PURPOSE: To clarify the configuration change of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) polymerization with increasing proportion of ethanol, the properties of a mixture of NBCA with lipiodol plus ethanol (NLE), and the feasibility of use of NLE for aneurysm packing in a swine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The polymerization configuration of NLE was explored using ratios of 1-4 parts NBCA and 1-3 parts ethanol per 1 part of lipiodol; a 1:1 ratio of NBCA to lipiodol (NLE110) was used as a control. The distance that NLE migrated into saline flowing in a tube was measured. A carotid artery aneurysm was created in each of 18 swine. Aneurysmal packing with three configurations--NLE110, NLE at a ratio of 1:1:2 (NLE112), and NLE at a ratio of 1:1:3 (NLE113)--was attempted in six swine for each configuration. RESULTS: Regardless of NBCA composition, medium-sized droplets, a single large droplet, and a noodle-shaped extrusion were observed in NLE with lipiodol versus ethanol ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. NLE110 migrated as viscous fluid to 190 cm from the injection site, whereas NLE112 migrated for 81 cm ± 11 and NLE113 migrated for 74 cm ± 9. Instant outflow of NLE110 from the six aneurysms caused occlusion of the parent artery, with adhesion to the microcatheter. Packing was achieved with minimal adhesion for all six of the aneurysms packed with NLE112 or with NLE113. CONCLUSIONS: With high ratios of ethanol, the NLE polymerization configuration acquired solid-like properties with potent occlusive ability and negligible adhesion to the microcatheter, suggesting its feasibility for packing of aneurysms.
PURPOSE: To clarify the configuration change of N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) polymerization with increasing proportion of ethanol, the properties of a mixture of NBCA with lipiodol plus ethanol (NLE), and the feasibility of use of NLE for aneurysm packing in a swine model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The polymerization configuration of NLE was explored using ratios of 1-4 parts NBCA and 1-3 parts ethanol per 1 part of lipiodol; a 1:1 ratio of NBCA to lipiodol (NLE110) was used as a control. The distance that NLE migrated into saline flowing in a tube was measured. A carotid artery aneurysm was created in each of 18 swine. Aneurysmal packing with three configurations--NLE110, NLE at a ratio of 1:1:2 (NLE112), and NLE at a ratio of 1:1:3 (NLE113)--was attempted in six swine for each configuration. RESULTS: Regardless of NBCA composition, medium-sized droplets, a single large droplet, and a noodle-shaped extrusion were observed in NLE with lipiodol versus ethanol ratios of 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3. NLE110 migrated as viscous fluid to 190 cm from the injection site, whereas NLE112 migrated for 81 cm ± 11 and NLE113 migrated for 74 cm ± 9. Instant outflow of NLE110 from the six aneurysms caused occlusion of the parent artery, with adhesion to the microcatheter. Packing was achieved with minimal adhesion for all six of the aneurysms packed with NLE112 or with NLE113. CONCLUSIONS: With high ratios of ethanol, the NLE polymerization configuration acquired solid-like properties with potent occlusive ability and negligible adhesion to the microcatheter, suggesting its feasibility for packing of aneurysms.