Flow-directed micro-catheterisation technique over a detachable coil

Abstract

Embolisation of neonatal arteriovenous shunts poses several challenges: tortuous and fragile vessels, limited contrast volume and few specialised paediatric endovascular devices. In a 9-day-old patient with a choroidal type vein of Galen malformation we encountered an extremely tortuous posterior choroidal artery pedicle during endovascular treatment. After attempted selection using a traditional over-the-wire technique, we advanced a platinum coil through the micro-catheter. High flow within the feeder directed the soft and malleable coil anterograde. We then advanced the catheter over the coil's pusher wire in a facile manner to an ideal position for embolisation. This approach may be especially useful in cases requiring coil/vinyl-based liquid embolics, given that the only flow-directed micro-catheter available to most operators is compatible with n-Butyl cyanoacrylate alone. Moreover, the soft distal portion of coil may impart a safety benefit over traditional guidewires in easily perforated neonatal vasculature.

Keywords: congenital disorders; interventional radiology; neuroimaging; radiology.