Treatment of Ruptured and Nonruptured Aneurysms Using a Semisolid Iodinated Embolic Agent.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Endovascular Therapy
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Saccular aneurysms (SAs) are arterial outpouchings with limited minimally invasive treatment options.
• Current treatments like coil embolization have drawbacks including recanalization, rebleeding, and device migration.
• There is a need for improved embolic agents to overcome the limitations of existing SA treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a nanoclay-based shear-thinning hydrogel (STH) for endovascular treatment of SAs.
• To assess the stability, efficacy, biocompatibility, and hemostatic capabilities of STH in preclinical models.

Main Methods:

• Extensive in vitro testing to optimize STH properties: performance, visualization, injectability, and endothelialization.
• In vivo studies using rat and pig femoral artery saccular aneurysm models (ruptured and unruptured).
• Evaluation of STH stability, efficacy, immune response, endothelialization, and biocompatibility.

Main Results:

• Fluoroscopy and CT imaging confirmed successful SA occlusion with STH, showing no recanalization or migration.
• STH outperformed coil embolization in porcine aneurysm models.
• STH achieved instant hemostasis in ruptured SA models, ensuring long-term survival in pigs.

Conclusions:

• The nanoclay-based shear-thinning hydrogel (STH) is a safe and effective embolic agent for SA treatment.
• STH demonstrates superior performance and hemostatic capabilities compared to current endovascular techniques.
• STH holds potential to significantly advance the standard of care for saccular aneurysms.