Accuracy of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Post-Transcatheter Arterial Embolization.

: Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) is a non-invasive imaging technique with similar accuracy to CT and MRI for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). CEUS offers several advantages in patient populations who have contraindications for CT or MRI. There are limited prospective studies in the United States evaluating the diagnostic equivalence of CEUS following transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with same-day CT/MRI.

The Effect of Immediate Versus Delayed Port Access on 30-Day Infection Rate.

This study compared the 30-day infection risk of chest ports accessed on the same day as placement and chest ports with delayed initial access. The aim was to evaluate a larger data set that provided evidence for the development of port access guidelines. A retrospective chart review of 3322 chest port placement procedures performed between October 15, 2003, and June 10, 2015, was conducted at the interventional radiology department of a single institution.

Fractured Bard Recovery, G2, and G2 express inferior vena cava filters: incidence, clinical consequences, and outcomes of removal attempts.

Purpose: To increase the understanding of risks of inferior vena cava (IVC) filter fracture and embolization and the safety of removing fractured filters via retrospective review of a prospectively collected database of fractured IVC filters.

Materials And Methods: A total of 63 fractured IVC filters were discovered among 548 patients presenting for retrievable filter removal between April 2004 and November 2010 at a single institution. Device type, duration of implantation, component fracture, and embolization events were recorded.

Optional vena cava filter use in the elderly population.

Purpose: To review utility, safety, and efficacy of optional inferior vena cava (IVC) filters in patients 65 years or older at a single institution over a 6-year period.

Materials And Methods: Retrospective review of permanent and optional IVC filters placed in elderly patients was performed. Older and younger groups were compared based on technical success of filter placement and clinical success measured by recurrent pulmonary embolism (PE) or thrombotic complications.

Comparison of the recovery and G2 filter as retrievable inferior vena cava filters.

Purpose: To compare the technical success of the Recovery and G2 filters as retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters.

Materials And Methods: Recovery (n = 128) and G2 (n = 113) filters were placed in the IVCs of 241 patients with the intent of retrieval. The referring physician and/or patient were contacted at 6-month intervals to ensure filter retrieval when indicated.

Percutaneous removal of a metallic foreign body from the wall of the thoracic aorta.

This report details the percutaneous removal of a metallic foreign body from the wall of the thoracic aorta. The foreign body was presumably swallowed and migrated from the esophagus into the aortic lumen progressively during a period of 10 months. The patient had no adverse consequences from the procedure immediately or in the subsequent 18 months of follow-up.

Complications and controversies associated with peripherally inserted central catheters.

The placement of peripherally inserted central catheters has grown into one of the most common forms of intravenous access. Although complications associated with peripherally inserted central catheters are low, most healthcare providers will encounter them on a frequent basis. Awareness of these complications will help the clinician manage these issues appropriately.