Percutaneous abdominal and pelvic interventional procedures using CT fluoroscopy guidance

OBJECTIVE. The purpose of our study was to assess the use of low-milliamperage CT fluoroscopy guidance for percutaneous abdominopelvic biopsy and therapeutic procedures. MATERIALS AND METHODS. We reviewed the clinical records and relevant imaging studies of 97 patients who underwent 119 percutaneous CT fluoroscopy-guided abdominal or pelvic procedures: fluid collection aspiration or drainage catheter insertion (n = 59), biopsy (n = 49), hepatocellular carcinoma ethanol ablation (n = 6), chemoneurolysis (n = 4), and brachytherapy catheter insertion (n = I). These procedures were guided using a helical CT scanner providing realtime fluoroscopy reconstruction at six frames per second. A control panel and video monitor beside the gantry allowed direct operator control during all interventional procedures. RESULTS. One hundred twelve (94.1%) procedures were successfully performed using either a stand-off needle holder and continuous real-time CT fluoroscopy guidance or incremental manual insertion and intermittent CT fluoroscopy to confirm position. Image quality using low milliamperage was adequate for needle or drainage tube placement in all but two low-contrast liver lesions. Two hematomas were accessed but yielded no fluid on aspiration; one drainage procedure was abandoned after the patient developed endotoxic shock. Imaging of ethanol distribution during injection facilitated tumor ablation and neurolytic procedures. CT fluoroscopy allowed rapid assessment of needle, guidewire, dilator, and catheter placement, especially in nonaxial planes. Average CT fluoroscopy time for biopsy and therapeutic procedures was 133 sec (range, 35-336 sec) and 186 sec (range, 20-660 sec), respectively. CONCLUSION. CT fluoroscopy is a practical clinical tool that facilitates effective performance of percutaneous abdominal and pelvic interventional procedures.