Bioresorbable Gelatin Microspheres for Temporary Transarterial Embolization: Feasibility Study in Porcine Kidney...

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Controlled, temporary embolization is crucial for various interventional procedures.
• Bioresorbable materials offer potential advantages over permanent embolic agents.
• Evaluating novel bioresorbable gelatin microspheres (R-GM) in a relevant animal model is necessary.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the in vivo performance of bioresorbable gelatin microspheres (R-GM) for temporary embolization.
• To characterize the degradation profile and inflammatory response to R-GM.
• To compare R-GM with tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (T-GM) in a porcine kidney model.

Main Methods:

• Transarterial embolization of porcine renal arteries using R-GM and T-GM.
• Follow-up angiography at multiple time points (2 hours to 16 weeks).
• Histopathologic analysis to evaluate embolic agent presence, inflammation, and tissue damage.

Main Results:

• R-GM achieved temporary occlusion with complete vessel recanalization by 2 hours.
• T-GM resulted in persistent microsphere presence, infarction, and inflammation up to 16 weeks.
• R-GM exhibited minimal inflammatory reaction and tissue damage compared to T-GM.

Conclusions:

• Bioresorbable gelatin microspheres (R-GM) are feasible for temporary embolization.
• R-GM facilitates controlled occlusion followed by complete recanalization.
• R-GM demonstrates a favorable safety profile with minimal tissue damage compared to T-GM.