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J O Balzer

Publications and source records attributed to J O Balzer.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

False aneurysm of the left femoral artery and thrombosis of the left femoral vein after total hip arthroplasty.

We report a 75-year-old male patient with an aneurysm of the left femoral artery after cemented total hip arthroplasty. Two months after the operation, the patient showed a spherical resistance and pain in the left groin. Examination showed a big false aneurysm of the left femoral artery. After resection of the aneurysm, an endovascular stent graft vessel prosthesis was implanted. The aneurysm originated from a punctual lesion of the artery caused by a screw. Since the first description of vessel lesions in orthopaedic surgery in 1964, a total of 24 cases of aneurysm in hip surgery have been described. Therefore, a review of literature tries to explain causes and mechanisms of vessel injuries in hip surgery and the possibilities of repair.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

[Nucleolysis in the herniated disk].

Back pain associated with a herniated disk has become an important and increasing general health problem in Germany and other industrialized countries. After all methods of conservative treatment have been exhausted, nucleolysis may be a minimally invasive alternative to surgery. In nucleolysis, chondrolytic substances or other substances, which reduce the pressure within the disk by other means, are injected into the nucleus pulposus under CT guidance. Among various substances, which have been employed for nucleolysis, an ozone-oxygen mixture appears to be very promising. The water-binding capacity of ozone results in a reduction of pain for several months. Moreover, it has an anti-inflammatory effect and results in an increase of perfusion. Ozone is converted into pure oxygen in the body and has a low allergic potential. Recent minimally invasive therapeutic methods such as percutaneous nucleotomy or laser treatment do not result in superior results compared with nucleolysis.

Back Pain↗
PubMed2004

Improved cerebral protection through replacement of residual intracavital air by carbon dioxide: a porcine model using diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging.

BACKGROUND: Major risk of central or peripheral organ damage is attributed to air embolism from incompletely de-aired cardiac chambers after cardiac operations. Replacement of air by carbon dioxide insufflation into the thoracic cavity is widely used. Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the brain detects ischemia within minutes after onset. The reversibility of ischemia in cerebral tissue after massive gaseous emboli has not yet been described. METHODS: After selective catheterization of a common carotid artery in 15 pigs, boli of 1 mL/kg body weight of air (n = 5) or carbon dioxide (n = 5, "low dose") were applied. Five pigs received 2 mL/kg body weight of carbon dioxide ("high dose"). Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was performed 2, 5, 10, 15, and 25 minutes after embolization. RESULTS: All animals of the "air" group showed important circulatory reactions leading to death of 2 animals. In the whole group, diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging revealed irreversible hyperintense signals in both hemispheres. In the low-dose group, no change in signal intensity was observed in 2 pigs, and 3 others showed reversible changes in signal intensity, without important circulatory reactions. In 3 animals of the high-dose group, hyperintense signals were reversible, but 2 others presented with bilateral, irreversible signals in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging, accompanied by minor circulatory reactions. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the dramatic effect of air emboli, identical quantities of carbon dioxide injected into cerebral arteries of the pigs were not associated with major clinical symptoms. The early reversibility of ischemic reactions visualized in diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging encourages the use of carbon dioxide insufflation as a protective method in cardiac surgery.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

[Importance of CT and MRI in the follow-up of patients with rectal cancer].

INDICATION: Presentation and evaluation of diagnostic procedures for the follow-up in patients with suspected local recurrence of rectal cancer. METHODS: Follow-up usually is performed using endoscopy and endosonography. Imaging techniques applied are also contrast enema as well as helical CT,MR imaging (MRI), and positron emission tomography (PET). RESULTS: The results demonstrate the difficulty of all available modalities to differentiate between early tumor recurrences from post-therapeutic alterations. Especially the differentiation of scar tissue and local tumor recurrence, the detection of lymph node as well as pulmonary or hepatic metastasis requires a large diagnostic effort with employment of various imaging modalities. Values determined for sensitivity and specificity for CT are 84% and 91% with a positive predictive value (PPV) of 78%. For MRI and PET the sensitivity are 94% and 98%,and the specificity 92% and 90% with a PPV of 93% for the PET. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate the increasing importance of CT and MRI in the follow-up of patients with rectal cancer and enable an accurate and early diagnosis through employment of new examination strategies and sequence protocols.PET remains an add-on examination in uncertain local lesions.

