Therapeutic Embolization With a Microballoon Catheter System

Clinical experience with a new embolization and perfusion microballoon catheter system is presented in 34 patients with angiomas, arteriovenous fistulas, and cerebral hemorrhages. The system uses two separate balloon tips, one for detachment as an embolus and one for perfusion of elastomer. The criteria for catheter and perfusate selection are described. One permanent complication, two temporary complications, and one death occurred in this series. The technique represents a primary mode of therapy for treatment of certain vascular lesions, especially in nonsurgical candidates by virtue of their lesion or clinical state. Abdominal and extremity applications in 15 additional patients are also described. No complications occurred in these patients.