Step-by-Step Instructions for Angioplasty Treatment of CCSVI as Performed by Dr. Tariq Sinan’s Team

These notes were dictated to and written by Kathleen Lynch and were reviewed
for accuracy by Doctor Tariq Sinan, Interventional Radiologist and

Doctor Hussein Safar, Vascular Surgeon

Posted with the express permission of Dr. Tariq Sinan of Kuwait

http://www.drsinan.com/en/AboutMe.aspx

1. PRE-PROCEDURE MEDICATION:

Patient is given two 75 mg tablets of Plavix and a prophylactic dose of 1.5
grams of Zinacef intravenously 30 minutes prior to procedure.

2. SEDATION:

Foremost, the patient needs to be comfortable during the procedure, but it is
best to use as little sedation as possible and concentrate on pain

medication instead. The patient needs to be alert in case of

neurological complications due to brain insult, and must be able to

perform the valsalva maneuver, to respond to specific instructions

regarding inspiration and expiration, and to answer the doctor’s

questions. Over-sedation of the patient can interfere with their ability

to do any of the above.

The patient’s apparent discomfort during ballooning can be informative to the doctor. A
patient’s lack of discomfort usually indicates the need for a larger

balloon. When pain medication is indicated, 25 mg of Fentanyl is

administered just before inflation, resulting in a total of 75 mg.

(25mg. for each jugular vein and 25mg. for the azygous vein). If the

procedure is extensive, another 25 mg. may be administered at the

discretion of the anesthetist.

3. ANTICOAGULATION:

Well-managed anticoagulation protocol is essential. For an adult male patient, a
total of 5000 units of heparin is used, divided into three doses of 2000

units for each jugular and 1000 units for the azygous vein and

administered intravenously. Dosage is adjusted to 4000 units

intravenously for an adult female patient. A typical, complication-free

balloon angioplasty of the jugular and azygous veins can be performed

in approximately 120 minutes, but if complications or difficulties

present and the procedure is extended an additional thirty to sixty

minutes, another 1000 units of heparin is administered.

4. FEMORAL ACCESS:

Left femoral vein access is typically reserved for academic and
investigative purposes, whereas right femoral vein access is indicated

for treatment of jugular and azygous vein and valve abnormalities. A

size 11 French guiding sheath is introduced and advanced, as it can

accommodate most balloons and a wire at the same time. Start with a 4 or

5 French vertebral catheter with an angled Terumo wire with hydrophilic

coating, 150 – 180cm in length. Sheath is 10 – 15 cm.

5. RIGHT INTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN:

Advance catheter to right internal jugular vein. The valves of IJV are just
lateral and superior to the Acromio-clavicular joint. Navigate the valve

of the RIJV by having patient perform the valsalva maneuver. Passage

through the valve is easiest when it opens during expiration. At this

point, do a “run” (contrast dye study) and assess for abnormalities

during expiration and inspiration. It is crucial the abnormalities be

viewed from an anteroposterior view. Sometimes an oblique view is

needed. A regular J-tip 260cm wire is then introduced into the vein, and

the catheter is withdrawn from the patient. Before dilation, a second

wire is introduced using the vertebral catheter. Ideally, a J-tip stiff

260 cm wire should be used. There are now two wires in the RIJV; the

regular Terumo wire and the stiff wire. Remove catheter and position

balloon over the regular wire. Balloon size should be equal to vein size

just cranial to the valve. The stiff wire remains outside the balloon.

Advance the balloon to the valve and begin dilation. Balloon is to

remain inflated for two minutes before deflating and dilating again.

Repeat dilation for a total of five or six inflations, changing the

position of the wire in relation to the balloon each time. The balloon

will carry a “fingerprint” of the stenosis, and therefore should be

repositioned so the “waist” of the balloon is in a different location in

the vessel each time. The process should take at least twelve

to fifteen minutes (five to six dilations at two minutes per dilation).

Administer pain medication as needed. Any stenosis seen higher in the

vein is not treated at this time. Check for complications with a contrast study. Withdraw from RIJV.

6. LEFT INTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN:

Advance catheter to LIJV and repeat the same procedure performed on the RIJV. Again, any stenosis seen higher in the vein is not treated at this time. Check for complications with a contrast study. Withdraw from RIJV.

7. AZYGOUS VEIN:

Using a left oblique view

and a 100cm long C2 Cobra catheter and Terumo wire, advance to the azygous
vein. The landmark for entry is the bifurcation of carina. If entry to

the azygous vein is difficult, have the patient cough. Once in the

azygous vein, perform a contrast study during inspiration and expiration

to identify abnormalities. A single, regular 260 cm wire is introduced

through the catheter into the azygous vein. A Cordis PowerFlex balloon

is positioned onto the wire. Typically a 10cm x 4cm PowerFlex balloon is

used for female patients, and a 12cm x 4cm PowerFlex balloon is used

for male patients. Dilate each abnormality two or three times at two

minutes per dilation. Continue until all abnormalities are addressed and

treated. Upon completion, perform a contrast study during inspiration

and expiration. Withdraw when satisfactory outcomes are achieved.

8. RETURN TO RIGHT INTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN:

Using the same vertebral catheter, return to the RIJV and perform a contrast
study during inspiration and expiration to insure reflux is no longer in

evidence. Upon evidence of even minimal reflux, repeat procedure (step

five) with larger balloon. Withdraw from RIJV upon successful completion

of dilation. Dilation is considered successful when there is no

evidence of reflux.

9. RETURN TO LEFT INTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN:

Advance catheter to LIJV and perform a contrast study during inspiration and
expiration to insure reflux is no longer in evidence. Upon evidence of

even minimal reflux, repeat procedure (step five) with larger balloon.

Withdraw from LIJV upon successful completion of dilation. Dilation is

considered successful when there is no evidence of reflux.

10. POST-PROCEDURE:

Hand compression of incision site for 10 minutes.

Best rest.

Nothing per mouth for 4 hours.

Clexane injection four hours post-procedure (40 mg for females, 60 mg for males) Patient is taught self-injection

Patient discharged with medication and instructions. Plavix: 75mg once daily
for 2 weeks; Clexane injections: 2x daily for 1 week; Aspirin: 75-80 mg.

for 1 year.

Home rest for 24 hours.

No heat or stress exposure

Sleep in 45 degree inclined position (head higher than feet) for at least one month.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy recommended.

Drink plenty of fluids.

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Headed into the Cath Lab with our lead aprons on. I observed Dr. Tariq perform 25+ angioplasties in Alexandria, Egypt.