Embolization of bleeding esophageal varices via umbilical vein. An alternative approach
F. C. Sparks, A. Maitem, M. G. Glickman and M. D. Tilson
Embolization of bleeding esophageal varices via the umbilical vein can be
used as an alternative technique to percutaneous transhepatic coronary vein
occlusion (PTCVO). Both techniques can stop acute bleeding from esophageal
varices and allow the cirrhotic patient with portal hypertension to be
prepared for an elective rather than an emergency shunt. Embolization via
the umbilical vein can be performed with a patient under local anesthesia,
can be effective when other methods fail, and can be done safely in the
presence of both ascites and a bleeding diathesis, which are two
contraindications to PTCVO.