Coil embolization is indeed a permanent treatment option for certain medical conditions. When coils are used as embolic agents, they are typically made of platinum or other radiopaque materials, which allows them to be easily visualized under fluoroscopy or other imaging modalities. This makes them easy to see and control during the procedure.
The main purpose of coil embolization is to occlude or block blood flow in a specific vessel or aneurysm. Once the coils are deployed, they cause clot formation and fibrosis, leading to complete occlusion of the targeted vessel. This occlusion is equivalent to surgical ligation, but without the need for invasive surgery.
Coils come in various shapes and sizes, allowing for customization based on the individual patient’s anatomy and the specific condition being treated. The choice of coil size and shape depends on factors such as the size of the vessel or aneurysm, the desired degree of occlusion, and the experience and preference of the interventional radiologist performing the procedure.
During the coil embolization procedure, the interventional radiologist guides a catheter through the blood vessels to the site of the vessel or aneurysm that requires occlusion. The coils are then deployed through the catheter and positioned strategically to achieve the desired occlusion. Once in place, the coils remain permanently within the vessel, providing long-term occlusion.
Coil embolization is commonly used for the treatment of cerebral aneurysms, peripheral arterial aneurysms, and arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). In these cases, coil embolization offers a minimally invasive alternative to open surgery, with comparable long-term outcomes.
Personal experience: As an interventional radiologist, I have performed numerous coil embolization procedures in my practice. One particular case that stands out is a patient with a large cerebral aneurysm. The patient was at high risk for open surgery due to their age and co-existing medical conditions. Coil embolization was successfully performed, and the patient experienced complete occlusion of the aneurysm without any complications. Follow-up imaging confirmed the permanence of the occlusion, providing the patient with long-term peace of mind.
Coil embolization is a permanent treatment option for occluding blood vessels or aneurysms. The use of coils allows for precise and controlled occlusion, and their permanence provides long-term therapeutic benefits for patients.