British Institute of Radiology, British Journal of Radiology, 1041(87), p. 20140347
DOI: 10.1259/bjr.20140347
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Objectives: To evaluate the safety and feasibility of N-BCA embolisation of percutaneous transhepatic portal venous access tract, and to establish the appropriate technique. Methods: Forty consecutive patients underwent percutaneous transhepatic portal venous intervention for various reasons. Embolisation of percutaneous transhepatic portal venous access tract was performed after the procedure in all of the patients using N-BCA and Lipiodol® mixture. Immediate ultrasonography and fluoroscopy were performed to evaluate perihepatic haematoma formation and unintended embolisation of more than one segmental portal vein. Follow-up computed tomography was performed, and haemoglobin and haematocrit levels were checked to evaluate the presence of bleeding. Results: Immediate haemostasis was achieved in all of the patients, without development of perihepatic haematoma or unintended embolisation of more than one segmental portal vein. Complete embolisation of percutaneous access tract was confirmed in 39 out of 40 patients by computed tomography. Seven patients showed decreased haemoglobin and haematocrit levels. Other complications included mild pain at the site of embolisation and mild fever, which resolved after conservative management. Sixteen patients died during the follow-up period due to progression of the underlying disease. Conclusions: Embolisation of percutaneous transhepatic portal vein access tract with N-BCA is feasible and technically safe. With the appropriate technique, N-BCA can be safely used as an alternate embolic material since it is easy to use and inexpensive compared to other embolic materials. Advances in knowledge: This is the first study to investigate the efficacy of N-BCA for percutaneous transhepatic portal venous access tract embolisation.