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Development of biodegradable radiopaque microsphere for arterial embolization-a pig study
Yi-Sheng Liu1, Xi-Zhang Lin1, Hong-Ming Tsai1
1Yi-Sheng Liu, Hong-Ming Tsai, Chen-Miao Chou, Department of Radiology, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 704, Taiwan.
World Journal of Radiology
|September 5, 2015
Summary
New biodegradable microspheres were developed for transcatheter arterial embolization. These imaging-detectable microspheres demonstrated safety and efficacy comparable or superior to existing agents in pig models.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Interventional Radiology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is a minimally invasive procedure.
- Current embolic agents have limitations in biodegradability and imaging detectability.
- Development of novel embolic materials is crucial for improving TAE outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and characterize calibrated, biodegradable, and imaging-detectable microspheres.
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of these novel microspheres in pig liver and spleen embolization.
Main Methods:
- Six pharmaceutical excipients were combined and atomized to create microspheres.
- Hepatic and splenic arteries of 24 Lanyu pigs were embolized using Gelfoam, Embosphere, or the novel microspheres.
- Safety and efficacy were assessed via serum biochemistry, CT, liver perfusion scans, and microscopy.
Main Results:
- Radiopaque microspheres (300-400 μm) were successfully produced.
- Embolization significantly reduced liver blood flow and caused splenic infarction.
- CT and microscopy confirmed intra-arterial degradation of microspheres and Gelfoam.
- No significant changes in liver or renal function were observed.
Conclusions:
- The developed microspheres are calibrated, biodegradable, and imaging-detectable.
- They offer equivalent or superior embolization effects compared to Gelfoam and Embosphere in pigs.
- These novel microspheres represent a promising alternative for TAE procedures.
