Control of renal hemorrhage by selective arterial embolization

Superselective renal arterial embolization for severe postpercutaneous nephrolithotomy haemorrhage: clinical characteristics and risk factors for initial failure

OBJECTIVE

To identify the clinical characteristics of patients who underwent superselective renal arterial embolization (SRAE) after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) and to explore the risk factors for failed initial SRAE after PCNL.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Patients who underwent SRAE for severe haemorrhage following PCNL between January 2014 and December 2020 were included in the study. The clinical data of those patients and the parameters and characteristics of the perioperative PCNL and SRAE procedures were collected and analysed.

RESULTS

A total of 243 patients were included in this study. A total of 139 patients (57.2%) had a pseudoaneurysm, 25 (10.3%) had an arteriovenous fistula, 50 (20.6%) patients had both a pseudoaneurysm and an arteriovenous fistula, and 29 (11.9%) had an arterial laceration. In 177 patients with single percutaneous access, 125 (70.6%) patients exhibited nontract haemorrhage, and 55 (31.1%) patients exhibited multiple bleeding sites. In 66 patients with multiple percutaneous access, 44 (66.7%) patients exhibited nontract haemorrhage, and 32 (48.5%) patients exhibited multiple bleeding sites. The decrease in Hb before SRAE was 41.4 ± 19.8 g/L. The mean time between PCNL surgery and initial SRAE was 6.4 ± 4.9 days. Serum creatinine was increased after the SRAE procedure. Initial SRAE was successful in 229 (94.2%) patients and failed in 14 (5.8%) patients. Multivariate regression demonstrated that hydronephrosis < 20 mm, total ultrasonographic guidance, solitary kidney, previous ipsilateral renal surgery, PCNL duration > 90 min and multiple bleeding sites were potential risk factors for initial embolization failure.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous access was not the most important reason for post-PCNL severe haemorrhage. SRAE is effective for the treatment of severe haemorrhage following PCNL; however, several factors have an impact on the success of initial SRAE. Additionally, the SRAE procedure may affect renal function.

Superselective renal arterial embolization in treatment for severe renal hemorrhage after flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy (FURSL)

OBJECTIVE

Life-threatening renal hemorrhage after flexible ureterorenoscopy and laser lithotripsy (FURSL) is a rare complication. We aim to review our unit's experience with super-selective renal artery embolization as therapeutic options for such patients.

METHODS

From January 2015 to November 2021, total 1125 patients underwent the FURSL procedures in our unit. Patients with life-threatening renal hemorrhage were reviewed and the information of peri-operative, operative and post-operative were recorded.

RESULTS

Of the 1125 patients who underwent FURSL procedure, two patients with life-threatening renal hemorrhage were diagnosis; the age is 67 and 42 years old, respectively. Preoperative imaging examination showed that two patients had upper ureteral stone and renal stone ranging in size from 1.2 to 3.0 cm. Female patient placed the D-J stent for two weeks before FURSL. After the operation, both patients had the massive gross hematuria, significant drop of hemoglobin (Hgb), blood pressure lowering and needed to transfusion. CT scan showed that the male patient had an intrarenal hematoma. All these two were treated by super-selective renal artery embolization and had a successful outcome.

CONCLUSION

Life-threatening renal hemorrhage after FURSL is a rare and severe complication. Super-selective renal artery embolization is a safe and effective method for the treatment of patients with severe renal hemorrhage, preserving healthy renal parenchyma and renal function.

Failure of initial superselective renal arterial embolization in the treatment of renal hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy: A respective analysis of risk factors

Superselective renal arterial embolization (SRAE) is a well-established method for the treatment of severe hemorrhage following percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL). However, there remains a significant rate of failures requiring repeat SRAE or nephrectomy. To identify risk factors for initial treatment failure of SRAE, the data of patients who had undergone SRAE for severe bleeding due to PCNL between August 2005 and June 2016 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 98 patients required SRAE for bleeding control following PCNL. Renal arteriography revealed pseudoaneurysm in 65 patients, arteriovenous fistula in 6 patients, and a combination of both in 11 patients. Free extravasation was observed in 11 patients; 8 of these patients exhibited coexisting pseudoaneurysm. Vascular aberration/tortuosity was identified in 10 patients. A total of 17 patients (17.3%) experienced initial treatment failure and underwent repeat SRAE. Multivariate analysis identified percutaneous tract size, number of bleeding sites and vascular aberration/tortuosity as significant predictors of initial treatment failure. The results from the present study suggested that repeated SRAE is preferred for patients who have experienced initial treatment failure with recurrent hemorrhage following PCNL. Large tract size, multiple bleeding sites and renal vascular aberration/tortuosity were significantly associated with increased risk of initial treatment failure of SRAE. These data may assist interventional radiologists in the planning and execution of SRAE in the treatment of PCNL.

