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Vascular tumors and malformations encompass a spectrum of pathology that varies widely in presentation, severity, and treatments. Although typically a clinical diagnosis, accurate classification of lesions is often challenging. Imaging plays an integral role in confirming the clinical diagnosis, determining the extent of disease and planning treatment strategies. Ultrasound and MRI constitute the backbone of diagnostic imaging in vascular anomalies; however, other modalities such as radiography, computed tomography, and conventional angiography can play a role in certain situations.

The purpose of this project was to determine if evidence-based practice change related to antibiotic administration criteria for outpatients receiving percutaneous nephrostomy tube exchanges implemented by a medical center's Vascular and Interventional Radiology department impacted hospital admission rates for infection in these patients. The 2017 practice change was based on 2010 guidelines from the Society of Interventional Radiology (SIR), stating that outpatients with a low risk of acquiring infection did not need to receive a perioperative antibiotic, as evidence has shown prophylactic therapy has no significant effect on infection rates for this population. Using a retrospective review design, 1 year of data before and after the practice change were collected and analyzed using the repeated measures generalized estimating equation (GEE) model with a binomial output by Liang & Zeger. Fisher's exact test was used to evaluate demographic variables by level of risk of infection. Data included 493 procedural events for 126 outpatients. The mean number of events per patient was 3.91 (SD: 4.15; median: 2; interquartile range: 3). Admission and infection criteria within thirty days of the event and infection risk factors were collected for each patient. Age, sex, and race were the variables that had a significant relationship with risk level of infection. Due to sample size, the GEE model could not be run using risk level (high/low) to predict admissions before or after the practice change. The relationship between the number of risk factors (0-5) and the odds of admission for infection was the same regardless of the practice change (before: odds ratio [OR] = 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19-3.95; after: OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.12-3.22, pinteraction = .67). For every increase in a patient's number of risk factors, the odds of developing an infection would be expected to increase by almost 90% (OR = 1.9, 95% CI = 1.27-2.84). Although it was not possible to determine efficacy of the practice change, the predictive analysis indicated that risk level is a significant predictor of admission for infection regardless of antibiotic therapy. The results suggest that demographic indicators should be considered when determining appropriate therapies for this procedure; however, research studies should evaluate this relationship with larger samples to design specific recommendations. Our project results support the 2010 SIR antibiotic prophylaxis guidelines and their more recently updated antibiotic parameter guidelines from 2018.

The goal of this case report was to demonstrate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of image fusion software to treat symptomatic central venous occlusion with radiofrequency wire after failure of conventional endovascular techniques. The complex and chronic central venous occlusion was successfully treated without complications. The combination of these techniques provided an endovascular solution and could be considered in select cases. Keywords: Central venous occlusion, Radiofrequency wire, Image fusion

BACKGROUND: Conventional transarterial chemoembolization (c-TACE) is a common treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). It is associated with increased overall survival (OS) when compared to conservative management. The purpose of this study is to analyze all c-TACE with mitomycin in patients with HCC at a single institution to determine safety, efficacy, and prognostic factors in a long-term follow-up. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of patients with HCC treated only with c-TACE with Mitomycin between 2007 and 2012. Efficacy was determined by OS at 1, 3, and 5 years, censored by date of death or last known follow-up. Treatment response was assessed according to mRECIST criteria and the degree of lipiodol uptake by the lesions was assessed by CT at 1-month follow-up. Prognostic factors were analyzed by multiple linear regression analysis, significance levels set at 0.05. RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were identified. OS rate at 1, 3 and 5 years was 72.1%, 47.8% and 39.3%, respectively. Median OS was 15 months. Tumor response by mRECIST criteria was complete; objective response, defined as combination of complete response (CR) and partial response (PR) patients, was 76%. When stratified by tumor response, risk of death in patients with progressive disease in 5 years was significantly higher compared to patients with objective response [hazard ratio (HR): 2.531, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.110–5.778, P=0.0273]. Lipiodol uptake analysis was available in 51 patients; there was no statistically significant difference in OS in patients with higher lipiodol uptake compared to less uptake (50% uptake; HR: 0.713, 95% CI: 0.316–1.611, P=0.4161]. CONCLUSIONS: c-TACE with mitomycin was effective and safe in this long-term follow-up study. Risk of death was significantly higher in patients without objective tumor response.

