Embolic Agents: Particles
Sean Lee, Abheek Ghosh, Nicholas Xiao, Andrew C. Gordon, Negar Heidarpour, Brian Funaki, Robert J. Lewandowski
Abstract
Compared with other embolic agents, particles offer distinct attributes for a broad range of clinical applications, including treatment of vascular tumors to achieving hemostasis in life-threatening emergencies.[1] Microparticle embolization is often the agent of choice when smaller, more distal vessels are targeted for occlusion. Due to their varied attributes, including size, shapes (i.e., microspheres), and material composition, particles can provide excellent versatility in embolization procedures. The aim of this article is to provide a back-to-the-basics overview of particle embolization. Here, we discuss the various microparticle types, their respective advantages and disadvantages, as well as technical considerations when using microparticles for embolization.