Gelatin microspheres: Initial clinical experience for the transcatheter arterial embolization

Abstract Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the embolization effects of gelatin microspheres (GMSs) when used as an embolic material for transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) for several organs. Materials and methods We prepared GMSs that dissolves in 5 days in extravasuclar tissue. GMSs were used in five cases in total, four cases with multiple liver tumors and one case with a pelvic bone tumor. Results In all five cases, it was possible to treat the targeted tumors by TAE with GMSs. In the contrast-enhanced CT performed 2–4 weeks later, the embolized tumors did not show an enhancement effect. Passage of GMSs in the microcatheter was excellent. Conclusion GMSs showed sufficient potential to be used as an embolic material.