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N Rilinger

Publications and source records attributed to N Rilinger.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed1998

Virtual cystoscopy based on helical CT scan datasets: perspectives and limitations.

The purpose of the study was to simulate cystoscopy based on three-dimensional helical CT scan datasets in real-time in patients with tumours of the urinary bladder. A helical CT scan with double detector technology was carried out pre-operatively in 11 patients with histologically confirmed carcinoma of the urinary bladder and one patient with chronic cystitis. A non-enhanced scan was first performed, followed by an examination in the early phase of contrast medium enhancement. Further images were acquired after adequate filling of the bladder with contrast medium, approximately 30 min after injection. These data were transferred to a separate graphic computer workstation and reconstructed. The results were then compared with the cystoscopic and histopathological findings. All tumours of the urinary bladder identified at fibreoptic cystoscopy were shown on virtual cystoscopy. The best reconstruction results were obtained from data acquired 30 min after injection of contrast medium. The ureteric orifices were not visualized at virtual cystoscopy. These data lead us to conclude that, at present, virtual cystoscopy has not reached the quality of fibreoptic examination and remains restricted to use in specific cases, for example patients with urethral strictures.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Mechanical thrombolysis of acute occlusion of both the superficial and the deep femoral arteries using a thrombectomy device.

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of the Amplatz thrombectomy device for recanalization of acute occlusions of both the superficial and the deep femoral arteries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients with acute occlusions of the femoral arteries (eight male, 10 female; 10-87 years old) were treated using the Amplatz thrombectomy clot macerator. The duration of occlusion was 16 +/- 8 hr. Eighteen patients underwent treatment of the deep femoral artery, and 16 patients had additional involvement of the superficial femoral artery. After primary recanalization of the deep femoral artery, the superficial femoral artery was also recanalized using the Amplatz thrombectomy device. Nine patients required additional aspiration thrombectomy of the tibial arteries, five patients required additional aspiration thrombectomy of side branches of the deep femoral artery, and 12 patients required additional local thrombolysis with urokinase. RESULTS: In 14 (78%) of 18 patients, recanalization of the deep femoral artery was complete without demonstrable residual thrombi. Arterial spasms were observed in five patients (28%). The rate of limb salvage was 94% at a mean follow-up interval of 8.9 +/- 4.1 months. In the 18 patients, the ankle-brachial pressure index went from a median value of 0.56 before therapy to a median value of 0.91 after therapy. No severe complications occurred. CONCLUSION: Mechanical thrombolysis in the deep femoral artery with the Amplatz thrombectomy device is an effective, rapid method of treatment and is rarely associated with complications. In cases of concomitant occlusion of the tibial arteries, recanalization should always be attempted because the deep femoral artery may provide a functionally decisive collateral artery between the iliac and tibial vasculature.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Celiac artery adjuvant chemotherapy. Results of a prospective trial.

CONCLUSION: Celiac artery infusion (CAI) seems to be a qualified and successful method for adjuvant treatment of pancreatic cancer. To improve the dismal prognosis of resected pancreatic cancer patients, we performed postoperative regional chemotherapy via the celiac axis. BACKGROUND: From 1994-1995, 20 patients with pancreatic cancer (18 ductal adenocarcinoma, 2 cystadenocarcinoma) received adjuvant celiac axis intra-arterial infusions (CAI) after resection of their tumors. Sixteen patients had macroscopically complete tumor removal (R0/R1 resection, 80% of the patients), whereas four patients had gross residual disease remaining after resection (R2 resection, 20% of the patients). Postoperative tumor stages were UICC I in 1 patient, UICC II in 3 patients, and UICC III in 16 patients. METHODS: CAI was performed for six postoperative cycles via catheters placed into the celiac artery using Seldinger's technique. The chemotherapeutic protocol consisted of mitoxantrone (Novantron), Wyeth-Lederle (Münster, Germany) 10 mg/m2 (d 1), folinic acid (Leucovorin, Wyeth-Lederle, or Rescuvolin, Medac, Hamburg, Germany) 170 mg/m2 for 10 min, followed by 5-FU (Fluoroblastin, Farmitalia, Freiburg, Germany) 600 mg/m2 for 120 min (d 2-4), and Cisplatin (Cisplatin-medac, Medac) 60 mg/m2 (d 5). The cycles were repeated after a rest period of 4 wk. Cisplatin infusions were accompanied by supportive antiemetic (8 mg Tropisetrone i.v. [Navoban, Sandoz, Nürnberg, Germany] and 8 mg Dexametason i.v.) and diuretic measures. RESULTS: Toxicity WHO III occurred in 8% of 100 cycles, and no toxic side effects WHO IV were encountered. The median survival of 21 mo in the treated group was nearly twice as long as the 9.3 mo of a historical matched control group (p < 0.0003). CAI seems to be a qualified and successful method for adjuvant treatment of pancreatic cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Infectious spondylitis. A retrospective evaluation of MRI markers].

