Examples of embolization

• In the embolization of systemic-to-pulmonary collaterals, which is the main indication for this procedure in children, secondary migration occurs towards branch pulmonary arteries.

• The major risk has been embolization of the device to the pulmonary arteries or, more rarely, to the aorta.

• The presently available coil techniques, however, are considered unsafe because of risk of unwanted loss of the coil during the embolization maneuver.

• In all these patients, embolization resulted in prompt clinical improvement, enabling them to be weaned from the ventilator.

• One patient with unbuttoning without embolization, developed hemolysis and was operated on two weeks after implantation; the other patients are doing well.

• Migration of the device during therapeutic embolization is a recognized complication, which can be satisfactorily dealt with by transcatheter retrieval without recourse to surgery.

• Their study demonstrated clearly the hazard of rapid cooling and extensive gaseous embolization of the cerebral circulation.

• It is generally believed that focal neurologic events are the result of embolization.