TY - JOUR T1 - Collagen microbeads: experimental evaluation of an embolic agent in the rete mirabile of the swine. JF - American Journal of Neuroradiology JO - Am. J. Neuroradiol. SP - 1031 LP - 1036 VL - 16 IS - 5 AU - F Turjman AU - T F Massoud AU - H V Vinters AU - C Ji AU - M Tardy AU - G Guglielmi AU - F Viñuela Y1 - 1995/05/01 UR - http://www.ajnr.org/content/16/5/1031.abstract N2 - PURPOSE To evaluate the histologic and angiographic effects of collagen microbeads as an embolic agent in the swine rete mirabile. METHODS Human collagen particles (380 +/- 100 microns) of spheroidal shape and smooth surface were used to embolize the rete mirabile in five swine. Control angiograms and pathologic examinations were obtained immediately and sequentially from 3 to 35 days after embolization. RESULTS The collagen particles were easy to inject through microcatheters. Embolization was always angiographically complete and persistent for at least 5 weeks. Histologic studies showed occlusion of 25% to 50% of the rete vessels. After 3 and 5 weeks' follow-up, transmural and adventitial chronic inflammation was present. Inflammatory infiltrates included lymphohistiocytic cells and scattered eosinophils. The foreign-body giant-cell reaction was pronounced. No evidence of angionecrosis or focal hemorrhage was shown. CONCLUSIONS Collagen microbeads are a promising experimental embolic agent, with potential future applications in humans. ER -