Abstract No. 437 How much do fibers on embolic coils improve embolization efficiency?

Abstract

Pushable embolic coils are manufactured in numerous styles and configurations. Fibered embolic coils remain the traditional mainstay in coil design. Yet, the impact of these fibers on embolization coils and how these fibers improve embolization are not well validated or studied. We aim to test the impact of these fibers utilizing the same detachable coil, with and without fibers using an animal swine model. Standard commercially available 0.035’ fibered coils were used; we specially acquired the same coils with the fibers removed. Occlusion efficiency was assessed by the number of coils used, unit length of coils, and the amount of time required for complete embolization. A total of 2 swine were used via a transfemoral approach. A total of 12 artery sites were embolized; matched 6 paired and similarly sized arteries (subclavian, inferior renal and internal femoral arteries). Each was subselected and embolized utilizing the same embolization protocol via a 5F JB1 catheter. Embolization was performed with detachable fibered coil on one side, and identical yet unfibered coil on the contralateral vessel. Standard clinical embolization practice and flow scoring (TIMI grading) was employed throughout. Average vessel size was similar for the fibered side (mean, 4.46 mm; range, 3.49-6.93 mm) vs non-fibered (mean, 4.74 mm; range, 3.33-66.9 mm). Average occlusion time was lowest for fibered coils with a mean time 7.16 min. vs 17.16 min in unfibered coils. Unit length coil used to achieve complete embolization was significantly less in fibered coil with a mean length of 28.3 cm (total, 170 cm) vs the unfibered which had a mean length of 60 cm (total, 360 cm). Fibered coils have a substantially improved embolization efficiency over those without fiber in the same coil design as measured by embolization time, number of coils used, and unit length of coil used in an animal model. These fibers directly reduce embolization time and number of coils required for complete embolization, which may translate into a reduction in procedure times and costs.