Experimental evaluation of a new instrument for transcatheter electrocoagulation

A new coaxial electrode catheter design has been tested in 19 renal arteries of pigs with excellent results, i.e. 100 per cent thrombosis. One vessel ruptured. The electrode (anode) is situated on a thin inner catheter and after electrolysis it is pulled back into a shielding outer catheter. This should reduce downstream embolization. Usual currents have been 8 to 10 mA at 10 V and doses of 16 to 36 C have been used depending on the size of the artery. In the single case of rupture of the vessel a current of 20 mA was used. The method appears to be ready for clinical testing.