Spherical embolic agent

Tris-acryl gel microspheres were the first spherical embolic agents to be commercially available [32]. Tris-acryl is an entirely synthetic, hydrophilic, and nonresorbable material. It has been demonstrated that this material produces non-toxic tissue reaction, thus allowing absorption and cellular adhesion [32]. Colored and non-colored tris-acryl gelatin microspheres (Embogold and Embosphere Microspheres Biosphere Medical, Rockland, MA) are currently commercially available. 

Siskin GP, Dowling K, Virmani R, et al. (2003) Pathologic evaluation of a spherical polyvinyl alcohol embolic agent in a porcine model. J Vase Interv Radiol 14 89-98... 

It may be hypothesized that, compared to materials which are slowly degradable, resorbable embolics would be more able to restore uterine artery integrity. A gelatin sponge is mainly used to perform hemostatic embolization [19]. This biodegradable intravascular embolization agent has also been successfully used for fibroid embolization. Mid-term results seem to be comparable to those obtained with non-spherical PVA particles or calibrated microspheres [12]. 

Other newer agents have been introduced for use in UFE. Gelatin-coated trisacryl microspheres (Embospheres, Biosphere Medical Inc., Rockland, MA) were the first spherical agents and offered the theoretical advantage of a more uniform and targeted embolization of the perifibroid plexus [15]. Their compressibility also made microcatheter clog-... 

Super absorbent polymer microspheres is another example of nontoxic and non-biodegradable solid particle with a spherical shape that has been recently tested in Japan [52]. The particle size is precisely calibrated in 50-pm increments ranging from 53 to 350 pm and initial experience suggests that embolization with use of these particles leads to extensive tumor necrosis of large nodular HCC, sparing use of chemotherapeutic agents [52]. 

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