Retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices associated with large collateral veins or a large gastrorenal shunt

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices by a microcatheter insertion method was performed in eight patients with large collateral veins or a large gastrorenal shunt. A 3-F microcatheter was selectively inserted into the gastric varices through a 6-F balloon catheter wedged in the left adrenal vein. Selective venography of the gastric varices and injection of the sclerosing agent, a mixture of 10% ethanolamine oleate and iopamidol, through the microcatheter system without occluding the collateral veins was accomplished in one treatment session in all patients. There have been no complications or recurrences of gastric varices in any of the patients during the follow-up period.     

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric fundal varices with hemorrhage

OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to evaluate the clinical efficacy, feasibility, and complications of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for patients with hemorrhage from gastric fundal varices. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Between December 1994 and February 2001, 24 consecutive patients with hemorrhage from gastric fundal varices were enrolled in this study. Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration consisted of injecting 5% ethanolamine oleate iopamidol through the outflow vessels during balloon occlusion. The treatment was performed during acute bleeding in 11 patients and electively in 13 patients. Among those patients with acute bleeding, six were treated for temporary hemostasis with balloon tamponade, and five were treated endoscopically. RESULTS: Cannulation into the outflow vessels was performed in 23 patients, but the balloon catheter could not be inserted in one patient who had inferior phrenic vein outflow. Complete success was obtained in 88% (21/24) of patients, and partial success was obtained in two patients. In nine of 11 patients with acute bleeding, complete success was achieved. Rebleeding from gastric varices was not observed in patients treated with complete success, whereas two patients treated partially rebled within 1 week of the treatment (rate of rebleeding, 9%). Eradication of gastric varices was obtained in all patients (n = 19) who were examined by endoscopy 3 months after the treatment. Eight patients experienced worsening of esophageal varices. These patients were treated endoscopically because of findings that suggested a risk of hemorrhage. The overall mortality rate was 4% (1/24). No damage to the kidney was observed, although 11 patients had macrohematuria. CONCLUSION: Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration followed by any hemostatic procedure might be effective for both prophylaxis of rebleeding and eradication of gastric fundal varices, even in urgent cases.     

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for gastric varices via the intercostal vein

Gastric varices are usually associated with a gastrorenal(G-R) shunt.However,the gastric varices described in this case report were not associated with a G-R shunt.The inflow vessel was the posterior gastric vein and the outflow vessels were the narrow inferior phrenic vein and the dilated cardio-phrenic vein.First,percutaneous transhepatic obliteration of the posterior gastric vein was performed,but the gastric varices remained patent.Then,micro-balloon catheterization of the subphrenic vein was carried out via the jugular vein,pericardial vein and cardio-phrenic vein,however,micro-balloon-occluded inferior phrenic venography followed by micro-coil embolization of the cardio-phrenic vein revealed no delineation of gastric varices resulting in no further treatment.Thereafter,as a gastrosubphrenic-intercostal vein shunt developed,a microballoon catheter was advanced to the gastric varices via the intercostal vein and balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration(BRTO) was performed resulting in the eradication of gastric varices.BRTO for gastric varices via the intercostal vein has not previously been documented.     

经皮经肝及股静脉双入路栓塞治疗胃底静脉曲张

食管-胃底静脉曲张是门静脉高压的常见并发症,可导致严重消化道出血.其治疗方法包括外科手术(分流及断流等),内镜下硬化剂注入或结扎、套扎,经皮经肝曲张静脉硬化法(PTO),经皮经腔静脉逆行性曲张静脉硬化法和TIPS等.     

Usefulness of intra-procedural cone-beam computed tomography in modified balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices

AIM:To evaluate whether intra-procedural conebeam computed tomography(CBCT)performed during modified balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration(mB RTO)can accurately determine technical success of complete variceal obliteration.METHODS:From June 2012 to December 2014,15 patients who received CBCT during m BRTO for treatment of portal hypertensive gastric variceal bleeding were retrospectively evaluated.Three-dimensional(3D)CBCT images were performed and evaluated prior to the end of the procedure,and these were further analyzed and compared to the pre-procedure contrast-enhanced computed tomography to determine the technical success of m BRTO including:Complete occlusion/obliteration of:(1)gastrorenal shunt(GRS);(2)gastric varices;and(3)afferent feeding veins.Post-mB RTO contrast-enhanced CT was used to confirm the accuracy and diagnostic value of CBCT within 2-3 d.RESULTS:Intra-procedural 3D-CBCT images were 100% accurate in determining the technical success of m BRTO in all 15 cases.CBCT demonstrated complete occlusion/obliteration of GRS,gastric varices,collaterals and afferent feeding veins during m BRTO,which was confirmed with post-m BRTO CT.Two patients showed incomplete obliteration of gastric varices and feeding veins on CBCT,which therefore required additional gelfoam injections to complete the procedure.No patient required additional procedures or other interventions during their follow-up period(684 ± 279 d).CONCLUSION:CBCT during mB RTO appears to accurately and immediately determine the technical success of mB RTO.This may improve the technical and clinical success/outcome of m BRTO and reduce additional procedure time in the future.     

