Utility of Partial Splenic Embolization for Hypersplenism using Guglielmi Detachable Coils

We examined the utility of partial splenic embolization (PSE) using a Guglielmi Detachable Coil (GDC) comparing its safety and therapeutic efficacy with those of conventional metallic coils (IDC).

The GDC group comprised 8 patients who were subjected to embolization using a GDC in combination with an IDC, and the IDC group comprised 13 patients. Treatment factors were evaluated by the total number of coils used. We assessed the mean C-reactive protein (CRP) and the increased rate of platelet counts, 2 weeks after treatment.

The rate of increase in platelet counts at 2 weeks after PSE was 2.47 in the GDC group and 3.18 in the IDC group (p = 0.076). The mean CRP levels were 3.0 in the GDC group and 5.9 in the IDC group (p = 0.14). The mean number of coils were 5.3 in the GDC group and 15.3 in the IDC group and this difference was statistically significant (p = 0.0008).

A GDC is excellent in terms of stability and allows the operator to conduct embolization of hypersplenism in an accurate and reliable manner. In summary, use of a GDC for hypersplenism reduced the total number of coils required for successful treatment.