AIM AND METHODS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the MRI criteria of infectious spondylitis (spondylodiscitis). The MR images of 23 patients suffering from spondylodisitis (78% unspecific, 22% specific) were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The height of the intervertebral discs involved was normal in 40%, reduced in 43% and increased in 17% of the cases. The most common findings can be summarized in an MR triad: 1) The vertebral bodies involved are hypointense in T1-weighted images (100%) with a lack of delineation of the intervertebral discs (53%). 2) The injection of Gd-DTPA yields an enhancement of the vertebral bodies involved and intervertebral discs (95% and 74% respectively). 3) The vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs are hyperintense in T2-weighted sequences (76% and 90% respectively). When present, a paravertebral or intraspinal extension of the infection was isointense compared with the adjacent involved vertebral body in the majority of the patients. A differentiation between unspecific and specific etiology based on the MR images was not possible. CONCLUSIONS: The vertebral bodies affected were usually hypointense in T1-W with enhancement after the administration of Gd-DTPA and hyperintense in T2-W. The discs involved were usually hyperintense in T2-W and demonstrated an inhomogeneous enhancement.

Contrast Media↗
PubMed1997

Palliative and adjuvant regional chemotherapy in pancreatic cancer.

To improve the dismal prognosis of patients (pts) with pancreatic cancer we treated 32 patients with non-resectable (UICC III, 17 pts; UICC IV, 15 pts--group 1) and 20 patients with resected (UICC I, 1 pt; UICC II, 3 pts; UICC III, 16 pts--group 2) pancreatic cancer with palliative (group I) and adjuvant post-operative (group II) coeliac axis intra-arterial cyclic infusions (CAI). CAI consisted of mitoxantrone 10 mg/m2 on day 1, folinic acid 170 mg/m2 and 5-FU 600 mg/m2 during days 2-4, and cis-platinum 60 mg/m2 on day 5 for up to 11 (group I) or six (group II) cycles. In a total of 211 cycles toxicities at the level of WHO III occurred in 0-6% and of WHO IV in 0%. The median survival times, compared with institutional historical controls (treated vs controls), were 12 vs 4.8 months in UICC III (P < 0.006) and 4 vs 2.9 months in UICC IV (P < 0.05) group I pts, and 21 vs 9.3 months in group II (P < 0.0003). Hepatic disease progression appeared to be suppressed with CAI, which also appears to be effective for palliative and adjuvant treatment in non-resectable and resected pancreatic cancer.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Stenting of central venous stenoses in hemodialysis patients: long-term results.

From November 1992 through July 1996, 15 Wallstents were implanted for the treatment of symptomatic central arm vein obstructions in 14 hemodialysis patients (10 subclavian, 2 brachiocephalic vein stenoses, 2 subclavian vein occlusions). There were no acute complications. All patients were investigated by clinical examination and color-duplex sonography at regular three month intervals. When recurrent swelling predicted restenosis, phlebography was also performed. During the follow-up, high grade stenoses at the central or peripheral ends of four stents were successfully treated with five overlapping stents, giving a total of 20 Wallstent implantations. Complete occlusion of another subclavian vein distally to the stent at 16 months required ligation of the patient's arteriovenous fistula. Life table analysis including all 20 stents revealed a cumulative primary one year (two year) stent patency of 70% (50%). The cumulative secondary one year (two year) stent patency was 100% (85%). We believe that in hemodialysis patients, PTA plus Wallstent implantation is a safe and effective procedure in the treatment of central venous stenoses and even shorter occlusions. Consequent follow-up allows for timely diagnosis and treatment of restenoses, thus guaranteeing long-term patency rates comparable to those of veno-venous bypass surgery.