Aged↗
PubMed2003

[The role of stereotactic 11G vacuum biopsy for clarification of BI-RADS IV findings in mammography].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the potential of stereotactic vacuum breast biopsy in the histologic evaluation of suspicious mammographic findings ( BI-RADS IV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 221 patients with 227 probable mammographic lesions categorized as ( BI-RADS -IV), stereotactic biopsies were performed with an 11-gauge vacuum-assisted biopsy device (Mammotome). The evaluation included the histology of the specimens obtained with the Mammotome or with surgery, the time for the biopsy, the amount of bleeding, number of rotations and procured specimens, the extent of the resection and the complications. RESULTS: The biopsies were technically successful in 214 of the 227 probable mammographic lesions, with 176 lesions mostly resected and 34 lesions removed more than 50 %. No representative tissue was obtained from 4 lesions. All biopsies were performed without any clinically relevant complications and terminated after adequate material was obtained (O 28 specimens, 2.58 rotations). The mean time needed for performing the biopsy was 40.2 minutes. The histologic findings were DCIS (42 lesions), ADH (7 lesions), LCIS (3 lesions), ID-Ca (14 lesions, IL-Ca (3 lesions), and IDL-Ca (1 lesion). In 28 of 42 lesions with the initial DCIS histology, the surgical histology was also DCIS (n=28) or no residual tumor (n=10). In 4 lesions with an initial DCIS-histology, the surgical histology was invasive ductal cancer (9.5 %). The late follow-up examinations (up to 3 years) did not find any evidence of a false negative biopsy. CONCLUSION: Stereotactic vacuum breast biopsy ideally complements existing breast biopsy methods. The method is minimal invasive with a low rate of mostly minor complications.

Artifacts↗
PubMed2003

[Transarterial chemoperfusion of inoperable pancreas carcinoma and local recurrence].

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the side effects and tumor response of a locoregional transarterial chemoperfusion with Mitomycin C and Gemcitabine in advanced pancreatic cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between October 2001 and August 2002, 16 patients were treated in 80 transarterial chemoperfusion sessions with a mean of 5 sessions per patient and a pause of 4 weeks between the sessions. The chemotherapy consisted of a combination of Mitomycin C (8.5 mg/m 2) and Gemcitabine (500 mg/m 2), administered within 1 hour. The tumor response was evaluated by MRT and CT and the quality of life by a patient questionnaire. RESULTS: All patients tolerated the procedure well. The therapeutic outcomes were as follows: in 50 % (n=8) of patients, minor response with a decrease in size of the primary tumor and metastases up to 20 %; in 25 % (n = 4) of patients, stable disease; and in 25 % (n = 4) of patients, progressing metastases with stable primary tumor. Eleven patients (68.75 %) reported a good quality of life without impaired performance of their daily activities. Side effects were moderate and reversible between the treatment cycles. After one year 25 % of the patients were still alive. CONCLUSION: Transarterial chemoperfusion is a minimally invasive treatment for pancreatic carcinomas and local recurrences with little side-effects and can be delivered on an outpatient basis. It might be indicated as potential neoadjuvant treatment before surgery or as palliative treatment to provide clinical benefits and to improve the quality of life.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2002

MRI and color-coded duplex sonography: diagnosis of partial priapism.

A case of partial priapism is reported diagnosed by contrast-enhanced MR imaging and color-coded duplex sonography. Follow-up examinations after 4 weeks and 3 months were performed. According to the results of color-coded duplex sonography and MRI, a partial priapism with development from the subacute stage to a fibrous residuum after spontaneous lysis was diagnosed. There are only very few cases of partial priapism reported in the literature and this is the first case report that demonstrates diagnosis and follow-up both by color-coded duplex sonography and contrast-enhanced MR imaging.

Diagnosis, Differential↗
PubMed2002

[Transarterial chemoembolization of liver metastases: Indication, technique, results].

