Applicability of liquid radiopaque polyurethane for transcatheter embolization.

Polyurethane Bayer was tested as an occlusive agent for experimental embolization in postmortem and postnephrectomy kidneys which served as a tumor model. Coaxial and balloon catheters were used for the embolization. To make polyurethane radiopaque, the material was labeled with different water-soluble, oily and solid contrast agents. Best results were achieved with oily contrast materials, e.g., Pantopaque. We found that polyurethane can easily be injected during a predetermined working time of 8-10 min. The embolization results in a complete, permanent, and homogeneous occlusion of the proximal arterial branches and small peripheral vessels.