Premium
Preliminary experience with transluminal laser–induced intrahepatic portacaval shunts
Author(s) -
Cikrit Dolores F.,
Wadley J. Jeffrey,
Harl Michael J.,
Heller Sherry A.,
Dalsing Michael C.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
lasers in surgery and medicine
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.888
H-Index - 112
eISSN - 1096-9101
pISSN - 0196-8092
DOI - 10.1002/lsm.1900130209
Subject(s) - portacaval shunt , portacaval anastomosis , laser , medicine , portal hypertension , optics , cirrhosis , physics
This study investigated the feasibility of performing an intrahepatic portacaval shunt (IHPCS) by means of transluminal laser angioplasty. In 10 anesthized dogs, a catheter was introduced into a mesenteric vein and threaded into the portal vein (PV). Under fluoroscopy, a Ross needle was passed through the PV catheter, liver, and into the intrahepatic IVC. Following guidewire exchange, a neodymium YAG laser hot‐tip probe (power setting 8 W) was passed over the guidewire to accomplish a transluminal IHPCS. In five animals, an IHPCS could not be accomplished. Initial and subsequent patency was confirmed by fluoroscopy. These early data suggest that transvenous laser‐in‐duced intrahepatic portacaval shunts may be feasible as a means of decompressing portal hypertension. Further research is necessary to investigate the long‐term patency as well as this technique's ability to decompress the portal system. © 1993 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.