Alteration of Renal Blood Flow during Sequential Embolization of the Canine Kidney

Experimental embolization of the renal artery with cross-linked dextran (CLD) microspheres was performed in 6 dogs. The blood flow was monitored by electromagnetic flow meter (EM) in 3 dogs and by video dilution technique (VDT), adapted to an angiographic digital subtraction system, in a second group of 3 dogs. Retrograde flow in the embolized renal artery was detected by ⁹⁹Tc^m microspheres. Sequential emboli produce a predictable and equal flow response with both measuring techniques. Thus, the less invasive VDT can be used in the clinical setting to optimize and control embolization procedures. This type of flow monitoring has great potential in alerting the angiographer when approaching the risk level for retrograde flow.