Pulmonary Embolization After Gastric Varices Obliteration

N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NB2CYA) is frequently used in the treatment of variceal hemorrhage with a success rate in hemostatic control of 87%-100%. Although rare, complications include esophageal perforation, infection, or arterial and venous embolization. We present the case of a 67-year-old male with chronic ethanolic liver disease hospitalized due to melena and hematemesis. He had anemia requiring transfusion support, octreotide, and pantoprazole infusion. Upper digestive endoscopy was performed showing gastric varices with a hemorrhagic rupture point treated with cyanoacrylate. The patient developed respiratory failure over the next 48 hours with chest computed tomography (CT) angiography showing several dense, scattered linear images, with arterial vascular trajectories suggestive of cyanoacrylate embolization. It was decided to provide ventilatory support with invasive mechanical ventilation, initiate systemic corticosteroid therapy, and transfer the patient to the intensive care unit (ICU). The patient was ventilated for 11 days with initial favorable evolution, but after two episodes of decompensation of his chronic liver disease (CLD) (hepatic encephalopathy and hepatorenal syndrome) and a new nosocomial pneumonia, he ended up dying. The present case illustrates a rare but potentially fatal complication associated with cyanoacrylate, highlighting the importance of a high suspicion index in cases of respiratory failure and dyspnea after this therapy.

Endoscopic Therapy of Gastric Varices: Safety and Efficacy of N-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate Injection

Background Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) is a common medical emergency that results in significant morbidity, mortality, and socioeconomic burden. Both types of cardio-fundal varices, gastro-esophageal varix 2 (GOV2) and isolated gastric varices type 1 (IGV1), can cause massive bleeding and often are difficult to treat compared to the other types of gastric varices. Endoscopic variceal band ligation (EVBL) is a less effective treatment modality for gastric varices than esophageal varices and is associated with high re-bleeding rates. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (Histoacryl) injection is an effective and potential treatment option for fundal varices. This study aims to evaluate the safety and efficacy of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection therapy in cardio-fundal varices. Objective To assess the efficacy and safety of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection therapy for fundal varices. Methods This retrospective observational cohort study was conducted at the Department of Gastroenterology, Allied Teaching Hospital, Gujranwala, over one year. All patients, irrespective of age and gender, presenting with UGIB and in whom fundal varices were diagnosed on gastroscopy followed by n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate injection therapy were included in this study. The efficacy and safety of Histoacryl therapy were assessed by analyzing successful hemostasis, frequency of re-bleeding, obliteration, and regression of fundal varices on repeat endoscopy. Adverse events such as re-bleeding and mortality related to fundal variceal treatment were documented. Results A total of 60 patients were included in the study. Of these, 70% had IGV1, while the remaining 30% had GOV2. Hemostasis was achieved in 100% of patients following n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection. Successful obliteration with regression of varices was observed in 91.3% of patients. Various adverse events were observed, with abdominal pain being the most common observed complication in 18.3% of participants. However, only 8.3% of participants developed re-bleeding due to ulcer formation at the injection site, and no death occurred directly due to fundal variceal treatment. Conclusion N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection therapy is a lifesaving, effective, and safe intervention for controlling bleeding from cardio-fundal varices, leading to improved health status and a consequent decrease in episodes of recurrent bleeding. Its side effects are few and infrequent. However, larger-scale studies are needed to further evaluate the safety and effectiveness of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection therapy. These studies will be crucial in establishing comprehensive guidelines for the management of fundal varices.

Development and Experimental Study of a Polytetrafluoroethylene-Tipped Microcatheter Poorly Adhesive to n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate

PURPOSE

We have developed a new microcatheter (designated "NSX") with an outer layer of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) at its tip. We compared the adhesion of the new NSX microcatheter and a conventional microcatheter with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) in vitro and in swine blood vessels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The 3 cm tip of the NSX microcatheter is composed of PTFE, which can be identified by double platinum markers. The tips of the NSX and conventional microcatheters were inserted into a vascular model filled with porcine blood with no flow, and NBCA mixed with lipiodol (1:2) was injected from the microcatheters. Two minutes after the injection of NBCA, the microcatheter was withdrawn and the degree of its adhesion to NBCA was evaluated by measuring the resistance value (N) during catheter removal with a digital force gauge. These measurements were repeated with 20 catheters of each type. Similarly, 5 injections were performed with both the NSX and conventional microcatheters in swine vessels. The degree of adhesion of the catheter and blood vessel was evaluated by 2 radiologists under X-ray fluoroscopy on a 3-point scale: 1, no adhesion; 2, mild adhesion; 3, strong adhesion.

