Successful transcatheter embolotherapy with a new platinum microcoil: the Berenstein Liquid Coil.

PURPOSE

To determine the usefulness of a new platinum microcoil, the Berenstein Liquid Coil for vascular embolization.

METHODS

Nine patients underwent transcatheter arterial embolization with liquid coils. The occluded vessels included the splenic artery in four patients, gastroduodenal artery in two, arteriovenous malformation or fistula in two, and middle hepatic artery in one. All coils were delivered with a saline flush through a Tracker-18 catheter.

RESULTS

All arteries except one were successfully occluded in a one-stage procedure using liquid coils. No friction was observed between the liquid coils and the microcatheter regardless of the tortuosity of the artery. Platelet counts in all patients had increased after splenic embolization. In two patients with liver tumors, perfusion to the inappropriate area during intraarterial chemotherapy was prevented by selective embolization. Life-threatening bleeding was successfully treated by gastroduodenal artery occlusion. No complications were encountered.

CONCLUSION

The Berenstein Liquid Coil provides easy, safe, and rapid vascular occlusion.