Dependency of tissue necrosis on gelatin sponge particle size after canine hepatic artery embolization.

PURPOSE

To determine the optimal size of gelatin sponge particles (GSPs) to produce maximum tumor necrosis with minimum side effects after canine hepatic artery embolization (HAE).

METHODS

GSPs were separated into four size ranges: A, up to 200 microns (mean 152) as Gelfoam powder; B, 200-500 microns (mean 336) as Gelfoam powder; C, 500-1000 microns (mean 649) as Spongel; and D, 1000-2000 microns (mean 1382) as Spongel. Three mongrel dogs were assigned randomly to HAE with each particle size. On day 7 after HAE, the livers were removed and subjected to pathological examination.

RESULTS

The mean volume of liver necrosis was 11% after embolization, with particle size A, 36.3% with B, 0% with C, and 1% with D. Coagulation necrosis was found in all livers with particles of sizes A and B, and in 1 of 6 with sizes C and D. Bile duct injury was found in five of six dogs with sizes A and B and in none with sizes C and D. Gallbladder necrosis was found in one dog with size B and pancreas necrosis in one with size A.

CONCLUSION

GSPs of 500 microns are considered optimally effective for tissue necrosis according to this model.