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Fusible and Radiopaque Microspheres for Embolization
Jing Li1, Jingyi Xu1, Yunpeng Wang1
1National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610064, China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|August 9, 2024
Summary
New fusible radiopaque microspheres (FRMs) offer improved embolization for transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). These novel microspheres demonstrate effective fusion and long-lasting radiopacity in vivo, promising enhanced embolic agent performance.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Medical Imaging
- Interventional Radiology
Background:
- Transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) is a minimally invasive procedure used to block blood vessels.
- Current embolic agents face limitations in terms of fusion, radiopacity, and duration of effect.
- Development of advanced embolic materials is crucial for improving TAE outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and characterize fusible radiopaque microspheres (FRMs) for TAE.
- To evaluate the in vivo performance of FRMs as an embolic agent.
- To assess the fusion properties and radiopacity of the developed microspheres.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(ε-caprolactone) based polyurethane (PCEU) copolymer.
- Fabrication of blank microspheres (BMs) and subsequent loading with lipiodol to create FRMs.
- Characterization of FRM size, elasticity, and melting temperature.
- In vivo embolization study in a rabbit ear model to assess performance and radiopacity.
Main Results:
- Uniformly sized FRMs (142.2–343.1 µm) were successfully fabricated.
- Encapsulated lipiodol reduced the melting point of PCEU, enabling microsphere fusion.
- In vivo studies showed effective embolization with significant ischemic necrosis.
- FRMs exhibited sustained radiopacity significantly longer than the commercial agent Loversol.
Conclusions:
- Fusible radiopaque microspheres (FRMs) demonstrate promising potential as an advanced embolic agent for TAE.
- The developed FRMs offer enhanced fusion capabilities and prolonged radiopacity compared to existing agents.
- Further development could lead to improved efficacy and outcomes in embolization procedures.
