The Hydrodynamic Effect of Bare Platinum Coils versus Hydrogel-Coated Platinum Coils

HydroCoils (HES) were designed to obtain a better initial aneurysm occlusion and increased durability of endovascular treatment. We compared the immediate hydrodynamic effects of HES versus bare platinum coils (Guglielmi detachable coils, GDC). Intra-aneurysmal pressure and flow were measured with a 0.014 inch guidewire mounted transducer in silicone aneurysms mounted onto a pulsatile flow phantom before and after consecutively coiling with GDC and HES. We evaluated flow using the thermodilution technique along with changes in steady pressure and sudden increases in pressure. We also considered the effect of the coils on the transmission of pressure from the parent artery to the dome of the aneurysm. Intra-aneurysmal pressure remained unchanged after maximal packing with either GDC or HES. Sudden increases in pressure were less attenuated within the aneurysm after coiling with HES. In spite of HES obtaining a much higher percentage filling volume in the aneurysms, GDC equivalently virtually abolished intra-aneurysmal flow apart from in one instance where there was significant persistent flow after coiling with GDC. The effects of HES in terms of pressure and flow attenuation within the aneurysm could hence not be proven superior to GDC.