Two patients with superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) recurring after maximum-tolerance radiation were treated by placing a Gianturco expandable wire stent (GEWS) into the obstructed superior vena cava. The SVCS symptoms rapidly disappeared and good short-term (6 months) palliation was achieved. GEWS placement is a promising therapeutic alternative for palliation of SVCS symptoms when other therapeutic modes cannot be used or are not effective.

To improve visualization of the small vessels for distal bypass grafting, arteriograms of the lower extremity were obtained in 187 patients by use of active warming of the extremities, selective distal positioning of the catheter for contrast agent injections, and intraarterial administration of tolazoline. With these techniques, satisfactory visualization was obtained for planning of operation, and in only one patient was an intraoperative arteriogram necessary before bypass grafts were placed.

We describe a case of an iatrogenic intrahepatic arterial-portal fistula that developed after percutaneous transhepatic variceal embolization. The fistula led to early recurrent bleeding after embolization and was successfully treated by selective catheter occlusion with the use of a coil spring. The occurrence and management of arterial-portal fistulae in interventional liver procedures and ethanol embolization of gastroesophageal varices are discussed.

No abstract

To improve visualization of the small vessels for distal bypass grafting, arteriograms of the lower extremity were obtained in 187 patients by use of active warming of the extremities, selective distal positioning of the catheter for contrast agent injections, and intraarterial administration of tolazoline. With these techniques, satisfactory visualization was obtained for planning of operation, and in only one patient was an intraoperative arteriogram necessary before bypass grafts were placed.