Endovascular electrocoagulation: concept, technique, and experimental results.

PURPOSE To evaluate the safety and efficacy of an embolotherapeutic technique that uses electrolytically detachable platinum coils and radio frequency (RF) energy to achieve rapid and distal occlusion of targeted vessels. METHODS In swine, branches of the ascending cervical artery and the hepatic artery measuring 1.5 mm or less were subjected to endovascular electrocoagulation. RF energy was delivered through modified Guglielmi detachable platinum coils that were placed in the targeted arteries. Ohmic heating generated by RF caused vessel occlusion. After the vessel occlusions were confirmed angiographically, the platinum microcoils were electrolytically detached from the delivery wire and left in the vessels as implants. RESULTS All vessels were rapidly and superselectively occluded by endovascular electrocoagulation. Following use of the appropriate methods derived from this research, we did not observe rupture of the artery, dissection of the artery, unintended occlusion, or migration of the platinum microcoil. Histologic examination of treated vessels at 6 and 12 weeks revealed obliteration of the vessel lumen by the platinum microcoil surrounded by granulation tissue. CONCLUSION Endovascular electrocoagulation is a rapid method of achieving vessel occlusion. It may be a useful and controllable embolotherapeutic technique when expeditious occlusion of small vessels and distal superselectivity are desired.