Two different calibrated-leak balloons: experimental work and application in humans.

Two different types of latex calibrated-leak balloon catheters have been developed. One consists of a Teflon catheter with a detachable latex balloon and is used to embolize branches of the external carotid artery. The other consists of a Silastic catheter with a nondetachable latex balloon and is used to embolize brain arteriovenous malformations. An experimental model and animal experiments have determined the best conditions for safe and reproducible embolization with isobutyl-2 cyanoacrylate (IBC-2). Selective catheterization of branches of external carotid, middle cerebral, anterior cerebral, and posterior cerebral arteries in humans is facilitated, and embolization with IBC-2 has been achieved with these balloon catheters.