In vivo characterization of a new type of biodegradable starch microsphere for transarterial embolization.

Transarterial embolization is an established minimally invasive treatment for solid tumors. Unintended inflammation, foreign body reactions and ischemia-triggered neoangiogenesis are clinical drawbacks of permanent embolic materials. The aim of the current study was to characterize a new type of biodegradable starch microsphere with regard to angiographic and histopathological features such as patterns of acute arterial occlusion as well as induction of tissue necrosis, microsphere biodegradation, and inflammation and foreign body reactions during follow-up.

Evaluation of the plasmatic and parenchymal elution kinetics of two different irinotecan-loaded drug-eluting embolics in a pig model.

Purpose: To evaluate and compare irinotecan elution kinetics of two drug-eluting embolic agents in a porcine model.

Materials And Methods: Embolization of the left liver lobe was performed in 16 domestic pigs, with groups of two receiving 1 mL of DC Bead M1 (70-150 µm) or Embozene TANDEM (75 µm) loaded with 50 mg irinotecan. Irinotecan plasma levels were measured at 0, 10, 20, 30, 60, 120, 180, and 240 minutes after completed embolization and at the time of euthanasia (24 h, 48 h, 72 h, or 7 d).

Technical and clinical outcome of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent shunt: bare metal stents (BMS) versus viatorr stent-grafts (VSG).

Purpose: To compare retrospectively angiographical and clinical results in patients undergoing transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic stent-shunt (TIPS) using BMS or VSG.

Materials And Methods: From February 2001 to January 2010, 245 patients underwent TIPS. From those, 174 patients matched the inclusion criteria with elective procedures and institutional follow-up.