Abstract
Embolization using metallic coils is one of the most fundamental techniques employed in interventional radiology. Metallic coils for percutaneous vascular occlusion were invented by Dr. Cesar Gianturco in 1975 and have gained widespread acceptance in the field of interventional medicine ever since. Recently, various types of pushable coil are available either in fibered or non-fibered forms. Mechanically detachable coils, electrically detachable coils and hydraulic detachable coils are also available to achieve controlled and more accurate placement. Metallic coil embolotherapy is applied in patients with arterial aneurysm, arterio-venous malformation and fistula, various bleeding disorders, patent ductus arteriosus and other congenital heart diseases, abdominal aortic aneurysm to cope with type 2 endoleak, hypersplenism, renovascular hypertension, nephrosis, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, hepatic malignancy undergoing hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy in an attempt to achieve hepatic arterial re-distribution or to avoid gastro-duodenal and pancreatic complications, porto-systemic shunt, and so on. Metallic coils are placed exactly at the desired target location using scaffold technique, anchoring technique, and coaxial technique, under flow control with use of an occlusion balloon catheter, or with the aid of a coil anchor. All interventional radiologists are required to gain familiarity with these techniques.
