Cardiovascular and interventional radiology
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Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol · Mar 2006
Use of semiflexible applicators for radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors.
To evaluate the feasibility and potential advantages of the radiofrequency ablation of liver tumors using new MRI-compatible semiflexible applicators in a closed-bore high-field MRI scanner. ⋯ RFA of liver tumors using semiflexible applicators in closed-bore 1.5 T scanner systems is feasible. These applicators might simplify the RFA of liver tumors under MRI control. The stiff distal part of the applicator facilitates its repositioning.
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Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol · Jan 2006
Comparative StudyEffective dose of CT- and fluoroscopy-guided perineural/epidural injections of the lumbar spine: a comparative study.
The objective of this study was to compare the effective radiation dose of perineural and epidural injections of the lumbar spine under computed tomography (CT) or fluoroscopic guidance with respect to dose-reduced protocols. We assessed the radiation dose with an Alderson Rando phantom at the lumbar segment L4/5 using 29 thermoluminescence dosimeters. Based on our clinical experience, 4-10 CT scans and 1-min fluoroscopy are appropriate. ⋯ A consequent low-dose CT protocol reduces the effective dose compared to a standard lumbar spine protocol by more than 85%. The latter dose might be expected when applying about 1 min of continuous fluoroscopy for guidance. A pulsed mode further reduces the effective dose of fluoroscopy by 80-90%.
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The Schmorl node represents displacement of intervertebral disc tissue into the vertebral body. Both Schmorl nodes and degenerative disc disease are common in the human spine. ⋯ Improvement was swift and persistent in reducing symptoms. Painful Schmorl nodes, refractory to medical or physical therapy, should be considered as a new indication within those vertebral lesions adequately treatable utilizing Vertebroplasty procedure.
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Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol · Jan 2006
Case ReportsExcessive hyperthermic necrosis of a pulmonary lobe after hypertonic saline-enhanced monopolar radiofrequency ablation.
Although there has been a feasibility study of saline-enhanced radiofrequency ablation of the lung in rabbits, there has been no report on hypertonic saline-enhanced radiofrequency ablation of human pulmonary tumors or its complication. We report a case in which a large necrotic cavity was produced in the lung after hypertonic saline-enhanced radiofrequency ablation of recurrent metastatic tumor from hepatocellular carcinoma. ⋯ This can be dangerous, as there is a high chance of producing an ablation area much larger than expected and, hence, major complications. Special attention is required not to overablate while using this technique.
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Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol · Jan 2006
Physiologic effect of stent therapy for inferior vena cava obstruction due to malignant liver tumor.
To understand systemic the influence of stent therapy for inferior vena cava (IVC) obstruction due to advanced liver tumor. ⋯ The stent therapy for IVC obstruction due to malignant liver tumors was followed by a series of physiologic and hematobiochemical consequences, most of them favorable but some possibly unfavorable. Rational interpretations and predictions of sequelae based on physiologic science including cardiology, hepatology, and nephrology would facilitate the best management of stent therapy for malignant IVC obstruction.