Case series of 3 patients undergoing embolization of splenic artery aneurysms employing coils and n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) with a newly announced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered microcatheter

Case series of 3 patients undergoing embolization of splenic artery aneurysms employing coils and n-butyl 2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) with a newly announced polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-covered microcatheter

A recent study investigates the effectiveness of a PTFE-coated Carry Leon NSX microcatheter in managing the behavior of NBCA (N-butyl cyanoacrylate) during embolization procedures for splenic artery aneurysms.

The specialized microcatheter, with its PTFE coating, is designed to reduce friction and prevent adherence of embolic agents like NBCA to the catheter surface. This can potentially lead to more precise delivery of NBCA, minimizing catheter adherence or clogging during embolization, and reducing complications such as catheter entrapment or non-target embolization.

The study focuses on three female patients who presented for intervention due to the potential risk of rupture. Each underwent successful embolization via a triple coaxial system, resulting in complete aneurysm occlusion with minimal complications such as mild splenic infarction or transient inflammatory responses.

The woman with a history of left-sided breast cancer surgery and chronic renal failure showed mildly elevated ALP levels, γGTP, WBC count, and CRP level upon admission. The aneurysm measured 26 × 21 × 22 mm and was located near the splenic hilum. CO angiography was performed during embolization to minimize the contrast.

Another patient, a 60-year-old woman referred for SAA treatment, incidentally discovered during hepatic and pancreatic cyst follow-up, also experienced success with the PTFE-coated microcatheter. She underwent embolization with a branch originating from the inflow vessel preserved during the procedure. She experienced post-embolization mild inflammatory changes, mildly elevated ALP levels, and left-sided abdominal pain, which improved over time.

The study, a retrospective case series, evaluates an alternative embolization technique for splenic artery aneurysms using a combination of coils and NBCA delivered through a Carry Leon NSX microcatheter. It was approved by the ethics committee and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Preoperative evaluation used noncontrast MRA due to renal dysfunction.

The study's outcomes may include technical success rates, safety, procedural efficiency, and clinical outcomes related to aneurysm occlusion. The findings could potentially enhance the safety and efficacy of NBCA injections, offering a promising alternative for the treatment of splenic artery aneurysms.

1. Science and medical-conditions intersect in this study as researchers examine the use of a PTFE-coated Carry Leon NSX microcatheter for managing splenic artery aneurysms, potentially improving health-and-wellness outcomes, especially in cardiovascular health.
2. The retrospective case series employs magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) during preoperative evaluation, considering the patients' renal dysfunction, underscoring the study's integration of science and modern diagnostic technologies.

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