Trading scalpels for sheaths: Catheter-based treatment of vascular injury can be effectively performed by acute care surgeons trained in endovascular techniques

BACKGROUND

The skill set of the acute care surgeon can be expanded by formal training. We report the first series of traumatic vascular injury (TVI) treated by acute care surgeons trained in endovascular techniques (ACSTEV).

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed patients admitted to our trauma center with TVI over 5 months who survived for more than 24 hours and had catheter diagnosis and/or therapy by ACSTEV. Demographics, admission data, and outcomes were reviewed. Follow-up ranged from 0 day to 150 days.

RESULTS

Most patients were male (63%) and sustained blunt mechanism (91%). Mean (SD) age was 48.2 (21.9) years, and mean (SD) Injury Severity Score was 32.1 (11.8). Mean (SD) admission systolic blood pressure, heart rate, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score were 126.12 (30.4) mm Hg, 101.21 (28.2) beats per minute, and 10.8 (4.73), respectively. Forty-six patients underwent 48 endovascular procedures for TVI: 32 angiograms and 16 venograms were obtained. Two pelvic angiograms and one aortic arch angiogram were negative and required no treatment. One superficial femoral artery arteriogram showed minor luminal defects requiring anticoagulation only. Pseudoaneurysms were found in 17 vessels, vessel truncation in 4, active extravasation in 5, stenosis in 1, and dissection with thrombus in 1. Four patients had resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta performed before catheter intervention for pelvic hemorrhage. Procedures included aortic repair (4), pelvic embolization (13), splenic embolization (5), lumbar artery embolization (1), bronchial artery embolization (1), profunda artery embolization (1), common carotid artery stent (1), celiac artery stent (1), inferior vena cava filter placement (14) and retrieval (2), and pharmacomechanical thrombolysis (1). Treatment material included coils (12), Gelfoam (4), and nitinol plugs (3). No procedural or device-related complications occurred. Mortality was 14.7% unrelated to any endovascular procedure. One patient had repeat coil embolization of a pelvic pseudoaneurysm on postoperative Day 7.

CONCLUSION

ACSTEV can safely treat TVI with good success. We performed nearly 10 procedures per month underscoring the role of the ACSTEV for training and care of TVI in a high-volume trauma center.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic study, level V.

Superselective renal artery embolization in the treatment of renal hemorrhage

BACKGROUND

Renal hemorrhage is a potentially life-threatening event that may follow trauma, operation, biopsy, and sudden spontaneous rupture of renal tumors or aneurysms. Superselective renal artery embolization (SRAE) is a well-established method for such cases.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of SRAE in the treatment of renal hemorrhage at our institute.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We respectively reviewed the medical records of patients who underwent SRAE for renal hemorrhage from January 2005 to June 2012. Data on patients' characteristics, indications, requirement of pre-embolization blood transfusion, angiographic finding, location of bleeding site, embolization agents, post-embolization transfusion requirement, complications and the outcome were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 46 patients, aged 26-73 years, underwent SRAE because of hemorrhage after percutaneous nephrolithotomy (n = 25), partial nephrectomy (n = 6), renal biopsy (n = 2), trauma (n = 2), rupture of angiomyolipoma (n = 4), renal aneurysm (n = 1), and renal ateriovenous malformations (n = 6). A total of 41 patients (80.8 %) underwent successful embolization. Treatment failed in 5 patients with hemorrhage caused by percutaneous nephrolithotomy. Of these, four patients underwent a secondly superselective embolization and had a successful outcome. The remaining one was managed by conservative therapy with repeated blood transfusions. No patient required nephrectomy to save the life of the patient. No serious procedure-related complications occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

SRAE is an effective and minimal invasive method for the control of renal hemorrhage. Our experience strongly recommended the first-line use of SRAE for severe renal hemorrhage.

