Retrieval of a Guglielmi detachable coil after unraveling and fracture: case report and experimental results

Neurosurgery. 1994 Nov;35(5):994-8; discussion 999. doi: 10.1227/00006123-199411000-00038.

Abstract

Unraveling and fracture of electrolytically detachable coils (Guglielmi detachable coils) may occur during treatment of intracerebral aneurysms. Retrieval of the detached coil is difficult using existing snare technology, and the intraluminal coil may cause parent vessel thrombosis or distal embolization. We report a case of unraveling and fracture of a Guglielmi detachable coil that was successfully retrieved using a dual guidewire technique. The technique was evaluated in an in vitro model using 10 coils of varying sizes and diameters, and allowed successful coil retrieval in all trials.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Basilar Artery / diagnostic imaging
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / instrumentation*
  • Equipment Failure
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging
  • Foreign Bodies / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / diagnostic imaging
  • Intracranial Aneurysm / therapy*
  • Models, Neurological
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / diagnostic imaging
  • Subarachnoid Hemorrhage / therapy*