New Gianturco-Grifka vascular occlusion device. Initial studies in a canine model.
BACKGROUND
Transcatheter closure of cardiovascular defects remains a challenge. Several occlusion devices are available, but each device has limitations. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the new Gianturco-Grifka vascular occlusion device (GGVOD) in a canine model.


RESULTS
A total of 26 GGVODs were implanted as part of short- and long-term studies. In the short-term study, 1 GGVOD was implanted in each of 11 systemic arteries from 3.2 to 9.0 mm in diameter. All 11 arteries were occluded immediately. In the long-term study, an aortopulmonary shunt was placed in 10 dogs (9, Gore-tex graft; 1, subclavian artery) followed by GGVOD implantation; additionally, a GGVOD was implanted in 5 subclavian arteries. The dogs were boarded for 3 to 6 months, then recatheterized and euthanatized. Immediately after implantation, the 5 subclavian arteries and 9 Gore-tex shunts were occluded completely; the 1 subclavian artery shunt had a small residual leak. At recatheterization, all 10 shunts and 5 subclavian arteries were occluded completely. Necropsy revealed all shunts to be occluded, with the aortic and pulmonic orifices covered with a neointimal layer. The mean fluoroscopic time needed for GGVOD implantation was 9 minutes (range, 3 to 22 minutes).


CONCLUSIONS
(1) In a canine model, the GGVOD is effective for transcatheter occlusion of arteries and aortopulmonary shunts from 3 to 9 mm in diameter. Possible indications in children include aortopulmonary collateral vessels, long patent ductus arteriosus, systemic-pulmonary shunts, AV malformations, and arteries supplying tumors. (2) GGVOD implantation requires a short fluoroscopic time.
Grifka
R G
RG
Department of Cardiology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio.
Mullins
C E
CE
Gianturco
C
C
Nihill
M R
MR
O'Laughlin
M P
MP
Slack
M C
MC
Clubb
F J
FJ
Myers
T J
TJ
D000818:Animals; D006328:Cardiac Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004285:Dogs; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006330:Heart Defects, Congenital / Q000628:therapy*; D015607:Stents; D013997:Time Factors