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm after blunt renal trauma: report on three cases and review of the literature

CONTEXT

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm is a rare complication after renal injury but should be suspected whenever there is recurrent hematuria after renal trauma.

CASE REPORTS

We present three cases of pseudoaneurysm after blunt renal trauma and a review of the literature. All patients underwent renal angiography. Two cases were diagnosed during the initial hospital stay due to hematuria, or in the follow-up period during recovery. One patient was hemodynamically unstable. Two patients successfully underwent coil embolization in a single session. In the other case, selective embolization was attempted, but was unsuccessful because artery catheterization was impossible. Procedural and medical success and complications were retrospectively assessed from the patients' records. The clinical presentation, treatment options and clinical decisions are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm may develop acutely or even years after the initial injury. Signs and symptoms may have a wide spectrum of presentation. Selective angiographic embolization is an effective treatment that reduces the extent of parenchymal infarction.

Percutaneous renal cryoablation complicated by hemorrhage

The authors describe a case in which a patient underwent percutaneous cryoablation of a suspected right renal cell carcinoma complicated by bleeding. Urgent angiography revealed a lower renal pole arteriovenous (AV) fistula, correlating with the recent treatment site. This AV fistula was successfully treated with coil and Gelfoam embolization. Three days later, the patient's hemoglobin dropped following dialysis. Computed tomography (CT) imaging revealed an increase in the size of the pararenal hematoma. There were multiple pseudoaneurysms as well as a small AV fistula on repeat angiography. The right main renal artery was coil embolized.

Interventional radiology in renal trauma

Injury to the kidney is relatively common in significant abdominal trauma with the majority of injuries being secondary to a blunt rather than penetrating mechanism. Iatrogenic injury is an important additional cause of renal vascular damage. Multidetector computed tomography (CT) is the reference imaging modality in patients with suspected blunt, penetrating or iatrogenic injury. It allows rapid acquisition of images that accurately identify and stage injury to the kidneys and other major organs. This review addresses clinical indications for imaging, injury classification and the subsequent management of renal trauma, focusing on the important role of the interventional radiology team, particularly in stopping life-threatening haemorrhage by transcatheter embolisation techniques.

Effects of Superselective Embolization for Renal Vascular Injuries on Renal Parenchyma and Function

AIM

Our objective was to evaluate the outcome of superselective embolization used for treatment of renal vascular injuries on renal parenchyma and renal function.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between January 1999 and December 2001, 6 consecutive patients (five males, one female, mean age 45 years) underwent embolization to treat bleeding from renal vascular injuries, resulting from iatrogenic interventions (4) and blunt abdominal trauma (2). Five patients had increased serum creatinine. Angiography depicted a pseudoaneurysm (PA) in three, PA with arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in one, and active extravasation in two patients. Superselective catheterization was achieved using a 5-F catheter in three, and coaxial microcatheter in the remaining three cases. All lesions were successfully embolized with 0.035" or 0.018" coils.

RESULTS

Bleeding was ceased in all patients and did not recur. Mean post-embolization parenchymal ischemic area was 11.7% (range: 0-30%). Imaging follow-up (mean: 12 months, range: 5-23) showed that mean parenchymal infarcted area was 6% (range: 0-15%). Serum creatinine level was normal in all patients one week after the procedure and at the latest follow-up.

CONCLUSION

Superselective embolization resulted in permanent cessation of bleeding. Serious parenchymal infarction was prevented and serum creatinine level returned to the pre-bleeding values. Embolization should be considered as the treatment of choice in this patient population.

Application of transarterial embolization of renal artery in rabbits with experimental hydronephrosis

