Background: Balloon microcatheters are widely used for endovascular treatment. However, no reports on direct coil embolization from dual-lumen balloon microcatheters are available in the literature. This report is the first description of direct coil embolization using this type of balloon microcatheter for looming bleeding emergencies.
Methods: This retrospective review demonstrates the indications and advantages of coil embolization from an inflated balloon catheter to reduce blood loss and simultaneously occlude bleeding.
Results: Five patients who underwent emergency endovascular treatment using coil embolization directly delivered from a dual-lumen balloon were identified. Etiologies included vertebro-vertebral arteriovenous fistula, ruptured vertebral artery dissecting aneurysm, vertebral artery injury during cervical spinal operation, and failed stent retrieval procedures for acute infarction. Complete hemostasis was achieved with all procedures.
Conclusion: Our experience demonstrates the feasibility of direct coil embolization by using a dual-lumen balloon to rapidly halt bleeding in some rare emergency situations, which may save lives.
Keywords: Coil embolization; balloon-assisted coiling; endovascular trapping; scepter balloon.