Experimental study of embolization by self-made copper coils in rabbits' iliac and renal arteries

Objective: To evaluate the embolic effect of self-made copper coil in rabbits' iliac and renal arteries. Methods: In vitro study, the blood coagulative ability of the copper coil, steel coils, and silk thread were observed at 12 h and 24 h, respectively. In animal experiment, 20 rabbits were used, and either right or left renal and iliac arteries were embolized by using the copper coils. As the control, the iliac arteries on the unexperimented side were embolized by using the steel coils. After the embolization, the arteriography, the level of serum copper ions, liver and renal functions, and the tissue histology were respectively evaluated at different time intervals. Results: In vitro study, the copper coil had stronger blood coagulative ability than others (P<0.01). In animal experiment, the ability of artery occlusion and accelerative thrombosis by copper coils were more effective than that of the control groups (P<0.01). After the embolization, the level of serum copper ions was increased at the 3rd day (P<0.05), but recovered to preoperative level at 1 week (P>0.05), and the liver and renal functions were similar to that of the preoperation after 2 weeks. Conclusion: The self-made copper coil has a good embolic effect in rabbits' iliac and renal arteries, and it has no significant side and toxic effects