PERCUTANEOUS INTERNAL MAXILLARY ARTERIAL EMBOLIZATION WITH ETHYLCELLULOSE MICROSPHERES - RESULTS IN AN ANIMAL-MODEL

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. TO investigate the use of ethylcellulose mic rospheres as long-term and peripheral emboli for percutaneous maxillof acial arterial embolization, METHODS. Eight mongrel dogs were selected randomly for internal maxillary artery embolization with ethylcellulo se microspheres, After embolization, angiographic, microangiographic, and histologic examinations were performed. RESULTS. Ethylcellulose mi crospheres were trapped in the peripheral arterioles from 24 hours to 6 months after embolization, Degenerative changes of maxilla, mandible , and dental pulp occurred after the embolization of the internal maxi llary artery with the microspheres, No evidence of whole or focal necr osis of the bones and surrounding soft tissues was found between 24 ho urs and 6 months after embolization. CONCLUSION. Ethylcellulose micros pheres can be used as an alternative long-term and peripheral embolic agent, with potential for percutaneous maxillofacial arterial emboliza tion.