Using the modern Silverhawk™ atherectomy catheter to characterize biliary structures that appear malignant: review of initial experience.

Background: Diagnosis of a biliary stricture often hinges on cytological interpretation. In the absence of accompanying stroma, these results can often be equivocal. In theory, advanced shave biopsy techniques would allow for the preservation of tissue architecture and a more accurate definition of biliary pathology.

Evaluation of gastropexy and stoma tract maturation using a novel introducer kit for percutaneous gastrostomy in a porcine model.

Background: Fluoroscopic placement of percutaneous gastrostomy (PG) requires the use of T-bar fasteners to affix the stomach to the anterior abdominal wall; the effect of T-fasteners on stoma tract maturation is unknown. The authors studied PG stoma tract maturation, comparing PG + gastropexy with standard percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG).

Methods: Sixteen pigs underwent PG placement using a novel introducer kit.