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Liquid embolics are embolization agents used in interventional radiology that exist in a liquid form at the time of injection and solidify within the vasculature to produce vessel occlusion.
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Unlike particulate embolics (which cause occlusion by mechanical obstruction), liquid embolics penetrate deeply into the vascular bed, providing more distal and durable occlusion.
Liquid embolic agents and their usage scenarios and advantages.
Jiang Y, Zhang Y, Lu Z, et al. Liquid embolic agents for interventional embolization. ChemPhysMater. 2021;1(1):39-50. doi:10.1016/j.chphma.2021.09.008
| Class | Agent | Properties | Utility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adhesive Agents | n-Butyl cyanoacrylate (n-BCA) (glue) | Polymerize within seconds → immediate occlusion | Fast, permanent, but operator-dependent. |
| Non-Adhesive Agents | Onyx, Squid | Precipitate gradually, allowing more controlled deposition and penetration | Slower, safer, more controlled, especially in neurovascular use |
| Alcohol-Based Agents | Absolute ethanol | Direct cytotoxic injury to endothelium and vessel wall → thrombosis + fibrosis | Destructive, highly effective in AVMs but with high complication risk |
| Neurointerventions | • AVMs, AVFs, aneurysm adjunct therapy (Onyx, n-BCA). |
|---|---|
| Peripheral interventions | • Gastrointestinal hemorrhage, bronchial artery embolization. |
| • Tumor devascularization (HCC, renal cell carcinoma). | |
| Vascular malformations | • Ethanol therapy for venous and AV malformations. |