Interventional radiology in the neonate and young infant

Computed tomography-based survey of the vascular anatomy of the juvenile Göttingen minipig

Over the past 50 years, image-guided procedures have been established for a wide range of applications. The development and clinical translation of new treatment regimens necessitate the availability of suitable animal models. The juvenile Göttingen minipig presents a favourable profile as a model for human infants. However, no information can be found regarding the vascular system of juvenile minipigs in the literature. Such information is imperative for planning the accessibility of target structures by catheterization. We present here a complete mapping of the arterial system of the juvenile minipig based on contrast-enhanced computed tomography. Four female animals weighing 6.13 ± 0.72 kg were used for the analyses. Imaging was performed under anaesthesia, and the measurement of the vascular structures was performed independently by four investigators. Our dataset forms a basis for future interventional studies in juvenile minipigs, and enables planning and refinement of future experiments according to the 3R (replacement, reduction and refinement) principles of animal research.

Pediatric Biliary Interventions in the Native Liver

Biliary disease in infants and children frequently presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. Pediatric interventional radiologists are often involved in the multidisciplinary teams who care for these patients. This article reviews several notable causes of biliary disease in children who have not undergone liver transplantation, describes the role of percutaneous interventional procedures in managing these conditions, and details applicable biliary interventional techniques.