Radiology, Vol 145, 333-337, Copyright © 1982 by Radiological Society of North America
Work in progress. Transcatheter thermal venous occlusion: a new technique
KS Rholl, JA Rysavy, Z Vlodaver, AH Cragg, WR Castaneda-Zuniga and K Amplatz
Diatrizoate (76%) contrast agent heated to 100 degrees C was injected into
the veins of dogs and one human volunteer for the nonsurgical occlusion of
the vessels. Follow-up venograms and histologic examinations, at intervals
varying from one day to four weeks later, revealed thrombosis of the
injected veins in all animals. Thrombosis occurred one to five days after
injection of contrast agent. The authors conclude that hot contrast medium
is a safe and convenient agent for inducing thrombosis. It is much easier
to use than mechanical devices, tissue glues, and plastics, which involve
complex procedures and specialized equipment. In contrast to other
sclerosing agents, hot contrast agent is rapidly converted into a
nonsclerosing agent by cooling. The new technique allows a more controlled
thermal injury to the vascular wall and is under fluoroscopic control.
