A cationic polymer, Eudragit-E, as a new liquid embolic material for arteriovenous malformations

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Interventional Radiology
• Vascular Surgery

Background:

• Arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) require effective embolization treatments.
• Existing embolic materials may have limitations in rapid deployment and biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a novel liquid embolic material for AVM treatment.
• To assess the precipitation, thrombogenicity, and in vivo performance of the new material.

Main Methods:

• A liquid mixture of methyl/butyl methacrylate and dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate copolymer (Eudragit-E) in ethanol/iopamidol was formulated.
• Precipitation kinetics and interaction with blood elements were studied.
• Transcatheter embolization was performed in canine and rat renal arteries, followed by histological analysis.

Main Results:

• Eudragit-E rapidly precipitated into a soft, elastic sponge within 3 seconds upon contact with aqueous environments.
• The material demonstrated aggregation of blood elements due to its positive charge, indicating thrombogenicity.
• Successful transcatheter embolization was achieved in 4 canine and 52 rat renal arteries.
• Histological examination showed no acute inflammation within one week, with mild to moderate reactions in later stages.
• No instances of recanalization were observed post-embolization.

Conclusions:

• The Eudragit-E mixture exhibits rapid precipitation and sponge formation, making it a potentially effective liquid embolic agent.
• Its thrombogenic properties and lack of recanalization suggest significant promise for AVM treatment.
• Further research is warranted to explore its full clinical potential in vascular embolization.