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Comparison of the mechanical properties of detachable balloons for embolotherapy
J S Pollak1, G K Lee, R I White
1Department of Radiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510.
Purpose:
The forces of detachment and the durability of inflation of three different embolization balloons were compared: the Mini-balloon, the detachable silicone balloon, and the gold-valve balloon.
Materials And Methods:
Balloons were considered small (4-6 mm), medium (6-8 mm), or large (8-11 mm), depending on fully inflated diameters. Four Mini-balloons were used in each size category to compare detachment force and inflation duration against three detachable silicone balloons and three gold-valve balloons.
Results:
All small balloons detached with the same force, while the medium gold-valve balloon and large Mini-balloon detached with less force than their counterparts. The detachable silicone balloons had the shortest release times and a favorable detachment force profile. All balloons remained fully inflated for 11 weeks.
Conclusion:
Most or all vessels should be adequately blocked with any of these devices.