Bakri and Coda Balloon Placement between the Liver and Bowel in a Swine Model: A Feasibility Study

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND/AIMS: To investigate the feasibility of Bakri balloon and Coda balloon placement as a spacer between the liver and bowels using a swine model. METHODS: Six adult female swine weighing from 24.0 to 41.5 kg (mean, 31.5 kg) were included for the study. After peritoneal puncture using a 21-G micro-puncture needle under ultrasound and fluoroscopic guidance, a 0.035-inch guidewire (Terumo, Tokyo, Japan) was advanced through the micro-introducer sheath. With sequential dilation of the tract with dilators up to 18-Fr or 10 mm balloon, the Coda and Bakri balloon was advanced between the liver and bowels. 50 mL and 200 mL of contrast were inflated for Coda and Bakri balloon, respectively. Gross examinations focused on whether placement of the Coda or Bakri balloon was at the correct location. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved for Coda balloon placement in six of the six (100%) swine, and for Bakri balloon placement in five of the six (83.3 %) swine. The median placement time for the Coda balloon was 10 minutes (range, 7-15 minutes), while the median placement time for the Bakri balloon was 25 minutes (range, 17-35 minutes), which was significantly longer (p<0.05). Gross observations at necropsy revealed that the Coda and Bakri balloon was well placed between the liver and bowel. CONCLUSIONS: Placement of Coda and Bakri balloons between the liver and bowels was feasible. These balloons have a potential role as spacers between the liver and bowel during radiation therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma patients.