Double Balloon Catheter-Mediated Transarterial Chemotherapy Delivery in a Swine Model: A Mechanism Recruiting the Vasa Vasorum for Localized Therapies

Treatment of hypovascular tumors, such as pancreatic adenocarcinoma, is challenging due to inefficient drug delivery. This report examines the potential mechanism of localized drug delivery via trans-arterial micro perfusion (TAMP) using a proprietary adjustable double-balloon occlusion catheter in a porcine model. Adult Yorkshire swine (N=21) were used in IACUC-approved protocols. The RC-120 catheter was positioned into visceral, femoral, and pulmonary arteries with infusion of methylene blue dye, gemcitabine, or gold nanoparticles. Transmural delivery was compared under double-balloon occlusion with and without side branch exclusion, single-balloon occlusion, and intravenous delivery. Intra-arterial pressure and vascular histologic changes were assessed. RC-120-mediated infusion with double-balloon occlusion and side branch exclusion provided increased intra-arterial pressure in the isolated segment and enhanced perivascular infusate penetration with minimal vascular injury. Infusates were predominantly found in the vasa vasorum by electron microscopy. TAMP enhanced transmural passage mediated by localized increase in arterial pressure via vasa vasora.