoracic aorta stent-grafts, one pulmonary arteriovenous malformation, one haemodialysis fistula in a patient with forearm oedema and one large gastric varix in a patient who had undergone transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for haemorrhage. RESULTS: The five internal iliac arteries and the three left subclavian arteries were successfully occluded within 8 and 5 min, respectively. The pulmonary arteriovenous fistula was closed within 3 min and percutaneous oxygen saturation rose from 73% to 93%. The haemodialysis fistula was closed with one device within 4 min. The gastric varix was embolised with two AVPs and two coils within 12 min. CONCLUSIONS: The AVP is an effective device for occluding large diameter vascular abnormalities and peripheral vessels. It is inexpensive and enables safe and low-risk embolisation, with saving of time and requiring only low X-ray dose.     

Amplatzer Vascular Plug Anchoring Technique to Stabilize the Delivery System for Microcoil Embolization

Purpose

To evaluate the feasibility of a novel embolization technique, the Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) anchoring technique, to stabilize the delivery system for microcoil embolization.

Materials and methods

Three patients were enrolled in this study, including two cases of internal iliac artery aneurysms and one case of internal iliac arterial occlusion prior to endovascular aortic repair. An AVP was used in each case for embolization of one target artery, and the AVP was left in place. The AVP detachment wire was then used as an anchor to stabilize the delivery system for microcoil embolization to embolize the second target artery adjacent to the first target artery. The microcatheter for the microcoils was inserted parallel to the AVP detachment wire in the guiding sheath or catheter used for the AVP.

Results

The AVP anchoring technique was achieved and the microcatheter was easily advanced to the second target artery in all three cases.

Conclusion

The AVP anchoring technique was found to be feasible to advance the microcatheter into the neighboring artery of an AVP-embolized artery.

     

Applications of the Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4

The purpose of this study was to present our initial experience with the Amplatzer? Vascular Plug (AVP) 4 in various arterial environments. This material was designed for the embolization of peripheral small vessels using a diagnostic catheter. Herein, the following three procedures using the AVP 4 were described: hemodialysis fistula occlusion as a treatment for the steal phenomenon, gastroduodenal artery embolization prior to liver radioembolization, and vertebral artery embolization for the treatment of subclavian artery pseudoaneurysm and arteriovenous fistula. All of the treated vessels were successfully occluded, and the devices remained in the original locations and configurations during the follow-up period. When compared with the previous generation of vascular plugs, the AVP 4 allows faster and safer procedures with less radiation exposure to the patients and angiography team.     

精氨酸加压素对内皮细胞脂质过氧化的影响

以培养的大鼠血管内皮细胞为模型，观察了精氨酸加压素对其脂质过氧化的影响及相关血管活性肽的调节作用，旨在探讨ＡＶＰ等血管活性肽对ＶＥＣ脂质过氧化的影响及与高血压病发病的关系。结果表明：（１）１０－７Ｍ的ＡＶＰ作用后，ＶＥＣ的丙二醛含量明显高于对照组（Ｐ＜０．０１）；（２）１０－７Ｍ的降钙素基因相关肽（ＣＧＲＰ）、Ｐ物质分别与１０－７Ｍ的ＡＶＰ共同作用后，ＶＥＣ的ＭＤＡ含量均减少，与ＡＶＰ对照组比较差异非常显著（Ｐ＜０．０１）。此表明，ＡＶＰ可能通过增强ＶＥＣ脂质过氧化作用引起ＶＥＣ损伤，与高血压病发病有一定关系。ＣＧＲＰ、ＳＰ对ＡＶＰ有拮抗作用     

Outback catheter-assisted simultaneous antegrade and retrograde access for subintimal recanalization of peripheral arterial occlusion

Subintimal recanalization techniques have been shown to be beneficial in selected patients with severe peripheral vascular disease with tissue loss or rest pain and limited surgical options. In this report, we use an Outback catheter in order to gain access to the subintimal channel from the true lumen during percutaneous intentional extraluminal recanalization using the subintimal arterial flossing with antegrade-retrograde intervention (SAFARI) technique. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report where the Outback catheter was used in antegrade fashion in order to gain access to the subintimal space from the true lumen using the SAFARI technique.     

Percutaneous transluminal recanalization of common iliac artery occlusions

Percutaneous transluminal recanalization of occluded iliac arteries was attempted in 25 patients (26 limbs). In 22, successful recanalization was achieved, although 4 patients required additional surgical thrombectomy. The remaining 4 patients had surgical bypass procedures. The early and late results of percutaneous recanalization are presented as well as the technique used. We conclude that percutaneous recanalization of iliac occlusion is an effective procedure in the majority of cases. The option of surgical treatment remains viable when the percutaneous approach is unsuccessful.     

Amplatzer血管塞封堵先天性心脏病异常血管畸形的临床应用

目的 评价Amplatzer血管塞(AVP)封堵先天性心脏病异常血管畸形的临床疗效.方法 2006年6月至2008年6月共有12例患者接受AVP封堵治疗,其中单发及多发囊状肺动静脉瘘7例,冠状动脉右室瘘2例,法洛四联症大型体肺侧支3例.均经临床和经胸超声心动图(TTE)及胸部CT造影筛查,并经心血管造影证实.结果 本组均应用AVP有效封堵异常血管畸形,造影判断即刻成功率为100%,无移位、脱落等早期并发症.封堵血管16支,平均内径(5.2±1.9)mm,所用AVP直径为(9.2±2.4)mm.所有患者封堵术后平均3个月随访心超和(或)胸部CT造影,显示封堵血管闭塞良好,无异常、无残余分流.结论 经导管应用AVP封堵先天性心脏病血管畸形是一种安全、有效的治疗方法,能显著改善患者生活质量,值得临床进一步推广.     

Successful recanalization of a longstanding complete left subclavian vein occlusion by radiofrequency perforation with use of a radiofrequency guide wire

Treatment with radiofrequency (RF) energy can be used to ablate or perforate tissues. The latter involves lower power, higher voltage, and much shorter treatment time, and it is thought to induce much less collateral tissue damage. To date, RF perforation has been successfully used for various cardiac interventions; however, to our knowledge, there has not been a report of its use for peripheral vascular disease. This report describes the successful recanalization of a longstanding occlusion of a left subclavian vein in a 73-year-old woman with polycystic kidney disease and end-stage renal disease undergoing chronic hemodialysis treatment via an upper-extremity arteriovenous fistula. Multiple previous attempts at mechanical recanalization were unsuccessful. Recanalization was achieved by RF perforation with use of a PowerWire RF guide wire.