[Therapeutic embolization in the extracranial head and neck region with a new detachable balloon system (author's transl)].

A system of detachable silicone balloons for therapeutic vascular embolization is described together with applications in the extracranial head and neck. Embolization was performed in 8 cases, 5 of which were preoperative and 3 for definitive treatment. The preoperative embolizations were to reduce intraoperative blood loss and to facilitate limited surgery. Advantages of detachable balloon embolization are flow directibility, selectivity and correctibility prior to balloon detachment. These advantages are used best in the case of AV-fistulas. The present balloon system allows occlusion of vessels 1--4 mm in diameter. Balloons are filled with isoosmolar contrast material.