temperature-sensitive liquid embolic agent

A temperature-sensitive liquid embolic agent (TempSLE) is a novel injectable material used in interventional radiology for vascular embolization procedures. It is primarily composed of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm), sometimes copolymerized with butyl methacrylate or combined with iohexol as a contrast medium and dissolved in saline[5][3]. At low temperatures, TempSLE remains in a liquid state, allowing easy delivery through microcatheters. Upon exposure to body temperature (above 30°C), it rapidly undergoes dehydration and transitions into a gel state within the vasculature, forming an occlusive mass that blocks blood flow to targeted tissues such as tumors or hypervascular lesions[5][2][3]. This phase transition mechanism enables precise localization and minimizes risk of premature solidification inside the catheter. The material is non-toxic, non-adhesive, biocompatible, and can be loaded with chemotherapeutics like oxaliplatin for transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE)[4]. Its use has been demonstrated in animal models for tumor treatment and clinical studies for preoperative tumor devascularization and prostatic artery embolization[4][5].

Brand names

TempSLE

Other names

temperature-sensitive hydrogel embolic agentthermosensitive liquid embolic agentPNIPAAm-based liquid embolic agent