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Biomedical subjects

Patrick Pfau

Publications and source records attributed to Patrick Pfau.

2 recordsLinked to original sources

Evaluation of a new curved linear array echoendoscopy system for EUS.

BACKGROUND: EUS-FNA can be used to accurately diagnose and stage GI and pulmonary neoplasms. This study evaluated the performance characteristics of a new compact linear EUS system during EUS-FNA. METHODS: A total of 37 patients enrolled in this prospective pilot study underwent clinically indicated EUS-FNA and/or celiac plexus neurolysis with the compact EUS system. RESULTS: The mean time to perform a radial and linear array EUS with FNA and/or celiac plexus neurolysis was 24 minutes shorter with the compact EUS system compared with that for an historical control procedure in which a conventional linear EUS unit was used (p = 0.0007). The EUS images and visualization of the needle during EUS-FNA were rated good to excellent in greater than 95% of the patients. With respect to ease of esophageal intubation, duodenal intubation, and general maneuverability, the performance of the new linear echoendoscope, compared with a radial scanning videoechoendoscope, was the same or better in, respectively, 85%, 87%, and 100% of procedures. The video image quality of the new linear array echoendoscope was superior to that of the radial scanning videoechoendoscope in all patients. No complications were encountered. CONCLUSIONS: EUS-FNA and celiac plexus neurolysis can be performed safely with the new compact EUS system. The efficiency of this procedure is enhanced compared with historical experience with other instruments. Although image quality is sufficient for EUS-FNA and celiac plexus neurolysis, the compact unit cannot be used as a "stand-alone" system for routine diagnostic EUS, and its use must be complemented by standard radial imaging.

Biopsy, Needle↗

Clinical utility of intraductal US for evaluation of choledocholithiasis.

BACKGROUND: Intraductal US can improve the diagnostic accuracy of cholangiography performed under C-arm fluoroscopy in patients with suspected choledocholithiasis. This study aimed to determine the clinical utility of intraductal US for patient management. METHODS: Patients with suspected choledocholithiasis undergoing ERCP with a C-arm fluoroscope at two tertiary academic medical centers were enrolled. After initial cholangiography, findings and decisions concerning the need for further interventions were recorded. Intraductal US (20 MHz) was then selectively performed in patients with equivocal cholangiography or those without cholangiographic evidence of bile duct stones. Intraductal US was also performed after endoscopic sphincterotomy and stone extraction to confirm bile duct clearance. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients (28 men, 24 women) were enrolled and intraductal US was selectively performed in 35 (64%). Of the 21 patients with normal cholangiography, 8 (38%) had stones or sludge by intraductal US. Endoscopic sphincterotomy was performed as a direct result of intraductal US in these 8 and the findings were confirmed in 7. In the 14 patients in whom cholangiography demonstrated small (<5 mm) or round filling defects, intraductal US concurred in 9 and found air bubble/no stone in 5. Sphincterotomy was avoided in these 5 patients. Overall, intraductal US led to a change in clinical management in 13 of 35 patients (37%) in whom it was performed. CONCLUSIONS: Selective use of intraductal US affects the clinical management of a large proportion of patients who undergo C-arm fluoroscopy-guided ERCP for suspected bile duct stones.

Adult↗