PURPOSE: To validate the therapeutic efficacy of sorafenib-eluting embolic microspheres (SOR-EMs) used in combination with transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a preclinical animal model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: SOR-EMs were prepared with poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide), iron oxide nanoparticles, and sorafenib. The morphology of the prepared SOR-EMs was confirmed by using optical microscopy. Drug release from the SOR-EMs was quantified in vitro by using high-performance liquid chromatography. In an orthotopic rat model of HCC, embolic doxorubicin–Lipiodol (ethiodized oil) emulsion (DLE) and SOR-EMs were sequentially injected into the hepatic artery of the rats: The rats in group 1 were injected with DLE; group 2 was injected with DLE plus unloaded embolic microspheres (DLE + EM); group 3, with DLE plus SOR-EMs (DLE + SOR-EM); and group 4, with saline solution. The SOR-EM and tumor size changes in each group (of six rats each) over time were measured by using MRI. Tissues were assessed by using immunohistochemistry, with hematoxylin-eosin and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP (2’-deoxyuridine 5’-triphosphate) nick-end labeling staining used for dead cells and CD34 staining used for new microvessel formation. RESULTS: The SOR-EMs were a mean size of 6.6 μm ± 2.3 (standard deviation) and showed 53.7% ± 8.3 sorafenib loading efficiency with T2-weighted MRI capability. In the HCC rat model, the intra-arterially injected SOR-EMs were successfully monitored by using MRI. The DLE + SOR-EM–treated rats showed a superior tumor growth–inhibitory effect compared with the rats treated with DLE only (P < .05). Immunohistochemical assessment of tissue specimens showed that compared with the other treatment groups, the DLE + SOR-EM treatment group had the lowest number of microvessels, as quantified by using the percentage of CD34-positive stained area (P < .01 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION: In a preclinical rat HCC model, SOR-EMs used in combination with DLE TACE were effective in treating HCC. Keywords: Chemoembolization, Experimental Investigations, Laboratory Tests, Liver, Technology Assessment Supplemental material is available for this article. © RSNA, 2021 See also the commentary by Yamada and Gayed in this issue.

Objectives To assess the feasibility of quantitative analysis of dynamic computed tomography angiography (dCTA) for the detection of endoleaks in patients who underwent endovascular repair of abdominal aortic aneurysms (EVAR). Material and methods Twenty patients scheduled for contrast-enhanced CT angiography (CTA) of the abdominal aorta post-EVAR were prospectively enrolled. All patients received a standard triphasic CTA protocol, followed by an additional dCTA. The dCTA acquisition enabled reconstruction of color-coded maps depicting blood perfusion and a dCTA dataset of the aneurysm sac. Observers assessed the dCTA and dynamic CT perfusion (dCTP) images for the detection of endoleaks, establishing diagnostic confidence based on a modified 5-point Likert scale. An index was calculated for the ratio between the endoleak and aneurysm sac using blood flow for dCTP and Hounsfield units (HU) for dCTA. The Wilcoxon test compared the endoleak index and the diagnostic confidence of the observers. Results In total, 19 patients (18 males, median age 74 years [70.5–75.7]) were included for analysis. Nine endoleaks were detected in 7 patients using triphasic CTA as the reference standard. There was complete agreement for endoleak detection between the two techniques on a per-patient basis. Both dCTA and dCTP identified an additional endoleak in one patient. The diagnostic confidence using dCTP for detection of endoleaks was not significantly superior to dCTA (5.0 [5–5] vs. 4.5 [4–5], respectively; p = 0.11); however, dCTP demonstrated superior diagnostic confidence for endoleak exclusion compared to dCTA (1.0 [1–1] vs 1.5 [1.5–1.5], respectively; p Conclusions Quantitative analysis of dCTP imaging can aid in the detection of endoleaks and demonstrates a higher endoleak detection rate than triphasic CTA, as well as a strong correlation with visual assessment of dCTA images.

A 2-year-old male with arginosuccinate lyase deficiency underwent left lateral segment liver transplantation complicated by “orphan duct syndrome (Celik et al., 2019) [1]” and biliary leak. After revision of the Roux-en-Y anastomosis, biliary drainage was still impaired. The excluded bile duct was diagnosed and a biliary restoration (or neo-duct) using a combined endoscopic and percutaneous approach was created by Gastroenterology and Interventional Radiology. To our knowledge, this case report represents the first combined endoscopic-percutaneous biliary restoration procedure performed in a pediatric patient.