Constriction, Pathologic↗
PubMed1997

[Interventional treatment of hemobilia].

PURPOSE: Aim of the study was to assess the use of embolisation in cases of iatrogenic haemobilia. METHOD: In 18 patients with severe haemobilia after percutaneous biliary system drainage or stent implantation, an embolisation with minicoils (17 x) or gelfoam particles, was performed. To achieve a sufficient vascular obstruction, Histoacryl (4 x) or Ethibloc (1 x) were additionally used in five cases. A transarterial approach was used in 17 cases. In one patient, an approach through the biliary system was possible. RESULTS: In all cases, the bleeding source was identified (5 false aneurysms, three biliary leaks, 9 irregularities at the junction of the artery and drainage catheter, 1 multiple collaterals at the proximal end of the stent). In 17 out of 18 cases, haemorrhage ceased definitely. In one case of a patient with pancreas carcinoma and obstruction of the portal vein as well as a simultaneous high grade stenosis of the hepatic artery propria, it was only possible to embolise small collaterals to avoid liver necrosis. This resulted in an incomplete bleeding of control. An infected haematoma was the only complication. It was treated by drainage over 10 days. During an observation period ranging approximately 7.6 months, 10 of the patients died due to their basic illness. CONCLUSION: Embolisation is an effective procedure in the treatment of haemobilia, with a low complication rate.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

[A new method in the determination of individual delay time in bolus application in spiral CT].

Helical-CT examinations, particularly CT angiography, require precise timing between the examination procedure and the individual dynamics of contrast medium distribution in the arteriovenous system of the patient. The necessary delay between contrast medium injection and onset of has usually been either estimated or determined by means of an additional helical CT examination. The present paper introduces a new technique which allows bolus analysis without an additional scan. Prior to a CT angiography with 10 patients, two techniques for bolus analysis (BA) were compared. Prior to diagnostic contrast medium enhanced examination, a native (BA I) and a dynamic (BA II) examination were performed. Ten seconds prior to the start of each examination, a 10 ml test bolus was applied with an injection flow rate of 3 ml/s. Both examinations lasted for 30 s. During BA I, increase in attenuation in the aorta was compared at different sites, during BA II consistently at the same site. Comparison of the individual peak times yielded a coefficient of correlation of r = 0.926. The median value for BA I was 18.4 +/- 5.4 s and 19.2 +/- 4.5 s for BA II. The difference between measurement of peak time was 1.2 +/- 1.16 s. This modified technique for bolus analysis during the primary native scan of the upper abdominal organs permits calculation of the required individual delay time between contrast medium application and scan start: no additional examination is required and the method can be performed with any helical CT unit.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

[Therapy of acute traumatic vascular injuries using covered stents].

PURPOSE: Evaluation of percutaneously implanted covered stents in acute vascular bleeding as therapeutic alternative to conventional surgical treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 8 patients aged 26 to 83 years with acute vascular lesions caused by traumas, and subsequent haemorrhage, were transferred to our department. Because of general inoperability or difficult surgical access, interdisciplinary evaluation favoured an interventional treatment. In 6 patients stents could be placed percutaneously to the aorta, subclavian and iliac arteries. In one case we had to implant three stents into the thoracic aorta. RESULTS: In 7 interventionally treated patients the stents could be placed exactly on the lesions (88%). The bleeding could be stopped immediately in 6 cases (75%). In one patient we had to implant successfully two more stents in reintervention (12%). In another patient the available prosthesis was too short, so that the patient had to be referred to the OR for surgical treatment (12%). There were no complications during the treatment. CONCLUSION: First results in the use of covered stents as interventional treatment of acute vascular lesions are encouraging and may represent a possible alternative to surgical therapy in locally limited bleedings, presupposing that all different types and sizes of industrially produced covered stents are available. Further investigations to compare surgical and interventional techniques are warranted.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Mechanical thrombectomy of embolic occlusion in both the profunda femoris and superficial femoral arteries in critical limb ischaemia.

