INTRODUCTION: In coil embolization of a posterior circulation aneurysm, tortuosity or a small vessel caliber frequently prevents placement of a guiding catheter in the vertebral artery. Even in such difficult situations, however, coil embolization is the only treatment option when the patient's clinical condition is very poor, or the aneurysm is inaccessible by microsurgery. METHODS: Three patients with a posterior circulation aneurysm were treated by coil embolization with the use of a modified buddy wire technique to stabilize a guiding catheter that could not be placed into the vertebral artery. RESULTS: The guiding catheter was stabilized in the subclavian artery and the microcatheter was firmly supported. As a result, coil embolization was performed safely in all patients. There were no procedural complications. CONCLUSION: The modified buddy wire technique could provide patients with a chance to undergo endovascular surgery despite having a tortuous or narrow vertebral artery.
INTRODUCTION: In coil embolization of a posterior circulation aneurysm, tortuosity or a small vessel caliber frequently prevents placement of a guiding catheter in the vertebral artery. Even in such difficult situations, however, coil embolization is the only treatment option when the patient's clinical condition is very poor, or the aneurysm is inaccessible by microsurgery. METHODS: Three patients with a posterior circulation aneurysm were treated by coil embolization with the use of a modified buddy wire technique to stabilize a guiding catheter that could not be placed into the vertebral artery. RESULTS: The guiding catheter was stabilized in the subclavian artery and the microcatheter was firmly supported. As a result, coil embolization was performed safely in all patients. There were no procedural complications. CONCLUSION: The modified buddy wire technique could provide patients with a chance to undergo endovascular surgery despite having a tortuous or narrow vertebral artery.
Authors: Tae Hong Lee; Chang Hwa Choi; Kyung-Pil Park; Sang Min Sung; Sang Won Lee; Byung-Hee Lee; Dong Hyun Kim; Hak Jin Kim; Chang Won Kim; Suk Kim Journal: AJNR Am J Neuroradiol Date: 2005 Jun-Jul Impact factor: 3.825
Authors: Bernard R Bendok; Jason H Przybylo; Richard Parkinson; Yin Hu; Issam A Awad; H Hunt Batjer Journal: Neurosurgery Date: 2005-03-01 Impact factor: 4.654