Feasibility of radioactive embolization of intracranial aneurysms using 32P-implanted coils.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Beta radiation can prevent recanalization after embolization. Our goal was to assess the feasibility of endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms using coils of a predetermined activity of 32P per centimeter. METHODS We studied the total length of coils deployed into 357 intracranial aneurysms. Aneurysmal volumes were estimated using 3 mathematical models. We simulated that coils were implanted with 0.26 microCi/cm of 32P, calculated resulting volumetric activities, and compared them with "effective" levels derived from experimental data and "safe" levels prescribed for the clinical use of 32P in cystic craniopharyngiomas. RESULTS Effective activities would have been reached in 92% to 98% of lesions had the coils been radioactive at the time of treatment. CONCLUSIONS Radioactive coil embolization of aneurysms is feasible in most patients.