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Semin intervent Radiol 2011; 28(3): 283-287
DOI: 10.1055/s-0031-1284454
© Thieme Medical Publishers

The History and Evolution of Balloon-occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO): From the United States to Japan and Back

Wael E. A. Saad1
  • 1Division of Vascular Interventional Radiology, Department of Radiology, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Publication History

Publication Date:
15 August 2011 (online)

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ABSTRACT

The concept of obliterating varices that complicate portal hypertension dates back to the 1970s, but its minimally invasive clinical utilization was probably lost with the advent of the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS). The conception of retrograde obliteration of a gastrorenal shunt via the left renal vein was reported by Olson et al from the University of Indiana. However, the definition, development, technical perfection, and clinical implementation of the balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) occurred in Japan (by Kanagawa et al and others). The BRTO-procedure is currently undergoing a renaissance in the United States particularly for patients who are not TIPS candidates.

KEYWORDS

History - BRTO - transvenous obliteration - varices - TIPS

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Wael E. A. SaadM.D. F.S.I.R. 

Department of Radiology and Medical Imaging, University of Virginia Health System

Box 800170, 1215 Lee Street, Charlottesville, VA 22908

Email: wspikes@yahoo.com

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