Intrinsically radiopaque iodine-containing polyvinyl alcohol as a liquid embolic agent: evaluation in experimental wide-necked aneurysms.

Object: To evaluate iodine-containing polyvinyl alcohol (I-PVA) as a precipitating liquid embolic agent, implant characteristics--including radiopacity, setting behavior, and biocompatibility--were studied in an aneurysm model in swine.

Methods: Twelve broad-based carotid artery (CA) sidewall aneurysms were surgically constructed in six pigs. Iodine-containing polyvinyl alcohol dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) was injected during temporary balloon occlusion bridging the aneurysm neck.