Minimal-invasive posterior approach in the treatment of the posterior wall fractures of the acetabulum.

We examined patients affected by a posterior wall fracture of the acetabulum treated with a minimally invasive posterior approach (from 12 to 18 cm). During 2004-2006 19 patients were treated by this approach. 4 patients had a combined surgery by the ileo-inguinal approach.

First clinical experience with a high-capacity implantable infusion pump for continuous intravenous chemotherapy.

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of a new high-capacity pump for systemic venous chemotherapy and to verify the quality of implantation by interventional radiology staff.

Methods: A total of 47 infusion pumps with a 60-ml reservoir and variable flow rates (2, 6, 8, or 12 ml/24 hr) were implanted by radiologists in 46 patients with solid tumor metastases requiring treatment with a single, continuously infused cytostatic agent. The reservoir was refilled transcutaneously, usually once weekly.

Morbidity and mortality after hepatic resection of metastases from colorectal cancer.

A review was carried out of morbidity and mortality after hepatic resection for metastatic colorectal cancer in 208 consecutive patients who underwent this procedure between 1980 and 1992. Overall postoperative morbidity and mortality rates were 35 and 2.4 per cent respectively.

Continuous infusion with implantable pumps: expanding the radiologist's role.

Drug infusion systems attract increasing attention as biomedical technology offers miniaturized devices for targeted delivery of therapeutic substances on an outpatient basis. We have used a totally implantable, subcutaneous pump, externally programmable by radiofrequency link, learning the technique of implantation and management and using various imaging modalities for the diagnosis and control of complications. The procedure for implanting systems for continuous intrathecal analgesia and systemic intravenous chemotherapy is described.

CT-fluoroscopy link-up (CTF): potential for special procedures.

Some interventional radiological procedures call for unrestricted axial vision and monoplanar fluoroscopy at different angles. We have mounted a fluoroscopic image intensifier in front of the gantry of a CT scanner to assess whether the combination would be useful. This link-up has been tested in a variety of situations and, even with the shortcomings of makeshift equipment, the combination filled some gaps in our vision of what is going on inside the patient, especially before an invasive procedure.