What Is It?
Balloon-occluded retrograde transvenous obliteration (BRTO) is a medical procedure used to treat gastric varices, which are dilated veins in the stomach that can potentially lead to life-threatening bleeding.
How is the Procedure Performed?
The interventional radiologist gains access to a vein, usually in the groin area, using a needle and catheter. A catheter is then guided through the venous system until it reaches the gastric varices. Once the catheter is positioned correctly, a balloon is inflated to temporarily block the blood flow in the vein supplying the varices. This helps to isolate the varices and prevent excessive bleeding during the procedure. A sclerosant, such as STS, is then injected into the varices through the catheter. This causes the varices to shrink and eventually close off. Some interventional radiologists prefer performing this procedure while the patient is under general anesthesia, while some prefer conscious sedation for their patient.
How Do I Prep For The Procedure?
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight (12:00 am) the night before your procedure. You may take medications with a sip of water in the morning. Bring a list of all prescribed medications with you to the procedure. You should arrange to have someone take you home after the procedure. In some cases, these procedures are performed in a hospital setting and require a single overnight stay.
What Happens After The Procedure?
The patient is usually monitored for short period of time after the procedure to watch for any complications and ensure the varices have been successfully treated.
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1055 Post Road, Suite 150
Fairfield, CT 06824
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