A catheter-based suture-free approach to bilioenteric anastomosis: a pilot study.

Bilioenteric anastomoses are commonly performed during liver transplantation, reconstruction following tumor resection, and repair of bile duct injury. Ischemia plays an important role in both short- and long-term complications related to biliary anastomoses. The authors describe a catheter-based, suture-free approach to bilioenteric anastomosis that aims to reduce or eliminate tissue trauma and foreign material that contribute to anastomotic ischemia.

Transhepatic guidance of translumbar hemodialysis catheter placement in the setting of chronic infrarenal IVC occlusion.

When patients with end-stage renal disease have exhausted both conventional and unconventional venous access options, creative solutions must be sought for hemodialysis catheter placement in order to ensure survival. This case describes a patient in urgent need of a dialysis catheter despite total occlusion of the jugular, subclavian, and femoral veins. Occlusion of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and right renal vein resulted in failed attempts at translumbar catheter placement.