This article explains, in educational terms, vascular plug — how the technology works and where it fits. 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
Because embolization is generally intended to be permanent, careful vessel selection and sizing are emphasized so that only the intended territory is occluded. 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. 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.
Vascular Plugs
A vascular plug is a self-contained occluding device, typically a nitinol framework, that is positioned across a target vessel to arrest flow, often in a single deployment. Fiber filling and covering materials can promote thrombosis, while radiopaque markers aid visualization and a detachable point allows controlled release. 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. According to INVAMED's product page, the MultiBEAM plug applied by transcatheter method "provides great benefit instead of surgical treatment in suitable patients due to its high success, low complication rates and easy applicability," and "the mortality and morbidity rate is lower than the surgical method"; suitability remains a clinical determination.
Design and Technical Notes
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. Detachable designs allow the operator to confirm position before committing, which can be valuable near sensitive branches. Catheter and microcatheter compatibility with the chosen coil, plug, or agent is confirmed before delivery to support controlled deployment.
Key Considerations
- All INVAMED embolization devices are intended for use by trained interventionalists under imaging guidance and in accordance with the IFU.
- 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.
- Detachable designs allow the operator to confirm position before committing, which can be valuable near sensitive branches.
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 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.
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.
Related on INVAMED
- Embolization — product category
- Comparing Coils and Vascular plug
- Liquid embolic vs Coils: What Is the Difference?
- Detachable and Pushable Coils: Technology, Uses and Considerations
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.