Use of an open-ended guidewire: steerable microguidewire assembly system in surgical neuroangiographic procedures.

Therapeutic embolizations (surgical neuroangiographic procedures) in the head, neck, meninges, spine, and spinal cord are now accepted modes of treating vascular tumors and vascular malformations [1-4). We report our experience over the past 18 months with an open-ended guidewire through which we injected embolic agents. The purpose of the openended guidewire is to reach a more selective position in an attempt to save normal-functioning territories. In addition, a steerable microguidewire is used for further advancement of the open-ended guidewire. At present, these delivery systems are a routine and indispensable tool in our patient management routine.