Abstract 1122‐000090: Initial Experience with the Scepter Mini; Embolization of Vascular Malformations in the Pediatric Population
Introduction : Achieving distal access and flow control provides a significant advantage for the treatment of intracerebral arteriovenous shunting lesions. The Scepter Mini Catheter (SMC) is a low‐profile, dual‐lumen balloon catheter, designed to provide navigability in small‐caliber, tortuous intracranial vessels. We sought to describe the initial experience of the SMC in the treatment of pediatric arteriovenous malformations and fistulas. Methods : A single‐institution, retrospective chart review identified all consecutive uses of the SMC for endovascular embolization of vascular malformations in the pediatric population. Results : Three different arterial pedicles were embolized with the SMC in two different patients. One patient was diagnosed with a vein of Galen malformation that had undergone multiple treatments and the other with a torcular dural arteriovenous fistula. All cases encompassed quite challenging tortuosity of small‐caliber feeders which precluded the use of another balloon microcatheter. The SMC navigated into feeding arteries of diameters 0.65, 1.9 and 1.25 mm, and its balloon was inflated to achieve excellent blood flow control. Total obliteration (100%) of the shunting lesion was achieved in both cases. No reflux, pedicle rupture or other untoward effects were observed. Both patients had an uneventful recovery. Conclusions : The SMC afforded fast and safe distal access, flow control and treatment of arteriovenous malformations in this initial pediatric cohort. The catheter’s low profile and easy navigability should support its use in tortuous and small arterial feeders, especially in the pediatric population.