We report our preliminary experience using the Amplatz device for percutaneous thromboembolectomy in acute occlusion in both the profunda femoris artery (PFA) and superficial femoral artery (SFA) in four patients (mean age 78.5 years). All patients suffered from acute lower limb ischaemia, Fontaine Grade 3, due to cardiac embolization. Estimated occlusion times range from 3 h to 3 days. All four patients were treated successfully. Device activation time for both the PFA and the SFA was 85 s +/- 15 s. Total procedure time was 25 min +/- 10 min. There was no need for adjunctive procedures or intensive care monitoring. We conclude that the Amplatz device is a very effective and safe procedure for the quick restoration of vascular patency in cases of simultaneous embolically occluded PFA and SFA.

Acute Disease↗
PubMed1997

Sensitivity of computed tomography in detecting local recurrence of prostatic carcinoma following radical prostatectomy.

The aim of this study was to evaluate CT imaging in the post-operative follow-up and in the detection of recurrence after radical prostatectomy in cases of prostatic carcinoma. In over 500 patients undergoing radical prostatectomy for prostatic carcinoma, 22 cases with local recurrence were found. CT examinations of the pelvis were retrospectively evaluated in these patients. Local recurrence was detected by PSA uptake and confirmed by transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) in combination with guided biopsy. In 22 cases of confirmed local recurrence, positive results on CT were found in eight patients (36%) and negative results in nine patients (41%). In the remaining five cases (23%), no distinction could be made between scar and local recurrence. All cases definitively classified as recurrent tumour disease showed a soft tissue mass of 2 cm or more. CT sensitivity in local recurrence of prostatic carcinoma after surgery is low. Even in a very careful follow-up, the understaging would be up to 41%. In comparison, PSA, TRUS and needle biopsy are the methods of choice and are superior to CT imaging. Based on these results, there would be no reason for including pelvic CT examinations in the follow-up of prostatic carcinoma after radical prostatectomy.

Follow-Up Studies↗
PubMed1997

Displaced metallic biliary stents: technique and rationale for interventional radiologic retrieval.

OBJECTIVE: We investigated the spontaneous course and the possibility of transhepatic removal of displaced biliary stents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Displaced biliary stents were observed in 11 patients (13-75 years old) between October 1988 and August 1996. Stent types included the Palmaz stent (n = 3), Wallstent (n = 3), and the Strecker stent (n = 5). Reasons for stent displacement included primary misplacement (n = 4), dislocation due to transhepatic endoscopy with biopsy (n = 2), dislocation resulting from a recanalization maneuver in stent occlusion (n = 3), and unknown causes (n = 2). In three cases, the stent was displaced into the proximal bile duct system. Seven patients had primary malignancy. RESULTS: Eight of 11 displaced biliary stents were removed transhepatically. Extraction was performed using either a wire loop (n = 4) or forceps (n = 4). No complications occurred. In the remaining three patients, whose stents were displaced into the intestine, no invasive action was taken. In one of these patients, a Palmaz stent was passed spontaneously after 1 week. In the second of these patients, a 6 cm Wallstent remained innocuously at a position in the right lower abdomen, and the patient died as a result of malignancy. In the third patient, who had a 10-cm Wallstent, an abscess developed in the stent region 4 months after displacement and resulted in formation of an ileocutaneous fistula. CONCLUSION: Transhepatic extraction of displaced biliary stents is technically possible, even in the case of rigid stents such as the Palmaz stent. Because of the risk of intestinal perforation, displaced stents should be removed.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1997

Comparison of real-time virtual and fiberoptic bronchoscopy in patients with bronchial carcinoma: opportunities and limitations.

