Coil embolisation to close congenital liver shunts in six dogs

Abstract

This article describes the treatment of single congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSs) (intrahepatic and extrahepatic) using an interventional radiology technique involving embolisation of anomalous vessels with percutaneous coils. Briefly, a multipurpose catheter was introduced into the caudal vena cava and then into the portosystemic shunt. An autoexpandable stent was placed in the caudal vena cava, next to the shunt, in order to avoid coil migrations, and a cobra-like vascular catheter was used to pass through the stent and to place the coils in the shunt. This technique was used for treatment of CPS in six dogs. The results indicate that percutaneous embolisation of a CPS using coils, a less invasive technique than the traditional surgical technique, may result in complete closure of the anomalous vessel without development of portal hypertension.