Transcatheter embolization with microfibrillar collagen in swine

Area of Science:

• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Surgery
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Microfibrillar collagen (MFC) is a novel topical hemostatic agent.
• Transcatheter embolization is a minimally invasive procedure used to block blood vessels.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial embolization using microfibrillar collagen (MFC) in swine models.
• To assess the short-term and mid-term pathological effects of MFC embolization on major arteries.

Main Methods:

• Transcatheter embolization of the gastrosplenic and renal arteries in 7 domestic swine using MFC suspensions.
• Vessel patency assessment at 2 days, 14 days, and 3 months post-embolization.
• Pathological examination to evaluate arterial and surrounding tissue responses.

Main Results:

• Complete vessel occlusion was observed at 2 days post-embolization.
• Recanalization occurred by 14 days, with persistent distal occlusion in some vessels at 3 months.
• Marked granulomatous arteritis was noted at 14 days, resolving by 3 months. Gastric ulcers/infarcts occurred in 2 animals.

Conclusions:

• Severe vasculitis and gastric pathology limit MFC's use as a general embolic agent.
• MFC may be suitable for preoperative embolization of neoplasms, particularly in pediatric patients, due to its injectability through small catheters.