Plug-Assisted Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (PARTO): Anatomical Factors Determining Procedure Outcome

To study various anatomical factors determining procedure success versus failure for plug-assisted retrograde transvenous obliteration (PARTO) of gastro-lieno-renal shunt.

A retrospective review of 50 patients (M:F-37:13; mean age 58.4yrs) who were planned for PARTO of gastro-lieno-renal shunt from July 2017 to July 2019 was done. Anatomical factors [shunt diameter, shunt angle, shunt orientation, left renal vein (LRV) size/calibre and distance of shunt from renal vein-IVC confluence] were analysed on a pre-procedure CT. Statistical analysis of the data was done to assess the relationship between these factors and technical success/failure.

PARTO was successfully performed in 82% (n = 41). Analysis of anatomical factors showed that aneurysmal dilatation of the LRV, extreme acute/obtuse angulation and extreme antero-posterior orientation of the shunt in relation to the LRV was associated with higher probability of technical failure of PARTO. Minimum/maximum and entry point shunt diameter was not associated with procedure outcome. It was also noted that an increased distance of the shunt from the renal vein-IVC confluence favoured trans-jugular over trans-femoral venous access for PARTO.

Knowledge of various anatomical factors of gastro-lieno-renal shunt may help in deciding the access route for PARTO and may determine technical success/failure. Alternate methods like BRTO or coil-assisted obliteration (CARTO) or anterograde obliteration of the shunt via trans-hepatic/splenic route might be needed in such circumstances.