"Downgrading" of gastric varices with multiple collateral veins in balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

The efficacy of a "downgrading" method for treatment of gastric varices (GVs) was evaluated in 15 patients who had undergone balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) of GVs with multiple collateral veins. Downgrading in this study was meant to transform high-grade GVs into GVs with a low-grade architecture more amenable to treatment. Success was defined as gastrorenal shunt occlusion at the proximal site with a 6-F balloon catheter advanced over a microcatheter and without opacification of large collateral vessels. Thirteen of 15 patients with grade 3/4 GVs had their GVs successfully downgraded. The procedure is thought to be safe and effective in the initial B-RTO procedure.     

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) for gastric varices: therapeutic results and problems

PURPOSE: To evaluate the usefulness of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) in the treatment of gastric varices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients with ruptured or high-risk gastric varices underwent B-RTO. A 5-7F balloon catheter was advanced into the gastrorenal shunt and/or gastrophrenic shunt from the femoral vein. Five percent ethanolamine oleate iopamidol (EOI) was injected via the balloon catheter or a microcatheter that was advanced through the balloon catheter. EOI was withdrawn via the catheter after stagnation for 30-60 minutes. Contrast enhanced CT findings, endoscopic findings, and liver and renal function tests were evaluated before and after B-RTO. RESULTS: Nineteen patients (90%) were successfully treated with B-RTO. In 17 of them, CT within two weeks after B-RTO showed complete thrombosis of the gastric varices, and the varices had disappeared or markedly regressed on endoscopy after 1-3 months. In the other two patients, in whom CT showed partial thrombosis of the varices, the varices regressed minimally. Liver and renal function tests did not show significant changes in 17 of 19 patients (89%). Transient worsening of liver function was seen in one patient in whom a small amount of EOI moved into the splenic vein during balloon occlusion. Acute renal failure occurred in the other patient with the use of 50 ml of EOI. CONCLUSION: B-RTO is an effective therapy for gastric varices. However, careful attention should be paid to the amount of EOI and hemodynamic change caused by shunt occlusion.     

Rupture of jejunal varices treated with balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration

Bleeding from varices arising from outside of the gastroesophageal region is rare. We report a case of ruptured jejunal varices, successfully treated with B-RTO. Our patient was a 60-year-old man with alcoholic cirrhosis who had undergone total gastrectomy two years before he visited our clinic with tarry stool and hypotensive shock. Results of 3DMDCT clearly showed variceal formation at the jejunal loop around the anastomotic site and abdominal wall as well as the extensive epigastric outflow tract, which finally drained into the left femoral vein. B-RTO was carried out via right femoral approach, using a microcatheter system. The varices disappeared, and the patient remained asymptomatic 18 months after the treatment.     

Long-term results of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration for the treatment of gastric varices and hepatic encephalopathy

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term results of balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) for the treatment of gastric varices (GV) and hepatic encephalopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 43 patients who had undergone B-RTO were evaluated, 32 with GV, two with hepatic encephalopathy, and nine with both. All but one had been consecutively followed up with gastrointestinal endoscopy for more than 1 year (3-60 months; mean, 30.44 months). Collateral veins of gastric varices were graded using balloon-occluded retrograde left adrenal venography. The relation of both worsening of esophageal varices (EV) and improved Child-Pugh score after B-RTO to the grades of collateral vein development was analyzed. The relapse-free survival and the prognostic factors for survival after B-RTO were also assessed. RESULTS: GV disappeared or decreased markedly in size, and hepatic encephalopathy was completely cured in all patients. Improvement in Child-Pugh score was observed in 21 patient (50.0%) 6 months after B-RTO, but in only 11 patients (25.6%) 1 year after B-RTO. Worsening of EV was seen in eight patients and was related to a worsened grade of collateral veins. Cumulative relapse-free survival rate was 90.8% at 1 year and 87.4% at 3 years after B-RTO. The most significant prognostic factor was Child-Pugh classification (relative risk: 4.16) CONCLUSION: B-RTO is a safe and effective treatment for patients with GV and hepatic encephalopathy. The most important prognostic factors are the extent of Child-Pugh classification.     

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices with gastrorenal shunt: long-term follow-up in 78 patients

OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to evaluate the long-term clinical results after balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (B-RTO) for gastric varices with spontaneous gastrorenal shunt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 78 patients with cirrhosis and with gastric varices, successfully treated by B-RTO, were enrolled in this study. Recurrence and bleeding of gastric varices and worsening of esophageal varices were endoscopically evaluated. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the prognostic factors for worsening of esophageal varices and survival. RESULTS: Recurrence of gastric varices was found in two patients; the 5-year recurrence rate was 2.7%. Bleeding of gastric varices occurred in only one patient after B-RTO; the 5-year bleeding rate was 1.5%. Worsening of esophageal varices was observed in 29 patients, and the worsening rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 27%, 58%, and 66%, respectively. These esophageal varices were endoscopically treated to prevent rupture. Multivariate analysis showed the presence of esophageal varices before B-RTO was a prognostic factor for worsening (relative risk, 4.956). At a median follow-up of 700 days (range, 137-2,339 days), the survival rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 93%, 76%, and 54%, respectively. The prognostic factors associated with survival were presence of hepatocellular carcinoma (relative risk, 24.342) and the Child-Pugh classification (relative risk, 5.780). CONCLUSION: B-RTO is an effective method for gastric varices with gastrorenal shunt and provides lower recurrence and bleeding rates. We believe that B-RTO can become a standard treatment for gastric varices with gastrorenal shunt, although treatment of worsened esophageal varices may be necessary after B-RTO.     

Balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous obliteration of rectal varices: A case report

Patients with liver cirrhosis frequently experience rectal variceal bleeding subsequent to portal hypertension. Unlike gastroesophageal variceal bleeding, a well-established guideline does not exist in terms of management of bleeding rectal varices. A 75-year-old male with non-alcoholic-steatohepatitis induced cirrhosis presented with a 3-day history of severe rectorrhagia. Considering patient''s clinical history, TIPS was not performed and thus, a novel endovascular technique termed balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous obliteration was considered. Under conscious sedation, an occlusion was made through balloon catheter by sclerotic agents including air/sodium tetradecyl sulfate/Lipiodol. After the procedure, and in the 6 months follow up period the patient''s hemodynamic status was stable and he recovered without any serious complications. Balloon-occluded antegrade transvenous obliteration is a feasible and safe modality for treating rectal varices bleeding and could be used as an alternative approach in patients with contraindications to traditional treatments.     

Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration of complex gastric varices assisted by temporary balloon occlusion of the splenic artery

Six cases of gastric varices with multiple afferent veins, in which balloon-occluded venography of the draining vein showed insufficient filling of gastric varices with contrast medium, were treated by balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) and temporary balloon occlusion of the splenic artery. The gastric varices were completely filled with sclerosant in all but one patient. No procedure-related complications were encountered. Computed tomography (CT) after the procedure showed complete thrombosis of the varices in five patients and partial thrombosis in one patient. Temporary balloon occlusion of the splenic artery is a useful additional technique for complete obliteration of gastric varices in selected cases.     

球囊阻断逆行经静脉闭塞对比经颈静脉肝内门体分流治疗门脉高压胃底静脉曲张出血的Meta分析

目的 采用Meta分析方法对比球囊阻断逆行经静脉闭塞术(BRTO)与经颈静脉肝内门体分流术(TIPS)治疗门脉高压胃底静脉曲张出血的可行性和安全性.方法 计算机检索PubMed、EMBase及Cochrane数据库,检索时限自建库至2015年4月26日,全面收集BRTO术和TIPS术治疗门脉高压胃底静脉曲张出血的随机对照研究和队列研究.采用Cochrane协作网RevMan 5.3软件对数据作统计学分析.结果 共纳入5个临床对照研究.Meta分析显示,BRTO术对比TIPS术在技术成功率(OR=0.19,95％CI:0.03～1.08,P=-0.06)、止血率(OR =3.41,95％CI:0.33～35.40,P=0.30)和手术相关并发症发生率(OR=1.98,95％CI:0.44～8.84,P=0.37)方面差异无统计学意义,但有更低的术后再出血率(0R=0.27,95％CI:0.09～0.81,P=0.02)和术后肝性脑病发生率(OR=0.05,95％CI:0.02～0.13,P＜0.000 01).结论 BRTO术治疗门脉高压胃底静脉曲张出血具有较高可行性和安全性,只要合理选择病例,可能成为替代TIPS术治疗选择之一.     

球囊阻断逆行经静脉闭塞术治疗失代偿期肝硬化胃静脉曲张12例效果分析

【摘要】 目的　评价球囊阻断逆行经静脉闭塞术（BRTO）治疗失代偿期肝硬化胃静脉曲张（GV）的临床效果。 方法　回顾性分析2019年8月至2021年3月在昆明医科大学第二附属医院接受BRTO治疗的12例肝硬化GV患者临床资料。观察治疗前后静脉曲张栓塞效果,术后再出血率、肝功能变化及手术相关并发症。 结果　12例患者BRTO手术均获成功。与手术前相比,术后患者总胆红素（TBil）明显降低［15.60（8.55,31.28） μmol/L比22.60（14.60,31.80） μmol/L,P=0.005］,凝血酶原时间（PT）缩短［（15.57±2.14） s比（16.45±2.19） s,P=0.034］;血清白蛋白（ALB）、丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）、天冬氨酸转氨酶（AST）、谷氨酰转移酶（GGT）水平有所升高（均P＞0.05）;血清肌酐（Crea）、血小板（PLT）、凝血酶原时间（PT）、国际标准化比值（INR）水平有所下降（均P＞0.05）;Child-Pugh评分无明显变化,但终末期肝病模型（MELD）评分显著降低［（9.92±2.28）分比（10.92±2.91）分,P=0.002］。Kaplan-Meier分析显示,术后3、6、12个月累积再出血率分别为16.7%、25.9%、35.2%,术后12个月病死率为9.1%。结论　BRTO治疗GV可行、安全有效,可在止血的同时改善患者肝功能,但可能有食管静脉曲张和腹水加重风险,需进一步评估远期疗效。