The platinum ball a new embolic material.

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) particles have been widely used as an embolic material for endovascular treatment of vascular enriched tumors, especially for meningiomas. However, there are disadvantages with their use due to the fact that they are radiolucent, with a very irregular shape and a tendency for self-adhesion. With alternative organic liquids there is also a possibility of toxicity. We have therefore developed a new embolic material, platinum balls, which feature radioopacity, a relatively well-defined oval shape, multi-pitted and indented surfaces on electron microscopy and a lower tendency for self-adhesion Based on positive findings in experimental studies, embolization of meningiomas was conducted with platinum balls in 27 patients and the results compared with findings for a matched group previously treated with PVA particles.Total volume of blood transfused during surgery was comparable in the two cases, although a tendency for lower values was noted with the platinum balls, and outcome was equally positive.