Below is an educational, technical answer to a question many patients and clinicians ask. 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. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Endovascular Embolization
Whether embolization is appropriate, and which agent and delivery system are chosen, is a clinical decision that weighs the target vessel, surrounding anatomy, and overall condition of the patient. 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. Transarterial approaches also include transarterial radioembolization (TARE) and other targeted therapies delivered through dedicated microcatheters, always as determined by the treating interventional team.
Is embolization permanent?
Embolization is generally intended to produce a durable, permanent occlusion of the targeted vessel, particularly with coils, plugs, and solidifying liquid agents. Some particle agents are described as offering more temporary occlusion, so the permanence depends on the material chosen. Because the intent is usually permanent, careful vessel selection is emphasized so that only the intended territory is affected. The expected durability for a given case should be discussed with the treating physician.
What This Means in Practice
Detachable designs allow the operator to confirm position before committing, which can be valuable near sensitive branches. 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. 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
- Manufacturer statements about INVAMED devices, including comparative claims on the MultiBEAM product page, reflect the company's positioning rather than guaranteed individual outcomes.
- Because embolization is usually intended to be permanent, precise vessel selection and sizing are emphasized so that only the intended territory is occluded.
- Catheter and microcatheter compatibility with the chosen coil, plug, or agent is confirmed before delivery to support controlled deployment.
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.
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.
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.
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
All INVAMED embolization devices are intended for use by trained interventionalists under imaging guidance and in accordance with the IFU. 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. 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 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.
Related on INVAMED
- Embolization — product category
- Inside the MicroDELIVERY Embolization Catheter: Design and Applications
- A Clinical Introduction to Flow-Modulating Devices
- Stena Multi-Layer Flow Modulator (Peripheral) / Stena Stent Flow Modulator Embolization Device: Features, Specifications and Clinical Role
Important Disclaimer
This content is educational and technical in nature and must not be interpreted as medical advice or as a promise of any clinical outcome. Individual results depend on many factors and can only be evaluated by a treating physician. Figures attributed to INVAMED reflect manufacturer or published data and are not a guarantee of results. All INVAMED devices are to be used by trained clinicians per the approved IFU, and availability is subject to local regulatory status.
Reviewed by the INVAMED Medical Affairs team. Content is educational and technical in nature.