Microcoil embolization through a downsized coaxial catheter system: an experimental study

• Published in: Acta radiologica (1987) Vol. 50; no. 5; p. 469
• Main Authors: Tajima, T, Yoshimitsu, K, Irie, H, Nishie, A, Hirakawa, M, Ishigami, K, Ushijima, Y, Okamoto, D, Honda, H
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.06.2009
• Subjects: Angiography - instrumentation; Catheterization - instrumentation; Embolization, Therapeutic - instrumentation; Equipment Design; Feasibility Studies; In Vitro Techniques; Models, Biological; Sodium Chloride
• ISSN: 1600-0455
• DOI: 10.1080/02841850902845848

Most of the recently developed microcatheters for abdominal angiography still have large diameters at their trailing ends, and thus cannot be used for microcoil embolization in combination with a 3-French (F) system. To evaluate the in vitro passage of microcoils through a newly developed 2-F microcatheter (Meister Cath Superselective Plus, MC6) that is compatible with a downsized coaxial catheter system (3-F system) in an experimental study. We evaluated the passage of microcoils through MC6 within a blood vessel model using the saline flush technique. Six types of microcoils and 17 size variations (maximal curled diameter 2-10 mm, total length 20-140 mm) were used. We evaluated the passage and post-deployment shape of the microcoils as well as the volume of saline required to flush them. In the experimental study, all microcoils passed through the MC6 and deployed in a satisfactory manner without catheter occlusion. The mean volumes of saline required to flush the TORNADO (n=1), Reverse TORNADO (n=6), HILAL (n=1), Micronester (n=3), VortX (n=4), and C-Stopper Coil (n=2) were 0.7 ml, 0.58+/-0.20 ml, 0.5 ml, 0.57+/-0.058 ml, 3.5+/-1.5 ml, and 0.70+/-0.14 ml, respectively. There was a statistically significant difference in the mean volume of saline required between the VortX and Reverse TORNADO (P=0.029), and between the VortX and C-Stopper Coil (P=0.031). The VortX required the greatest volume of saline. Microcoil embolization through a 3-F system appears to be feasible for the coils examined in this study.