This article compares two approaches side by side to clarify how they differ in principle and practice. Transarterial approaches also include transarterial radioembolization (TARE) and other targeted therapies delivered through dedicated microcatheters, always as determined by the treating interventional team. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Endovascular Embolization
Embolization is an endovascular technique in which an occluding material is delivered through a catheter to intentionally block blood flow in a target vessel, and it is used across a broad range of indications. The occluding agents fall into families such as detachable coils, vascular plugs, liquid embolic agents, and particles, each with a different mechanism of vessel closure. Common applications described in the literature include peripheral aneurysms, arteriovenous fistulas (AVFs) and malformations (AVMs), gastrointestinal or intestinal bleeding, pelvic congestion, varicocele, and endoleaks after aortic repair.
Coils vs Vascular plug: Key Differences
Coils build an occlusion by packing multiple filaments into a vessel or sac, while a vascular plug is a single device deployed to span and close the target vessel. A plug can occlude a suitable vessel in one deployment, whereas coils allow flexible, incremental packing that can conform to irregular spaces. INVAMED offers both approaches: the Spider Peripheral Detachable Coil System and the fiber-filled MultiBEAM Embolization Plug, which per its product page is suitable for arteries from 2.6 to 6.2 mm. The choice between coils and a plug depends on vessel diameter, geometry, and operator preference, and is made per case.
How INVAMED Supports Both Approaches
INVAMED organizes its embolization portfolio around the mechanism of occlusion, offering detachable and pushable coils, a fiber-filled vascular plug, dedicated delivery catheters, a flow-modulating device, and a non-adhesive liquid agent. Each device is intended for use by trained interventionalists under imaging guidance and per the IFU. Detailed coil dimensions, plug sizing tables, and microcatheter compatibility information are provided in product documentation, and buyers should request the relevant IFU for each device. Per its product page, the MultiBEAM plug is available in 4 to 16 mm diameters, is suitable for arteries from 2.6 to 6.2 mm, and is delivered through a 4F or 5F catheter with a 0.038 inch inner-diameter lumen via a 5F guide sheath.
Key Considerations
- Detachable designs allow the operator to confirm position before committing, which can be valuable near sensitive branches.
- Manufacturer statements about INVAMED devices, including comparative claims on the MultiBEAM product page, reflect the company's positioning rather than guaranteed individual outcomes.
- All INVAMED embolization devices are intended for use by trained interventionalists under imaging guidance and in accordance with the IFU.
Frequently Asked Questions
What vessel sizes can the MultiBEAM plug occlude?
According to its product page, the MultiBEAM Embolization Plug is suitable for occlusion of arteries from 2.6 to 6.2 mm, is offered in 4 to 16 mm diameters, and is delivered through a 4F or 5F catheter.
Is embolization permanent?
Embolization is generally intended to be permanent with coils, plugs, and solidifying liquids, though some particle agents are more temporary; the expected durability is discussed with the treating physician.
What coils does INVAMED offer?
INVAMED offers the Spider Peripheral Detachable Coil System in detachable and pushable configurations; per invamed.com content surfaced via the search index, the shared Spider coil family uses a platinum-tungsten (92/8%) alloy with roughly 2 to 30 mm coil diameters.
About INVAMED
INVAMED states it holds more than 100 international patents across its device portfolio. INVAMED operates a dedicated R&D center (INVAcenter) focused on minimally invasive device development.
Clinical and Technical Context
The occluding agents fall into families such as detachable coils, vascular plugs, liquid embolic agents, and particles, each with a different mechanism of vessel closure. INVAMED's Libro Non-Adhesive Embolization Agent is cross-listed within the embolization portfolio for such liquid-agent applications. The choice of a liquid agent, its concentration, and the injection technique are determined by the operator based on the lesion architecture. INVAMED's Spider Peripheral Detachable Coil System offers both detachable and pushable configurations with controlled mechanical detachment; per invamed.com content surfaced via the search index, the shared Spider coil family uses a platinum-tungsten (92/8%) alloy with coil diameters spanning roughly 2 to 30 mm.
Related on INVAMED
Device availability and regulatory status vary by country. Please contact INVAMED or your authorized local distributor for current regulatory information applicable to your region.
Important Disclaimer
This article is intended for general educational and technical information about medical device technologies. It is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and it does not replace consultation with a qualified healthcare professional. Any decision about diagnosis or treatment should be made by a licensed clinician based on an individual assessment. INVAMED devices are intended for use by trained healthcare professionals in accordance with the applicable Instructions for Use (IFU) and local regulatory approvals. Product availability and indications vary by country.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.