Effects of brachytherapy on intimal hyperplasia in arteriovenous fistulas in a porcine model.

Purpose: The hypotheses of this investigation were that endovascular radiation would reduce intimal hyperplasia in arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and that this reduction would be associated with decreased expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-A, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha.

Materials And Methods: Bilateral end jugular vein-to-side carotid artery fistulas were constructed in pigs. At 48 hours, one AVF was randomly selected for endovascular radiation with (192) Iridium.

Percutaneous transhepatic portography with intravascular ultrasonography for evaluation of venous involvement of hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors.

Purpose: To determine the safety and utility of percutaneous transhepatic portography (PTP) with intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) for preoperative evaluation of major spleno-mesenteric-portal venous invasion by tumors of the pancreas, porta hepatis, or liver.

Materials And Methods: This is a 2-year prospective observational study including 15 consecutive patients (five men, 10 women; mean age, 63.3 y +/- 10.