[An experimental study of a new embolic material--Lipiodol suspension of water-absorbent particle].

A water-absorbent particle (a polymer of polyacrylic acid soda) was investigated as a new embolic material. The size of a single particle is 200 microns (N-100) or 10 microns (NP-1010). A particle absorbs 100 times its own weight of physiologic NaCl solution within a few seconds. The particles have no acute or chronic toxicity or immunogenicity. This material suspended by Lipiodol was evaluated in an in vitro study using an AVM model composed of a plastic syringe and polyurethane sponge. The AVM model was perfused by physiological NaCl solution at a pressure of 150 mmHg. The swollen polymer worked as an adequate embolic material in the AVM model, using a minimum quantity. The embolic effect depended upon the quantity and concentration of the suspension. Restoration of flow was not observed within a period of ten minutes. The embolized part was clearly visualized due to the retention of Lipiodol. This material is a promising agent for arterial embolization.