Capillary embolization with Ethibloc: new embolization concept tested in dog kidneys

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Nephrology

Background:

• Collateral vessels in tumors and arteriovenous malformations impede effective therapeutic embolization.
• Achieving complete arterial bed occlusion, including capillaries, is crucial for successful embolization treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of Ethibloc, a vegetable protein-based embolic agent, for achieving homogenous embolization in canine renal arteries.
• To determine if Ethibloc, in combination with glucose, can overcome limitations posed by collateral vessels and reach the capillary level.

Main Methods:

• Ethibloc, dissolved in alcohol, was administered to 15 renal arteries in dogs.
• Histopathological examination was performed on the embolized kidneys to assess the extent of occlusion and tissue response.
• Ethibloc was also tested in combination with 40% glucose to evaluate its effect on embolization homogeneity.

Main Results:

• Microscopic analysis revealed complete resorption in three kidneys and complete necrosis in four kidneys post-embolization.
• The combination of Ethibloc and 40% glucose resulted in homogenous embolization throughout the entire arterial bed, including capillaries.
• No adverse effects or complications were observed in other organs during the study.

Conclusions:

• Ethibloc shows potential as an embolic agent, with varying degrees of resorption and necrosis observed.
• The addition of 40% glucose to Ethibloc significantly enhances homogenous embolization, reaching the capillary network.
• This combination represents a promising approach to overcome collateral vessel limitations in therapeutic embolization.