Functional bold MRI: advantages of the 3 T vs. the 1.5 T.

We quantitatively evaluate the benefits of a higher field strength for functional brain MRI (fMRI) based on the blood oxygenation level-dependent contrast. The 3-T fMRI shows a higher sensitivity for the motor and somatosensory stimulation and more specific localization in the grey substance. The 3-T fMRI detects additional areas of activation with the motor paradigm.

Biocompatibility, inflammatory response, and recannalization characteristics of nonradioactive resin microspheres: histological findings.

Intra-arterial radiotherapy with yttrium-90 microspheres (radioembolization) is a therapeutic procedure exclusively applied to the liver that allows the direct delivery of high-dose radiation to liver tumors, by means of endovascular catheters, selectively placed within the tumor vasculature. The aim of the study was to describe the distribution of spheres within the precapillaries, inflammatory response, and recannalization characteristics after embolization with nonradioactive resin microspheres in the kidney and liver. We performed a partial embolization of the liver and kidney vessels in nine white pigs.

Comparative study of four different spherical embolic particles in an animal model: a morphologic and histologic evaluation.

Purpose: To perform a study in a porcine model comparing four different spherical embolic particles in terms of postembolization patency, deformation, and potential for recanalization, with a focus on a relatively new agent--HepaSphere.

Materials And Methods: Partial embolization of both kidneys was performed in 18 pigs. Nine animals were sacrificed at 48 hours and nine at 4 weeks.

In vivo evaluation of a new embolic spherical particle (HepaSphere) in a kidney animal model.

HepaSphere is a new spherical embolic material developed in a dry state that absorbs fluids and adapts to the vessel wall, leaving no space between the particle and the arterial wall. The aim of this study was to elucidate the final in vivo size, deformation, final location, and main properties of the particles when reconstituted with two different contrast media (Iodixanol and Ioxaglate) in an animal model. Two sizes of "dry-state" particles (50-100 and 150-200 microm) were reconstituted using both ionic and nonionic contrast media.

Gastroduodenal injury after radioembolization of hepatic tumors.

Background: Radioembolization is a new tool for the treatment of hepatic tumors that consists in the injection of biocompatible microspheres carrying radioisotopes into the hepatic artery or its branches.

Methods: We have performed radioembolization in 78 patients with hepatic tumors using resin-based microspheres loaded with yttrium-90. All patients were previously evaluated to minimize the risk of hazardous irradiation to nontarget organs and to obtain the data needed for dose calculation.

Right gastric artery embolization prior to treatment with yttrium-90 microspheres.

Purpose: Intra-arterial infusion of yttrium-90 microspheres is a form of radiation treatment for unresectable hepatic neoplasms. Misdeposition of particles in the gastroduodenal area such as the right gastric artery (RGA) may occur with serious consequences. We present a series of patients who underwent a detailed vascular study followed by RGA embolization.