Evaluation of embolization distal to arterial occlusion by transcatheter electrocoagulation (TCEC) and Gianturco...

A technique was developed to evaluate the degree of embolization distal to arterial occlusion by transcatheter electrocoagulation (TCEC) and Gianturco coils. The kidneys of mongrel dogs were used to collect emboli distal to conventional TCEC or Gianturco coil occlusion of the renal arteries. TCEC controls (TCEC setup without current), normal kidneys, kidneys embolized with autologous clot, and kidneys whose renal arteries were surgically ligated were evaluated for comparison. The renal vasculature was flushed and then fixed by glutaraldehyde infusion. The kidneys were filled with a barium gelatin mixture and examined both radiographically and pathologically. The four normal kidneys and the four ligated kidneys gave a characteristic complete filling of the vascular web, while filling defects were evident in the following conditions: 3/12 TCEC controls; 26/34 with TCEC occlusion; 6/10 with Gianturco coils; and 11/11 with autologous clot. An excellent correlation existed between radiographic intraluminal filling defects and grossly and microscopically identified emboli.