Temporary occlusion test using a microcatheter.

Abstract

The balloon occlusion test (BOT) is a well-accepted technique for the treatment of large or complex aneurysms. However, this procedure may not be feasible for small arteries such as the posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA). We report our experience with endovascular treatment of a fusiform PICA aneurysm employing a microcatheter occlusion test. A 46-year-old male had a fusiform Type I aneurysm with irregular wall in the lateral medullary segment of left PICA. Because the BOT cannot be safely performed in the PICA, we performed a temporary occlusion test using a microcatheter. The microcatheter occlusion test was successfully performed, and endovascular treatment was performed afterward. The patient remained symptom free after the embolization and at one-year follow-up. The microcatheter occlusion test is an excellent option for performing an occlusion test for vessels that cannot accommodate a balloon because of their diminutive size.