Endovascular embolization with self-made silk segment suspension in a rabbit model.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and the histologic changes caused by self-made silk segment suspension as an agent for endovascular embolization of the external carotid artery of rabbit.


METHODS
Three different silk suspension were used to perform selective endovascular embolization of the external carotid artery in 21 rabbits. Postembolization changes were investigated by angiography, light and electron microscopy, and behavioral and functional examination made in various groups of rabbits.


RESULTS
The vascular changes in the group of simple silk segment were limited. The intima became thinner, while the media and adventitia were intact. However, in groups of ethanol-or estrogen-soaked silk segments, there was evident destruction of all layers of the vascular wall, including the intima, the media and the adventitia.


CONCLUSIONS
Estrogen- or ethanol-soaked silk suspension is ideal and reliable for endovascular embolization, with the former being more effective than the latter. The obliteration caused by the suspension of simple silk segment was due to mechanical packing and compression plus incomplete thrombosis, which is likely to result in recurrence through compensatory collateral circulation.
Huang
Z
Z
Neurosurgery Institute, Harbin Medical University.
Dai
Q
Q
Jiang
T
T
Li
J
J
D000818:Animals; D002342:Carotid Artery, External / Q000473:pathology; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D013784:Textiles