Embolic materials for cerebral endovascular theraphy

Abstract

Cerebral embolization is one of the most important procedures in neuroendovasculare intervention. Fast developments of new microcatheters that can be maneuvered endovascularly into the brain have permitted the treatment of lesions without conventional neurosurgery. Also, the progress in biomaterial science has contributed significantly to the development of this new therapeutic modality. 
Various embolic materials in clinical use are reviewed, such as cyanoacrylates, ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer mixtures, Ethibloc, ethanol, estrogen, poly(vinyl acetate), cellulose acetate polymer, poly(vinyl alcohol), gelatin sponges, microfibrillar collagen, surgical silk sutures, detachable balloons, and coils. These materials are reviewed in the context of treatment application for various brain lesions, such as arteriovenous malformations, cerebral aneurysms, and head and neck tumors. Further developments in biomaterial polymer science can bring about progress against brain diseases.