Endovascular embolization with radiopaque silk threads: a feasibility study in Swine

Area of Science:

• Neurosurgery
• Medical Imaging
• Biomaterials

Background:

• Endovascular embolization using surgical sutures is a standard preoperative treatment for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs).
• A significant limitation of current surgical suture embolization techniques is their lack of visibility under fluoroscopy, hindering precise surgical navigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To address the fluoroscopic invisibility of surgical sutures used in AVM embolization.
• To develop and evaluate a method for enhancing the visibility of surgical sutures during endovascular procedures.

Main Methods:

• An experimental study was conducted using a swine model.
• Surgical sutures were modified by incorporating platinum markers to enhance their radiopacity.
• The visibility of the modified sutures was assessed under fluoroscopy.

Main Results:

• Platinum markers were successfully integrated into surgical sutures.
• The modified sutures demonstrated clear visibility under fluoroscopy.
• This enhancement facilitates improved tracking and visualization during embolization procedures.

Conclusions:

• Rendering surgical sutures radiopaque using platinum markers is a feasible solution to improve their visualization during endovascular embolization of brain AVMs.
• This innovation has the potential to enhance the safety and efficacy of preoperative AVM treatment.