The Amplatzer vascular plug 4: preliminary experience

The purpose of this communication is to describe our preliminary experience with the Amplatzer Vascular Plug 4 (AVP 4) in peripheral vascular embolization. The AVP 4 was used for peripheral vascular embolization in five patients with renal pseudoaneurysm (n = 2), postsurgical peritoneal bleeding (n = 1), posttraumatic gluteal hemorrhage (n = 1), and intercostal pseudoaneurysm (n = 1). Occlusion time was recorded. Patients were followed up clinically and by imaging for 1 month after the procedure. All treated vessels or vascular abnormalities were successfully occluded within 3 min for low-flow circulation and over 8 min for high-flow circulation. At 1-month follow-up, all patients were symptom-free. All deployed devices remained in the original locations and desirable configurations. In conclusion, the AVP 4 seems to be safe and effective for occluding peripheral vessels and vascular abnormalities. Because of its compatibility with 0.038-in. catheters, it can be deployed through a diagnostic catheter following angiography without exchanging a sheath or guiding catheter. Compared with the previous generation of vascular plugs, the AVP 4 allows for faster procedure times and decreased exposure to radiation.