Novel Non-Biodegradable Computed Tomography-Visible Embolization Particles Constructed from a Double Network Hydrogel Incorporated With Tantalum Powder

Abstract

The double network (DN) gel is a rigid, tough, and safe hydrogel; however, like all hydrogels and existing particle embolization materials composed of a polymer, they lack X-ray visibility. Thus, it is not possible to locate the embolization material in the body. In this study, we successfully developed an X-ray-visible embolization material, a tough DN gel incorporated with biocompatible heavy metal powder. The DN gel particles, composed of poly(N,N'-dimethylacrylamide) and poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid) with tantalum powder, were synthesized via two-step suspension radical polymerization. The characteristics of the DN particles were evaluated by comparing them with Embosphere®, an existing embolization material. Furthermore, we used a rat carotid artery embolic model to evaluate the material’s X-ray computed tomography visibility in vivo. The developed embolization material was visible in X-ray computed tomography scans and safe for use in the body. Moreover, as it remained in the vessels for a long time, it is expected to be more effective than Embosphere®. Thus, the developed material is a promising DN particle embolization material with X-ray computed tomography visibility.