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Background: Proposed in the early 1980s as a solution for managing complications of portal hypertension, the percutaneous creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt has consistently gained a central role. Increasingly lower complication rates have been observed thanks to improvements in both technologies and the skills of interventional radiologists., Purpose: This document is aimed at interventional radiologists and provides best practice recommendations for transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt creation, describing patient selection, intraprocedural management and follow-up, in addition to recommendations in paediatric settings., Methods: The CIRSE Standards of Practice Committee established a writing group consisting of seven European clinicians with recognised expertise in the creation of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. The writing group reviewed the existing literature performing a pragmatic evidence search using PubMed to select relevant publications in the English language and involving human subjects, preferably published from 2009 to 2024. The final recommendations were developed by consensus., Results: TIPS creation has an established role in the successful management of portal hypertension and its complications. This Standards of Practice document provides up-to-date recommendations for patient selection, materials, its safe performance, and follow-up with complications management., Competing Interests: Declarations. Conflict of interest: All authors declare they have no conflict of interest. Ethical Approval: Not applicable. Informed Consent: Not applicable. Consent for Publication: Not applicable., (© 2024. Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature and the Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiological Society of Europe (CIRSE).)

Objectives: To evaluate short-term clinical efficacy, complications and possible passive stent expansion of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation using the new controlled expansion ePTFE covered stent (VCX), for portal hypertension complications., Methods: Between 7/2016 and 3/2018, 75 patients received TIPS using VCX. Thirty-nine patients with VCX dilated with an 8-mm angioplasty balloon underwent computed tomography (CT) study during follow-up and CT data were used to measure stent diameter. The CT measurement technique was validated by ex vivo experiment., Results: TIPS indications were: refractory ascites (n = 45), variceal bleeding (n = 22), other (n = 8). Mean follow-up was 5.8 months (± 4.5, range 1-20). In 69 patients, TIPS was dilated to 8 mm of diameter reaching the hemodynamic target of a portosystemic pressure gradient (PSG) < 12 mmHg. In six patients, not reaching the hemodynamic target the stent was dilated to 10 mm of diameter during the same session with a final PSG < 12 mmHg. Overall clinical success was achieved in 66/75 (88%) patients (80% in refractory ascites, 95% variceal bleeding, 100% other). Grade II-III encephalopathy was observed in five patients (6%). TIPS revision with stent dilatation to 10 mm was performed in seven patients: in three patients with ascites persistence, without evidence of stent dysfunction and in four patients for stent stenosis. One patient underwent stent reduction. Fourteen patients (18%) died during follow-up of causes not related to TIPS. Five patients (6%) underwent liver transplant. No passive stent expansion was detected by CT measurements., Conclusion: VCX for TIPS creation retains its diameter over a short-term period and is associated with a good clinical outcome with a reasonably low complication rate.

Purpose: The primary aim of this study is to provide a summary of operators' radiation doses during hepatobiliary fluoroscopic guided procedures. In addition, patient dose in these procedures was also documented., Materials and Methods: A total of 283 transarterial chemoembolisation (TACE) and 302 biliary procedures, including 52 percutaneous transhepatic cholangiogram (PTC), 36 bilioplasty and 214 biliary catheter changes (BCC) performed over 14 months, were included. Electronic personal dosimeters were used to measure operator radiation doses. Effective dose (E) was calculated using modified Niklason algorithm. Patient dose was measured as dose area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time (FT)., Results: For TACE, E for radiologist ranged between 0 and 9.96 µSv, for radiographer 0-0.99 µSv and for nurse 0-4.65 µSv. The patient DAP and FT ranged between 1.5 and 421.9 Gy cm 2 and 1.91-67.25 min. For PTC, E for the radiologist ranged between 0.33 and 55.89 µSv, for radiographer 0-38.61 µSv and for nurse 0-3.18 µSv. Patient DAP and FT ranged between 1.7 and 218.4 Gy cm 2 and 2.07-71.53 min. For bilioplasty, E ranged between 0.09 and 9.24 µSv for radiologist, 0-0.84 µSv for radiographer and 0-1.38 µSv for nurse. The patients' DAP and FT ranged from 0.7 to 52.54 Gy cm 2 and 1.13-24.47 min. For BCC, E ranged from 0 to 12.78 µSv for radiologist, 0-8.43 µSv for radiographer and 0-4.05 µSv for nurse. Patient DAP and FT ranged between 0.12 and 117.3 Gy cm 2 and 0.57-15.83 min., Conclusions: This study shows that doses to all operators performing hepatobiliary interventional procedures can be very low.

Airway stenosis is a major complication after lung transplantation that is usually managed with a combination of interventional endoscopic techniques, including endobronchial debridement, balloon dilation, and stent lacement. Herein, we report a successful case of recanalization of a complete stenosis of the right middle lobe bronchus in a lung transplant patient, by using a combined percutaneous–bronchoscopic approach after the failure of endobronchial debridement.

Purpose: Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) creation is considered as being one of the most complex procedures in abdominal interventional radiology. Our aim was twofold: quantification of TIPS-related patient radiation exposure in our center and identification of factors leading to reduced radiation exposure., Materials and Methods: Three hundred and forty seven consecutive patients underwent TIPS in our center between 2007 and 2014. Three main procedure categories were identified: Group I (n = 88)-fluoroscopic-guided portal vein targeting, procedure done in an image intensifier-based angiographic system (IIDS); Group II (n = 48)--ultrasound-guided portal vein puncture, procedure done in an IIDS; and Group III (n = 211)--ultrasound-guided portal vein puncture, procedure done in a flat panel detector-based system (FPDS). Radiation exposure (dose-area product [DAP], in Gy cm(2) and fluoroscopy time [FT] in minutes) was retrospectively analyzed., Results: DAP was significantly higher in Group I (mean ± SD 360 ± 298; median 287; 75th percentile 389 Gy cm(2)) as compared to Group II (217 ± 130; 178; 276 Gy cm(2); p = 0.002) and Group III (129 ± 117; 70; 150 Gy cm(2) p < 0.001). The difference in DAP between Groups II and III was also significant (p < 0.001). Group I had significantly longer FT (25.78 ± 13.52 min) as compared to Group II (20.45 ± 10.87 min; p = 0.02) and Group III (19.76 ± 13.34; p < 0.001). FT was not significantly different between Groups II and III (p = 0.73)., Conclusions: Real-time ultrasound-guided targeting of the portal venous system during TIPS creation results in a significantly lower radiation exposure and reduced FT. Further reduction in radiation exposure can be achieved through the use of modern angiographic units with FPDS.

Late portal vein thrombosis with cavernomatous replacement has been reported in 4.5% of pediatric patients who have undergone partial liver transplantation. In such cases, minimally invasive radiological treatments have a high failure rate. We report a successful case of percutaneous recanalization of the portal vein remnant, and subsequent stent placement, in a pediatric patient who underwent left lateral split liver transplantation with cavernomatous replacement of the portal vein.

