Supraophthalmic carotid infusion for brain-tumor chemotherapy. Technical note.

The ocular complications of intracarotid infusion of drugs for brain-tumor chemotherapy may be eliminated by infusion of the chemotherapeutic agent into the carotid artery above the origin of the ophthalmic artery. The authors have developed a catheter that can negotiate the carotid siphon. This catheter is not balloon-tipped but incorporates a flexible tip with an expanded end to facilitate drag by flowing blood. The exit hole is placed to allow remote manipulation of the tip by hydraulic forces. Using this catheter, the authors have been consistently able to infuse the supraophthalmic carotid artery.