PURPOSE To compare the utility of low-dose versus standard cone-beam computed tomography (CT) angiography protocols in identifying nontarget embolization (NTE) during prostatic artery embolization (PAE). MATERIALS AND METHODS A prospective, single-center, Phase-1 study (NCT02592473) was conducted for lower urinary tract symptoms in benign prostatic hyperplasia. Prostate volume, international prostate symptom score (IPSS), quality of life score (QoL), International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), peak flow rate, UCLA Prostate Cancer Index (UCLA-PCI), and postvoid residual were recorded at baseline and 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24-months after PAE. Six-second (standard protocol, n = 29) or 5-second (low-dose protocol n = 45) rotations were made. Images were selected and matched in pairs by areas of NTE and compared by readers using a binomial generalized estimating equation model. Procedural outcomes were analyzed using a linear mixed model. RESULTS Seventy-four cone-beam CT angiographies were performed in 21 patients. IPSS and QoL scores significantly improved (P

Background: Conventional transarterial chemoembolization (cTACE) has been the standard treatment for intermediate stage hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). For early stage HCC, percutaneous ablation is a curative option. There is growing evidence to support combined therapy to improve tumor response and overall survival (OS) in patients with unresectable HCC. The goal of this study is to retrospectively review a single institution patient population who underwent the combined approach to determine its efficacy and safety, and possible predictive factors for OS and tumor response. Methods: Retrospective analysis identified all patients that underwent c-TACE with Mitomycin followed by percutaneous ablation from 2011 to 2016 at our institution. Efficacy was assessed by OS, time to progression (TTP), and tumor response according to mRECIST criteria. Initial imaging was obtained 1 month after each treatment and after complete response was achieved, every 3 months for 2 years. Percentage of Lipiodol uptake was determined at 30-day follow-up with contrasted abdominal CT. Safety was assessed using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v4.0. Multiple linear regressions were conducted to predict OS and number of progression-free survival days based on potential predictive factors. Results: A total of 50 patients were identified. At 1-month follow-up, objective response (CR + PR) was achieved in 44 patients (88%). The median OS was 26.6 months and median TTP was 9.7 months (n=50). There was no statistically significant difference in median OS between patients with different lesion size (P=0.95), BCLC stage (P=0.84) or Lipiodol uptake (P=0.36). Higher albumin/bilirubin ratio was significantly correlated with improved OS (P=0.024). Conclusions: Combined c-TACE and PTA is a safe and effective approach for patients with unresectable HCC. Elevated albumin/bilirubin ratio was a predictor for improved OS.

Hepatic malignancies are common including primary malignancies and metastases. Transarterial radioembolization (TARE) is an important treatment option. We reviewed safety and efficacy of (TARE) in our patients to identify factors that may impact treatment outcomes in a heterogeneous population.All patients that received TARE at the Medical University of South Carolina from March 2006 through May of 2014 were included. Kaplan-Meier estimates on overall survival (OS) from date of first procedure are reported. Potential prognostic factors for OS were evaluated using log rank tests and Cox proportional hazards models.In the 114 patients that received TARE at our institution, median follow-up was 6.4 months (range, 0-86 months) with the following histologies: colorectal (CR) n=55, hepatocellular (HC) n=20, cholangiocarcinoma (CC) n=16, neuroendocrine (NE) n=12, breast (BR) n=6, other n=5. At least 1 line of prior systemic therapy was noted in 79% of patients. Median OS was significantly better with NE and BR histology, and in those with normal albumin levels. With an albumin3.4 median OS was 10.3 months, but was only 3.1 months with an albumin3 g/dL. Grade ≥2 toxicity was observed in 22 patients (19.3%) including 9 (7.9%) with Grade 3 and 1 (0.9%) with Grade 4 toxicity.TARE is a relatively safe and effective treatment for intrahepatic malignancies. Patients with NE and BR histology as well as those with better hepatic synthetic function were associated with significantly better survival. Our data suggest that patients with albumin below 3 g/dL may not derive significant benefit from TARE.