This study was performed to validate the procedure of transarterial embolization of the renal artery (TAE-RA) using iohexol-ethanol solution in rabbits with unilateral experimental hydronephrosis and to evaluate the embolized kidney and contralateral normal kidney using B-mode ultrasonography and color Doppler ultrasonography. Experimental hydronephrosis was induced at 17 days after ligation of unilateral ureter in 13 rabbits. Renal artery embolization was performed using selective catheterization in the hydronephrotic kidney of eight rabbits and electrocardiography, oxygen saturation, body temperature, pulse, and respiratory rate were within normal ranges during procedures. Iohexol-ethanol solution was used as embolic material. Average ethanol dose for renal artery embolization was 1.4 +/- 0.7 ml/kg. There were no rabbits expired after TAE-RA and no side effects associated with regurgitation of iohexol-ethanol solution. In color Doppler ultrasonographic findings, there was no blood flow into the embolized kidneys treated by TAE-RA, however, blood flow signal was found in hydronephrotic kidney not treated by TAE-RA. Ultrasonographically, the mean longitudinal length of the embolized kidney significantly decreased at 2 and 3 months after TAE-RA. No significant difference of resistive index values was found between contralateral normal kidney of rabbits treated by TAE-RA and contralateral normal kidneys of rabbits treated with nephrectomy. We may conclude that TAE-RA with iohexol-ethanol solution is a viable alternative to nephrectomy in rabbits with unilateral hydronephrosis.

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm after blunt abdominal trauma

Renal artery pseudoaneurysms are rare after blunt abdominal trauma; only 11 cases have been previously reported. Pseudoaneurysms are caused by decelerating injuries of the renal artery after major falls or automobile accidents. Patients may be asymptomatic for many years, and the pseudoaneurysm may expand and rupture before diagnosis or treatment. The patients in four untreated cases died. The diagnosis of renal artery pseudoaneurysm can be made by Doppler sonography, computerized tomography, renal perfusion imaging, or contrast angiography. Treatment requires either surgical or percutaneous intervention. Renal salvage was possible in five of the seven patients treated. We report two additional patients with successful outcomes after surgical intervention.

Renal artery pseudoaneurysm after blunt abdominal trauma: case report and literature review

Renal vascular injuries such as transection, thrombosis, dissection, and arteriovenous fistula formation are unusual but well-recognized consequences of blunt abdominal trauma. We discuss a rare case of renal artery pseudoaneurysm presenting 6 weeks after blunt abdominal trauma that was successfully treated with selective embolization.

Trauma radiology: part III. Diagnostic and therapeutic angiography in trauma

Angiography has a central role in both diagnosis and therapy of traumatic vascular injuries from blunt and penetrating mechanisms. Angiography is considered the "gold standard" for establishing the presence of vascular injury, but precise indications and appropriate timing of angiography in certain clinical situations, such as proximity injury to the extremities or penetrating neck injuries, remain controversial. We consider the role of angiography in the diagnosis of major arterial injury in the thorax, selective use of diagnostic and therapeutic angiography for intraabdominal trauma, identification and control of pelvic hemorrhage, and detection of vascular injury of the head, neck, and extremities.

The role of angiography in the assessment of blunt liver injury

Angiography and therapeutic embolism (TE) were studied retrospectively in cases of blunt liver injury with regard to their indications and usefulness. The management of patients fell into three groups distinguished by the clinical evidence of the severity of the liver injuries. The most severe 42 cases (39.6 per cent) were managed surgically and promptly, the least severe 38 cases were not subjected to angiography and the intermediate group (26 cases; 24.5 per cent) underwent angiography and 12/26 cases underwent TE. However, haemodynamic stability on admission was not significantly different between these groups. In addition, all patients who underwent angiography and TE had more severe parenchymal injury on imaging studies while their haemodynamic instability was not identified on admission. Angiography and TE for blunt liver injury were most strongly indicated in patients with good haemodynamic responses to intravenous fluid administration during the acute phase and/or in cases of severe parenchymal injury on imaging.

Arterial priapism: diagnosis, treatment and long-term followup

We report on the long-term followup of 7 patients 11 to 50 years old treated for arterial priapism following perineal or penile trauma with arteriographic evidence of contrast medium extravasating from a lacerated cavernous artery into surrounding erectile tissue lacunae (an arterial-lacunar fistula). All patients underwent medical record review and completed a mailed questionnaire. The priapism erections were described as devoid of pain or tenderness, incompletely but constantly rigid and able to increase rigidity with sexual stimulation. Bright red corporeal aspirates were observed in all cases. Color flow Doppler ultrasound findings of focal areas of high flow turbulence correlated with diagnostic arteriography (correlation coefficient 1.00). Initial treatment by mechanical or pharmacological means was unsuccessful when performed. Superselective transcatheter embolization of the ipsilateral common penile artery resolved the priapism in all cases. The interval from onset to resolution of priapism was 4 to 126 days. Full erectile function return was delayed from 2 weeks to 5 months, most likely from resolving clot lysis. Full erection quality was restored in 6 of 7 patients with persistent function and restored frequency of intercourse at 6 to 67 months. Reestablished cavernous artery flow in previously embolized arteries was demonstrated on followup ultrasonography. Surgical treatment was not required in any case. We conclude that arterial priapism occurs in the absence of neurogenic-mediated relaxation, and is sustained by high oxygen tension and shear stress associated with the cavernous artery laceration. Embolization therapy offers effective management of the pathophysiology with high preservation of premorbid erectile function.