RESULTS

The mean resistance values (N) for the NSX and conventional microcatheters were 0.503±0.186 and 1.051±0.367 (N), respectively (p<0.001). The NSX adhered negligibly to the NBCA and was easily removed, whereas the conventional microcatheter adhered strongly to the NBCA in the blood vessels and was difficult to remove from the swine vessels (p=0.008).

CONCLUSIONS

The new NSX microcatheter with a PTFE tip exhibits poorer adhesion to NBCA than do conventional microcatheters and allows for safer injection of NBCA than conventional microcatheters, without requiring immediate catheter retrieval.

CLINICAL IMPACT

The NSX microcatheter with a PTFE tip adheres less strongly to NBCA than do conventional microcatheters and allows the safe injection of NBCA. The NSX microcatheter has double platinum markers on its tip, which make it easy to distinguish the PTFE-covered region. As the NSX does not adhere firmly to the arterial wall, it is less likely to cause vascular injury during removal of the catheter compared with conventional microcatheters, so there is no need to remove the NSX immediately after injecting NBCA. Even operators unfamiliar with NBCA can use NBCA safely with this new NSX microcatheter without requiring special training or skill.

A Case of Iatrogenic Dural Artery-Pial Vein Shunt Treated with Endovascular Treatment

Objective

A few cases of postsurgical iatrogenic arteriovenous shunts have been reported, with the arterial blood flow directly entering the pial veins. Herein, we reported a patient with a dural artery-pial vein shunt found 1 year after aneurysmal clipping.

Case Presentation

A 64-year-old male presented with generalized convulsion 1 year after cerebral aneurysmal clipping. A CT showed intracerebral hemorrhage in the temporo-occipital cortex and a dural artery-pial vein shunt in proximity to the previous craniotomy center. The arterial blood flow from the deep temporal artery, the middle meningeal artery, and the anterior auricular branch of the superficial temporal artery shunted into the superficial middle cerebral vein, with evident cortical venous reflux. Embolization was performed with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and completely occluded the shunt. The patient was discharged without neurological deficits.

Conclusion

Endovascular liquid embolization may be an effective treatment for iatrogenic dural artery-pial vein shunt.

Percutaneous transhepatic obliteration of a large portosystemic shunt associated with hepatic encephalopathy using a technique of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate injection inside hydrogel-coated coils: A case report

Portosystemic shunts with cirrhosis may lead to hepatic encephalopathy (HE), which is often pharmacotherapy-resistant. We report a case of a 66-year-old female patient diagnosed with alcoholic cirrhosis and uncontrolled HE. She underwent percutaneous transhepatic obliteration (PTO) for treatment of a large portosystemic shunt from the left and right gastric veins to the azygos vein. We embolized the target veins using hydro-coated coils and filled them with n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA), leading to firmed obstruction of the large portosystemic shunt without NBCA migration, thus reducing the number of coils required. The HE symptoms improved after PTO and could thereafter be controlled with conservative therapy. Our results showed that PTO using an NBCA injection inside hydrogel-coated coils for a large portosystemic shunt associated with HE is effective and safe.

Comparison of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and polyvinyl alcohol particles for bronchial artery embolisation in primary lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study

BACKGROUND

Bronchial artery embolisation (BAE) is an effective treatment option to control haemoptysis in primary lung cancer. However, no studies have investigated optimal embolisation material for BAE in lung cancer patients. Thus, this study aimed to compare the safety and efficacy of BAE performed using n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles in primary lung cancer patients to determine which embolic material is better for patients with haemoptysis.

METHODS

This retrospective study was approved by the institutional review board, and consent was waived. The rates of hemostasis, complications, procedure time, dose-area product, and haemoptysis-free survival were retrospectively compared between primary lung cancer (non-small cell [n = 111] and small cell [n = 11]) patients who underwent BAE using NBCA (n = 58) or PVA particles (n = 64) between January 2004 and December 2019. Predictors of recurrent haemoptysis were analysed using the Cox proportional hazard regression model.

