[Embolization by femoral catheterization of tumors supplied by the external carotid artery. 40 cases].

Experiences from therapeutic embolization by way of superselective catheterization of the external carotid artery, in 40 cases of cranio-cerebral, maxillo-facial and cervical tumours are reported. Using Spongel, embolization offered definite advantages compared to simple arterial ligation: it is easily performed as a supplementary procedure to diagnostic superselective angiography; a meticulous technique will provide superselective arterial occlusion with obstruction of vessels down to the precapillary size (diameter 150 to 200 mu). Embolization is advocated as a preoperative measure in meningeomas (particularly at the skull base), naso-pharyngeal angiofibromas, intracranial and cervical chemodectomas, in which cases profound bleeding during surgery may be expected and as a palliative measure in cases where surgery and radiation therapy fail to control recurrence of a tumour.