Synthesis, characterization, and imaging of radiopaque bismuth beads for image-guided transarterial embolization.

ABSTRACT: Current therapy for hypervascular cancers, e.g., hepatocellular carcinoma, includes occlusion of the tumor blood supply by arterial infusion of embolic microspheres (beads) suspended in iodine-based contrast under fluoroscopic guidance. Available radiopaque, imageable beads use iodine as the radiopacifier and cannot be differentiated from contrast. This study aimed to synthesize and characterize imageable beads using bismuth as the radiopacifier that could be distinguished from iodine contrast based upon the difference in the binding energy of k-shell electrons (k-edge). Radiodense bismuth beads were successfully synthesized some with uniform bismuth distribution across the beads. The beads were spherical and could be infused through clinical microcatheters. The bismuth beads could be imag

SUBMITTER: Negussie AH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7804415 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature