Abstract
Hydrogel-coated coils are truly detachable coils with a platinum core covered with
hydrogel. The coils are available in 0.018- and 0.035-in systems. These coils have
the ability to expand up to four times their size ∼20 minutes after deployment, thus
providing a very effective mechanical vascular occlusion effect. The vessel-occlusive
effect of these coils is a volume, space-occupying effect, not a thrombotic effect,
as seen in fibered coils. Hydrogel-coated coils were originally developed and designed
to treat brain aneurysms; however, their use has expanded to peripheral applications.
Hydrogel-coated coils have been used in the management of visceral aneurysms, high-flow
vascular arteriovenous fistulae, and endoleaks after endovascular thoracic and abdominal
aneurysm repair. The purpose of this article is to describe the hydrogel-coated coil
system, the mechanism of action, technical details for optimal deployment, and clinical
applications.
Keywords
endovascular embolization - coil embolization - endoleak management - visceral aneurysms
- portosystemic shunts - interventional radiology
