MAPCAS (Major Aorto-Pulmonary collateral arteries) embolization is a medical procedure used to treat certain types of congenital heart defects.
In patients with certain types of congenital heart defects, such as Tetralogy of Fallot with pulmonary atresia or absent pulmonary valve syndrome, the major blood vessels that normally carry blood to the lungs (pulmonary arteries) may be underdeveloped or absent. As a result, blood flow to the lungs may be severely limited, leading to low oxygen levels in the body.
In these cases, MAPCAS embolization may be recommended. During this procedure, small devices called embolization coils are inserted into the abnormal blood vessels (the MAPCAs) to block blood flow to them. This redirects blood flow to the normal pulmonary arteries and improves oxygenation in the body.
MAPCAS embolization is typically performed by an interventional cardiologist or radiologist using a catheter-based approach, which involves threading a catheter through a blood vessel to reach the site of the abnormal blood vessels. The procedure is usually performed under general anesthesia and requires careful monitoring before and after the procedure to ensure safety and efficacy.