Abstract
This study describes the comparative performance of four commercially available microspherical embolisation products: EmbosphereTM, EmbogoldTM, Contour SETM and Bead BlockTM. A series of in vitro evaluations were designed to assess the mechanical and biological characteristics of these biomaterials. Size distribution analysis revealed sieving techniques used to fractionate the embolics produced similar size distributions. The forces required to compress Embosphere, Embogold and Bead Block were in the range 21–27.5 kPa. Contour SE was significantly more compressible at ∼ 5 kPa. However, recoverability of Contour SE required several minutes in contrast to the other products, a phenomenon attributed to its macroporous structure. When time taken to reach and remain in suspension was studied, results showed that the products quickly reached equilibrium with contrast agent. Bead Block was maintained in suspension for twice as long as the other products. Catheter deliverability was assessed and found to be dependent upon both microsphere and catheter, the best combination being Bead Block delivered via the ProgreatTM catheter. Both the blood contacting SEM and plasma coagulation time showed none of the products were pro-thrombic or pro-coagulatory, each producing comparable results. Small differences in physical properties such as compressibility, could play an important role in delivery and effectiveness of vessel blockage. Currently all products are used routinely in clinical practice.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
K. T. BROWN, A. B. NEVINS, G. I. GETRAJMAN, L. A. BRODY, R. C. KURTZ, Y. FONG and L. H. BLUMGART, J. Vascular Interventional Radiol. 9 (1998) 822.
J. B. SPIES, S. A. ASCHER, A. R. ROTH, J. KIM, E. B. LEVY and J. GOMEZ-JORGE, Obstet Gynecol. 98 (2001) 29.
D. LIU and X. C. MA, Chin. J. Dent. Res. 3 (2000) 63.
P. C. KWOC, T. W. LAM, S. C. CHAN, C. P. CHUNG, W. K. WONG, M. K. CHAN, H. Y. LO and W. M. LAM, J. Hepatol. 32 (2000) 955.
S. WALLACE and H. M. GOLDSTEIN, Postgrad. Med. 59 (1976) 141.
A. BERENSTEIN and E. RUSSELL, Radiol. 141 (1981) 105.
S. M. TADAVARTHY, J. H. MOLLER and K. AMPLATZ, Am. J. Roentgenol. Radium. Ther. Nucl. Med. 125 (1976) 609.
J. L. DOPPMAN, Cardiovasc Intervent Radiol. 3 (1980) 268.
A. LAURENT, M. WASSEF, R. CHAPOT, E. HOUDART and J. J. MERLAND, J. Vasc. Interv. Radiol. 15 (2004) 491.
A. LAURENT, R. BEAUJEUX, M. WASSEF, D. RUFENACT, E. BOSCHETTI and J. J. MERLAND, Am. J. Neuroradiol. 17 (1996) 533.
J. SAINT-MAURICE J., M. WASSEF, J. NAMUR, J. J. MERLAND and A. LAURENT, Abstracts from CIRSE 2003, Antalya-Belek, Turkey, Sept. 2003, abst.15.4.6, p. 149.
M. TAKAHASHI, Y. SAIDA and J. P. TSUKUBA, European Congress of Radiology 2004, Abstract No. 1195, March 2004, Vienna, Austria.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Lewis, A.L., Adams, C., Busby, W. et al. Comparative in vitro evaluation of microspherical embolisation agents. J Mater Sci: Mater Med 17, 1193–1204 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-006-0592-x
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10856-006-0592-x