ENDOVASCULAR EMBOLIZATION USING HYDROGEL MICROSPHERES

Controlled alkaline hydrolysis of crosslinked poly(methyl methacrylate ) (PMMA) microspheres produced highly hydrophilic, smooth, compressibl e, nearly perfect microspheres having a range of water content 40-95%. These particles were found to possess many desirable properties as a material for therapeutic embolization. After successful toxicological and animal evaluation, these particles were used to treat various ailm ents such as arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the brain, spinal co rd, limbs, face and trunks, preoperative devascularization of tumours and in the management of severe life-threatening haemoptysis and haema temesis in clinical trials involving over 90 patients at this Institut e. The results of these studies appeared to be very encouraging. The m aterial is found to be an ideal embolic agent in all these clinical si tuations.