|
The treatment of hypervascularized tumors and AVM's can use a variety of
methods: surgical removal of the tumor; technologies such as radiofrequency,
laser, cryotherapy, and chemotherapy, depending upon the type of tumor; and
embolization. While traditional surgery may be indicated, there may be many
situations where surgery is not ideal. Or, as a preface to surgery, the
physician may want to reduce the size of the tumor or reduce the amount of
blood flow to the tumor. Thus, embolization of the tumor is indicated. Click
here for more information on hypervascularized tumors.
Embolization is the process of cutting off the blood flow to the tumor, or in
essence, "starving" it of the oxygen it needs to exist and grow. This procedure
typically is performed by an Interventional Radiologist (IR) or
Interventional Neuroradiologist, depending upon the location of the tumor or
malformation who uses X-ray to view the circulatory system leading up to and
surrounding the tumor. The IR makes a small incision and uses a combination of
special catheters and guidewires inside the vessels to locate the tumor. The IR
will then use the catheter to deposit small spheres that block the blood flow to
the tumor. You can use the Society of Interventional Radiologists' IR
Locator to find an Interventional Radiologist near you.
Demonstration of a Tumor Embolization
Currently, there are a few options as to what the IR will use to block, or embolize, the
blood flow to the tumor. In 2000, the FDA approved a product from BioSphere Medical
called Embosphere® Microspheres. They are very small, round microspheres that are
made of biocompatible materials that have been used inside the body for many
years. Embosphere Microspheres have an extensive clinical history, having been
used in over 15,000 patients over the past eight years. You
may also see our Online Presentation.
The technology for EmboGold Microspheres is based upon the same technology as
Embosphere Microspheres. In 2001, this second generation product was introduced
by BioSphere Medical. EmboGold Microspheres are colored for increased visibility
during preparation and are packaged for enhanced ease of use. Click here to view
a Patient Information Guide.
Other materials used to embolize tumors include particles made of polyvinyl
alcohol (PVA), gelfoam, or metal coils, the most common being PVA. While PVA
has been used for a long time for embolization, the inconsistent particle size
and shape can potentially aggregate and block vital distil blood flow to healthy tissue
or clog catheters during injection.
Embosphere Microspheres
 |
PVA
 |
| Click images for a larger view |
Regardless of the embolic agent used, the procedure usually takes one to two hours
to complete. Typically patients can go home in 24 hours and be back to normal
activities in 4-7 days.
Products
Products Overview
EmboGold Microspheres
Embosphere Microspheres
History
Journal Articles
Company Literature
Indications
Indications Overview
Hypervascularized Tumors
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM's)
Other Resources
Journal Articles
Company Literature
Controlled, Targeted Embolization
BioSphere Medical's microspheres are precisely calibrated, spherical,
hydrophilic, micro-porous beads made of an acrylic co-polymer (trisacryl)
which is then cross-linked with gelatin. This proprietary and patented
design allows a more complete and targeted occlusion of the blood vessels
feeding a hypervascularized tumor or arteriovenous malformation.
Furthermore, the hydrophilic surface and spherical shape prevent
aggregation within the catheter lumen and in the vasculature, promoting
ease and accuracy of delivery. Finally, the elastic properties of the
microspheres also allow the temporary deformation of the sphere, which
facilitates the passage through small delivery systems.
 |
 |
| Click images for a larger view |
| Embosheres:
Flexible spheres
Non Aggregating
Uniform occlusion
Predictable penetration |
PVA:
Irregular shape
Clumping
Non-uniform occlusion
More proximal occlusion
|
 |
 |
| Click images for a larger view |
Compressible and Hydrophilic:
Elastic shape and hydrophilic surface prevent
aggregation within the catheter, simplifying handling and promoting
accurate delivery to the target vessel. |
Preparation and Administration
One of the major benefits to Embosphere® Microspheres and EmboGold Microspheres is the
packaging design which allows ease of use. In order to leverage the benefits
derived from the packaging, it is important to follow some very simple
preparation and administration steps. Please contact your local sales
representative to schedule an in-service with one of our clinical
specialists.
For details on how to Prepare and Administer
EmboGold Microspheres, please click here
Click here for a Microcatheter Compatibility Chart
Contact BioSphere Medical · Privacy Statement
Patients
Patients Overview
Journal Articles
Company Literature
Other Resources
Physicians
Physicians Overview
Reimbursement
Events
Products
Products Overview
EmboGold Microspheres
Embosphere Microspheres
History
Journal Articles
Company Literature
Indications
Indications Overview
Hypervascularized Tumors
Arteriovenous Malformations (AVM's)
Other Resources
Journal Articles
Company Literature
Company
Company Overview
Growth Opportunities
Management
Events
Careers
Journal Articles
Company Literature
See the Difference
Uterine Embolization Information
Fibroid Embolization Information
Spinal Cord Turmor Information
Brain Tumor Treament Information
Metastatic Liver Cancer Information
Arteriovenous Malformations Information
Arterial embolization Information
Biosphere Information
Chemoembolization Information
Embolization Information
Embolization fibroids Information
Embolization reimbursement Information
Embolotherapy Information
Embosphere microspheres Information
Hypervascularized tumors Information
Liver embolization Information
Uterine arterial embolization Information
Uterine fibroid embolization Information
What is embolization Information
|