Example of selected papers INR: International Normalized Ratio, Pit: Platelets, GIB: Gastrointestinal Bleeding Disclosures: Saleh Alqahtani – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Gilead Sciences, Jans-sen Therapeutics; Grant/Research Support: Merck & Co, Inc. The following people have nothing to disclose: Matthew J. McConnell, Ruben Hernaez, Sarah Sewaralthahab

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and clinical outcomes of MK0683 nmr BRTO and CARTO in the treatment of bleeding gastric varices and hepatic encephalopathy (HE). BRTO and CARTO have only recently gained acceptance in the U.S. They have been shown to be effective in controlling gastric variceal bleeding with low rebleed rates. In these techniques, sclerosant is infused into gastric varices after variceal outflow is obstructed with either a balloon (BRTO) or with coil embolization (CARTO). Methods: We describe six patients that underwent BRTO or CARTO from June 2013 to May 2014. Prior to procedure, patients had endoscopy which led to the diagnosis of gastric varices, and evaluated the presence of esophageal varices. Patients also underwent cross sectional abdominal imaging to evaluate vascular anatomy and the presence

of a portosystemic shunt. Procedures were performed using a foam mixture of air, 3% sodium tetradecyl sulfate, and ethiodized oil. Primary clinical endpoints included obliteration of varices, freedom from recurrent bleeding, survival and change in MELD score. Patients were monitored with endoscopy and cross sectional imaging. Results: We performed 7 sessions LDK378 chemical structure of BRTO or CARTO in 6 patients (mean age 59.5, 33% female, MELD scores range 9-23). 4 sessions of BRTO and 3 sessions of CARTO were performed. In 5 patients, the indication was bleeding gastric varices and in 1 patient, for refractory HE. In all patients, placement of TIPS

was either triclocarban unsuccessful or contraindicated (Table 1). Technical success was achieved in 6 of 6 patients (100%) and one patient required two sessions of BRTO. Average MELD score decreased from 14 to 7.5 at 3 months post procedure. All patients were without recurrent variceal bleeding. The patient who underwent BRTO for HE was without recurrent HE at 9 months follow-up. Conclusion: BRTO and CARTO were relatively safe and effective techniques to prevent recurrent gastric variceal bleeding and improve symptoms of HE. They are only beginning to gain popularity in the U.S. These procedures can be used in patients who have contraindications to TIPS and have the benefit of preserved liver function with a decrease in hepatic encephalopathy. Patient Characteristics and Results Disclosures: Dilip Moonka – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Gilead; Grant/Research Support: Bristol-Myers Squibb, Genentech; Speaking and Teaching: Merck, Genentech, Gilead Syed-Mohammed R. Jafri – Advisory Committees or Review Panels: Gilead The following people have nothing to disclose: Lisa N.