Background: The use of balloon microcatheters in interventional neuroradiology is well documented. However, their use is sometimes limited by the small diameter and excessive tortuosity of the vasculature. The Scepter Mini dual-lumen balloon microcatheter (SMBM) (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA) has been designed to address these challenges by decreasing the distal catheter profile, allowing distal access to the target vessel.
Methods: This is a single-centre retrospective analysis of the initial cases performed using the Scepter Mini balloon microcatheter. The targeted conditions were vascular malformations. Patient clinical data, angiographic features of the vascular abnormalities and operation reports were reviewed and the procedural parameters, radiation doses, occlusion rates and complications were assessed.
Results: A total of 15 SMBM were used in 11 cases. In all cases the procedure performed was balloon inflation and antegrade delivery of precipitating hydrophobic injectable liquid (PHIL) (Microvention, Aliso Viejo, CA) for embolisation of a targeted feeding vessel and cranial and spinal vascular malformations. Successful feeding vessel distal access and antegrade liquid embolisation was achieved in 100% of the cases. One of the 11 cases was an emergency procedure. One procedural target vessel rupture, likely due to overinflation, and three minor post-procedure complications were observed.
Conclusion: The SMBM represents a significant advance in the treatment of cerebrospinal vascular malformations, allowing balloon catheter access into tortuous and small calibre vessels.
Keywords: AVM; Interventional neuroradiology; balloon; embolisation; microcatheter.