Treatment of huge subcutaneous cavernous hemangioma using copper needles / 中国微创外科杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To sum up the experience of copper needle embolization for huge subcutaneous cavernous hemangioma. Methods Eighteen cases of huge hemangioma, located at the face and neck (3 cases), the upper limbs (5 cases), or the lower limbs and buttocks (10 cases), respectively, were treated from 1996 to 2003. Needles made from copper wire 1~3 mm in diameter were inserted into the lesions, through the skin directly or under the guidance of color Doppler ultrasonography. The copper needles were left in place for 1 week, with or without 4~6 V direct current circulated for 5~10 min twice. Results The therapeutic outcomes included the shrinking and sclerotization of the hemangioma with the disappearance of postural changes (18 cases), the decrease of circumference of the involved limb (13 cases), the change of the lesion skin from blue-purple to light or normal in color (4 cases), the subsidence or disappearance of swelling and heavy feeling of the involved limb (5 cases), and the regression of the lesion and the reduction of blood flow under color ultrasonography (14 cases). Conclusions Copper needle embolization is a simple, effective and relatively less invasive method for the treatment of huge subcutaneous cavernous hemangioma that is difficult to be resected. It at times may be the only applicable option for children.