polyvinyl alcohol embolized microspheres

Polyvinyl alcohol embolized microspheres are synthetic, hydrophilic, non-resorbable hydrogel microparticles derived from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). They are designed for use as permanent vascular occlusion agents in transarterial embolization procedures. These microspheres can be manufactured with a regular spherical shape and smooth surface or as irregular flakes. Their primary mechanism is mechanical blockage of blood vessels by lodging within the vasculature to obstruct blood flow. This leads to ischemia and necrosis of targeted tissues such as tumors or arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). The size of the microspheres can be calibrated for specific clinical applications and vessel sizes. Indications include treatment of hypervascular tumors (e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma), uterine fibroids, AVMs, preoperative devascularization of organs or tumors, management of bleeding (e.g., post-trauma solid organ hemorrhage), and other interventional radiology procedures[1][2][5]. Some formulations can also be loaded with chemotherapeutic agents for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in oncology[2][6]. The device is delivered via microcatheters under imaging guidance.

Brand names

MegaSphereContour PVA Embolization Particles

Other names

polyvinyl alcohol embolic microspheresPVA embolization particlesPVA foam embolization particles