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Updated: Jul 10, 2026
Catheterization of the Carotid Artery and Jugular Vein to Perform Hemodynamic Measures, Infusions and Blood Sampling in a Conscious Rat Model
Published on: January 30, 2015
EUS-guided portal vein catheterization and pressure measurement in an animal model: a pilot study of feasibility
Lawrence Lai1, John Poneros, John Santilli
1Caritas Medical Center Hong Kong, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Vascular Radiology and GI Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114, USA.
Background:
The extrahepatic portal vein is inaccessible to direct catheterization.
Methods:
Because EUS can readily image the portal vein, the feasibility of EUS-guided portal vein catheterization by using a 22-gauge needle was studied in 7 normal pigs and 14 pigs in which portal hypertension was induced (7/14 anticoagulated).
Results:
Catheterization was not possible by EUS or transhepatic methods in, respectively, 3 and 5 animals. One anticoagulated animal had a small amount of periduodenal bleeding as a result of EUS catheterization. The mean normal portal vein pressure (1 standard deviation) as determined by EUS and transhepatic methods was, respectively, 20.3 (4) mm Hg and 20.4 (2) mm Hg. Injection of polyvinyl alcohol particles increased the portal vein pressure by 10.2 (11.59) mm Hg. There was a close correlation under all conditions between the mean portal vein pressures obtained by EUS and transhepatic catheterization (r=0.91).
Conclusions:
EUS-guided portal vein catheterization appears to be feasible in an animal model and provides accurate pressure measurements.
