Balloon stricture dilation via balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde
cholangiopancreatography is the standard treatment for hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic
stricture (HJAS) [1], but accessing the anastomosis is often challenging. In such cases, an endoscopic
ultrasound (EUS)-guided antegrade approach can be considered as an alternative.
Conventional balloons designed for papillary, or bile duct dilation are often too
long for treating HJAS, which may lead to unnecessary dilation of the intrahepatic
bile ducts. In contrast, short balloons are prone to slipping during inflation, presenting
a greater challenge in the EUS-guided approach. This is because the position of the
balloon cannot be directly visualized endoscopically, making precise positioning and
adjustment during inflation more difficult.
We developed a novel dedicated balloon catheter ([Fig. 1]), which was designed to address these challenges. This balloon is exceptionally
short, measuring only 15 mm, and features an elastic band at its center. The band
delays the expansion of the central portion during inflation, effectively preventing
slippage [2]. Furthermore, the tapered tip is designed to enhance insertion and pushability,
ensuring optimal performance when passing through the fistula and stricture.
Fig. 1 The novel dedicated balloon catheter (RIGEL; Japan Lifeline, Tokyo, Japan) measures
15
mm in length, shorter than conventional balloons (typically 30–50 mm). a The catheter features an elastic band in the middle. b,
c The elastic band results in delayed expansion of the central portion, preventing
slippage. The tapered tip is designed to enhance insertion and pushability, ensuring
optimal
performance when passing through the fistula and stricture.
An 86-year-old woman who had undergone hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction
developed obstructive jaundice caused by HJAS. A short-type single-balloon enteroscope
could not reach the anastomosis, so a linear-array echoendoscope was used instead
([Video 1]). The left intrahepatic bile duct was punctured from the stomach using a 19-G needle,
and a 0.025-inch guidewire was inserted and advanced through the HJAS into the jejunum
([Fig. 2]
a). A standard catheter was inserted, and contrast medium was injected to confirm the
HJAS ([Fig. 2]
b). Subsequently, the novel 8-mm-diameter balloon was introduced and positioned at
the site of the HJAS ([Fig. 2]
c). The central portion of the balloon expanded with a controlled delay during inflation,
allowing full expansion without slippage ([Fig. 2]
d). The stricture was successfully recanalized, resulting in good contrast flow from
the intrahepatic bile ducts into the small intestine, with no adverse events.
Fig. 2 Fluoroscopic images. a The left intrahepatic bile duct was punctured from the stomach using a 19-G needle,
and a 0.025-inch guidewire was inserted and advanced through the hepaticojejunostomy
anastomotic stricture (HJAS) into the jejunum. b A standard catheter was inserted, and contrast medium was injected to confirm the
HJAS. c Subsequently, the novel 8-mm-diameter balloon was introduced and positioned at the
site of the HJAS. d The central portion of the balloon expanded with a controlled delay during inflation,
allowing full expansion without slippage.
Endoscopic ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment using a novel nonslip short-length
balloon catheter in a patient with hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture.Video
1
Endoscopy_UCTN_Code_TTT_1AS_2AH
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