CO2 digital subtraction splenoportography with the "skinny" needle: experimental study in a swine model.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety and the effectiveness of CO2 splenoportography with the "skinny" needle.


METHODS
A flexible, 22 gauge needle ("skinny" needle) was introduced into the exteriorized spleens of five pigs. After checking the intrasplenic positioning with CO2 injection, increasing doses of CO2 (10-60 cm3) were injected using a dedicated CO2 injector with digital imaging. The puncture sites were observed during and after CO2 injections, and after removal of the needle. The spleens were then removed for gross and microscopic examination.


RESULTS
In all animals digital subtraction CO2 splenoportograms showed the splenic, extra- and intrahepatic portal veins, and the most distal portion of the superior mesenteric vein. No CO2 extravasation occurred in the spleen. There was no significant bleeding from the puncture site after removal of the needle. Gross and microscopic examination revealed no evidence of splenic rupture or intrasplenic hematoma.


CONCLUSIONS
CO2 splenoportography with the "skinny" needle is a safe and simple method of visualizing the portal vein and its branches. Careful appraisals of the clinical usefulness of the method will be needed in various clinical settings.
Cho
Kyung J
KJ
Department of Radiology, University of Michigan Health System, 1500 E. Medical Center Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0030, USA. kyungcho@umich.edu
Cho
David R
DR
D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000818:Animals; D002245:Carbon Dioxide; D020878:Device Removal; D004869:Equipment Safety; D006406:Hematoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D006503:Hepatic Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D008099:Liver / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008642:Mesenteric Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D023421:Models, Animal; D008955:Models, Cardiovascular; D011169:Portal Vein / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011172:Portography / Q000295:instrumentation; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement; D013154:Spleen / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013552:Swine; D014682:Vena Cava, Inferior / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D002245:Carbon Dioxide