[Preoperative embolization for cranio-cervical tumors using Gelpart]

Preoperative embolization of cranio-cervical tumors is commonly used to reduce intraoperative blood loss. Gelpart is a new collagen embolic agent. Because of its porous structure, it is deformable and tends not to aggregate. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the Gelpart embolization for cranio-cervical tumors.

The shape and size of Gelpart was observed under high-resolution microscope. Eight cases of cranio-cervical tumors were treated with Gelpart embolization. A microcatheter was introduced to the feeding artery and Gelpart, mixed with contrast medium, was injected manually. The effect of the Gelpart embolization was evaluated with MRI and operative specimen.

The shape of Gelpart was not spherical, but the surface became smooth after mixture with contrast medium. Gelpart injection proceeded smoothly and it resulted in excellent angiographical devascularization. No complications occurred related to the Gelpart embolization. At surgery, the tumor was soft and was removed easily. Intraoperative blood loss was relatively less than that using often method. Gelpart embolized peritumoral small arteries and induced tumor necrosis.

We reported our preliminary experience of Gelpart for preoperative embolization of cranio-cervical tumors. Gelpart was effective for tumor embolization.