Anchoring coil embolization in a high-flow arterial model: a pilot study.

PURPOSE

To devise and test an occluding coil anchoring system to improve the safety of coil embolization.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anchoring system was attached to Gianturco embolization coils and investigated in 15 pigs. In the short-term studies, one 0.035-inch anchored coil (15-18 cm in length and 7-10 mm in diameter) was placed in the infrarenal portion of the abdominal aorta in each of 12 pigs with use of an 8-F catheter from the carotid approach. Aortography was performed before and up to 4 hours after coil placement. In the long-term studies, 0.028-inch anchored coils (8 cm in length and 5 mm in diameter) were placed in the left femoral and the right carotid arteries in each of three pigs with use of a 6-F catheter positioned from the right femoral approach. One week later, the animals were evaluated angiographically for coil migration and vascular occlusion.

RESULTS

Radiographically, the coils created a compact conglomerate on placement in all but one of the animals. No coil migration was noted during follow-up. Necropsy confirmed compact arrangement of the coils within the vessels and revealed effective anchoring of the device in all cases.

CONCLUSIONS

The anchoring coil has proved effective in making coil embolization safer, especially in a high-flow arterial model.