Use of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) for endovascular occlusion in pediatric surgery.

Embolization using poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogel particles, of cylindrical spherical form, was successfully achieved in 42 children treated for non-operable haemangiomas of the liver, and angiodysplasias. Spherical PHEMA hydrogels appeared to be the only possibility for the treatment of 26 children suffering from extensive cavernous haemangiomas of face and neck. Particles were able to cover the tumour, stop its growth and allow the use of local hyperthermia with the electromagnetic field. A partial two-stage embolization using beaded PHEMA was also used as part of the multistage treatment for curing the spleen in 28 children suffering from haemolytic spherocytic anaemia, thrombocytopenic purpura and portal hypertension.