Percutaneous transsplenic portal vein catheterization: technical procedures, safety, and clinical applications

To evaluate the safety and feasibility of percutaneous transsplenic portal vein catheterization (PTSPC) by retrospective review of its use in patients with portal vein (PV) occlusion.

From July 2004 to December 2010, 46 patients with a history of uncontrolled gastroesophageal variceal bleeding secondary to portal hypertension underwent endovascular PV interventions via a percutaneous transsplenic approach. All patients had occlusion of the main PV or central intrahepatic PV branches, which prevented the performance of a transhepatic approach. A vein within the splenic parenchyma was punctured under fluoroscopic guidance by referencing preoperative computed tomography images. PTSPC-related complications and clinical applications were analyzed.

PTSPC was successfully performed in 44 of 46 patients (96%); two failures were caused by inaccessible small intrasplenic veins. PTSPC-related major bleeding complications occurred in three patients (6.5%), including large intraperitoneal hemorrhage in one patient and large splenic subcapsular hemorrhage in two patients. Two of the three patients developed hypotension, and one developed severe anemia. All three of the patients required blood transfusions. PTSPC-related minor bleeding complications occurred in six patients (13%) as a result of a small splenic subcapsular hemorrhage. In addition, three patients exhibited mild left pleural effusion, which subsided spontaneously 1 week later. All 44 patients successfully treated via PTSPC received gastroesophageal variceal embolization. Eight patients received PV stents, five for treatment of PV occlusion and three during transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt placement.

PTSPC is a safe and effective access for endovascular PV interventions in patients without a transhepatic window.