The aim of this study is to evaluate the use of a 4F Rosch inferior mesenteric ( RIM) catheter for pelvic embolization procedures. Between October 2000 and January 2006, 364 patients ( 357 female, 7 male; age: 23 - 67 years) underwent embolization of various pathologies [ uterine fibroids (n = 324), pure adenomyosis of the uterus ( n = 19), postpartum hemorrhage ( n = 1), traumatic or postoperative hemorrhage ( n = 9), bleeding related to cervical cancer ( n = 7), AV malformation of the uterus ( n = 2) and high-flow priapism ( n = 2)] at a single institution. In all cases, bilateral catheterization was primarily attempted with the use of a 4F hook-shaped braided endhole catheter (Rosch-Inferior-Mesenteric, RIM-Catheter, Cordis, Miami, FL). Frequency of initial failure to catheterize the vascular territory of interest and carry out the embolization were recorded and the types of difficulty encountered were noted. Catherization of the main stem of the vessel territory of interest with the use of a unilateral femoral approach and the 4F RIM catherer was successful in 334/364 (91.8%) the embolization cases. Bilateral catheterization of the internal iliac arteries using a single common femoral artery access and the 4F RIM catheter was achieved in 322/364 (88.5%) patients. In 12/364 (3.3%) patients, a contralateral puncture was performed and the same 4F catheter was used. In 28/ 364 (7.7%) cases the 4F RIM catheter was exchanged for a catheter with a cobra-shaped or sidewinder configuration. The 4F RIM catheter is a simple and valuable alternative to catheters and techniques commonly employed for pelvic artery embolization.
