Initial clinical experience with biopolymer-coated detachable coils (HydroCoil) in peripheral embolization procedures

To evaluate the technical and clinical success of HydroCoils in patients who underwent peripheral embolization procedures.

Between July 2006 and June 2007, 12 peripheral embolization procedures with HydroCoils in 11 patients (six male patients and five female patients; age range, 4-74 years; mean age, 46 y) were available for this retrospective review. The indications for embolization were hemorrhage (n = 4), aneurysm (n = 1), recurrent pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (n = 1), and protection before radioembolization and chemoembolization (n = 5). HydroCoil-10, -14, and -18 systems were used. Procedural and postprocedural follow-up imaging were reviewed by two interventional radiologists. Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) images were used to evaluate embolization success and vessel diameter. DSA and computed tomography (CT) angiography were used for follow-up, which included evaluation for recanalization and migration of coils. Chart review was also performed.

All procedures were successful in occluding the target vessels (100%), which ranged from 1.2 mm to 8.2 mm in diameter (median, 2.2 mm). Immediate clinical success was achieved in all procedures (100%). Follow-up imaging was available in seven cases (four CT angiography and three DSA) at 2-108 days (mean, 42 d). No recanalization or migration of coils was found. There were no procedure-related complications, no clinical evidence of nontarget embolization, and no recurrence of presenting symptoms.

The use of HydroCoils in peripheral arterial embolization procedures is effective and safe. They are viable alternatives to standard coils, particularly in tortuous, small target vessels or in cases in which controlled release is desirable.