Recanalization of Gianturco coils

Embolic coils are described as being permanent occlusive agents. Of 36 patients who have been embolized with steel coils at the Hammersmith Hospital, London, since 1985 and have undergone subsequent follow-up angiography. 13 have had at least one and frequently multiple coils that have been recanalized. The highest incidence was in 14 patients with extremity arteriovenous malformations in whom five had recanalized coils on repeat examination. Arteriovenous malformations of the head and neck, chest wall, pulmonary circulation, and a transplant kidney were also treated, in addition to acute hemorrhage from the visceral and bronchial circulation and two abdominal tumors