EUS-guided portal vein catheterization and pressure measurement in an animal model: a pilot study of feasibility.
BACKGROUND
The extrahepatic portal vein is inaccessible to direct catheterization.


METHODS
Because EUS can readily image the portal vein, the feasibility of EUS-guided portal vein catheterization by using a 22-gauge needle was studied in 7 normal pigs and 14 pigs in which portal hypertension was induced (7/14 anticoagulated).


RESULTS
Catheterization was not possible by EUS or transhepatic methods in, respectively, 3 and 5 animals. One anticoagulated animal had a small amount of periduodenal bleeding as a result of EUS catheterization. The mean normal portal vein pressure (1 standard deviation) as determined by EUS and transhepatic methods was, respectively, 20.3 (4) mm Hg and 20.4 (2) mm Hg. Injection of polyvinyl alcohol particles increased the portal vein pressure by 10.2 (11.59) mm Hg. There was a close correlation under all conditions between the mean portal vein pressures obtained by EUS and transhepatic catheterization (r=0.91).


CONCLUSIONS
EUS-guided portal vein catheterization appears to be feasible in an animal model and provides accurate pressure measurements.
Lai
Lawrence
L
Caritas Medical Center Hong Kong, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Vascular Radiology and GI Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
Poneros
John
J
Santilli
John
J
Brugge
William
W
D000818:Animals; D001795:Blood Pressure Determination / Q000379:methods*; D002404:Catheterization / Q000379:methods*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D019160:Endosonography; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006975:Hypertension, Portal / Q000503:physiopathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D011169:Portal Vein; D012449:Safety; D013552:Swine
D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol