Ultrasound-Guided Human Islet Transplantation: Safety, Feasibility, and Efficacy Analysis

Rationale and Objectives: We aimed to analyze the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of human islet transplantation (IT) using ultrasound (US) throughout the entire procedure. Materials and Methods: A total of 22 recipients (18 males; mean age 42.6 ± 17.5 years) with 35 procedures were retrospective included. Under US guidance, percutaneous transhepatic portal catheterization was successfully performed through a right-sided transhepatic approach, and islets were infused into the main portal vein. Color Doppler and contrast-enhanced ultrasound were used to guide the procedure and monitor the complications. After infusion of the islet mass, the access track was embolized by embolic material. If hemorrhage persisted, US-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) was performed to stop bleeding. Factors that could affect the complication were analyzed. After transplantation, primary graft function was evaluated with a β-score 1 month after the last islet infusion. Results: The technical success rates were 100% with a single puncture attempt. Six (17.1%) abdominal bleeding episodes were immediately stopped by US-guided RFA. No portal vein thrombosis were encountered. Dialysis (OR (Odd Ratio): 32.0; 95% CI: 1.561-656.054; and P = .025) was identified as a significant factor associated with bleeding. Primary graft function was optimal in eight patients (36.4%), suboptimal in 13 patients (59.1%), and poor in one patient (4.5%). Conclusion: In conclusion, whole-procedure US-guided IT is a safe, feasible, and effective method for diabetes. Complications are either self-limiting or manageable with noninvasive treatment.