Handling and performance characteristics of a new small caliber radiopaque embolic microsphere

The in vitro and in vivo handling and performance characteristics of a small caliber radiopaque embolic microsphere, 40–90 μm DC Bead LUMI™ (LUMI40‐90), were studied. Microsphere drug loading and elution and effects on size, suspension, and microcatheter delivery were evaluated using established in vitro methodologies. In vivo evaluations of vascular penetration (rabbit renal artery embolization), long‐term biocompatibility and X‐ray imaging properties, pharmacokinetics and local tissue effects of both doxorubicin (Dox) and irinotecan (Iri) loaded microspheres (swine hepatic artery embolization) were conducted. Compared to 70–150 μm DC Bead LUMI (LUMI70‐150), LUMI40‐90 averaged 70 μm versus 100 μm, which was unchanged upon drug loading. Handling, suspension, and microsphere delivery studies were successfully performed. Dox loading was faster (20 min) and Iri equivalent (