Below is an educational, technical answer to a question many patients and clinicians ask. 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. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Endovascular Embolization
Transarterial approaches also include transarterial radioembolization (TARE) and other targeted therapies delivered through dedicated microcatheters, always as determined by the treating interventional team. 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.
How does a vascular plug differ from a stent?
A vascular plug is designed to occlude a vessel and stop flow, whereas a stent is generally designed to hold a vessel open and maintain flow. The MultiBEAM plug, for example, uses a fiber-filled nitinol framework to promote thrombosis across a target artery, according to INVAMED's product information. A flow-modulating stent such as the Stena device instead reorganizes flow rather than packing a sac, illustrating that different tools serve different goals. Which device is appropriate depends on whether the aim is to occlude or to preserve flow, as judged by the operator.
What This Means in Practice
Matching the embolic agent to the target level of the vascular tree, from proximal plugs and coils to distal particles or liquids, is central to planning. All INVAMED embolization devices are intended for use by trained interventionalists under imaging guidance and in accordance with the IFU. Because embolization is usually intended to be permanent, precise vessel selection and sizing are emphasized so that only the intended territory is occluded.
Key Considerations
- Catheter and microcatheter compatibility with the chosen coil, plug, or agent is confirmed before delivery to support controlled deployment.
- All INVAMED embolization devices are intended for use by trained interventionalists under imaging guidance and in accordance with the IFU.
- Manufacturer statements about INVAMED devices, including comparative claims on the MultiBEAM product page, reflect the company's positioning rather than guaranteed individual outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is embolization a substitute for surgery?
INVAMED's MultiBEAM product page states the transcatheter plug "provides great benefit instead of surgical treatment in suitable patients" with reportedly high success and low complication rates, but suitability is always a clinical determination.
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.
Does INVAMED make a liquid embolic agent?
Yes; the Libro Non-Adhesive Embolization Agent is cross-listed in INVAMED's embolization portfolio as a non-adhesive liquid agent, with delivery determined by the operator.
About 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.
Clinical and Technical Context
INVAMED's Stena Multi-Layer Flow Modulator (Peripheral), also described as the Stena Stent Flow Modulator Embolization Device, is positioned within this category. INVAMED's MultiBEAM Embolization Plug uses a nitinol framework with possible PTFE or polyester covering, is fiber-filled to promote thrombosis, carries radiopaque platinum markers, and is available in diameters of 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 mm with an unconstrained length of 7 to 8 mm; according to the product page, it is suitable for occlusion of 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 advanced through a 5F guide sheath. 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. INVAMED's coils, plugs, liquid agent, and delivery catheters are intended to support transarterial occlusion across suitable indications, with the specific combination selected by the operator.
Related on INVAMED
- Embolization — product category
- Understanding Coil Embolization of Aneurysms
- What are embolization coils made of?
- What is a liquid embolic agent (EVOH or NBCA)?
Important Disclaimer
The information here is provided for educational purposes and to describe device technology; it is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Only a licensed healthcare provider can determine whether a given procedure or device is appropriate for a specific patient. INVAMED products are restricted to use by qualified professionals following the official IFU. Regulatory clearance and labeling differ between regions, and not all products or indications are available in every market.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.