A Case of Recanalization after Embolization of the Left Gastric Artery Using Amplatzer Vascular Plug I

Abstract

The Amplatzer vascular plug (AVP) is recognized as a more effective device that can embolize peripheral vessels in a faster and safer fashion. Unlike embolic materials such as coil and glue, the AVP is retractable and may be easily repositioned. It not only ensures permanent occlusion but also offers lesser risks of recanalization than coils. To our knowledge, definite causes of post-embolization recanalization with the Amplatzer vascular plug I (AVP I) have not yet been reported.
We here report a case of ovarian cancer metastases to abdominal organs in a 50 year-old female in whom the left gastric artery post-embolization recanalization occurred with AVP I.
The AVP I size as well as the detaching position site was not properly selected for a successful AVP I embolization.
We selected a smaller AVP I size and chose the detaching position within the curved portion of the vessel, hence making it an unstable location resulting in unsuccessful embolization.
Adequate selection of AVP size and proper selection of detaching position are important parameters to consider for successful embolization.