Embolization of renal vascular lesions: clinical experience with microcoils and tracker catheters

After biopsy (n = 6) and nephrostomy (n = 1) of three native and four transplanted kidneys, gross hematuria, hypertension, and deterioration of function necessitated performance of transarterial embolization. Angiography revealed five arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs), one pseudoaneurysm, and one arteriocaliceal fistula. Superselective catheterization was accomplished using 5 Fr standard diagnostic catheters and 3 Fr coaxial Tracker catheters. Four of five AVFs were embolized successfully by inserting unfibered (2 patients) and fibered (2 patients) platinum coils (diameters 2 mm and 4 mm, respectively). For one AVF, additional injection of butylcyanoacrylate was necessary. The pseudoaneurysm was embolized successfully by such injection, and the arteriocaliceal fistula was occluded using one unfibered 2-mm coil. Embolization stopped the bleeding in all patients. One week after treatment, renal function was improved in 5 patients and remained unaffected in 2. Superselective embolization using Tracker catheters and fibered microcoils is an effective, safe treatment of renal vascular lesions.

Effectiveness of transcatheter embolization in the control of hepatic vascular injuries

PURPOSE

The authors describe their 11-year experience with transcatheter embolization (TCE) in the treatment of patients with hemorrhagic hepatic injuries.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty-eight TCE procedures were performed in 24 patients between 1980 and 1991. Injuries in 21 patients were due to vehicular or criminal trauma; in three patients, injuries were iatrogenic. There were 21 male and three female patients (age range, 6-64 years). All patients underwent angiography and had evidence of active hemorrhage, pseudoaneurysm, or arteriovenous fistula (AVF). All embolizations were performed with use of Gianturco coils, microcoils, or gelatin sponge.

RESULTS

TCE was technically successful in occluding hepatic vascular lesions in 21 of 24 patients (88%). Technical failures were due to the inability to select the appropriate vessel for embolization in two cases and due to a persistent AVF that did not occlude despite further attempts at embolization. Lesions recurred in two patients who underwent initially successful TCE. Both patients were treated effectively with repeated TCE. Only two catheter-related complications were encountered, both after successful TCE. Twenty-one patients survived to be discharged from the hospital. Two patients among the group treated successfully and one from the group in whom treatment failed died.

CONCLUSION

This experience demonstrates that TCE is effective in the management of hepatic vascular injuries due to trauma.

Angiographic embolization of renal stab wounds

Nonoperative management of renal stab wounds following complete radiographic assessment has become an accepted if not preferred therapeutic option. Selected injuries, however, including renal artery branch injuries, often require surgical intervention and result in partial or total nephrectomy. We report our experience with 16 renal branch arterial injuries secondary to street stabbing during the last 10 years that were managed with angiography and embolization techniques. Angiography with embolization was the initial treatment in 11 patients, while 5 had undergone emergency surgical intervention initially because of hemodynamic instability. Subsequently, gross hematuria recurred in the latter 5 patients and they were managed angiographically. Overall, 14 of 16 patients had prompt hemostasis documented either on the post-embolization angiogram or by clinical assessment. In 2 patients bleeding was increased but partial nephrectomy ultimately was required. Complications included nontarget embolization in 2 patients: 1 subsequently had hypertension and 1 had no untoward effect as a result of this complication. We conclude that angiography with transcatheter embolization techniques provides a safe and effective means of managing renal artery branch injuries secondary to stab wounds.

Superselective embolization for renal hemorrhage with a new coaxial catheter and steerable guidewire

We utilized a new commercially available 2.2 French coaxial catheter and steerable guidewire to superselectively catheterize and embolize a small renal artery branch to abolish hemorrhage which was a complication of percutaneous nephrostomy. Because of the superselective technique and small caliber of the vessel occluded, there was no demonstrable loss of global renal function or evidence of significant cortical infarction by laboratory and radionuclide scintigraphic studies.

