Subselective embolization with gelatin sponge through an open-ended guide wire.

Subselective embolization was performed in 15 patients with the use of gelatin sponge injected through a 0.038-inch open-ended guide wire. Eight patients were being treated for acute bleeding, and seven underwent elective embolization of tumors (hepatic, pelvic, spinal) or arteriovenous malformations. The procedure was successful in all 15 patients, and there were no major complications. The open-ended guide wire can be used safely and effectively in selective embolization with gelatin sponge. It is more flexible than the 3-F Teflon catheters and less expensive than the 2.2-F tapered catheters now being used for this purpose.