Which catheter size is commonly used in TACE/SIRT procedures?

In Transarterial Chemoembolization (TACE) and Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT) procedures, the catheter size that is commonly used is typically in the range of 4-5 French (Fr). This size strikes a balance between allowing adequate flow of the injectants, such as chemotherapy agents or radioactive spheres, while still being small enough to navigate through the vascular system to reach the targeted lesions, often in the liver.

The 4-5 Fr catheters provide sufficient rigidity and support for selective catheterization of normal and abnormal vascular anatomy, including accessing smaller and more peripheral vessels that may need targeted treatment. These catheters are compatible with most of the contrast agents and therapeutics used in TACE/SIRT, and they allow for precise delivery to maximize therapeutic efficacy while minimizing systemic exposure.

Using larger catheter sizes, such as those in the 6-7 Fr or 8-9 Fr ranges, can increase the risk of complications such as vessel trauma or dissection and may be impractical when trying to access smaller and more intricate vasculature. Therefore, the 4-5 Fr catheter size is ideal and is a standard practice in these procedures.