Therapeutic blockade of arteries using compressed Ivalon.

Abstract
A new technique for embolization with compressed Ivalon plugs [polyvinyl alcohol sponge] is described. Arteries (6 renal, 3 splenic, 2 pulmonary, 1 left gastric and 2 abdominal aortas) were occluded in 6 dogs. In 1 case of renal artery embolization, 3 plugs were used; in 1 case of abdominal aorta embolization, 2 were needed for total occlusion. In all other cases only 1 plug was used. Total occlusion was angiographically demonstrated up to 5 mo. following embolization in all but 1 case; recanalization apparently occurred due to overcompression of the Ivalon plug.