A Comparative Study on Transcatheter Renal Arterial Embolization (TRAE) in Rabbits with Absolute Ethanol and Gelfoam Particles

Kim, Tae Hoon; Yu, Pil Mun; Choi, Young Hee; Kim, Sang Joon; Lee, Yeon Hee; Kim, Seung Cheol; Suh, Pil Won; Myung, Na Hye; Yoon, Sung Chul

Abstract

PURPOSE
To evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of absolute ethanol and gelfoam particles and the degree of vascular recanalization after gelfoam embolization.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Transcatheter renal arterial embolization(TRAE) was performal in 16 rabbits ; Eight were embolized with absolute ethanol, and eight with gelfoam particles. Of this total, three died less than one week after embolization. Pre- and post embolization angiographies at five minutes, one week, two weeks(gelfoam group only) and 5-6 weeks after embolization were performed. Six rabbits were sacrificed at one week, and seven at 5-6 weeks after embolization. Pathologic examination was performed.
RESULTS
The ethanol group(n=6) showed complete occlusion of the main renal artery on follow-up angiography at one week and 5-6 weeks after embolization. The pathologic finding was complete total necrosis of embolized kidneys. The gelfoam group(n=7) showed partial recanalization of renal arteries in follow upangiography at one week, two weeks and 5-6 weeks after embolization. The pathologic finding was partial lysis ofgelfoam particles within intrarenal arteries.
CONCLUSION
Absolute ethanol can be used as a permanent embolicagent and gelfoam as a temporary such agent in various clinical applications. Gelfoam, however, did not show complete recanalization on angiography and pathology at six weeks after embolization.