Cardiovascular and interventional radiology
-
Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol · Apr 2016
Percutaneous Retrieval of Permanent Inferior Vena Cava Filters.
To evaluate the feasibility, risks, and techniques of percutaneous removal of permanent TrapEase and Simon Nitinol IVC filters. ⋯ In carefully selected patients, percutaneous removal of permanent IVC filters can be performed safely despite prolonged filter dwell times. Extraction of chronically embedded permanent IVC filters may be facilitated by jugular and femoral approaches, often with laser sheath assistance. Chronic filter thrombosis and caval scarring may increase the risk of retrieval failure.
-
Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol · Apr 2016
Radiation Dose Reduction in CT Fluoroscopy-Guided Cervical Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection by Modifying Scout and Planning Steps.
In CT fluoroscopy (CTF)-guided cervical transforaminal epidural steroid injection (TFESI), the majority of radiation dose is contributed by the planning CT scan rather than the CTF procedure itself. We replaced the planning helical CT with a spot CTF and accordingly changed the patient posture during scout and planning scans. The aim of this study was to test whether radiation dose reduction would be achieved by this protocol modification while still maintaining technical performance. ⋯ When conducting CTF-guided cervical TFESIs, a significant radiation dose reduction (median 79.7% in DLP) can be achieved by modifying scout and planning steps, without compromising the technical performance.
-
Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol · Mar 2016
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter-Related Infections in a Cohort of Hospitalized Adult Patients.
To determine the incidence and the risks factors of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related infectious complications. ⋯ Chemotherapy, auto/allograft, and anti-coagulant therapy are important predictors of PICC-associated infections. A careful assessment of these risk factors may be important for future success in preventing PICC-related infections.