Dual microcatheter retrograde transvenous obliteration of gastric varices: coil embolization as a substitute for balloon occlusion.

Abstract

Dual microcatheter retrograde transvenous obliteration (DMRTO) of gastric varices enables dual microcatheters to be advanced to the gastric varices themselves or to a site adjacent to the varices. The sclerosing agent is infused through the first microcatheter following coil embolization of the outflow vessels through the second microcatheter, which is placed several centimeters back from the varices. We present two cases of gastric varices in whom balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration failed, because of angulated gastrosubphrenic shunt in case 1 and a tortuous and elongated gastrorenal shunt in case 2. DMRTO successfully achieved eradication of the gastric varices in both cases.

• Authors: Hiroki Minamiguchi, Nobuyuki Kawai, Morio Sato, Munehisa Sawa, Akira Ikoma, Hiroki Sanda, Kouhei Nakata, Motoki Nakai, Tetsuo Sonomura
• Journal: Case reports in gastroenterology (Case Rep Gastroenterol) Vol. 6 Issue 1 Pg. 74-81 (Jan 2012) ISSN: 1662-0631 [Electronic] Switzerland
• PMID: 22423243 (Publication Type: Case Reports)