Angiographic and artefact-free computed tomography imaging of experimental aneurysms embolised with hydrogel filaments.
OBJECTIVE
We compared experimental rabbit carotid bifurcation aneurysms embolised with platinum coils or hydrogel filaments by using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and computed tomography angiography (CTA).


METHODS
Embolisation was performed using platinum coils (n = 2), hydrogel filaments loaded with iodine (n = 3) and hydrogel filaments loaded with barium sulphate (n = 3). In one case, a stent was deployed in the parent vessel to determine the effect of hydrogel filaments on stent visualisation. DSA evaluations occurred immediately post-treatment. CTA evaluations occurred at 0-13 weeks post-treatment. The DSA and CTA images were evaluated for the lack of artefacts and the visibilities of the embolic mass, individual coils and residual flow in the aneurysm sac and neck.


RESULTS
The DSA results were largely concordant among the three groups. The embolic masses were readily evident with some individual coils being distinguished. In the aneurysms embolised with hydrogel filaments, visualisation of the individual coils, residual flow and stent with minor or no artefacts was possible using CTA. On the other hand, the beam hardening artefacts precluded analysis of aneurysms embolised with platinum coils.


CONCLUSIONS
CTA-compatible embolic devices could have wide applications in diverse locations throughout the vasculature, particularly in combination with stents or stent grafts.
McCoy
Mark R
MR
Department of Radiology and Magnetic Resonance Tomography, Christian Doppler Clinic, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
Cruise
Gregory M
GM
Killer
Monika
M
D000783:Aneurysm / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy*; D015901:Angiography, Digital Subtraction / Q000295:instrumentation*; D000818:Animals; D016477:Artifacts; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D020100:Hydrogels; D011817:Rabbits; D011856:Radiographic Image Enhancement / Q000379:methods*; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020100:Hydrogels