We have analyzed the effectiveness of repetitive transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) of liver metastases as a neoadjuvant or palliative treatment modality in comparison with published data. Chemoembolization of liver metastases is performed with different cytotoxic drugs. In a 4-week interval, 357 patients were treated with repetitive 1,158 TACE courses performed with lipiodol, mitomycin C and spherex. 254 patients were treated palliatively, 18 patients symptomatically and 79 patients via the neoadjuvant protocol, 71 patients of whom received additional MR-guided laser-induced thermoablation (LITT) of the metastases after TACE. Our results were compared with the literature. Most of the patients with a low rate of local complications like vascular occlusion or liver abscess could be treated successfully using TACE. In 81 % of the treated lesions a primary high lipiodol retention was observed. In the palliative group a reduction of the tumor size was noted in 36 % of the lesions, a growth stop in 24 % and a reduction of the tumor growth rate in 40 %. In 70 % of the patients treated neodadjuvantly a reduction of the tumor size was found. The median survival rate of our collective of patients with liver metastases averages 8.6 months. In the literature median survival rates in patients with liver metastases were between 8.5 and 23 months after TACE. TACE is judged as a minimal invasive and outpatient treatment protocol for liver metastases. A combination of TACE and different local treatment modalities presents a neoadjuvant treatment strategy to control the diseased liver.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Stent-supported recanalization of chronic iliac artery occlusions.

PURPOSE: Iliac artery occlusions that are more than a few centimeters in length are normally treated with surgical bypass grafting. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of primary stent implantation after Excimer laser-assisted recanalization of iliac artery occlusions. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 212 consecutive patients with chronic unilateral iliac artery occlusions (mean [+/- SD] length 8.9 +/- 3.9 cm) who were treated with Excimer laser-assisted recanalization and stent implantation. Based on the criteria of the Society of Cardiovascular and Interventional Radiology, lesions were graded as class III occlusions (<5 cm) in 46 patients and as class IV (> or =5 cm) in 166 patients. A total of 527 stents (Palmaz stent, 346; Wallstent, 94; Strecker stent, 38; covered stents, 49) were implanted. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in 190 (90%) patients. There was a clinical improvement of three grades in 112 (53%) patients and of two grades in 67 (32%) patients. The rate of major complications was 1.4%, which included arterial rupture (1) and embolic events (2). Primary patency rates were 84% at 1 year, 81% at 2 years, 78% at 3 years, and 76% at 4 years. Secondary patency rates were 88% at 1 year, 88% at 2 years, 86% at 3 years, and 85% at 4 years. CONCLUSION: Stent-supported angioplasty is an effective treatment for iliac artery occlusions, with less morbidity and mortality than is associated with surgery. However, reported long-term patency rates after bypass surgery are greater than those we observed with interventional treatment. The value of primary stenting as compared with angioplasty alone should be evaluated in a randomized trial.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗
PubMed2001

Postinterventional transcutaneous suture of femoral artery access sites in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease: a study of 930 patients.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a percutaneous vascular suture (PVS) device in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) for achievement of immediate hemostasis at the vascular access site and early ambulation of fully anticoagulated patients after peripheral interventional procedures. From June 1995 to March 2000, a vascular suture using a PVS device (6-10 Fr) was applied in 930 patients with PAOD. All patients had received an endoluminal intervention in the pelvic and/or the contralateral femoropopliteal region via a retrograde access through the common femoral artery (CFA). The incidence of complications within 12 hr after intervention, prior to discharge, and at 30-day follow-up was assessed employing clinical examination, treadmill test, and color Doppler ultrasound and the safety of the PVS device was determined. The efficacy of the system was measured by the percentage of achieved immediate hemostasis and early ambulation. PVS was technically successful in 92.2% independently from the degree of calcification at the access site. In 7.8%, an appropriate suture delivery could not be performed and these patients were successfully treated by conventional compression technique. Device malfunction or insufficient suture closure occurred in 1.7% and 2.1%, respectively. In 7.0%, groin-related complications occurred. Ambulation within 2-4 hr after successful suture was possible in 96.1%. All patients were free of any local symptoms at 30-day follow-up. The PVS device provides a safe and effective solution to achieve immediate hemostasis, thus permitting early ambulation in fully anticoagulated patients with PAOD after peripheral interventional procedures.

Arterial Occlusive Diseases↗
PubMed2001

[Transarterial chemoembolization in hepatocellular carcinomas: technique, indications, results].

BACKGROUND: At time of diagnosis 80% of the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) could not be treated with surgical treatments, so that transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) was used as an neoadjuvant or palliative treatment modality. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 60 patients were treated with 217 TACE courses, in the mean 3.6 TACE treatments per patient with an 4 week interval. TACE was performed with a dispersion of lipiodol, mitomycin C and spherex. 11 patients (18.3%) were treated in a neoadjuvant protocol with successful ablation. Lipiodol retention and size of the tumors were evaluated by CT and MRI. RESULTS: 60 patients were successful treated with TACE. After treatment a primary high lipiodol retention was displayed and in 68 (63.3%) patients a reduction of the tumor size and in 11 (20%) patients a reduction of tumor growth rate was noted. The 1 year survival rate was 59%. After response to TACE and reducing the tumor size 11 patients could be treated with MR-guided LITT 4 to 6 weeks post embolization. CONCLUSION: Chemoembolization is a minimal invasive and outpatient treatment protocol for HCC. TACE might be indicated as a palliative treatment to control the diseased liver. If repeated TACE alters the size and structure of primary unresectable HCC TACE expands the indication for MR-guided LITT.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

[Needle holder for reducing radiation burden of examiners in CT-assisted puncture. Technical contribution].

