title: Successful recanalization of bile duct occlusion with a radiofrequency puncture wire technique.
abstract: A radiofrequency (RF) wire puncture technique was used in the recanalization of biliary anastomotic occlusions in five patients. The technical success of recanalization, which was defined as successful puncture and crossing of the obstruction followed by balloon cholangioplasty and internal-external biliary drainage without evidence of complications, was 100%. The average follow-up was 13 months (range, 11-16 months). For biliary occlusion recanalization, the RF wire may allow the use of percutaneous therapy in the treatment of a subset of individuals who would otherwise have to undergo open surgical intervention.
authors.affiliation: Interventional Radiology Division, Medical University of South Carolina, 25 Courtney Dr, MSC 226 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29401, USA. guimarae@musc.edu
authors.forename: Marcelo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guimaraes
authors.forename: Andre
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Uflacker
authors.forename: Claudio
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Schönholz
authors.forename: Renan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Uflacker
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000714:Anastomosis, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects; D001662:Biliary Tract Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002404:Catheterization; D002758:Cholangiography; D001651:Cholestasis, Extrahepatic / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery / Q000628:therapy*; D004322:Drainage; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011677:Punctures; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome