title: Safety and efficacy of radiofrequency wire recanalization of chronic central venous occlusions.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of using a radiofrequency wire (RF) for central venous occlusion (CVO) recanalization after failure using conventional techniques.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective analysis of all central venous recanalization procedures using an RF wire from January 2007 to December 2012 was performed. This comprised 13 consecutive procedures in 12 patients. The electronic medical record and radiologic imaging studies were reviewed to obtain information regarding patient demographics, indication for revascularization, duration of vascular occlusion, procedure outcome, and complications.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Technical success was achieved in nine of 13 (69%) occluded vessels in nine of 12 (75%) patients. Lengths of successfully crossed lesions (mean 29.8 ± 29.3 mm) were significantly less than those of unsuccessfully crossed lesions (mean 90 ± 73.7 mm), p = 0.039. Of the nine patients with technically successful procedures, three died with patent stents of causes unrelated to the procedure, one had a patent stent at 547 days, two had stent patency of 94 days and 345 days, and three were lost to follow-up. One patient (8.3%) experienced a major complication wherein tracheal perforation by the RF wire contributed to the patient's death.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  RF recanalization is a viable option in patients with central vein occlusion refractory to traditional procedures. However, it does not guarantee successful revascularization and is not without the potential for harm.
authors: Department of Radiology, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts - USA.
authors: Gajan
authors: G
authors: Sivananthan
authors: Daniel H
authors: DH
authors: MacArthur
authors: Kevin P
authors: KP
authors: Daly
authors: David W
authors: DW
authors: Allen
authors: Salar
authors: S
authors: Hakham
authors: Neil J
authors: NJ
authors: Halin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000800:Angioplasty, Balloon / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D057286:Electronic Health Records; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010690:Phlebography / Q000379:methods; D015641:Radiography, Interventional; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D015607:Stents; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D062666:Vascular Access Devices; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D014654:Vascular Patency; D014680:Veins / Q000503:physiopathology; D055815:Young Adult