Purpose: To determine whether grid removal during routine biliary interventional procedures performed in a flat-panel interventional suite results in adequate image quality and a significant decrease of patient radiation exposure., Materials and Methods: Routine biliary interventional procedures were defined as those in which absence of fine image detail during fluoroscopy carries no procedural impact, including substitution of internal-external biliary drains (n = 25) or bilioplasty of benign biliary anastomotic strictures (n = 5). All patients had undergone a previous procedure in which the grid was used. Constant object-to-detector and source-to-image distance were maintained in each patient during the grid/no-grid procedures. The same fluoroscopy protocol was used for all examinations. The dose area product (DAP [cGy.cm(2)]) and procedure fluoroscopy time (seconds) were recorded for each procedure. DAP was normalized per unit of fluoroscopy time (nDAP [cGy.cm(2)/s])., Results: In all procedures, image quality was considered adequate by two different interventional radiologists, and all procedures were successfully completed without significant changes in fluoroscopy time between the two groups (p = 0.13). In every procedure without the grid, nDAP was inferior compared with nDAP in procedures performed using the grid. The mean decrease in dose was 39.2 ± 23.5 % (p = 0.000001)., Conclusion: Our preliminary data show that removal of the grid during routine biliary procedures is feasible and results in a significant decrease of patient radiation exposure. This seems of particular relevance because most of these patients require frequent reintervention. Larger studies with more procedures are warranted to confirm these data.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate radiation exposure in pediatric liver transplants recipients who underwent biliary interventional procedures and to compare radiation exposure levels between biliary interventional procedures performed using an image intensifier-based angiographic system (IIDS) and a flat panel detector-based interventional system (FPDS)., Materials and Methods: We enrolled 34 consecutive pediatric liver transplant recipients with biliary strictures between January 2008 and March 2013 with a total of 170 image-guided procedures. The dose-area product (DAP) and fluoroscopy time was recorded for each procedure. The mean age was 61 months (range 4-192), and mean weight was 17 kg (range 4-41). The procedures were classified into three categories: percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography and biliary catheter placement (n = 40); cholangiography and balloon dilatation (n = 55); and cholangiography and biliary catheter change or removal (n = 75). Ninety-two procedures were performed using an IIDS. Seventy-eight procedures performed after July 2010 were performed using an FPDS. The difference in DAP between the two angiographic systems was compared using Wilcoxon rank-sum test and a multiple linear regression model., Results: Mean DAP in the three categories was significantly greater in the group of procedures performed using the IIDS compared with those performed using the FPDS. Statistical analysis showed a p value = 0.001 for the PTBD group, p = 0.0002 for the cholangiogram and balloon dilatation group, and p = 0.00001 for the group with cholangiogram and biliary catheter change or removal., Conclusion: In our selected cohort of patients, the use of an FPDS decreases radiation exposure.

Purpose: This study was designed to analyze the clinical results in patients suitable for liver transplantation with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who exceeded Milan criteria, which underwent intra-arterial therapies (IAT), to determine predictive factors of successful downstaging., Methods: A total of 277 consecutive patients with cirrhosis and HCC were treated by IAT (transarterial oily chemoembolization, transarterial chemoembolization, transarterial embolization) in a single center. Eighty patients exceed the Milan criteria. Patients with infiltrative HCC, hypovascular HCC, and portal vein thrombosis were excluded, with a final study population of 48 patients. Tumor response to IAT was evaluated with CT and/or MRI according to modified RECIST criteria. Successful downstaging was defined as a reduction in the number and size of viable tumors to within the Milan criteria, and serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) <100 ng/mL, for at least 6 months., Results: Nineteen patients (39 %) had their tumors successfully downstaged; 29 patients (61 %) did not. Multivariate analysis showed that AFP level <100 ng/mL and 3-year calculated survival probability using the Metroticket calculator were the only independent predictors of successful downstaging (p < 0.023 and p < 0.049 respectively)., Conclusions: Biological characteristics of HCC as AFP levels <100 ng/mL and high 3-year calculated survival probability may predict a good response to downstage after IAT.

