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


OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.


RESULTS
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Microcoil embolization through a 3-F system appears to be feasible for the coils examined in this study.
Tajima
T
T
Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. ttajima@med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Yoshimitsu
K
K
Irie
H
H
Nishie
A
A
Hirakawa
M
M
Ishigami
K
K
Ushijima
Y
Y
Okamoto
D
D
Honda
H
H
D000792:Angiography / Q000295:instrumentation; D002404:Catheterization / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D008954:Models, Biological; D012965:Sodium Chloride
D012965:Sodium Chloride