PURPOSE: To evaluate the use of a needle guide for CT guided puncture for the reduction of radiation dose of the interventional radiologist. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 20 CT-guided punctures was performed. An approach from anterior was used in 12 cases and an approach from lateral was used in 8 cases. We evaluated the practicability, the precision and possible artifacts caused by the needle guide. RESULTS: All 20 punctures could be performed with the needle guide without any complications. We observed no artifacts on the images due to the needle guide. The ability to guide the puncturing needle was not affected by the needle guide. The use and the efficacy of the needle guide were best for the approach from anterior as well as a lateral approach. However, for angulated appraches from caudal to cranial there was no benifit regarding the distance of the hands of the interventional radiologist from the radiation beam of the CT unit. CONCLUSIONS: The use of the needle guide is reducing the radiation dose of the interventional radiologist during CT-guided punctures.

Biopsy, Needle↗
PubMed2001

[Arterial steal syndrome in patients after liver transplantation: transarterial embolization of the splenic and gastroduodenal arteries].

UNLABELLED: Arterial steal syndrome in patients after liver transplantation: transarterial embolization of the splenic and gastroduodenal arteries. PURPOSE: To evaluate transarterial embolization of splenohepatic and gastroduodenal steal syndrome in patients with impaired liver function tests after liver transplantation. METHODS AND MATERIAL: In a prospective study 22 patients (10 male, 12 female; mean age 49.5 years) with unexplained elevation of hepatic enzymes after liver transplantation underwent transcatheter arterial embolization of splenohepatic (n = 18) and gastroduodenal (n = 4) steal syndrome with use of Gianturco coils or microcoils. Liver and spleen parenchyma were surveyed and evaluated before and after embolization with plain helical CT, including volumetry of liver and spleen. RESULTS: DSA examinations revealed a dilated splenic artery (n = 18) or gastroduodenal artery (n = 4) combined with a slightly decreased perfusion of the hepatic arteries, while immediately after successful embolization a normal perfusion of the hepatic arteries could be noted. Volumetric measurements before and after embolization showed no significant changes in liver parenchyma (x = + 7 % +/- 2), and variable changes in splenic volume of -5 % to + 28 % (mean, + 11 %), with initial measurements. Clinical follow-up examinations revealed a normalization of the previously elevated hepatic enzymes and a normalization of liver function tests after successful embolization. Complications were observed in 4 patients (infarction of the spleen). CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary results reveal that in liver transplant candidates with splenohepatic and gastroduodenal steal syndrome successful embolization results in an improvement of organ perfusion with normalization of function tests.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Excimer laser-assisted recanalization of long, chronic superficial femoral artery occlusions.

PURPOSE: To examine the safety and efficacy of excimer laser-assisted angioplasty (ELA) for recanalization of superficial femoral artery (SFA) occlusions. METHODS: Data were analyzed from 318 consecutive patients (207 men; mean age 64.2 +/- 10.7 years, range 33-91) who underwent ELA of 411 SFAs with chronic occlusions averaging 19.4 +/- 6.0 cm in length. More than 75% of patients had severe claudication (category 3). Critical lower limb ischemia with rest pain or minor tissue loss was present in 6 and 15 patients, respectively. The mean ankle brachial index (ABI) before and after exercise was 0.62 +/- 0.15 and 0.40 +/- 0.18, respectively. RESULTS: The initial attempt (crossover approach 89.7%, antegrade 6.6%, transpopliteal 3.6%) to cross the occlusion with an excimer laser catheter was successful in 342 (83.2%) of 411 limbs. A secondary attempt performed in 44 of 69 failed cases was successful in 30 limbs, increasing the technical success rate to 90.5% (372/411). Complications included acute reocclusion (4, 1.0%), perforation (9, 2.2%), and distal thrombosis/embolization (16, 3.9%). Postprocedurally, 219 (68.8%) patients were asymptomatic; mild (category 1) or moderate (category 2) claudication remained in 53 (16.6%) and 26 (8.2%) patients, respectively. The primary patency at 1 year was 33.6%. In the majority of patients, reocclusion was treatable on an outpatient basis. The 1-year assisted primary and secondary patency rates were 65.1% and 75.9%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Long SFA occlusions can be recanalized safely and successfully by ELA. However, to maintain patency and quality of life, intensive surveillance using objective testing followed by prompt repeat intervention are mandatory.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Pseudoaneurysm formation at the site of external iliac artery stents: percutaneous stent-graft treatment.

