Use of articulated catheters in the treatment of biliary strictures

Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 1997 May-Jun;20(3):232-6. doi: 10.1007/s002709900145.

Abstract

We have used a single articulated catheter to obviate the need for multiple catheters in patients with complex biliary strictures or strictures associated with small or immature tracts. Two- and three-arm articulated drains (8-14 Fr) made from segments of biliary catheters were placed in 16 patients. Nine were placed transhepatically, 6 transperitoneally through existing T-tube tracts, and 1 through a cystic duct fistula. Six malignant and 10 benign strictures were stented with various catheter configurations through a single tract. Fifteen patients had two catheter components with one articulation and 1 patient had three catheter components with two articulations. The average duration of catheter drainage was 7.0 +/- 4.2 months. Routine catheter exchanges were performed; two spontaneous occlusions occurred. In patients where internal stenting may be difficult or undesirable, articulated catheters allow satisfactory external and internal drainage of complex benign and malignant strictures through a single tract, avoiding the need for multiple transhepatic catheters.

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization / instrumentation*
  • Catheterization / methods
  • Cholestasis / diagnostic imaging
  • Cholestasis / therapy*
  • Drainage / instrumentation
  • Drainage / methods
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiography
  • Stents
  • Time Factors