Embolization of blunt trauma in the pediatric patient

The use of embolization for control of hemorrhage following blunt trauma is well accepted in the adult population. This paper describes 2 cases in which embolization techniques were used successfully to control hemorrhage following blunt trauma in pediatric patients.

Trauma of occult hydronephrotic kidney

The occult unilateral hydronephrotic kidney is often discovered during the genitourinary evaluation of patients sustaining blunt abdominal trauma. Few cases have been reported documenting the angiographic, computerized tomography (CT), and ultrasound appearances. Two cases are described which demonstrate that relatively minor trauma can precipitate hematuria and hypovolemic shock. Angiography demonstrated the bleeding site in both cases and was utilized in conjunction with other parameters of clinical assessment to plan initial management. CT and ultrasound proved to be useful noninvasive diagnostic parameters for baseline and follow-up studies in patients undergoing conservative management. They accurately demonstrated the degree of hydronephrosis, residual renal parenchymal, and resolving hematoma.

Management of traumatic hematuria by selective renal artery embolization

Angiography and selective renal arterial embolization were performed in 17 patients with traumatic lesions of the kidney and hematuria. Of the patients 8 had retroperitoneal extravasation of contrast medium owing to rupture, 6 had traumatic arteriovenous fistulas and 5 had pseudoaneurysms. Immediate control of hemorrhage was achieved in 16 patients (94.1 per cent), while delayed control was obtained in 1. Hematuria recurred in 4 of the 17 patients (23.5 per cent) and resulted in total nephrectomy in 3 (17.6 per cent) despite repeated embolization in 2. Embolization alone was successful in 14 patients (82.4 per cent). According to the followup preservation of renal function and viable parenchyma was excellent in all embolized patients. Our results indicate that transcatheter embolization should be performed in patients with renal trauma and uncontrollable hematuria before any surgical attempt is made.

Neurologic sequelae following transcatheter embolization to control massive perineal hemorrhage

A case of exsanguinating perineal hemorrhage resulting from rupture of a pseudoaneurysm of the right internal pudendal artery is presented. Transcatheter embolization of Gelfoam and wire coils proved to be life saving, but subsequent neurologic sequelae developed, including loss of sensation over the right side of the scrotum, penis, and medial thigh. Urinary incontinence developed as well. Fortunately, the paresthesias were temporary.

Transcatheter hemostasis in the genitourinary tract

Transcatheter hemostasis is applicable in a large variety of causes of genitourinary hemorrhage. The method is particularly useful in the management of trauma since temporary occlusion of the bleeding vessel usually produces cessation of hemorrhage without significant sacrifice of additional parenchyma. Control of arteriovenous fistulas requires an assessment of flow characteristics and careful tailoring of catheter and embolization technique; large emboli or glue is frequently required for occlusion of large fistulas, whereas small ones can be treated with Ivalon. Hemorrhage from renal or pelvic neoplasm is also effectively managed by transcatheter therapy.

Preoperative embolization of renal tumours using balloon catheters

Preoperative embolization was used in a series of 13 patients for reducing the bleeding during operation of even very large renal carcinomas. During and after embolization pain occurred which necessitated treatment. Balloon catheter embolization was used which excludes the risk of reflux of embolizing material to the aorta. It caused none or only minor injury to the renal arterial wall. No serious complication occurred.

Percutaneous kidney biopsies. Complications and their management

Six hundred thirty-two percutaneous renal biopsies were performed in 479 patients between 1965 and 1978. Complications occurred with 86 biopsies, an incidence of 8.5 per cent. Most complications (seventy-six of eighty-six) were minor, and either resolved spontaneously or did not require intervention. There were ten major complications, including 6 patients with gross hematuria requiring blood transfusions, 3 with hemorrhage treated with arterial embolization, and 1 with a symptomatic arteriovenous fistula that was treated with partial nephrectomy. Major complications of percutaneous renal biopsy and the modes of therapy are discussed.

Transcatheter obliteration of the renal artery by ethanol injection: experimental results

The sclerosing effect of the introduction of 95% ethanol into the renal artery was evaluated in eight rabbits and one pig. Longterm occlusion of the renal artery with ensuing infarction of the kidney could be produced by a small, easily tolerated dose. Several inherent drawbacks of currently used embolic sgents may be avoided with this technique, which is suggested for clinical trial.