OBJECTIVE: Both helical CT and fiberoptic bronchoscopy are used in the staging of pulmonary tumors for therapeutic decision making. The improved resolution offered by helical CT has led to the clinical use of three-dimensional reconstruction techniques such as virtual bronchoscopy. We tested this new simulated endoscopic view of inner organ surfaces and compared it with corresponding fiberoptic examinations of the tracheobronchial system. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Twenty patients with malignancies of the lung and mediastinum were examined with both virtual bronchoscopy and fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Both examinations were reviewed by radiologists and surgeons familiar with fiberoptic bronchoscopy. Virtual bronchoscopy was calculated and reconstructed from the cross-sectional images on a separate workstation. Stenoses and tumor infiltration were classified from the fiberoptic examination. These results were compared with the virtual bronchoscopy findings. RESULTS: Virtual bronchoscopy of diagnostic quality was achieved in 19 of 20 patients. High-grade stenoses were revealed equally well with virtual and fiberoptic techniques. Virtual bronchoscopy offered the advantage of being able to visualize areas beyond even high-grade stenoses. However, on virtual bronchoscopy discrete infiltration or extraluminal impression was not visible in five patients. In another patient, strong heart pulsation produced motion artifacts that prevented evaluation of the reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Virtual bronchoscopy represents a new noninvasive method for evaluating helical CT findings. In comparison with fiberoptic bronchoscopy, virtual bronchoscopy offers the advantage of being able to visualize areas beyond even high-grade stenoses. In addition to the limited view of fiberoptic bronchoscopy, extraluminal causes of lumen compressions can be analyzed in the cross-sectional images and evaluated together with the virtual representation. However, it was not possible to detect small infiltrations with virtual bronchoscopy. This new representation of helical CT data might be helpful for postoperative follow-up examinations, such as after stent implantation, and can be carried out without additional risk to the patient. Radiologists do need special fiberoptic bronchoscopy knowledge and experience with three-dimensional-reconstructions to differentiate between real stenoses and artificial stenoses that might be caused by pulsation artifacts.

Artifacts↗
PubMed1996

[Thrombectomy using a high-speed rotatable catheter--initial results].

Evaluation of the Amplatz rotational catheter for the recanalisation of acute thrombotic occlusions in various vascular regions. The Amplatz air-driven rotational catheter was used in 5 patients with acute vessel occlusion in various vascular regions: superficial and profundal femoral artery respectively and popliteal artery with tibiofibular trunk (case 1 and 2), a Collier-Shunt (case 3), the left main pulmonary artery (case 4) and the portal vein after TIPS procedure (case 5). A complete or partial recanalisation was achieved in all cases. Time accounted for recanalisation was between 40 and 90 seconds. No adjunctive intervention was necessary. No complications occurred. The Amplatz thrombectomy device allows a fast, safe and effective mechanical thrombectomy of peripheral arteries and haemodialysis shunts. Partial recanalisation of large caliber vessels is also possible.

Adult↗
PubMed1996

[Percutaneous dynamic atherectomy with the aid of 12-F and 14-F transluminal atherectomy catheters (TEC): initial results].

OBJECTIVE: The presented study reports on the first experience with the large diameter 12 F and 14 F TEC system for percutaneous dynamic atherectomy of peripheral vascular obstructions. METHODS AND PATIENTS: The 12 F and 14 F TEC-extraction catheter was used to recanalize peripheral vascular obstructions in 4 patients. The extracted material was continuously aspirated during the procedure. Three patients with intermittent claudication suffered from chronic arterial occlusion (two cases) or from stenosis of an implanted stent (one case) in the region of the superficial femoral artery. In another patient with long-term dialysis history an insufficient collier shunt was treated by atherectomy. RESULTS: Complete vascular recanalisation was achieved in all cases. Supplementary intervention was not necessary. There were no complications. CONCLUSION: Atherectomy with the large diameter 12 F and 14 F TEC allows a safe and complete recanalisation of complex peripheral vascular occlusions. Further studies must show whether the enlarged vascular intrusion is justified by more favourable results.

Angiography, Digital Subtraction↗