Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Myocardial Infarction by Percutaneous Embolization Coil Deployment in a Swine Model
Published on: November 4, 2021
Percutaneous internal maxillary arterial embolization with ethylcellulose microspheres. Results in an animal model
1Department of Oral Pathology, Radiology, and Medicine, College of Dentistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242, USA.
Rationale And Objectives:
To investigate the use of ethylcellulose microspheres as long-term and peripheral emboli for percutaneous maxillofacial arterial embolization.
Methods:
Eight mongrel dogs were selected randomly for internal maxillary artery embolization with ethylcellulose microspheres. After embolization, angiographic, microangiographic, and histologic examinations were performed.
Results:
Ethylcellulose microspheres were trapped in the peripheral arterioles from 24 hours to 6 months after embolization. Degenerative changes of maxilla, mandible, and dental pulp occurred after the embolization of the internal maxillary artery with the microspheres. No evidence of whole or focal necrosis of the bones and surrounding soft tissues was found between 24 hours and 6 months after embolization.
Conclusion:
Ethylcellulose microspheres can be used as an alternative long-term and peripheral embolic agent, with potential for percutaneous maxillofacial arterial embolization.

