Chemoembolization of maxillary tumors via the superficial temporal artery using a coaxial catheter system

A preliminary experience of embolization of maxillary tumors via the superficial temporal artery using a coaxial catheter system is presented. Five patients with maxillary carcinoma were slated to undergo embolization before radical surgery. Embolization with carboplatine microcapsules was performed via the superficial temporal artery using a coaxial catheter system. Carboplatine microcapsules consisted of 60% (W/W) carboplatine core and 40% (W/W) ethylcellulose shell. Embolization was performed twice in three patients, three times in one patient, and once in one patient. The interval between embolizations was from one to three weeks. The total dose of carboplatine microcapsules given ranged from 100 to 230 mg. Responses to the treatment were determined by measurements of tumor reduction and increase in low attenuation areas of the tumor on postcontrast CT. Tumor reduction over 48% was achieved in four of five tumors. All the tumors showed an increased area of low attenuation in the tumor on the postcontrast CT after embolization. No significant complications occurred. This method makes it easy to superselectively repeat embolization.