Irreversible electroporation (IRE) employs the use of an electric field to cause irreversible permeability of the cell membrane, inducing apoptosis. The use of IRE for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) was first described in 2012. The crucial advantage of IRE compared with other devices employing thermal ablation is the safety around vital structures such as vessels and ducts. This makes it an attractive option for use in the pancreas due to the close proximity of multiple major vascular structures, biliary ducts, and adjacent gastrointestinal organs. Over the past decade, IRE has established itself as a useful treatment adjunct and may soon become the standard of care, particularly for LAPC. This article will explore the current evidence and provide a concise summary of pertinent issues, including patient selection, preoperative management, clinical outcomes, radiological response and future prospects of IRE in pancreatic cancer.
The arc of Buhler (AOB) is a rare anatomical variant. Rupture of an AOB aneurysm is exceedingly rare. In this study, we report a case of AOB aneurysm rupture, which was successfully treated by transcatheter coil embolization. A 74-year-old man presented with symptomatic AOB aneurysm rupture. A computed tomography scan and subsequent angiography revealed the aberrant connection between the common hepatic artery and the superior mesenteric artery. A fusiform AOB aneurysm with focus of active bleeding was detected. This was successfully treated through embolization and sacrifice of the AOB. This suggests that conventional embolization with sacrifice of AOB is a feasible and safe approach.
29 August 2023 in Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology
For patients with “no-option” chronic limb-threatening ischemia, a final attempt can be made for limb salvage in the form of percutaneous deep vein arterialization (pDVA). In the present study, we describe five cases of pDVA using a BeBack crossing catheter (Bentley InnoMed GmbH; previously, the GoBack crossing catheter; Upstream Peripheral Technologies). From November 2021 to July 2022, five patients underwent pDVA using the BeBack crossing catheter. The demographic data, procedural details, and patient outcomes were recorded. Successful vascular crossing was achieved in all five cases using the BeBack device. No surgical complications were encountered. The limb salvage rate was 60%, and the wound closure rate was 40%. No mortalities occurred during the follow-up period. The findings from the present study demonstrate that the use of the BeBack crossing catheter for pDVA is safe and feasible.
20 February 2023 in Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology