Comparison of the mechanical properties of detachable balloons for embolotherapy.
OBJECTIVE
The forces of detachment and the durability of inflation of three different embolization balloons were compared: the Mini-balloon, the detachable silicone balloon, and the gold-valve balloon.


METHODS
Balloons were considered small (4-6 mm), medium (6-8 mm), or large (8-11 mm), depending on fully inflated diameters. Four Mini-balloons were used in each size category to compare detachment force and inflation duration against three detachable silicone balloons and three gold-valve balloons.


RESULTS
All small balloons detached with the same force, while the medium gold-valve balloon and large Mini-balloon detached with less force than their counterparts. The detachable silicone balloons had the shortest release times and a favorable detachment force profile. All balloons remained fully inflated for 11 weeks.


CONCLUSIONS
Most or all vessels should be adequately blocked with any of these devices.
Pollak
J S
JS
Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Lee
G K
GK
White
R I
RI
Dormandy
B
B
D001808:Blood Vessels; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D007840:Latex; D012828:Silicones; D013314:Stress, Mechanical
D007840:Latex; D012828:Silicones