Experimental canine hepatic artery embolization with polyvinyl alcohol foam particles

Segmental and complete hepatic artery embolization with Ivalon (polyvinyl alcohol) particles (0.25 to 1 mm) was performed in 12 dogs to evaluate hepatic function alterations and histopathological changes. In dogs undergoing segmental embolization, liver function alterations were minimal and the liver was normal, both grossly and microscopically, at autopsy. In dogs undergoing complete hepatic embolization, only two had significant elevation of SGOT and alkaline phosphatase levels, which normalized in 2 and 4 weeks; one of these two dogs also had an elevated bilirubin level. A focal hepatic infarct was observed both grossly and microscopically in one dog and only microscopically in four dogs. Two dogs died of pancreatic abscess due to unintentional pancreatic embolization. The study suggested that segmental embolization with Ivalon particles was well tolerated by dogs, and complete hepatic embolization resulted in hepatic function changes and focal infarction comparable with Gelfoam embolization.