Transcatheter embolization with microfibrillar collagen in swine.

Transcatheter embolization of the gastrosplenic and renal arteries was performed in 7 domestic swine with suspensions of microfibrillar collagen (MFC), a recently developed topical hemostatic agent. Embolized vessels remained occluded 2 days following embolization. Recanalization occurred by 14 days, although some occlusion in distal vessel persisted at 3 months. Pathologically a marked granulomatous arteritis was noted at 14 days which resolved by 3 months. Gastric ulcers or infarcts were present in two animals. The severe vasculitis and gastric pathology observed with MFC in this study would seem to preclude its use as a general embolic agent. It may be useful, however, in the preoperative embolization of neoplasms, especially in pediatric patients since its physical characteristics allow it to be easily injected through small diameter catheters.