Transcatheter hepatic arterial embolization with Avitene in dogs

The hepatic arteries in 36 dogs were embolized with microfibrillar collagen (Avitene) to evaluate the effects on the liver parenchyma. Serial examinations were then conducted over 4 weeks. The dogs were divided into 3 groups: Group 1 received Avitene soaked in saline, Group 2 received decanted Avitene, and Group 3 received Avitene decanted and filtered through gauze. Coagulation necrosis and degeneration of the liver parenchyma was noted in all 3 groups, but was least in Group 3. These results in dogs suggest that gauze filtration of Avitene prior to arterial embolization may also reduce damage to liver parenchyma.