Technical note on VDS -: A system for the endovascular electrolytical detachment of platinum coils at variable length

A new system was deviced that allows the electrolytical detachment of platinum microcoils at variable lengths for the endovascular treatment of intracranial aneurysms. The detachment element consists of two short platinum coil segments, which are connected by a threat of stainless steel. The steel threat is interrupted by electrolysis, using a continuous current with 1-2 mA at a voltage of 4-8 Volt. The average detachment time in heparinized blood is about 30-40 sec. The detachment elements can be used to connect either an insertion wire with a platinum coil or to connect several segments of platinum coils with variable helices and lengths. If several detachment elements are integrated in a coil, electrolysis interrupts only the element, which is next beyond the distal tip of the catheter. The electrolytical process does not affect the detachment elements proximal and distal to the element adjacent to the tip of the catheter. Single or several coil segments can be pulled back into the microcatheter if necessary. The system is expected to allow a faster and more complete endovascular coil occlusion of intracranial aneurysms. The principles described in this paper are claimed by the German pending patent D E 100 10840 A1.