PURPOSE: To present a patient who developed an asymptomatic large iliac pseudoaneurysm complicating stent-supported iliac artery recanalization. CASE REPORT: The pseudoaneurysm was detected in an asymptomatic 69-year-old man during routine angiography 6 months after an uncomplicated procedure to implant 3 overlapping Palmaz stents in an occluded external iliac artery. There was no evidence of stent infection. During a second intervention, the pseudoaneurysm was successfully treated by percutaneous implantation of an EndoPro System I stent-graft. Contrast-enhanced spiral computed tomography at 6 and 12 months confirmed the durability of aneurysm exclusion and the patency of the endoprosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Angioplasty-induced pseudoaneurysm is rare and usually asymptomatic, but elective percutaneous stent-graft repair should be considered as the first treatment option.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

Treatment of catheter-induced iliac artery injuries with self-expanding endografts.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of fabric-covered endoprostheses for percutaneous repair of traumatic iliac artery lesions. METHODS: Among 47 patients treated for catheter-induced iliac artery injuries, 20 (42%) patients (13 men; mean age 58 +/- 10 years, range 41-76) presented with acute (n = 7) or subacute (n = 13) lesions considered inappropriate for bare stent implantation (17 dissecting aneurysms, 2 perforations, and 1 traumatic arteriovenous fistula). The self-expanding Cragg EndoPro System I or Passager devices were deployed percutaneously to exclude the defects. RESULTS: Immediate exclusion of the lesion was achieved in all 20 cases; there were no major procedural complications. However, within 24 hours after implantation, fever (n = 11, 55%) and elevations in white blood cell count (n = 10, 50%) and C-reactive protein (n = 13, 65%) were seen in the majority of patients, which prolonged hospitalization in this group (8.4 versus 4.2 days). During a median 21-month follow-up (range 5-31), 2 angiographically documented restenoses at the outlet of the endografts were treated successfully with balloon angioplasty, achieving primary and secondary patency rates of 87% and 100%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Early model stent-grafts provided a safe and effective endovascular treatment for iliac perforations and large arterial dissections, showing a high mid-term patency rate. However, postimplantation syndrome appears to occur frequently with this type of Dacron-covered nitinol device.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Percutaneous therapy of catheter-induced traumatic vascular lesions with Dacron coated nitinol stents].

OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous peripheral interventional procedures as well as coronary interventions can be complicated by dissections and traumatic lesions of peripheral arteries. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of fabric covered endoprostheses for percutaneous repair of traumatic peripheral arterial lesions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this study we used the EndoPro 1/Passager device (Boston Scientific, USA), which is a self-expanding nitinol stent covered by an ultrathin layer of dacron fabric. In 27 patients a total number of 31 endoprostheses (mean length 7.3 cm) were implanted in iliac (n = 20), femoral (n = 6) and popliteal arteries (n = 1). Indications for stenting were large dissections (n = 24), arterial perforations (n = 2) and one traumatic arterio-venous fistula. RESULTS: An immediate exclusion of the lesion could be achieved in all cases. There were no major procedural complications. However, within 24 hours after implantation 14 patients (51.9%) developed fever. WBC and CRP were elevated in 13 (48.1%) and 17 (63%) patients, respectively. Repeated blood cultures could not show any bacterial growth. The primary patency after a mean follow-up of 19 (5 to 31) months was 85.2%. In two cases with markedly impaired peripheral run-off subacute graft occlusions occurred. In 2 other cases the angiography revealed relevant restenoses (> 75%). The patency could be restored in 2 of these 4 cases leading to a secondary patency rate of 92.6%. CONCLUSIONS: The EndoPro 1/Passager endoprosthesis seems to be safe and effective to seal large dissections and traumatic lesions of peripheral arteries, showing a high long-term patency rate.

Adult↗