Liquid embolic agents for interventional embolization

Minimally invasive interventional embolization has tremendous advantages over conventional surgery in the treatment of vascular diseases and malignant tumors. Particularly, liquid embolic agents have garnered much attention owing to their properties of deep vascular penetration and full occlusion of vasculature independent of thrombus formation, which relies on the patient's coagulation system. Despite their drawbacks, traditional liquid embolic agents, such as lipiodol, N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate, and Onyx, have benefited numerous patients. The original liquid embolic agents have been modified and optimized, and novel liquid embolic agents have also been developed using different strategies and mechanisms. This minireview provides a brief overview of liquid embolic agents, including approved and potential ones. Challenges, prospects, and rational design guidelines are also discussed. This review may spark interest in liquid embolic agents and open new avenues for the smart design of improved embolic agents in the development of personalized and precision medicine.