Fully-Retractable Embolization Coil Helps Control Bleeding

A new fully retractable embolization coil offers a nonsurgical, minimally invasive surgery (MIS) procedure to block or reduce blood flow in arteries and veins.

The Retracta detachable embolization coil is intended for both peripheral arterial and venous embolization procedures. During the procedure, the physician packs the soft, 0.9 mm diameter platinum coil within the vessel, causing a blood clot to form. If the physician is not satisfied with the positioning of the coil in the vessel, the release system can be used to fully retract the coil into the catheter, allowing repositioning of the coil in a more suitable location before detachment.


The softness of the platinum allows the coil to conform to the often-irregular shape of an aneurysm, filling the space completely. Placement accuracy can be confirmed under fluoroscopy by changes in radiopacity at the detachment zone; and, if needed, contrast medium can be injected to confirm that the coil is correctly placed. The Retracta detachable embolization coil is a product of Cook Medical (Bloomington, IN, USA), and is based on the construction of Cook Medical’s Nester platinum coil technology to allow soft packing.

“When trying to control bleeding, precise coil placement is critical in embolization procedures,” said Andrew Conder, senior global product manager for embolization at Cook Medical. “The Retracta is simple and affordable, and gives physicians control over placement.”

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