# A radioopaque temporary embolic agent for surgical application

> **NIH NIH R03** · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY · 2020 · $76,500

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Embolization is an effective, minimally invasive technique to control the flow of blood in the body. This
procedure is used to treat many conditions including: tumors, aneurysms and arteriovenous malformations.
Currently, no inherent radiopaque temporary embolic agents are available in the clinic that allows direct
imaging of the material during the procedure and during follow up treatments. An ideal agent would
combine the visibility of contrast agents, have the shape-ability and versatility of Gelfoam®, and still
maintain its efficacy to stop blood flow in the target tissue without causing irreversible ischemia in the
process. It would allow the physician direct visualization of the actual plug without the need for
accompanying contrast. More precise placement and faster procedures could result from improved
visualization of a Gelfoam® like agent. We propose to develop and optimize a translatable, radiopaque
temporary embolic agent and characterize its’ physico-chemical and biological properties followed by a
proof-concept in vivo pilot study. Further development of these agents for temporary embolization
procedures will also require understanding of their degradation behavior and hemostatic ability. This
project will address the challenge associated with identifying the location of Gelfoam® when it is used as
a temporary embolic. A radiopaque embolization agent could reduce repeated radiation exposure to the
patient, the physician and staff and may also allow subsequent imaging of treated areas of concern with
less imaging artifact from permanent metallic plugs. The major innovation of this proposal is the
development of a radiopaque temporary embolic. Existing injectable embolic agents (e.g. Gelfoam®)
integrated with X-ray absorbing contrast agents (e.g., iohexol) can easily meet all the clinical requirements
of efficient delivery to target arteries, rapid setting process without adhesion to catheters, good visibility by
x-ray imaging and efficient embolization results.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9996686
- **Project number:** 5R03EB028026-02
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE COUNTY
- **Principal Investigator:** Dipanjan Pan
- **Activity code:** R03 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $76,500
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-08-15 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9996686

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9996686, A radioopaque temporary embolic agent for surgical application (5R03EB028026-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9996686. Licensed CC0.

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