Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 14, 2026

Microvascular Embolism Mouse Model for In Vivo Two-photon Microscopy Using Fluorescent Polystyrene Microspheres
08:29

Microvascular Embolism Mouse Model for In Vivo Two-photon Microscopy Using Fluorescent Polystyrene Microspheres

Published on: November 21, 2025

Hydrophilic polymer emboli: an under-recognized iatrogenic cause of ischemia and infarct

Rupal I Mehta1, Rashi I Mehta, Orestes E Solis

  • 1Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine (Section of Neuropathology), University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA. RMehta@mednet.ucla.edu

Modern Pathology : an Official Journal of the United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology, Inc
|March 23, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Hydrophilic-coated medical devices can cause foreign body emboli during vascular procedures. This largest series documents polymer gel emboli, a complication potentially under-recognized in interventional procedures.

Area of Science:

  • Vascular Surgery
  • Interventional Radiology
  • Materials Science

Background:

  • Percutaneous intravascular devices are increasingly used for diagnosis and therapy.
  • These devices carry a risk of material embolization within the vasculature.
  • Hydrophilic coatings are common on many interventional devices.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To report nine cases of foreign body emboli linked to hydrophilic-coated medical devices.
  • To highlight the potential under-recognition of polymer gel embolization complications.
  • To describe the clinical and microscopic findings associated with these emboli.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective case series of nine patients undergoing vascular procedures.
  • Review of clinical histories, procedural details, and outcomes.
  • Microscopic examination of biopsy or autopsy tissues to identify embolic material.

Main Results:

  • Nine cases of foreign body emboli were identified following procedures like cardiac catheterization and cerebral angiography.
  • Clinical sequelae varied from asymptomatic to severe outcomes including stroke, pulmonary infarction, gangrene, and death.
  • Microscopic analysis revealed amorphous, basophilic polymer gel material occluding arteries.

Conclusions:

  • Embolization of polymer gel from hydrophilic-coated devices is a significant complication.
  • This complication may be under-recognized, especially given the widespread use of these devices.
  • Awareness and further investigation are needed to address the risks associated with iatrogenic embolization.

More Related Videos

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia06:01

A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia

Published on: August 18, 2015

Myocardial Infarction by Percutaneous Embolization Coil Deployment in a Swine Model05:52

Myocardial Infarction by Percutaneous Embolization Coil Deployment in a Swine Model

Published on: November 4, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction01:15

Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction

Ischemic stroke is an acute cerebrovascular condition in which blood flow to a brain region is suddenly interrupted, leading to tissue infarction. Neurons depend on continuous oxygen and glucose supply, so even brief reductions in perfusion cause energy failure, ionic imbalance, and irreversible injury. Ischemic strokes are classified into thrombotic and embolic types based on their underlying mechanisms.Thrombotic MechanismsThrombotic stroke develops when a clot forms within a cerebral artery.
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology01:15

Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology

An ischemic stroke occurs when a cerebral blood vessel becomes obstructed, most often by a thrombus or embolus, interrupting the delivery of oxygen and glucose to brain tissue. Because neurons rely on continuous aerobic metabolism, energy failure begins within minutes of reduced perfusion. The region receiving the least blood flow becomes the infarct core, an area of irreversible cellular death. Surrounding this core lies the penumbra, a zone of hypoperfused but still viable tissue that is...
Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins01:30

Anticoagulant Drugs: Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins

Hemostasis is a crucial process that prevents excessive blood loss from damaged blood vessels. It involves various mechanisms such as vasoconstriction, platelet adhesion and activation, and fibrin formation. The importance of each mechanism depends on the type of vessel injury. In contrast, thrombosis is the abnormal formation of a blood clot within the blood vessels, leading to potential complications if the clot obstructs blood flow. Thrombosis can be caused by increased coagulability of the...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:29

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

Pulmonary embolism (PE) occurs when a thrombus, fat or air embolus, amniotic fluid, or tumor tissue blocks one or more pulmonary arteries. These blockages originate in the venous system or the right side of the heart.EtiologyPE primarily arises from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and other hypercoagulable states, such as inherited thrombophilias. Additional etiological factors include venous stasis, commonly seen in obesity, and endothelial injury from surgery and trauma. Less common causes include...
Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction01:19

Pulmonary Embolism I: Introduction

A blood clot, or thrombus, is a semi-solid mass composed of fibrin, platelets, and red blood cells. When it forms within a vessel, it can obstruct blood flow, known as thrombosis. If part of the clot detaches, it becomes an embolus that can travel and block distant vessels. When this occurs in the pulmonary arteries, it causes a condition known as pulmonary embolism (PE).Origin and ImpactMost often, the embolus originates from a thrombus in the deep veins of the lower limbs, a condition called...
Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction01:30

Peripheral Artery Disease I: Introduction

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) predominantly results from atherosclerosis, which involves the accumulation of fatty deposits, or plaques, within the walls of arteries. This causes them to narrow and harden, significantly reducing blood flow. PAD predominantly affects the legs, particularly the arteries supplying the thighs and calves. In rare cases, it may involve other arteries, including those in the arms.Etiology of PAD:The principal cause of PAD is atherosclerosis, which results from fatty...