Polyvinyl alcohol (Ivalon)--a new embolic material.

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Nonsurgical treatment of gastrointestinal bleeding and arteriovenous malformations often involves embolization techniques.
• Identifying effective embolic materials is crucial for successful procedural outcomes.

Observation:

• Compressed Ivalon sponge was evaluated as an embolic material in animal models and four human patients.
• Ivalon sponge has a history of surgical use with proven biocompatibility.

Findings:

• Ivalon sponge demonstrated effectiveness in embolization procedures, with no recanalization observed in animals or humans.
• The material's ability to expand post-embolization contributes to its efficacy.
• Ivalon sponge can be adapted for larger arteries by wrapping it around a guidewire, facilitating its deployment and removal.

Implications:

• Ivalon sponge presents a promising option for nonsurgical management of vascular malformations and bleeding.
• Embolization procedures using Ivalon sponge require careful execution under fluoroscopic guidance to mitigate risks like material reflux.