Initial Experience with Embolization using a Shear-Thinning Conformable Hydrogel Embolic.

A new conformable embolic agent, brand name Obsidio (Boston Scientific Inc), 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 examines the safety and effectiveness of the shear-thinning embolic in a single-academic-center experience. Technical and clinical success were assessed. Adverse events were defined per the SIR Adverse Events Classification. Twenty-seven patients were treated with the shear-thinning embolic in 39 vessels over 28 procedures. Technical success was achieved in 37/39 vessels (95%), with clinical success in 26/28 procedures (93%). There was one treatment-related severe adverse event (3.6%): left gastric artery embolization resulting in ischemia and subtotal gastrectomy (Grade 3). Two patients had mild adverse events (7.1%). Initial experience shows promising effectiveness of this shear-thinning embolic, though because of differences between this embolic and conventional liquid embolics, operator training is required for safe use.