The Vascular Plug: A New Device for Parent Artery Occlusion

Abstract

SUMMARY: Parent artery occlusion (PAO) is still indicated at times for the treatment of craniocervical vascular disease. Because of the unavailability of silicone and latex balloons in the United States, costly combinations of detachable and pushable coils have been required to achieve PAO. We describe our experience with a simple and less expensive alternative for PAO in 4 carotid arteries and 1 vertebral artery. This device is limited to occlusions below the base of the skull.