Dual Lumen Balloon Microcatheters Research Articles

E-077 Aneurysm coiling with balloon remodelling of the neck of the aneurysm using a single co-axial dual lumen balloon micro catheter : Initial Experience

IntroductionCoil embolisation of intracranial aneurysms with the help of balloon remodelling of the aneurysm neck is a well-established technique for the treatment of wide necked intra-cranial aneurysms. This requires the...

Endovascular Balloon-Assisted Embolization of Intracranial and Cervical Arteriovenous Malformations Using Dual-Lumen Coaxial Balloon Microcatheters and Onyx

Abstract BACKGROUND: Ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (Onyx) is widely used for the embolization of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain, head, and neck. Balloon-assisted Onyx embolization may provide additional unique advantages in the treatment of AVMs in comparison with traditional catheter-based techniques. OBJECTIVE: To report our initial experience in performing balloon-assisted AVM embolization for brain and neck AVMs with the use of the new Scepter-C and Scepter-XC coaxial dual-lumen balloon microcatheters. METHODS: Balloon-assisted transarterial embolization was performed in a series of 7 patients with AVMs (4 with brain AVMs, 1 with a dural arteriovenous fistula, and 2 with neck AVMs) by using Onyx delivered through the lumen of Scepter-C or Scepter XC coaxial balloon microcatheters. Following the initial balloon-catheter navigation into a feeding artery and the subsequent inflation of the balloon, the embolization was performed by using Onyx 18, Onyx 34, or both. RESULTS: A total of 12 embolization sessions were performed via 17 arterial feeders in these 7 patients. In 1 patient, there was an arterial perforation from the inflation of the balloon; in all others, the embolization goals were successfully achieved with no adverse events. CONCLUSION: The balloon microcatheters showed excellent navigability, and there were no problems with retrieval or with the repeated inflation and deflation of the balloons. A proximal Onyx plug, which is crucial in many AVM embolizations, was not necessary with this technique. Additionally, fluoroscopy and procedural times seemed lower with this technique compared with conventional embolization methods.

Abstract TMP120: Endovascular Balloon-Assisted Embolization of Intracranial Arteriovenous Malformations Using Dual Lumen Co-Axial Balloon Microcatheters and Onyx: Initial Experience.

Background: Ethylene Vinyl alcohol co-polymer (Onyx) is widely used for embolization of intracranial arteriovenous malformations. Traditional catheter based techniques for Onyx infiltration may be associated with reflux of Onyx resulting in cathteter retention, vessel rupture or reflux into en-passage arteries. Balloon assisted Onyx embolization may eliminate some of these problems encountered with traditional catheter based techniques. Herein, we report our initial experience in performing balloon assisted AVM embolization for brain AVMs and dural AVFs using the new Scepter-C and Scepter-XC co- axial dual lumen balloon microcatheters. Methods: Balloon-assisted trans-arterial embolization was carried out in a series of six patients (5 with brain AVMs, one with a dural AVF ) using Onyx delivered through the lumen of Scepter-C or Scepter XC co-axial balloon microcatheters. Following initial balloon-catheter navigation into a feeding artery as close to the nidus of the malformation as possible, and subsequent balloon inflation, embolization was performed using Onyx 18 or Onyx 34 or both. The balloon was delated and removed once adequate embolization had been achieved. Results: A total of ten embolization sessions were performed via fifteen arterial feeders in these five patients. In one out of fifteen vessels (7%), there was a quickly controlled arterial perforation from balloon inflation, in all others embolization goals for each session were successfully achieved with no adverse events. Conclusion: We found that the balloon microcatheters showed excellent navigability and there were no problems with retrieval or repeated inflation and deflation of the balloons. Using this technique, we were able to avoid the need for formation of a proximal Onyx plug and its associated risks. Additionally, fluoroscopy and procedural times seemed lower with this technique compared to conventional embolization methods.