A wire transposition technique for recanalization of chronic complex central venous occlusions

Radiofrequency wire 'power wire' recanalization of calcified chronically occluded inferior vena cava

Background

Radiofrequency (RF) wire recanalization of short segments of central venous obstruction has been considered safe; however its use for recanalization of long segments of inferior vena cava (IVC) has not been reported.

Case presentation

A 55-year-old female with recurrent massive hematemesis was found to have systemic venous upper esophageal varices on endoscopy and an extensive chronic IVC occlusion on CT. Using both a percutaneous transhepatic and transfemoral approach IVC recanalization was performed. A snare was advanced to the cavo-atrial junction via transhepatic venous access. From the groin utilizing RF wire steerable guide sheaths, endovascular reconstruction of the IVC was performed. Post recanalization venography demonstrated patent stented IVC and marked decrease in the intraabdominal-pelvic collaterals. No recurrence of hematemesis was noted. After 6 months, patient remained asymptomatic and had functioning right femoral arteriovenous hemodialysis graft.

Conclusions

Using appropriate techniques, Power wire recanalization of long occlusive segments of IVC can be safe and effective.

The feasibility and safety of a through-and-through wire technique for central venous occlusion in dialysis patients

Background

To retrospectively compare the operation time, success rate and efficacy between unidirectional and bidirectional procedures in the treatment of central venous occlusion diseases (CVOD), assess the advantages of the bidirectional approach, and determine the characteristics of CVOD appropriate for the bidirectional approach treatment.

Methods

A total of 49 patients who underwent endovascular interventions with all relevant data between January 2011 and December 2015 at the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China, were included in this retrospective study, and were categorized into two groups: the 19 patients in group 1 had undergone percutaneous transluminal venoplasty (PTV) via a conventional technique (unidirectional procedure from the vein distal or proximal to the obstructive lesion), and the 30 in group 2 had undergone flossing wire technique (bidirectional procedure from femoral vein and the vein distal to obstructive lesion and using a flossing wire technique). The technical success rate, the fluoroscopy time in the procedure, perioperative complications, and patency were evaluated retrospectively.

Results

Compared with group 1, group 2 had a higher initial technical success rate (83.33% vs. 47.36%, p = 0.012) but a shorter fluoroscopy time (82.6 ± 26.1 vs. 116.1 ± 42.1, p = 0.048). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis indicated that a lesion with a length of 6.5 cm was the best predictor of technique success (p = 0.02) in group 1, but no cut-off value was identified for group 2. There were no significant differences in perioperative complications between these two groups. The complication rates were 31.58% (6/19) in group 1 and 6.67% (2/30) in group 2, (p = 0.043), respectively. No significant difference was observed between these two groups with respect to the stent patency rate.

Conclusion

Compared with the conventional technique, the flossing wire technique has a higher success rate, shorter fluoroscopy time, fewer complications and similar patency rate. It is a feasible treatment for CVOD, especially for long obstructive lesions.