Key result
Tungsten embolization coils linked to ~64% corrosion rate at long-term follow-up.
Why the study?
The long-term effects of tungsten coil corrosion and tungsten load after peripheral vascular embolization therapy were unclear.
Do tungsten coils used for peripheral vascular embolization cause coil corrosion and elevated systemic tungsten levels?
Observational (n=14)
Do tungsten coils used for peripheral vascular embolization cause coil corrosion and elevated systemic tungsten levels?
Tungsten coils used for peripheral vascular embolization frequently corrode and lead to elevated systemic tungsten levels, suggesting their use as implants should be avoided.
Elevated tungsten levels post-embolization support avoiding tungsten coils; long-term risks remain unclear in small observational series.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate coil corrosion and the long-term outcome after peripheral vascular embolization therapy performed with tungsten coils. We studied 14 patients who received tungsten coils on an average of 26 months prior to follow-up. The protocol included plain radiography and contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography to investigate corrosion of tungsten coils and recanalization of the embolized vessels. Whole blood, hair, and urine tungsten levels were assayed when available. Corrosion of tungsten coils was detected in 9 of 14 patients by plain radiography. No evidence of recanalization of the embolized vessel and no adverse clinical effects of tungsten resorption were detected. Blood levels of tungsten were elevated in 6 of 14 patients and urine levels of tungsten were elevated in all 12 patients tested. Tungsten coil corrosion and elevated tungsten levels in blood, hair, and urine were found in most patients, although no adverse clinical effects of tungsten resorption were detected. Since the overall effect of high tungsten blood levels remains unclear, its use as an implant should be avoided.
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Bachthaler et al. (2004) conducted an observational in Peripheral vascular embolization (n=14). Tungsten coils was evaluated on Coil corrosion. Peripheral vascular embolization therapy with tungsten coils resulted in coil corrosion in 64.3% (9 of 14) of patients and elevated urine tungsten in 100% (12 of 12) at 26 months.
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