Microfluidic-prepared, monodisperse, X-ray-visible, embolic microspheres for non-oncological embolization...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Interventional Radiology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Traditional embolotherapy relies on exogenous contrast agents for visualization, which wash out, obscuring embolic agent location.
• Lack of persistent radiopacity hinders precise assessment of embolic delivery and post-procedural evaluation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop inherently X-ray-visible embolic microspheres (XEMs) for improved embolotherapy visualization.
• To evaluate the embolization properties and non-oncological applications of XEMs.

Main Methods:

• A novel microfluidic device with a pseudo-check valve was used to continuously generate barium-impregnated alginate microspheres.
• The generated XEMs were characterized for size uniformity and X-ray visibility (including cone beam CT) in vitro and in vivo.
• Embolization efficacy and precision were assessed in large animal models, including a bariatric arterial embolization study in swine.

Main Results:

• Rapid and continuous generation of uniform-sized, X-ray-visible embolic microspheres (XEMs) was achieved.
• XEMs demonstrated persistent radiopacity, enabling real-time intra- and post-procedural assessment of embolic delivery without exogenous contrast.
• Bariatric arterial embolization using XEMs significantly suppressed weight gain in swine, demonstrating a non-oncological application.

Conclusions:

• The developed XEMs offer a contrast-free solution for precise embolotherapy visualization and delivery assessment.
• Persistent radiopacity of XEMs facilitates non-invasive follow-up examinations.
• XEMs show significant potential for non-oncological applications, such as bariatric arterial embolization for weight management.