Fragmented platinum microcoils as embolization material. Preliminary evaluation in vivo.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of using fragmented microcoils as embolization material.


METHODS
Fragmented microcoil particles were produced from a coil of 0.42-mm platinum guide wire. The diameter of the particles was 420 mu and the length was 450-800 mu. To prevent the catheters from being obstructed by the particles, a core shaft wire was passed through the channels of the particles and a hollow plunger was used to release particles from the catheter. Forty particles were introduced into 4 kidneys in 4 adult dogs following transfemoral catheterization and systemic heparinization. Renal arteriography was performed immediately, and at 60 min, and at 3 weeks after embolization.


RESULTS
All particles were successfully introduced into the periphery of the kidneys, and caused occlusion within 3 weeks of embolization.


CONCLUSIONS
Fragmented platinum microcoil particles can be used as embolization material to avoid catheter obstruction.
Department of Radiology, National Defense Medical College, Saitama, Japan.
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Irie
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Kusano
D000818:Animals; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation; D004285:Dogs; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D007668:Kidney; D010316:Particle Size; D010984:Platinum; D011859:Radiography; D012077:Renal Artery / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging
D010984:Platinum