In Vivo Sol–Gel Reaction of Tantalum Alkoxide for Endovascular Embolization

Liquid embolic agents are considered the most promising for various embolization procedures because they enable deep penetration. For realizing effective procedures, the delivery of liquid embolic agents should be guided under X-ray imaging systems and the solidification time should be optimized for the specific indication. The biocompatibility of embolic agents is also crucial because they remain in the vessel after embolization. In this study, new biocompatible embolic agents based on tantalum ethoxide is synthesized. Tantalum alkoxide liquid embolics (TALE) possess the radiopacity for fluoroscopy and can control the penetration depth by modifying the sol-gel kinetics. Furthermore, TALE can serve as drug carriers for synergistic treatment. Using these excellent characteristics, it is demonstrated that TALE agents can be used in various situations including the transarterial chemoembolization of hepatocellular carcinoma and embolotherapy of massive bleeding from the femoral artery.