RESULTS

Among 122 patients (mean age, 66 ± 10 years; range 32-86 years; 103 men), more patients in the NBCA group (81.0%; 47 of 58) achieved complete hemostasis than did patients in the PVA group (53.1%; 34 of 64) (P = 0.002). No major complications were observed in either group. The procedure time (36.4 ± 21.6 vs. 56.3 ± 27.4 min, P < 0.001) was shorter, and the dose-area product (58.6 ± 64.0 vs. 233.5 ± 225.0 Gy*cm², P < 0.001) was smaller in the NBCA group than in the PVA group. The median haemoptysis-free survival was 173.0 in the NBCA group compared with 20.0 days in the PVA group (P < 0.001). The PVA use (P < 0.001) and coagulopathy (P = 0.014) were independent predictors of shortened haemoptysis-free survival.

CONCLUSION

BAE using NBCA showed significantly superior initial hemostasis with longer haemoptysis-free survival, shorter procedure time, and reduced radiation dose than BAE using PVA particles. The PVA use and coagulopathy were independent predictors of recurrent haemoptysis.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Retrospectively registered.

Use of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate for microvascular decompression in a Jehovah's witness patient

OBJECTIVE

We report the application of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) in microvascular decompression (MVD) surgery for a Jehovah's Witness patient. To our best knowledge, this is the first case wherein n-BCA has been employed as an adhesive to the offending artery.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 55-year-old female Jehovah's Witness patient was suffering from serious right hemifacial spasm. Although MVD surgery was needed, the patient resisted any curative medical treatment involving the application of whole blood products, including fibrin glue. Thus, we proposed several choices using artificial materials, including n-BCA as an adhesive, and received informed consent from the patient.

RESULT

MVD was performed on the dolichoectatic right vertebral artery and right posterior inferior cerebellar artery. The abnormal vessel response disappeared during the procedure and transposition using n-BCA of the concerned vessels was successful. The patient experienced a favorable postoperative clinical course and has been free from the spasm for a year. No abnormal findings were detected in the radiological examination during the follow-up period.

CONCLUSION

Although careful follow-up is mandatory, n-BCA is a possible alternative option in MVD surgery.

A Comparative Evaluation of Silk Suture and Cyanoacrylate Adhesive in the Stabilization of Free Gingival Graft Harvested with Erbium: Yttrium-Aluminum-Garnet Laser: A Clinical Study

BACKGROUND

The most common technique for gingival augmentation is free gingival graft (FGG). The aim of this study is to clinically compare the efficacy of FGG harvested with erbium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Er: YAG) laser stabilized with 5-0 silk suture in comparison to N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive in increasing the width of keratinized gingiva (WK) for the management of Miller's Class I and II gingival recession.

METHODOLOGY

Forty-eight gingival recession defects were divided into two Groups I and II. Group I sites were treated with FGG harvested using Er: YAG laser stabilized with 5-0 silk suture and Group II sites were treated with FGG harvested using Er: YAG laser stabilized with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate tissue adhesive. Clinical parameters such as gingival recession depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), gain in gingival tissue thickness, and WK were recorded at baseline and 3 and 6 months postoperatively.

RESULTS

A significant reduction in gingival recession defects, gain in CAL, increase in WK, and gain in gingival tissue thickness were observed in both the groups. Intergroup comparison of gingival recession defects, CAL, WK, and gingival tissue thickness yielded nonsignificant differences.

CONCLUSION

Within the limits of this study, it can be concluded that both 5-0 silk suture and n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate were equally efficacious in the stabilization of FGG. N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate was easy to apply, consumed less operating time, and had no adverse effect. Hence, cyanoacrylate can be used as an alternative to suture in stabilization of FGG.

[Spinal motor segment labeling with a mixture of n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate and iohexol in determining the level of thoracic spine surgery]

Erroneous determining the level of spine surgery is an urgent problem in modern vertebrology. Incidence of this complication is up to 1 per 3110 patients, among patients undergoing thoracic spine surgery - 1 per 25 patients. Despite widespread use of spine surgery, there is still no standard rational method for prevention of erroneous determining the level of intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To develop a safe minimally invasive low-traumatic and cost-effective method for preoperative marking the level of thoracic spine surgery.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A mixture of biodegradable adhesive based on cyanoacrylate and water-soluble iodine-containing X-ray contrast agent was used for preoperative marking in 8 patients scheduled for thoracic spine and spinal cord surgery. This mixture was injected into paravertebral tissues at the level of further intervention.