Objectives This study sought to evaluate the image quality and diagnostic accuracy of noncontrast quiescent-interval single-shot (QISS) magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) versus iodine-contrast computed tomography angiography (CTA) in patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD), with invasive digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. Background QISS is a recently introduced noncontrast MRA technique. Although the diagnostic accuracy of QISS is reportedly similar to that of contrast-enhanced MRA, its performance compared with contrast-enhanced CTA, the most frequently used noninvasive modality for evaluation of PAD, is unknown. Methods Thirty patients (66 ± 7 years of age) with PAD underwent lower extremity CTA with third-generation dual-source dual-energy CT and 1.5-T MRA using a prototype noncontrast QISS sequence. DSA was performed within 50 days. The abdominal aorta and lower extremity run-off were imaged. Eighteen arterial segments were analyzed. Subjective image quality (3-point Likert scale) and stenosis (5-point grading) were evaluated by 2 observers and compared using the Mann–Whitney U and chi-square tests, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of MRA and CTA for >50% stenosis detection were compared using the McNemar-test. Results Of 540 segments, 15 (2.8%) and 42 (7.8%) inconclusive segments were excluded from MRA and CTA analysis, respectively (p = 0.0006). The DSA results were available for 410 of the remaining segments. Overall subjective image quality was rated similarly with QISS-MRA (2.52 [95% confidence interval: 2.46 to 2.57]) and CTA (2.49 [95% confidence interval: 2.43 to 2.55]; p = 0.5062). The sensitivity and specificity of MRA for >50% stenosis were 84.9% and 97.2%, respectively, similar to those of CTA (87.3% and 95.4%, respectively). Interobserver agreement for stenosis detection was excellent for MRA (κ > 0.81) and CTA (κ > 0.81). Conclusions Noncontrast QISS-MRA provides high diagnostic accuracy compared with DSA, while being less prone to image artifacts than CTA. QISS better visualizes heavily calcified segments with impaired flow. QISS-MRA obviates the need for contrast administration in PAD patients.

To evaluate the impact of noise-optimized virtual monochromatic imaging (VMI+) on stent visualization and accuracy for in-stent re-stenosis at lower extremity dual-energy CT angiography (DE-CTA). We evaluated third-generation dual-source DE-CTA studies in 31 patients with prior stent placement. Images were reconstructed with linear blending (F_0.5) and VMI+ at 40–150 keV. In-stent luminal diameter was measured and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) calculated. Diagnostic confidence was determined using a five-point scale. In 21 patients with invasive catheter angiography, accuracy for significant re-stenosis (≥50 %) was assessed at F_0.5 and 80 keV-VMI+ chosen as the optimal energy level based on image-quality analysis. At CTA, 45 stents were present. DSA was available for 28 stents whereas 12 stents showed significant re-stenosis. CNR was significantly higher with ≤80 keV-VMI+ (17.9 ± 6.4–33.7 ± 12.3) compared to F_0.5 (16.9 ± 4.8; all p

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of a noise-optimized virtual monochromatic imaging algorithm (VMI+) on image quality and diagnostic accuracy at dual-energy computed tomography angiography (CTA) of the lower extremity runoff.This retrospective Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act-compliant study was approved by the local institutional review board. We evaluated dual-energy CTA studies of the lower extremity runoff in 48 patients (16 women; mean age, 63.3 ± 13.8 years) performed on a third-generation dual-source CT system. Images were reconstructed with standard linear blending (F_0.5), VMI+, and traditional monochromatic (VMI) algorithms at 40 to 120 keV in 10-keV intervals. Vascular attenuation and image noise in 18 artery segments were measured; signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were calculated. Five-point scales were used to subjectively evaluate vascular attenuation and image noise. In a subgroup of 21 patients who underwent additional invasive catheter angiography, diagnostic accuracy for the detection of significant stenosis (≥50% lumen restriction) of F_0.5, 50-keV VMI+, and 60-keV VMI data sets were assessed.Objective image quality metrics were highest in the 40- and 50-keV VMI+ series (SNR: 20.2 ± 10.7 and 19.0 ± 9.5, respectively; CNR: 18.5 ± 10.3 and 16.8 ± 9.1, respectively) and were significantly (all P0.001) higher than in the corresponding VMI data sets (SNR: 8.7 ± 4.1 and 10.8 ± 5.0; CNR: 8.0 ± 4.0 and 9.6 ± 4.9) and F_0.5 series (SNR: 10.7 ± 4.4; CNR: 8.3 ± 4.1). Subjective assessment of attenuation was highest in the 40- and 50-keV VMI and VMI+ image series (range, 4.84-4.91), superior to F_0.5 (4.07; P0.001). Corresponding subjective noise assessment was superior for 50-keV VMI+ (4.71; all P0.001) compared with VMI (2.60) and F_0.5 (4.11). Sensitivity and specificity for detection of 50% or greater stenoses were highest in VMI+ reconstructions (92% and 95%, respectively), significantly higher compared with standard F_0.5 (87% and 90%; both P ≤ 0.02).Image reconstruction using low-kiloelectron volt VMI+ improves image quality and diagnostic accuracy compared with traditional VMI technique and standard linear blending for evaluation of the lower extremity runoff using dual-energy CTA.

