Endoscopic ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment using a novel nonslip short-length balloon catheter for hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture

Balloon stricture dilation via balloon enteroscopy-assisted endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography is the standard treatment for hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture (HJAS) [1], but accessing the anastomosis is often challenging. In such cases, an endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided antegrade approach can be considered as an alternative.

Conventional balloons designed for papillary, or bile duct dilation are often too long for treating HJAS, which may lead to unnecessary dilation of the intrahepatic bile ducts. In contrast, short balloons are prone to slipping during inflation, presenting a greater challenge in the EUS-guided approach. This is because the position of the balloon cannot be directly visualized endoscopically, making precise positioning and adjustment during inflation more difficult.

We developed a novel dedicated balloon catheter ([Fig. 1]), which was designed to address these challenges. This balloon is exceptionally short, measuring only 15 mm, and features an elastic band at its center. The band delays the expansion of the central portion during inflation, effectively preventing slippage [2]. Furthermore, the tapered tip is designed to enhance insertion and pushability, ensuring optimal performance when passing through the fistula and stricture.

Fig. 1 The novel dedicated balloon catheter (RIGEL; Japan Lifeline, Tokyo, Japan) measures 15 mm in length, shorter than conventional balloons (typically 30–50 mm). a The catheter features an elastic band in the middle. b, c The elastic band results in delayed expansion of the central portion, preventing slippage. The tapered tip is designed to enhance insertion and pushability, ensuring optimal performance when passing through the fistula and stricture.

An 86-year-old woman who had undergone hepaticojejunostomy with Roux-en-Y reconstruction developed obstructive jaundice caused by HJAS. A short-type single-balloon enteroscope could not reach the anastomosis, so a linear-array echoendoscope was used instead ([Video 1]). The left intrahepatic bile duct was punctured from the stomach using a 19-G needle, and a 0.025-inch guidewire was inserted and advanced through the HJAS into the jejunum ([Fig. 2] a). A standard catheter was inserted, and contrast medium was injected to confirm the HJAS ([Fig. 2] b). Subsequently, the novel 8-mm-diameter balloon was introduced and positioned at the site of the HJAS ([Fig. 2] c). The central portion of the balloon expanded with a controlled delay during inflation, allowing full expansion without slippage ([Fig. 2] d). The stricture was successfully recanalized, resulting in good contrast flow from the intrahepatic bile ducts into the small intestine, with no adverse events.

Fig. 2 Fluoroscopic images. a The left intrahepatic bile duct was punctured from the stomach using a 19-G needle, and a 0.025-inch guidewire was inserted and advanced through the hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture (HJAS) into the jejunum. b A standard catheter was inserted, and contrast medium was injected to confirm the HJAS. c Subsequently, the novel 8-mm-diameter balloon was introduced and positioned at the site of the HJAS. d The central portion of the balloon expanded with a controlled delay during inflation, allowing full expansion without slippage.

Endoscopic ultrasound-guided antegrade treatment using a novel nonslip short-length balloon catheter in a patient with hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic stricture.Video 1

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Conflict of Interest

T. Inoue has received honoraria from Japan Lifeline Co., Ltd. R. Kitano, T. Kitada, K. Sakamoto, S. Kimoto, J. Arai, and K. Ito declare that they have no conflicts of interest.

• References

• 1 Sato T, Kogure H, Nakai Y. et al. Double-balloon endoscopy-assisted treatment of hepaticojejunostomy anastomotic strictures and predictive factors for treatment success. Surg Endosc 2020; 34: 1612-1620
• 2 Inoue T, Kutsumi H, Ibusuki M. et al. A novel non-slip banded balloon catheter for endoscopic sphincteroplasty: an ex vivo and in vivo pilot study. Sci Rep 2023; 13: 4032

Publication History

Article published online:
28 March 2025