Composition and <i>in vitro</i> biocompatibility of corroding tungsten coils

The purpose of the article is to evaluate composition and biocompatibility of corroding mechanically detachable spirals (MDS, Balt Extrusion, Montmorency, France). Analysis of the material composition of corroding MDS coils was assessed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy, and wavelength-dispersive x-ray spectrometry. Toxicity assays were performed with human venous endothelial cells, venous smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts. The analyses of the MDS coils demonstrated a tungsten content of the dissolving MDS spirals of > 99.9 mas%. In vitro, human endothelial, vascular smooth muscle cells and fibroblasts were not adversely affected by markedly elevated tungsten concentrations (60,500 microg/l) after 12 days in the culture medium. The examined cells showed an extensive vital growth on the coil surface. Corrosion of tungsten coils leads to markedly elevated tungsten levels in the culture medium. However, growth and vitality of endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and vascular smooth muscle cells are not adversely affected by elevated tungsten concentrations.