Transcatheter arterial embolization for gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding: the use of cyanoacrylate glue has gained acceptance

Current role of cyanoacrylate glue transcatheter embolization in the treatment of acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding

INTRODUCTION

Over the past three decades, transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) has become the first-line therapy for the management of acute nonvariceal gastrointestinal bleeding (NVGIB) that is refractory to endoscopic hemostasis. Advances in catheter-based techniques and newer liquid embolic agents, as well as recognition of the effectiveness of minimally invasive treatment options, have expanded the role of interventional radiology in the treatment of acute NVGIB. Many embolic agents have been used successfully. However, no guidelines exist about the choice of the best embolic agent which is still controversial. Cyanoacrylate glue has gained acceptance over time. This article aims to address the current role of TAE using cyanoacrylate glue for the treatment of acute NVGIB.

AREAS COVERED

The authors undertook a literature review of the current evidence on the use of cyanoacrylate glue in treating patients with acute NVGIB.

EXPERT OPINION

The evidence shows that cyanoacrylate glue is the most clinically useful embolic agent in treating patients with acute NVGIB, despite the need for learning curve, especially in case of coagulopathy. At present, research is ongoing to assess liquid embolic agents in the treatment of patients presenting with acute NVGIB. More research is needed but cyanoacrylate glue show promise for the future.

Preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization using a gelatin sponge for head and neck tumors

Purpose: To evaluate the usefulness of preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization using a gelatin sponge for hypervascular head and neck tumors to reduce intraoperative blood loss (IBL).　　　　 Material and methods: Nineteen patients underwent preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization for hypervascular head and neck tumors using a gelatin sponge. The technical success rate, devascularization rate, IBL, and complications were evaluated. Angiography images obtained before and after preoperative embolization were compared in all patients, and the devascularization rate was assessed from the relative reduction rate of contrast agent volumes. Results: The technical success rate was 100%. The median devascularization rate was 95% (range, 75-100%). The median period between embolization and surgical resection was one day (range, 1-12 days). The median IBL was 122 ml (range, 0-3780 ml). Blood transfusions were required in three cases, and their IBL and devascularization rates were 850, 1959, and 3780 ml, and 75%, 90%, and 80%, respectively. There was a complication of cerebral embolism in one out of 19 cases (5%). Conclusions: Preoperative transcatheter arterial embolization using a gelatin sponge was feasible and may contribute to decreasing IBL.

Transcatheter arterial embolization with N-butyl cyanoacrylate for arterial esophageal bleeding in esophageal cancer patients

Background

The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) with N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for the treatment of arterial esophageal bleeding in esophageal cancer patients.

Methods

Between November 2008 and December 2014, five esophageal cancer patients underwent TAE with NBCA for the treatment of arterial esophageal bleeding. We retrospectively evaluated the technical and clinical success, recurrent bleeding, and procedure-related complications.

Results

All of the patients had bleeding from the esophageal artery and were in shock at the beginning of TAE. Four patients had a coagulopathy at the time of TAE; however, the TAE could successfully arrest bleeding in all five patients. After TAE, they immediately recovered from the shock state. Two patients were discharged without event, one patient is currently hospitalized for another complication, and the other two patients died due to multiorgan failure. In addition, no procedure-related complications such as esophageal infarction and recurrence of arterial esophageal bleeding were observed during this study.

Conclusions

TAE with NBCA can arrest bleeding in esophageal cancer patients with active arterial esophageal bleeding, even in those with a pre-existing coagulopathy.