In combination with effective drainage, self-expanding plastic stents are an option for the treatment of oesophageal anastomotic leaks, and may reduce leak-related morbidity and mortality.

Introduction: A steerable, guidewireless microcatheter is of interest to interventional radiologists because it can improve effectiveness and reduce procedure timing and cost. Aim: To assess the feasibility and safety of yttrium 90 radioembolization with a new steerable microcatheter without the need to use a guidewire. Material and methods: A steerable microcatheter (Direxion; Boston Scientific, Natick, MA, USA) was prospectively used for yttrium-90 microsphere delivery in 50 patients (57 applications). The following factors were documented: vessel anatomy; shape and position of the guiding catheter; anticipated catheter position; technical success of catheterization; degree of difficulty in maneuvering; time to reach the target position; and complications. Results: The microcatheter target position was in the right hepatic artery (n = 30, 53%), the middle hepatic artery (n = 4, 7%), the left hepatic artery (n = 19, 33%), or in a segmental artery (n = 4, 7%). Vessel catheterization was successful in 53 of 57 hepatic arteries (93%). The mean time to reach the target position was 53.3 ±53.0 s. The mean degree of difficulty in maneuvering the catheter to the target position was 2.3 ±1.3 (easy) on a 6-point scale. The only complication observed was mild vasospasm in 1 patient. Conclusions: The Direxion steerable microcatheter is characterized by unique steerability, allowing yttrium 90 delivery to be performed safely without use of a guidewire.

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