New indications for renal infarction

Two patients with stage D transitional cell carcinoma of the kidney presented with recurrent massive hematuria. Both had prompt cessation of bleeding following renal infarction. Another patient had malignant hypercalcemia related to metastatic renal cell carcinoma and became normocalcemic after renal infarction. Angiographic renal infarction offers a rational alternative to conventional therapy in the management of these 2 problems.

Complications of the Gianturco coil in preoperative infarction of renal cell carcinoma

Percutaneous artery occlusion has been described for a multitude of clinical problems, including preoperative infarction of the kidney for renal cell carcinoma. The Gianturco wool coil provides a relatively new method for occlusion. Few complications with this device have been reported. We describe our experience with complications in 3 patients and discuss methods of their prevention.

Renal vascular changes as reflected by angiography

Gray-scale ultrasonography and whole-body CT have narrowed the indications for renal angiography. However, as illustrated here, there remain a number of vascular disorders for which angiography still provides the only means of establishing a correct diagnosis. Some of these cases may also be treated by transcatheter embolization in connection with angiography.

Ruptured inferior gluteal artery aneurysm with exsanguinating rectal hemorrhage controlled by transcatheter coil embolization

A case of exsanguinating rectal and retroperitoneal hemorrhage resulting from a ruptured inferior gluteal artery aneurysm is presented. Transcatheter embolization of Gelfoam and a Gianturco coil device resulted in the control of bleeding and proved to be a life-saving measure in a patient who was a poor surgical candidate.

Percutaneous arterial embolization in the kidneys of dogs: a comparative study of eight different materials

Forty-one dogs were subjected to percutaneous arterial embolization of branches of the renal artery or its main trunk with or without prior injury to the kidney, with eight different materials, i.e., homologous blood clot, muscle, fat, fascia, barium sulphate, plain catgut, gelfoam and polyvinyl alcohol (Ivalon). From the immediate observations made, as well as the haemodynamic, angiographic and histological studies over a period ranging from 24 h to several weeks, it was concluded that Ivalon was the best material for arterial embolization.

Treatment of arteriovenous angiomas of the kidney: surgical intervention and intra-arterial embolization

Angiomas of the kidney are benign vascular dysplasias, which usually can be identified angiographically. If there are no clinical symptoms treatment is not necessary. In cases of hematuria and/or hypertension either intra-arterial superselective embolization seems to cause less functional loss of the renal parenchyma, whereas excision often leads to heminephrectomy or even total nephrectomy. Even if the angioma is initially not completely embolized followup study to 2 years has shown complete occlusion of the angioma, either owing to inflammatory reactions or redistribution of blood flow and diminished blood pressure. Two cases of renal angiomas are presented. Treatment consisted of intra-arterial superselective embolization in 1 case and surgical clipping of the supplying arterial branch in the other.

Selective embolization for control of gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Transcatheter embolization using Gelfoam plugs or autologous clot is an alternative or adjunct to the conventional management of gastrointestinal hemorrhage. During a 12 month period we successfully treated 10 patients who had massive gastrointestinal hemorrhage with selective embolization; 6 patients had upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage and 4 had bleeding from the colon. Most of these patients were critically ill and were poor surgical candidates. Hemorrhage was controlled by selective catheterization of the bleeding vessel, followed by injection of Gelfoam pledgets. Since the procedure was accomplished with ease and prolonged hemostasis obtained, we recommend it for gastrointestinal hemorrhage, especially in patients who are poor surgical risks or are unresponsive to vasopressin infusion, or both. Operative intervention for the primary disease could subsequently be performed electively, if necessary, days or weeks after transcatheter embolization.

Arterial embolization of bleeding pseudoaneurysm caused by percutaneous renal biopsy

A pseudoaneurysm of a primary branch of the renal artery with massive hemorrhage developed in a patient who underwent percutaneous needle renal biopsy. He was treated successfully by embolization of the artery with gelatin sponge (Gelfoam).

Transcatheter embolization in a haemophiliac with post-traumatic renal haemorrhage. Report of a case

Percutaneous transcatheter arterial embolization was performed in a case of severe haemophilia A to control haemorrhage secondary to renal trauma. The treatment proved to be life-saving. Eighteen months follow-up revealed no evidence of hypertension, renal failure or infection.