Temporary ischaemia of a large bowel segment induced by degradable starch microspheres in man.

Degradable starch microspheres were used to induce temporary ischaemia measured by electromagnetic flowmetry in colon segments during bowel resection. Severe reversible ischaemia free from unwanted side effects was induced in eight of nine patients. In one of the five patients where the tumour was included in the microsphere-embolised tissue volume no reduction in blood flow was seen. Segmental enteric ischaemia induced by degradable starch microspheres in man seems safe and may be useful for radioprotective purposes in clinical radiation therapy.