Experimental evaluation of cellulose acetate NF and ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer for selective arterial embolization.
OBJECTIVE
Studies were conducted in rabbits to evaluate two new liquid polymeric compounds developed for selective arterial embolization.


METHODS
The compounds consisted of cellulose acetate NF (Embolyx C) or ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (Embolyx E) dissolved in anhydrous dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) containing 30% tantalum powder. Acute renal embolization was performed to determine an optimal method of administration and level of embolization. Kidneys were embolized with and without flow around the catheter. DMSO was also injected in the same manner. Tissue sections were examined radiographically and microscopically. Tumor embolization was performed to evaluate the efficacy of the polymers and compare their embolic effects with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles and gelatin sponge (Gelfoam) powder. An embolic agent, saline, or DMSO was injected into the deep femoral artery feeding an intramuscular VX2 carcinoma. Animals were followed up for 3 weeks.


RESULTS
Viscosity and administration technique affected polymer distribution and depth of penetration. Embolization with the test polymers was quicker and more easily achieved than with PVA or Gelfoam, and no recanalization occurred. Both polymers were as effective as PVA particles for tumor ablation, but DMSO caused some vascular damage.


CONCLUSIONS
Although use of DMSO has some drawbacks, the results of this study warrant further investigation of the Embolyx polymers for tumor embolization.
Wright
K C
KC
Department of Diagnostic Radiology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030, USA. kwright@di.mdacc.tmc.edu
Greff
R J
RJ
Price
R E
RE
D000792:Angiography; D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D002482:Cellulose / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000737:chemistry; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide / Q000737:chemistry; D004621:Embolization, Therapeutic / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005781:Gelatin Sponge, Absorbable / Q000737:chemistry; D006490:Hemostatics / Q000737:chemistry; D007668:Kidney / Q000098:blood supply / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D008422:Materials Testing; D009374:Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000098:blood supply / Q000628:therapy; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol / Q000737:chemistry; D011145:Polyvinyls / Q000737:chemistry*; D011817:Rabbits; D012997:Solvents / Q000737:chemistry
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D006490:Hemostatics; D011145:Polyvinyls; D012997:Solvents; C005062:acetylcellulose; D011142:Polyvinyl Alcohol; D002482:Cellulose; D004121:Dimethyl Sulfoxide