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of a modified three-material decomposition calcium subtraction (CS) algorithm for the detection of arterial stenosis in dual-energy CT angiography (DE-CTA) of the lower extremity runoff compared to standard image reconstruction, using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) as the reference standard. Eighty-eight patients (53 males; mean age, 65.9 ± 11 years) with suspected peripheral arterial disease (PAD) who had undergone a DE-CTA examination of the lower extremity runoff between May 2014 and May 2015 were included in this IRB-approved, HIPAA-compliant retrospective study. Standard linearly blended and CS images were reconstructed and vascular contrast-to-noise ratios (CNR) were calculated. Two independent observers assessed subjective image quality using a 5-point Likert scale. Diagnostic accuracy for ≥ 50% stenosis detection was analyzed in a subgroup of 45 patients who had undergone additional DSA. Diagnostic accuracy parameters were estimated with a random-effects logistic regression analysis and compared using generalized estimating equations. CS datasets showed higher CNR (15.3 ± 7.3) compared to standard reconstructions (13.5 ± 6.5, p

Background: There is a wide variability in practice patterns on the use of inferior vena cava filters (IVCFs) among institutions, which is likely due to contrasting indication guidelines published by different professional societies. The aim of the present study is to report our healthcare system use of IVCF to: 1) determine practice patterns, 2) determine factors that may predict IVCF retrieval and 3) identify areas for improvement. Methods: A retrospective review of 180 consecutive IVCF placement performed between July 2014 and December 2015 was conducted. Results: One hundred nine (60.6%) IVCFs were placed for absolute indications, 27 (15.0%) for relative indications, 26 (14.4%) prophylactically and 18 (10.0%) for unknown indications. Average age was 59.3 years. Ninety-five had active cancer. Surgical and medical services requested filter placement in 112 (62.2%) and 68 (37.8%) patients, respectively. Thirteen (7.2%) patients had a hematology consult prior to IVCF placement. Documentation of the presence of an IVCF was present in 118/127 (92.9%) discharge summaries, and outlined instructions for filter retrieval post-discharge were present in 20/124 (16.1%) cases. Only 33 (25.0%) IVCF were retrieved at a median interval of 162 days (range: 4 - 1,053 days). None of the factors of interest was found to be significantly associated with IVCF retrieval. Conclusion: A root cause analysis identified that the lack of a structured system for IVCF tracking resulted in poor IVCF retrieval rates. This study resulted in the development of a hospital-initiated multidisciplinary team to address these issues. J Clin Med Res. 2018;10(10):758-764 doi: https://doi.org/10.14740/jocmr3544w

PURPOSE To assess the safety and efficacy of single-session transarterial embolization and radiofrequency (RF) ablation for hepatic tumors with the use of needle navigation software. MATERIALS AND METHODS Retrospective analysis was conducted of 24 patients with liver cancer undergoing embolization followed by RF ablation between May 2014 and August 2017. Twelve patients each underwent (i) embolization and computed tomography (CT)-guided RF ablation during different sessions (group 1) and (ii) embolization followed by RF ablation with cone-beam CT and Needle Assist software in 1 session (group 2). Median age (70.5 y [range, 58-78 y] vs 70.5 y [range, 50-82 y]; P = .76) and performance status (0/1) were comparable between groups. Median tumor size was significantly larger in group 2 (2 cm [range, 1.0-7.3 cm] vs 3.2 cm [range, 1.1-9.6 cm]; P < .03). Procedure time, effective dose, and number of scans were examined. Efficacy was assessed by modified Response Evaluation Criteria In Solid Tumors after 1 month. Safety was assessed by Society of Interventional Radiology adverse event classification. RESULTS Group 1 had a mean of 8.5 CT scans, vs a mean of 5.0 cone-beam CT scans in group 2 (P < .001). Median procedure times were 110 min in group 1 and 199.5 min in group 2 (P < .001). Median effective doses were 68.8 mSv in group 1 and 55.4 mSv in group 2 (P = .38). There was no difference in complete response between groups (66.7% vs 63.6%; P = 1). CONCLUSIONS Transarterial embolization followed by RF ablation with cone-beam CT and needle guidance software in a single session seems to be safe and effective.

