Endovascular recanalisation in occlusive mesenteric ischemia--feasibility and early results.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate a single centre experience of endovascular treatment of mesenteric ischemia caused by vascular occlusion.


METHODS
Retrospective study.


METHODS
Between 1995 and 2002 17 patients (12 females; mean age 61 years) with symptoms of bowel ischemia were treated endovascularly for arterial occlusion. Vessels were evaluated with angiography and pressure gradient measured. A mean gradient of > 20 mmHg or a stenosis of > 50% was considered significant. Patient data were recorded prospectively and follow-up was supplemented with retrospective chart review. Fifteen patients had follow up imaging, median 10 months (3-29 months) postoperatively. Median clinical follow up was 14 months (5-42 months).


RESULTS
Recanalisation was successful in 16 patients (94%). The average number of stents used was 1.6 per patient. For one patient recanalisation failed with subsequent SMA dissection. A celiac artery stenosis was stented but symptoms remained postoperatively. Perioperative mortality was 5.8% (n = 1). 14/17 patients (82%) displayed symptom relief/improvement. Six patients required secondary endovascular intervention; PTA (n = 3); stent/stentgraft (n = 3). Two of these patients required a third procedure. 4/6 patients that underwent secondary intervention were asymptomatic and of recurrent stenosis > 75% and a gradient > 15 mmHg mean pressure gradient on imaging. Two patients were treated because of a combination of angiographic findings and/or significant pressure gradient combined with clinical symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Endovascular treatment of mesenteric ischemia due to vessel occlusion is feasible with acceptable short-term results and limited complications. Most patients experience relief/improvement of symptoms. A significant number of patients might need endovascular re-intervention because of restenosis.
Resch
T
T
Department of Vascular Disease, Malmö University Hospital, 205 02 Malmö, Sweden. timothy.resch@home.se
Lindh
M
M
Dias
N
N
Sonesson
B
B
Uher
P
P
Malina
M
M
Ivancev
K
K
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000379:methods*; D003106:Colon / Q000098:blood supply; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008638:Mesenteric Arteries; D008641:Mesenteric Vascular Occlusion / Q000628:therapy*; D008875:Middle Aged; D012086:Reoperation; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D016896:Treatment Outcome