Gelatin for embolization

With its customizable properties such as degradation profile, sterility and proven biocompatibility, Rousselot’s X-Pure^® gelatin stands out as a groundbreaking option for advanced embolization applications.

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X-Pure for embolization

X-Pure

A range of medical-grade gelatins

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X-Pure GelMA

The world’s first GMP grade gelatin methacryloyl

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X-Pure GelDAT

The world’s first purified gelatin desaminotyrosine

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Unique functionalities and properties

What is embolization?

Embolization is a procedure that blocks blood vessels. It is used to treat various medical conditions, including excessive internal bleeding, abnormal connections between blood vessels, and other abnormal tissue growths. Embolization offers a less invasive approach to many medical conditions, often with fewer side effects compared to traditional surgeries.

Key applications of embolization include:

Minimally invasive procedures: Embolization is often used in endovascular procedures, which access organs through blood vessels.
Pain management: For conditions like osteoarthritis, embolization can reduce blood flow to painful areas, alleviating symptoms.
Cancer treatment: Blocking blood supply to tumors can help shrink them and enhance the effectiveness of other treatments like chemotherapy.

Choosing the right biomaterial for embolization

Embolization demands a biomaterial with several essential qualities: biocompatibility, degradability, purity, consistency, conformability and customizability. Depending on the need, the embolizing agent can provide either temporary or permanent vessel closure. Tailoring the embolization agent to each case is crucial for both therapeutic effectiveness and safety.

Unique functionalities and properties

Why gelatin is ideal for embolization

Gelatins offers unique mechanical properties that support embolization applications, including:

Biocompatibility: promoting safe integration

Derived from collagen, a natural protein, gelatin is highly biocompatible, minimizing the risk of immune responses and adverse reactions, which contributes to improved patient outcomes.

Biodegradability: a controlled and predictable breakdown

Gelatin breaks down within the body and reduces the risk of long-term complications associated with permanent implants. As it degrades, the blood vessel gradually reopens, restoring blood flow, while the degradation products are safely resorbed by the body. The rate of gelatin biodegradation can be customized to suit the specific needs of the procedure, ranging from hours to weeks.

Versatility: enhancing formulations with other compounds

Gelatin-based embolization agents can serve as effective delivery systems for chemotherapy drugs, radiotherapeutic agents, and other compounds. For instance, they can be easily combined with iodinated contrast agents, enabling interventional radiologists to visualize the precise location of the embolic material during the procedure.

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References

Hu, J., Albadawi, H., Chong, B. W., Deipolyi, A. R., Sheth, R. A., Khademhosseini, A., & Oklu, R. (2019). Advances in Biomaterials and Technologies for Vascular Embolization. Advanced materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.), 31(33), e1901071.
Kishore, S., Sheira, D., Malin, M. L., Trost, D. W., & Mandl, L. A. (2022). Transarterial Embolization for the Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review of Indications, Safety, and Efficacy. ACR open rheumatology, 4(3), 209–217.
Gremen, E., Frandon, J., Lateur, G., Finas, M., Rodière, M., Horteur, C., Benassayag, M., Thony, F., Pailhe, R., & Ghelfi, J. (2022). Safety and Efficacy of Embolization with Microspheres in Chronic Refractory Inflammatory Shoulder Pain: A Pilot Monocentric Study on 15 Patients. Biomedicines, 10(4), 744.

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