[Experimental studies of segmental hepatic artery embolization with a super absorbent embolic agent]

Super absorbent (Sumikagel) is a unique polymer mainly composed of polysodium acrylate (PSA). When PSA contacts water, it absorbs water and swells in a few seconds. This new embolic material suspended in Lipiodol (Lp-PSA), was used for hepatic artery embolization in five dogs. The purpose of this study is to examine the necrotizing effect of the new embolic material on segmental hepatic artery embolization. Gross liver examination demonstrated congestion and segmental infarction within the embolized area, and microscopically focal necrosis of liver parenchyma was observed. Segmental hepatic artery embolization with Lp-PSA should be an effective method of hepatic tumor embolization.