Assessment of a coaxial system accommodated to a 0.035 inch guide wire in superselective hepatic angiography and embolization

: A special coaxial catheter system accommodated to a 0.035 inch guide wire was recently developed. The four-part coaxial system is composed of a central 0.035 inch flexible guide wire, a 4-French inner catheter (straight, 90 cm in length), a 6-French outer catheter (fork-shaped, 60 cm in length), and a hemostatic valve. The 4 French inner catheter is large enough in diameter to allow a larger volume of contrast medium and greater amount of embolic material than the earlier coaxial system. Using this coaxial catheter system, we performed successful superselective hepatic arteriography and embolization in 44 patients with malignant hepatic tumors. Catheterization of the celiac and superior mesenteric arteries with the 6 French outer catheter was easy, and the angiogram obtained was very distinct. The 4 French inner catheter was easily and safely advanced into the segmental hepatic artery, and even common hepatic arteriography with this catheter provided clear images on conventional cut films. Therefore, in most cases, both angiography and embolization can be accomplished using this coaxial system alone.