Early Experience with the TransForm™ Occlusion Balloon Catheter: A Single-Center Study.
OBJECTIVE
Balloon-assisted coil embolization has become an important adjunct in the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The management of broad-necked cerebral aneurysms is technically perplexed due to a variety of factors, which include the difficulty in defining the aneurysm-parent vessel interface angiographically and problems in achieving complete aneurysmal occlusion. This could later predispose to regrowth or recanalization. We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of the TransForm™ occlusion balloon catheter (TOBC) for the coiling of intracranial aneurysms at our institute.


METHODS
A retrospective review was performed to identify TOBC cases between May 1, 2013, and April 30, 2014.


RESULTS
A total of 24 TOBC cases were identified. In 23 cases, the TOBC was used for balloon-remodeled coil embolization, and in 1 case, it was used for vasospasm treatment alone. Out of the total 24 cases in which the TOBC was used, 16 (66.6%) were ruptured aneurysms. Stents were used in 6/23 (26%) cases. In all cases, the balloon could be placed as intended. The inflation and deflation times ranged from 3 to 4 s. No serious complications were noted. In the experience of the authors, the balloon performed the intended role in most cases.


CONCLUSIONS
This series shows that the TOBC is feasible, safe and useful in the treatment of cerebral aneurysms. The balloon was traceable to the intended site and the preparation, inflation and deflation times were short. We believe that the TOBC has effective utility in treating broad-necked and small aneurysms.
Department of Neuroscience, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, Calif., USA.
Syed A
SA
Quadri
Department of Neuroscience, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, Calif., USA.
Vivek
V
Ramakrishnan
Department of Neuroscience, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, Calif., USA.
Omid
O
Hariri
Department of Neuroscience, Desert Regional Medical Center, Palm Springs, Calif., USA.
M Asif
MA
Taqi
Balloon-assisted coil embolization; Early experience; Intracranial aneurysms; TransForm™ occlusion balloon catheter