To determine whether transradial access (TRA) or transfemoral access (TFA) provides better patient satisfaction during intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for liver cancer.This randomized, prospective, intra- and interpatient controlled trial compared TRA vs TFA accesses in patients with primary or metastatic liver cancer undergoing IAT. After having one of each type of access (1 TRA and 1 TFA), all patients selected their preferred access regardless of whether a third intervention was indicated. The primary endpoint was patient access preference; secondary endpoints were access-related complications, procedure time, contrast agent volume, and radiation doses to the patient and operator. Patients were evaluated on postprocedure days 1 and 30.Fifty-five patients with liver cancer (31 hepatocellular carcinoma, 24 metastatic disease) were enrolled, and 124 IAT procedures were performed. A total of 36 patients underwent at least 1 intervention each with TRA and TFA. Of those, 29 patients (81%) preferred TRA and 7 (19%) preferred TFA (ratio, 4:1; P.001). Median radiation exposure to the operator was significantly lower for TRA (5.5 mrem) vs TFA (13 mrem; P = .01). Incidences of complications, procedure time, contrast agent volume, and radiation exposure to patients were similar between groups.TRA was the preferred access for the majority of patients and was associated with less radiation exposure to the operator. No differences were detected in incidence of adverse events, procedure time, contrast agent volume, or patient radiation exposure.

Combined Endoscopic-Percutaneous Biliary Restoration Following Severe Bile Duct Injury During Cholecystectomy

Hepatic arteriovenous malformations are rare congenital lesions associated with significant morbidity and mortality, most commonly from high output cardiac failure. Efficient diagnosis and treatment demands an interdisciplinary approach, and the interventional radiologist plays a pivotal role in both. Imaging is important for diagnostic accuracy and treatment planning, and transcatheter embolization has become an established primary therapy. We report the clinical and imaging findings of a rare hepatic arteriovenous malformation in an infant presenting with high-output cardiac failure and pulmonary artery hypertension that was successfully treated by transarterial embolization using Onyx.

To report the initial clinical experience with a new hybrid stent to prevent neurological events during carotid artery stenting.A 77-year-old asymptomatic man presented with de novo high-grade stenosis (80%) of the right internal carotid artery (ICA) and occlusion of the contralateral ICA. He was referred for right ICA stenting with a 6/8-mm×40-mm Gore Carotid Stent under cerebral protection using the Gore Carotid Filter. The stent delivery system tracked well over the filter wire and deployment was precise. The result was satisfactory, with 10% residual stenosis. No neurological events occurred during 6 months of follow-up.Initial clinical experience with this new carotid hybrid stent showed satisfactory results, including ease of use, precise deployment, conformability to the wall, and protection against embolization.

Purpose Describe the technique and present the results of RF wire puncture for the recanalization of chronic arterial occlusions in symptomatic patients. Materials and Methods Between January and June 2012, 6 patients (5 male), age ranging from 58-72 years, presented with signs and symptoms of arterial occlusive disease. The lesions ranged from TASC C to D and were identified within the common iliac and superficial femoral artery. Despite multiple repeat attempts at recanalization using conventional endovascular techniques, the lesions were unable to be crossed. PowerWire RF wire (Baylis Medical, Canada) was advanced (via intra-luminal or subintimal approach) within a 5-Fr KMP catheter using a 10 mm snare (iliac lesions) or arterial wall calcification (femoral lesions) as a target. Pre-stent balloon angioplasty was followed by stent placement. If the RF wire puncture was inadequate, a new location was pursued. Clinical assessment along with targeted diagnostic and imaging follow up was performed at 30 days and then at 3, 6, and 12 months. Results All patients were successfully treated with RF wire after previous failed attempts at recanalization using different combinations of catheter/wire techniques. There were no complications. All patients improved clinically and imaging of the treated segment showed patency at 10 months mean follow-up. Conclusion RF wire is a safe alternative in the recanalization of chronic arterial occlusions when conventional techniques have failed and provides an endovascular solution for patients who would otherwise be forced into undergoing surgical repair.