[Transcatheteral embolization with polyvinyl alcohol--technic and experimental studies].

The article presents hardened polyvinyl alcohol foam (PVA) as embolisation material. PVA is well tolerated by the tissue and produces permanent vascular sealing. It is possible to achieve peripheral embolisation of arteries having a diameter of approx. 100 microns, as well as sealing of vessels with diameter of up to 8 mm. Pressed PVA is used for occluding larger vessels. This PVA re-assumes its original shape and dimensions in liquids, depending on their osmolarity and molecular size. Depending upon the pressure exercised, compression and re-expansion can be fourfold to tenfold.