Taki W

Transvenous embolization of dural caroticocavernous fistulae: technical considerations

Sixteen patients with symptomatic dural caroticocavernous fistulae were treated by transvenous embolization, via the jugular vein and inferior petrosal sinus. The fistula was occuladed by thrombogenic coils. Complete resolution of symptoms and signs was achieved in 14 patients, and complete angiographic resolution was also obtained in 14 patients. Failures to achieve angiographic cure were attributed to failure to reach the fistula within the cavernous sinus precisely. Factors which make placement of the catheter at the fistula difficult are trabeculae within the cavernous sinus, a specific configuration of the superior ophthalmic vein and venous thrombosis. To improve the efficacy of tranvenous embolization, every possible venous route to the cavernous sinus therefore should be tried, to facilitate reaching the fistula and the possibility of transvenous embolization should not be thwarted by venous thrombosis.

Solidifying liquid with novel initiation system for detachable balloon catheters

In endovascular surgery, to permanently hinder blood inflow into an aneurysm for example, a catheter is percutaneously introduced into an artery and the balloon is positioned and inflated by a solidifying liquid and then released into the diseased part. A novel solidifying liquid for the inflated balloon curable under the continuous feeding of oxygen through the wall of the balloon is described here. Glucose oxidase which oxidizes glucose producing hydrogen peroxide was used for polymerization of the solidifying liquid. This solidifying liquid cured even in the presence of oxygen and water. It was radiopaque when mixed with the iodinated X-ray contrast chemical iopamidol. In addition, the solidified liquid had appropriate mechanical properties. The endovascular surgery could be carried out safely using it.