Direct percutaneous embolization of a carotid body tumor with Onyx

J Neurosurg. 2009 Jan;110(1):124-7. doi: 10.3171/2008.4.17513.

Abstract

Carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare highly vascular lesions that frequently require preoperative embolization to minimize surgical morbidity secondary to blood loss. Embolization has typically been performed via a transarterial route. However, this frequently results in incomplete devascularization of the tumor due to the complex angioarchitecture of the feeding arteries. Direct intralesional embolization has been used to gain easier accesses to the tumor vasculature and thus increase the likelihood of complete embolization. Cyanoacrylate glue has been the most commonly used embolic agent. The authors present a case of CBT that underwent direct intralesional embolization using Onyx (ev3; ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer). To their knowledge, there have been no previous reports of direct percutaneous embolization of a CBT with this agent.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Carotid Body Tumor / blood supply
  • Carotid Body Tumor / therapy*
  • Cerebral Angiography
  • Embolization, Therapeutic / methods*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polyvinyls / therapeutic use*
  • Regional Blood Flow
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Polyvinyls
  • ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer