Initial Experience Using a Shear-Thinning Conformable Hydrogel Embolic

Abstract

A new conformable embolic agent (Obsidio; Boston Scientific, Marlborough, Massachusetts) is indicated for embolizing hypervascular tumors and treating peripheral vessel bleeding. It is a non-Newtonian hydrogel that becomes less viscous when shear force is applied. This retrospective study examined the safety and effectiveness of the shear-thinning embolic in a single-academic-center experience. Technical and clinical success, and adverse events were assessed. Twenty-seven patients were treated with the shear-thinning embolic in 39 vessels over 28 procedures. Technical success was achieved in 37 (95%) of 39 vessels, with clinical success in 26 (93%) of 28 procedures. There was 1 treatment-related severe adverse event (3.6%): left gastric artery embolization resulting in ischemia and subtotal gastrectomy (Grade 4). Two patients (7.1%) had mild adverse events. Initial experience showed effectiveness of this shear-thinning embolic; however, this embolic behaved differently from conventional liquid embolics, and operator training is required for safe use.