This article compares two approaches side by side to clarify how they differ in principle and practice. 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. As a medical device manufacturer, INVAMED develops technologies in this area; the information here is educational and not medical advice.
Background: Endovascular Embolization
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. Because embolization is generally intended to be permanent, careful vessel selection and sizing are emphasized so that only the intended territory is occluded. 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.
Liquid embolic vs Coils: Key Differences
Liquid embolic agents flow into and cast a vascular network, which can be advantageous for diffuse or complex lesions such as AVMs, whereas coils occlude at discrete points. Liquids can penetrate small feeders that coils cannot reach, but they require careful control to keep the agent within the intended territory. INVAMED offers the Libro Non-Adhesive Embolization Agent for liquid applications and the Spider coil system for coil-based occlusion. The operator selects between them based on the lesion architecture and the goal of the procedure.
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. Procurement teams should confirm local regulatory registration and approved indications, which vary by market and device configuration. INVAMED's embolization portfolio includes the Spider Peripheral Detachable Coil System (detachable and pushable), the fiber-filled MultiBEAM Embolization Plug, the Pars Detachable and MicroDELIVERY Embolization Catheters, the Stena Multi-Layer Flow Modulator, and the cross-listed Libro Non-Adhesive Embolization Agent.
Key Considerations
- Catheter and microcatheter compatibility with the chosen coil, plug, or agent is confirmed before delivery to support controlled deployment.
- 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
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
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
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. The choice of a liquid agent, its concentration, and the injection technique are determined by the operator based on the lesion architecture. Indication, agent choice, and delivery route are all clinical determinations made by the interventional team. Transarterial approaches also include transarterial radioembolization (TARE) and other targeted therapies delivered through dedicated microcatheters, always as determined by the treating interventional team.
Related on INVAMED
- Embolization — product category
- Embolization: A Complete Technical Guide
- Inside the MicroDELIVERY Embolization Catheter: Design and Applications
- What is a liquid embolic agent (EVOH or NBCA)?
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.