Balloons and coils: aids in particulate/liquid head-neck embolization.

In embolization procedures of the external carotid artery (ECA) system, it is ideal to selectively embolize only the involved feeding branch or branches. This usually requires superselective catheterization , which can be difficult. The catheter diameter may approximate vessel diameter closely enough to reduce flow. Vessel spasm may be generated by catheterization attempts. Spasm may lead to reduced or reversed flow in catheterized vessel. Under circumstances where the precise feeding branch is not easily catheterized, embolization into the main ECA leads