RESULTS

Preoperative marking ensured a fixed and clearly visible landmark during intraoperative fluoroscopy in 7 patients. In 1 patient, mixture spread in paravertebral soft tissues that did not allow us to obtain appropriate landmark during intraoperative radiography.

CONCLUSION

The described method makes it possible to create an immobile X-ray-positive «mark» in paravertebral soft tissues, which can be used to control the level of intervention at all surgical stages.

Embolization for acute arterial bleeding: use of the triaxial system and N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) using the triaxial system with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for acute arterial bleeding in comparison to TAE using the triaxial system with gelatin sponges (GS)　and/or coils.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Between October 2013 and November 2018, 95 patients with acute arterial bleeding underwent emergency TAE using the triaxial system. Six patients underwent multiple TAEs and thus, 104 TAEs using the triaxial system were performed. In 26 of the 104 cases, TAE were performed with NBCA (NBCA group), and in the remaining 78 cases, TAE were performed with GS and/or coils (control group).

RESULTS

Hemorrhagic shock and coagulopathy more often occurred in the NBCA group. Procedure time was shorter in the NBCA group. The technical success rate was 100% in both groups (p > 0.99). The clinical success rate in the NBCA and control groups was 92% and 96%, respectively (p = 0.6). There was one minor complication (4%, 1/26) of liver dysfunction in a patient of the NBCA group, but no complication in the control group (p = 0.26).

CONCLUSION

TAE using the triaxial system with NBCA may be useful for acute arterial bleeding, especially in patients with hemorrhagic shock and coagulopathy.

Clinical Experience With n-Butyl-2-Cyanoacrylate in Performing Lateral Neck Dissection for Metastatic Thyroid Cancer

Background Chyle leakage following lateral neck dissection (LND) is rare, but can induce metabolic disturbances, delay wound healing, and prolong hospitalization. n-Butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) has been used to achieve hemostasis and seal tissues in several surgical settings. We here assessed whether application of NBCA to the thoracic duct area is effective in sealing chyle leakage. Methods The medical records of 163 patients who underwent total thyroidectomy with unilateral LND between March 2011 and September 2012 were reviewed. NBCA was applied to 84 patients and not applied to 79. Drainage volume, duration of hospital stay, and incidence of complications were compared between the 2 groups. Results The 2 groups were not different with regard to age, body weight, gender, primary tumor histology, and number of lateral neck nodes harvested. Mean hospital stay was significantly shorter (4.3 ± 1.8 vs 5.7 ± 3.0 days, P < .001), median total drainage volume was significantly smaller (270 mL; range: 97-931 mL vs 328 mL; range: 113-2636 mL; P < .001), and rate of chyle leakage was significantly lower (0% vs 6.3%, P = .025) in the NBCA than in the non-NBCA group. Conclusion NBCA application to the dissected area of the thoracic duct posterior to its angle of junction with the internal jugular and subclavian veins could be safe and effective in reducing surgical complications related to chyle leakage after LND.

Minimally invasive treatment of urinary fistulas using N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate: a valid first line option

BACKGROUND

A few single case reports and only one clinical series have been published so far about the use of N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate in the treatment of urinary fistulas persisting after conventional urinary drainage.

CASE PRESENTATION

We treated five patients with a mean age of 59.2 years presenting iatrogenic urinary fistulas which persisted following conventional drainage manouvres. There were 3 calyceal fistulas following open, laparoscopic and robotic removal of renal lesions respectively, one pelvic fistula after orthotopic ileal neobladder and a bilateral dehiscence of uretero-sigmoidostomy. We used open-end catheters of different sizes adopting a retrograde endoscopic approach for cyanoacrylate injection in the renal calyces, while a descending percutaneous approach via the pelvic drain tract and bilateral nephrostomies respectively was used for the pelvic fistulas. Fluoroscopic control was always used during the occlusion procedures. The amount of adhesive injected ranged between 2 and 5 cc and in one case the procedure was repeated. With a median follow-up of 11 months we observed clinical and radiological resolution in 4 cases (80%), while a recurrent and infected calyceal fistula after laparoscopic thermal renal damage during tumor enucleoresection required nephrectomy. No significant complications were documented.

CONCLUSIONS

In an attempt to spare further challenging surgery in patients that had been already operated on recently, minimally invasive occlusion of persistent urinary fistulas with N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate represents a valid first line treatment, justified in cases when the urinary output is not excessive and there is a favorable ratio between the length and diameter of the fistulous tract.