This is a report of a successful placement of a transjugular intrahepatic porto-systemic shunt in a young patient with previous left-lateral, split-liver transplant and mesenterico-left portal vein by pass placement after posttransplant extrahepatic portal vein thrombosis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous endovascular techniques for the treatment of hepatic artery stenosis (HAS) occurring after liver transplantation (LT) in adult and pediatrics patients. From February 2003 to March 2009, 25 patients (15 adults and 10 children) whose developed HAS after LT were referred to our interventional radiology unit. Technical success was achieved in 96% (24 of 25) of patients. Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed in 13 patients (7 children), and stenting was performed in 11 patients (2 children). After the procedure, all patients were followed-up with liver function tests, Doppler ultrasound, and/or computed tomography. Mean follow-up was 15.8 months (range 5 days to 58 months). Acute hepatic artery thrombosis occurred immediately after stent deployment in 2 patients and was successfully treated with local thrombolysis. One patient developed severe HA spasm, which reverted after 24 h. After the procedure, mean trans-stenotic pressure gradient decreased from 30.5 to 6.2 mmHg. Kaplan-Meyer curve of HA primary patency was 77% at 1 and 2 years. During the follow-up period, 5 patients (20%) had recurrent stenosis, and 2 patients (8.3%) had late thrombosis. Two of 7 patients with stenosis/thrombosis underwent surgical revascularization (n = 1) and liver retransplantation (n = 1). Six (25%) patients died during follow-up, but overall mortality was not significantly different when comparing patients having patent hepatic arteries with those having recurrent stenosis/thrombosis. There were no significant differences in recurrent stenosis/thrombosis and mortality comparing patients treated by PTA versus stenting and comparing adult versus pediatric status. Percutaneous interventional treatment of HAS in LT recipients is safe and effective and decreases the need for surgical revascularization and liver retransplantation. However, the beneficial effects for survival are not clear, probably because the clinical complexity of many of these cases.

We analyze our experience with the management of biliary strictures (BSs) in 27 pediatric patients who underwent liver transplantation with the diagnosis of BS. Mean recipient age was 38 months (range, 2.5-182 months). In all patients percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography, biliary catheter placement, and bilioplasty were performed. In 20 patients the stenoses were judged resolved by percutaneous balloon dilatation and the catheters removed. Mean number of balloon dilatations performed was 4.1 (range, 3-6). No major complications occurred. All 20 patients are symptom-free with respect to BS at a mean follow-up of 13 months (range, 2-46 months). In 15 of 20 patients (75%) one course of percutaneous stenting and bilioplasty was performed, with no evidence of recurrence of BS at a mean follow-up of 15 months (range, 2-46 months). In 4 of 20 patients (20%) two courses of percutaneous stenting and bilioplasty were performed; the mean time to recurrence was 9.8 months (range, 2.4-24 months). There was no evidence of recurrence of BS at a mean follow-up of 12 months (range, 2-16 months). In 1 of 20 patients (5%) three courses of percutaneous stenting and bilioplasty were performed; there was no evidence of recurrence of BS at a mean follow-up of 10 months. In conclusion, BS is a major problem following pediatric liver transplantation. Radiological percutaneous treatment is safe and effective, avoiding, in most cases, surgical revision of the anastomosis.

Purpose: Acute liver failure (ALF) treated with conservative therapy has a poor prognosis, although individual survival varies greatly. In these patients, the eligibility for liver transplantation must be quickly decided. The aim of this study was to assess the role of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) in the management of patients with the clinical presentation of ALF., Methods: Seventeen patients with the clinical presentation of ALF were referred to our institution during a 52 month period. A TJLB was performed using the Cook Quick-Core needle biopsy. Clinical data, procedural complications, and histologic findings were evaluated., Results: Causes of ALF were virus hepatitis B infection in 7 patients, drug toxicity in 4, mushroom in 1, Wilson's disease in 1, and unknown origin in 4. TJLB was technically successful in all patients without procedure-related complications. Tissue specimens were satisfactory for diagnosis in all cases. In 14 of 17 patients the initial clinical diagnosis was confirmed by TJLB; in 3 patients the initial diagnosis was altered by the presence of unknown cirrhosis. Seven patients with necrosis < 60% were successfully treated with medical therapy; 6 patients with submassive or massive necrosis (> or = 85%) were treated with liver transplantation. Four patients died, 3 had cirrhosis, and 1 had submassive necrosis. There was a strict statistical correlation (r = 0.972, p < 0.0001) between the amount of necrosis at the frozen section examination and the necrosis found at routine histologic examination. The average time for TJLB and frozen section examination was 80 min., Conclusion: In patients with the clinical presentation of ALF, submassive or massive liver necrosis and cirrhosis are predictors of poor prognosis. TLJB using an automated device and frozen section examination can be a quick and effective tool in clinical decision-making, especially in deciding patient selection and the best timing for liver transplantation.