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Updated: Jun 1, 2026
Magnetically-Assisted Remote Controlled Microcatheter Tip Deflection under Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Published on: April 4, 2013
Microcoil embolization during abdominal vascular interventions through microcatheters with a tip of 2 French or less
Shiro Miyayama1, Masashi Yamashiro, Yuki Hattori
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Fukuiken Saiseikai Hospital, 7-1 Funabashi, Wadanaka-cho, Fukui 918-8503, Japan. s-miyayama@fukui.saiseikai.or.jp
Purpose:
The aim of this study was to evaluate the technical aspects of embolization using microcoils through a microcatheter with a tip of 2F or smaller during abdominal vascular interventions.
Materials And Methods:
Coil embolization through a microcatheter with a tip of 2F or smaller was attempted in 73 procedures. Two types of microcoil-Liquid Coil (Boston Scientific, Watertown, MA, USA) and Tornado Coil (Cook, Bloomington, IN, USA)-were deployed through four types of thinner microcatheter [2F tip (n = 49) and 1.8F tip (n = 24)]. Coil jams in the microcatheter and coil migration were evaluated.
Results:
In total, 286 microcoils were placed (mean ± SD, 3.9 ± 4.3 coils per procedure, range 1-32 coils). In 19 procedures (26.9%), Liquid Coils were used alone. In 44 (60.3%), Tornado Coils were used alone. In 10 (13.7%), Liquid Coils and Tornado Coils were combined. There were no coil jams in the microcatheter in this series. One Tornado Coil (0.3%) delivered into the gastroduodenal artery migrated to the right hepatic artery.
Conclusion:
Liquid Coils and Tornado Coils can be placed through a thinner microcatheter without difficulty. However, there is a risk of coil migration in large vessels or at the proximal site because the catheter tip is not stabilized.
Insights
Microcoil embolization using thinner microcatheters is feasible in abdominal vascular interventions. While coil jams were absent, careful placement is needed to prevent migration in larger vessels.
Area of Science:
- Interventional Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
- Medical Device Technology
Background:
- Minimally invasive endovascular techniques are crucial in modern vascular interventions.
- The use of microcatheters with small tip sizes (2F or smaller) allows access to challenging abdominal vasculature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the technical feasibility and safety of embolization using microcoils delivered via microcatheters with 2F or smaller tips.
- To evaluate the incidence of microcatheter coil jams and coil migration during these procedures.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective analysis of 73 abdominal vascular interventions employing microcoil embolization.
- Deployment of Liquid Coils and Tornado Coils through microcatheters with 2F (n=49) and 1.8F (n=24) tips.
- Evaluation of coil jams and coil migration events.
Main Results:
- A total of 286 microcoils were successfully deployed (mean 3.9 per procedure).
- No instances of coil jams within the microcatheter were observed.
- A single coil migration event (0.3%) occurred with a Tornado Coil in the gastroduodenal artery.
Conclusions:
- Microcoils (Liquid Coil, Tornado Coil) can be safely and effectively deployed through microcatheters with 2F or smaller tips.
- Potential for coil migration exists in larger vessels or proximal locations due to microcatheter tip instability, necessitating careful technique.
