Embolic Effect of Different Cyanoacrylates: Radiological and Histological Comparison in an In Vivo Rabbit Renal-Artery Model.

Purpose: To compare the radiological and histological effects of three different cyanoacrylate glues used for in vivo renal artery embolization in rabbits.

Materials and methods: N-butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA), NBCA-methacryloxysulfolane (NBCA-MS), and α-hexyl-cyanoacrylate (AHCA) were each used to embolize five renal arteries under free-flow conditions with a 1:3 glue/ethiodized oil ratio. The rabbits were euthanized 30 min after embolization. Micro-computed tomography (CT) was used to assess glue cast distribution (extent of penetration into the vascular tree), fragmentation (presence of discontinuities within the cast), and heterogeneity (variability in cast density). Histological slides were analyzed for lumen dilatation, intimal arteritis, necrosis, and peri-arterial edema. Statistical analyses were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: Glue penetration into interlobar and corticomedullary arteries was observed consistently in all three groups. Fragmentation scores showed no significant differences between glue types, but AHCA demonstrated significantly lower heterogeneity in proximal arteries compared to NBCA-MS (P = 0.019). Severe lumen dilatation and intimal necrosis were observed in all samples, whereas intimal arteritis was significantly less severe with AHCA compared to NBCA-MS (P < 0.001). No significant differences in peri-arterial edema were found between groups.

Conclusion: Micro-CT features were similar with all three glues. AHCA produced greater cast uniformity and less intimal arteritis, suggesting a role in endovascular embolization.