PLATINUM COIL-MEDIATED IMPLANTATION OF GROWTH FACTOR-SECRETING ENDOVASCULAR TISSUE GRAFTS - AN IN-VIVO STUDY

PURPOSE: To demonstrate in vivo that platinum embolic coils can be use d to deliver genetically modified, growth factor-secreting fibroblast grafts into the endovascular space with the long-term goal of improvin g fibrosis with coil-embolized cerebral aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHO DS: Murine fibroblasts that contained multiple inserts of the DNA for human basic fibroblast growth factor were grown in culture onto 10-mm- long segments of Guglielmi detachable coils. Control (n = 4) and fibro blast-bearing (n = 4) coils were implanted into the common carotid art ery in nude rats. The arterial segments that contained the coil were h arvested after 14 or 35 days. Cellular content and collagen formation in the treated vessels were assessed histologically. RESULTS: At both 14 and 35 days, samples with control coils showed primarily involuting blood elements with minimal fibroblast proliferation or collagen form ation. AT 14 days, samples with fibroblast-bearing coils showed extens ive fibroblast proliferation. AT 35 days, samples with fibroblast-bear ing coils showed marked interval fibroblast proliferation and collagen information. CONCLUSION: Platinum coils can be used as a cell deliver y device. Direct intravascular implantation of growth factor-secreting fibroblast grafts leads to improved intravascular scar formation, the refore theoretically reducing the potential for aneurysm regrowth or c oil compaction.