Advanced Treatment for Gastric Varices

BRTO/BATO (Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration)

When the liver becomes scarred (a condition called cirrhosis), it can cause high blood pressure in the veins around the stomach, making them swell. These swollen veins, known as varices, can burst and lead to serious bleeding. BRTO/BATO is a procedure that helps by blocking these veins to prevent bleeding. During the procedure, a special medicine is injected into the veins, and a balloon and small wires are used to keep the medicine in place, causing the veins to shrink and scar down.

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About BRTO/BATO

Balloon-Occluded Retrograde Transvenous Obliteration (BRTO) and Balloon-Assisted Transvenous Obliteration (BATO) are procedures designed to treat enlarged veins, known as varices, around the stomach. These varices develop due to high blood pressure in the veins caused by liver scarring (cirrhosis). If left untreated, varices can rupture and cause severe bleeding.

BRTO Procedure: This involves accessing a vein in the neck or upper thigh. A catheter is guided to the varices, and a special medicine called a sclerosant is injected into the veins. A balloon is used to keep the medicine in place while small metallic wires are advanced to help the veins scar down and shrink.

BATO Procedure: Similar to BRTO, BATO also uses a catheter to access the varices and involves the injection of a sclerosant. The primary difference is the technique used to ensure the medicine remains in place, effectively blocking the varices.

Both procedures are minimally invasive, performed through a small incision, and help reduce the risk of bleeding by treating the underlying varices.

Conditions Treated by BRTO/BATO

BRTO and BATO are effective procedures for managing complications related to liver disease, particularly cirrhosis. The conditions treated by these procedures include:

Gastric Varices: Enlarged veins around the stomach that develop due to high blood pressure in the portal vein system caused by liver scarring. These varices are at risk of rupturing and causing severe bleeding.
Portal Hypertension: Increased pressure in the portal vein system, leading to the development of varices and other complications. BRTO/BATO helps reduce this pressure by blocking the problematic veins.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: A condition where toxins build up in the brain due to liver dysfunction, leading to confusion and other mental impairments. By improving blood flow dynamics, these procedures can help manage this condition.

By treating these conditions, BRTO and BATO help prevent serious complications and improve the overall quality of life for patients with severe liver disease.

Benefits and Effectiveness of BRTO/BATO

BRTO and BATO offer several significant benefits for patients with gastric varices and other complications of liver disease:

Prevents Life-Threatening Bleeding: By blocking and shrinking the enlarged veins (varices), these procedures significantly reduce the risk of severe bleeding.
Minimally Invasive: Both BRTO and BATO are performed through small incisions, resulting in less pain, fewer complications, and shorter recovery times compared to traditional surgical methods.
Effective Symptom Management: These procedures help manage symptoms associated with portal hypertension, such as ascites and hepatic encephalopathy.
Improves Quality of Life: By reducing the risk of bleeding and managing other complications of liver disease, BRTO and BATO can significantly improve the overall quality of life for patients.
Durable Results: The sclerosant and metallic wires used in the procedures help ensure that the treated veins remain closed, providing long-term relief from the complications of varices.

Risks

While BRTO and BATO are generally safe and effective procedures, it is important to be aware of potential risks associated with these procedures:

Infection: Small risk of infection at the catheter insertion site.
Bleeding: Risk of bleeding due to accessing veins and using a sclerosant.
Allergic Reactions: Possible allergic reactions to the sclerosant or contrast dye used during the procedure.
Vessel Damage: Rare risk of damage to blood vessels during catheter insertion.
Recurrent Varices: New varices may form after the procedure, requiring further treatment and monitoring.
Hepatic Encephalopathy: Blocking certain veins may affect blood flow dynamics, potentially leading to hepatic encephalopathy.

Contact Us About BRTO/BATO

For more information about BRTO/BATO and other advanced interventional radiology treatments, contact Florida Radiology Consultants today. As experts in interventional radiology, we provide cutting-edge treatments to patients in Southwest Florida, including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and the surrounding areas. Our team is dedicated to offering precise, effective care for managing complications of severe liver disease and ensuring the best possible outcomes for our patients.

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