Compatibility of an Ultraselective Microcatheter and Epirubicin Loaded 300-500-µm DC Bead in Ex Vivo Study.

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine whether epirubicin loaded DC Bead 300-500 µm in size can pass through a 1.8-Fr ultraselective microcatheter in ex vivo study. METHODS: Epirubicin (25 mg/1 mL) loaded 100-300 and 300-500 µm DC Bead were tested. Both sizes were diluted 5, 10, and 30 times using contrast material. Ultraselective microcatheter with the outer diameter of 1.8 Fr and the inner diameter of .017 inch (431.8 µm) was used. The diluted DC Bead was injected at a speed of 1 mL/min, and the pressure was continuously measured. The microspheres' shapes after ejection were observed by a stereomicroscope. RESULTS: The maximum pressure of contrast material alone was 8.40 ± 0.21 psi. The maximum pressure in 5, 10, and 30 times dilution groups of 100-300 µm were 9.67 ± 1.18, 9.25 ± 0.25, and 9.71 ± 0.28 psi, respectively, whereas 21.10 ± 10.2, 10.48 ± 2.14, 10.09 ± 0.37 psi, respectively in 300-500 µm groups. The maximum pressure in 5 times dilution group of 300-500 µm was significantly higher than the other groups (P < 0.05). In 300-500 µm, 4 of 10 measurements showed high pressure over 24 psi (the maximum value was 43.5 psi) in 5 times dilution group, whereas in 10 times and 30 times dilution groups, all measurements showed less than 12 psi. No damages of microspheres were found. CONCLUSIONS: Epirubicin loaded DC Bead 300-500 µm in size can pass through a 1.8-Fr ultraselective microcatheter. To avoid high resistance due to microspheres' aggregation, dilution more than 10 times is needed.